My First X-country trip...what I need and need to know

[DrewDanube]

So I am considering riding to California rather than flying for a work-thing in July. 
I am fearless when it comes to temperatures...especially those I'll see in the deserts of texas, new mexico, arizona, nevada and california.  I'm a desert rat...and sweat like one...if I keep hydrated, I'll keep cool...and I know to keep hydrated. 
So...aside from that...what do I need to know?  What do I need to prepared for and what do I need to plan on carrying with me to be prepared for such events? 
I have a Sargent's seat...customized to another person's preferences.  I'm not sure I'll be able to foot the bill for a Ultimate between now and then but I'd like input on that.  The beaded seat topper will be on my list of to buy's...as well as a full tool kit that will allow me to be able to take off either wheel in the middle of no-where.  My question there is how to get this beast up on the rivco center stand by yourself?
Alot to think about...routes to plan, KOA's and the like to book, etc.  I'm planning on going i-10 to elpaso then cut north to Albuquerque, then across that way and detouring to Los Vegas. 
Thanks in advance for any/all advice I'll be getting. 

[Rocketman]

Among my must-haves:
A good plug kit (mushroom plugs) and a small 12V pump.  I have a cig lighter style plug hardwired into my saddlebag to provide power (powers my music player when it's not employed for more pressing matters).

As for the center stand:  I've known of folks a lot smaller than you that can get it on the stand alone.  You shouldn't have a problem, if you learn the right technique.  We can discuss this at the next Houston meeting.

As for the seat:  Ultimates are great, and if you have the money, go for it.  If I had one, Stephanie would ride with me twice as far as she rides now before wearing out.

[DrewDanube]

Among my must-haves:
A good plug kit (mushroom plugs) and a small 12V pump.  I have a cig lighter style plug hardwired into my saddlebag to provide power (powers my music player when it's not employed for more pressing matters).

As for the center stand:  I've known of folks a lot smaller than you that can get it on the stand alone.  You shouldn't have a problem, if you learn the right technique.  We can discuss this at the next Houston meeting.

As for the seat:  Ultimates are great, and if you have the money, go for it.  If I had one, Stephanie would ride with me twice as far as she rides now before wearing out.

I knew I needed a 12v outlet.  I'm eyeing the one that Phyllis has as well as the location she put hers.  I've got the 12v pump already. 
I figured there was a technique to it that I'm ignorant of.  I'll look forward to the schooling. 

[R J]

You could carry a short piece of 2X4 to put under the tire when it is flat to assist in getting her in the air..

Lay the board on the ground in front of the tire and ride it up on it.   Shut her down, get off and go to lifting.....

[SideCar]

Drew,

Run a search on motorcycle emergency kits or travel kits and you'll see a lot of articles about what to take when traveling. All of us probably have our own mental list, from sunscreen to comfortable underwear.  On long distance trips, I use a tank bag for easy access to little stuff and in warm weather, I wear a camelback so I can drink and ride...Wait. That didn't sound right, but that's what I do. I freeze water or crystal lite in the bladder and drink it as it melts.

MP3 player with soft ear buds that fit into my ear serve as entertainment and muffle road noise.  Some say this is dangerous. My wife just says to keep the insurance payments current.

I also don't leave home without self sealing tape in case I get a hose leak, some electrical tape in case one of my landing lights shorts out and a good multi-tool like Gerber's.  If I'm taking the sidecar, I also take the kitchen sink and surround sound.

have a great, safe trip.

[Rocketman]

I knew I needed a 12v outlet.  I'm eyeing the one that Phyllis has as well as the location she put hers.  I've got the 12v pump already. 

I can't remember where Phyllis has hers (which Valkyrie, anyway?). Mine is inside the saddlebag, and thus invisible, but easy to access.  It can be ugly because it's hidden, and also provides power for on-the-go stuff without exposing it to the elements.

Mark

[DrewDanube]

She has a fancy one mounted to the frame near the tank.  I like the idea of simple and in a sealed location. 
I've already got a mental list going...the 2x4 wasn't on it but is a great idea,
Good info, keep it coming
Drew

[Lyn-Del]

It's a Formotion Power Pod (finally, the new version is available).  Tucked up under the tank right behind the key switch.  Hardly noticeable, but functional for powering things.  It would be a very awkward place for it if I wanted to use the cigarette lighter that came with it, but I don't smoke.  Wizard mounted his cigarette lighter on his Baker Airwing.   Accessible when riding, but I would think that if he used it to power something, the cord flapping around would drive him nuts -- 'leastways, it would me.

