What do you keep in your bags?

[Texas Jay]

I keep some basic items in my bag for cruising on weekends. I stay within two or three hours from home. This is what I have:

1) map
2) flashlight
3) am/fm radio (to listen while riding)
4) camera
5) bike lock

The bike comes with a tool kit. What else would you recommend that I carry? Maybe something to fix flats? I've been riding for just six months and I'm still learning. Thanks.

[Trapper]

Rain gear , bottle of water

[v0lusia]

Some things you may want to add a spare pair of goggles/glasses if you don't ride with a full-face (maybe even if you do), a rag, plastic zip ties, electrical tape, some cash ($20 for tolls, beer, pay phone if your cell battery dies, beer, whetever), spare fuses, spare spark plugs

Also you may want to tape a spare key inside the headlight bucket, loose your keys? Just find a screwdriver....

I also carry some asprin and tums

[Gixxerdale]

Protect All and soft rag(face shield and plastics cleaner)
Cell Phone
AAA Card
Trip maps
Cold weather gloves (even in the hottest part of the summer--ya just never know)
Sweat shirt/Long Sleeve T Shirt
Turtle Hood (under helmet hood)
Leatherman (or other multi-tool)
Plenty of extra ear plugs
Chapstick
Couple of $$ in change (for emergency)
Chain lube
Air gauge
Mini-Maglite and extra batteries
Camera and extra batteries
First aid kit & Meds
Toilet Paper
Rain Gear
Drinking water
Snacks
Duct Tape
Tie Wraps
Canyon Dancer or Tie Down extensions
Tire repair kit
Registration and proof of insurance
Owners Manual
J B Weld (fast set)
Factory tool kit
Hand rags and wipes

[Trapper]

Didn't know you had a trailer.

[Gixxerdale]

It's amazing how much crap you can fit in a smal space if you pack it right. The hard part is getting it all back in there after digging through it on the side of the road. But it sure beats sitting for hours waiting for a tow truck!

[axel_2078]

I don't keep all the emergency/hunting/fishing/camping tools in mine that some of you guys keep since most of my riding is either on base or in the local area. What I do keep in my bags is a reflective vest and an ID holder armband.

[Texas Jay]

Thanks guys. So far I really haven't brought anything with me. Some of that stuff I never would have thought about.

I don't need the chain lube (no chain) and I don't know how to weld, but I'll probably get the rest of the things that were mentioned.

[Pinhy]

i think i saw the kitchen sink in that list too! i have my registration/insurance card, owners manual, factory tool kit. thats all that will fit in my "glove box"..its full. my cell and wallet are on my belt and in my pocket. camera goes around my waist when i am on a ride that i want it.

anything goes wrong, cell phone (or money in my pocket and pay phone if it comes to that) will solve my problem.


oh...J B Weld is a tube of stuff that will hold "weld" metal together...dont have to know how to weld

[DrBob]

Jay- Do NOT use Fix-a-Flat on your Intruder. It will not work with tubes, and the goo will come out the spokes and perminantly stain the rim.
Unless I am going overnight, I don't use bags. I need only my cell phone, AAA card and some cash in my pocket. But on long trips (those week-long, several thousand mile trips I love) I pack up the t-bag with just about everything on Dale's list and then some.

[Gixxerdale]

I should clarify. Not everything on the list goes on every ride. It's pick and choose for the specific ride. All the tool type items fit in the tail of the gixxer so they are always there. Out here I see weather extremes this time of year like 40 to 110 degrees. some rides see elevation changes from -40 to 9,000 feet. So extra layers are needed for non electric whimps like me. Hauling the rain gear is my way of praying for sunny skies!

This Saturdays 4 AM start will be 44 degrees, then 80 all morning, low 40's at the Grand Canyon, then into the 80 and 90's for the afternoon, evening back to the 40's. So 50 degrees is a lot of adjusting in a single day. If you aren't comfortable, you are not as alert as you should be. I'd rather carry more and not need it, than not have it and be miserable.

You don't want to see the list for my 1600 plus mile ride this weekend! I want a successful ride so I found room for the kitchen sink.

Someday that electric vest on my Christmas list will show up.

[inspiron]

On every ride:

Tank bag with
- Registration
- Owner's Manual
- Passport
- Wallet (with Bank & Credit cards, AutoClub card, Swiss and Euro cash/coins, driver's license, etc.)
- Mobile Phone
- (Fire department) Pager
- Garage door opener
- extra earplugs
- Leatherman

Under the seat:
- First Aid Kit
- Rain pants
- Factory Toolkit

For longer rides, I take along some candy bars (or granola bars) and a bottle of water or sports drink, as well as maps or directions.

I need to add some stuff from Dale's list ... tie wraps, duct tape, and some chapstick. I've usually got a net for stowing some small stuff (like my backtop and laptop) on the pillion, but for longer rides I just bought some soft luggage (B-Bags). I also have a sleeping bag, isolation mat and 2-person tent that I really am looking forward to using this summer

[Gixxerdale]

Forgot to list one very important tool, my little PDA. It contains all the names, address and phone numbers I may need on the road. Even has our clubs ERC list, 40 plus members, willing to help at a moments notice.