Phyllis

[Flyboy]

Drew, Do you have a Battery tender charging cable on your bike? If so, Walmart sells an adaptor that plugs into it and it gives you a 12v power port. There is no drlling or wiring of anything. I plug it in and then put it in to my saddle bag. I purchased several of them for $.99 each, but the next time I looked at them they were $3.00 each.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

  Drew,  I would also carry a spare kickstand bolt and spring if you think you might have a problem with your centerstand. At the least carry a small bungee cord and a little wire. I broke mine not too long ago and had to wire it up to complete me trip.

[Wanderer]

Drew,  I would also carry a spare kickstand bolt and spring if you think you might have a problem with your centerstand. At the least carry a small bungee cord and a little wire. I broke mine not too long ago and had to wire it up to complete me trip.

Did you hit something on your ride, or do you think the floor jack naawed on it some, Millard?

I would include eye drops and at least several different seasonal weights of gloves just in case. I have seen snow on the 4th of July at higher elevations.

Good quality 12v cycle pump... http://bestrestproducts.com/celestia/products/cyclepump/π

If you are camping along the way the list of toys get bigger!   ~Jeff

[Daniel Meyer]

Did you hit something on your ride, or do you think the floor jack naawed on it some, Millard?

I've broken two of these...one I hit something...the other? Maybe hit something earlier and it broke later or whatnot.

Lowest point on the undercarriage of the bike. I carry a spare (and the spring).

[SideCar]

Same thing happened to me so I got a 3rd wheel. Still have the side stand, but don't use it much.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Jeff, I knew exactly when mine got broken. Denise and I were riding with the group from Houston to College  Station and as we left the parking lot at the San Jacinto monument we drug bottom coming back up on the road. We made the rest of the ride with a bungee cord and a coat hanger setup that worked real good. The only draw back was if you had the stand down and straighten the bike back up the bungee pulled the stand up automatically. I made a new bolt and got a spring from a local hardware store. I'm still running it and the stock replacement bolt and spring are in the saddlebag as a backup.

[Wanderer]

Jeff, I knew exactly when mine got broken. Denise and I were riding with the group from Houston to College  Station and as we left the parking lot at the San Jacinto monument we drug bottom coming back up on the road. We made the rest of the ride with a bungee cord and a coat hanger setup that worked real good. The only draw back was if you had the stand down and straighten the bike back up the bungee pulled the stand up automatically. I made a new bolt and got a spring from a local hardware store. I'm still running it and the stock replacement bolt and spring are in the saddlebag as a backup.

I carry a spare myself. Came in handy for LemonDrop one Sunday. The other easy spare to carry is the pet rooster cover set. Spare clutch and brake levers don't take up any space to speak of.

Hey to Denise for me. I hope she is feeling as good as she looks! ~Jeff

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Jeff,  when I used to ride off road I aways had a spare set of levers wire tied to my cables and a spare shift lever in my fender bag just in case I ever fell. : Also carried tire irons and patches and hand pump. Denise is still doing about the same health wise some days diamonds and so days stones. We got a 2yr grand daughter now so the good days Denise  uses to spoil the baby. If I'm lucky on the good days we get a little riding time in.

[Wanderer]

Jeff,  when I used to ride off road I aways had a spare set of levers wire tied to my cables and a spare shift lever in my fender bag just in case I ever fell. : Also carried tire irons and patches and hand pump. Denise is still doing about the same health wise some days diamonds and so days stones. We got a 2yr grand daughter now so the good days Denise  uses to spoil the baby. If I'm lucky on the good days we get a little riding time in.

I carry some titanium irons Scott James gave me. Spookey how lite and strong they are. Kinda like we used to be! Thanks for the report on Denise. Here is to many happy days for Grandma! ~Jeff

[Rocketman]

Jeff, I knew exactly when mine got broken. Denise and I were riding with the group from Houston to College  Station and as we left the parking lot at the San Jacinto monument we drug bottom coming back up on the road. We made the rest of the ride with a bungee cord and a coat hanger setup that worked real good. The only draw back was if you had the stand down and straighten the bike back up the bungee pulled the stand up automatically. I made a new bolt and got a spring from a local hardware store. I'm still running it and the stock replacement bolt and spring are in the saddlebag as a backup.

I seem to recall something like that...

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Who is that bald headed guy working on my bike? Hey he's got my shirt on too.