Travel Tips

[ragincajun]

Planning my first solo trip that will take me into some back woods locales to see some sights.  Looking to draw on everyone's experiences to see what I should be planning for...anything you think a new "traveller" should know.

Already thinking about a few items:
1. Bike security while staying in hotel/motels in small towns (or big cities for that matter) where you are passing through.  Store bike in room, chain the bike, just park and pray it's there in the morning..?
2. Making reservations ahead of time, or just wing it as you go?  (Planning the ride...but not sure exactly how long I may take during certain legs of the trip...so will be kind of hard to reserve certain days.)
3. What to pack on bike (will be travelling two-up, so just saddlebags).  No trunk or trunk rack.
3a.. How safe to bungee cord a duffel to the top of a saddlebag?

So, anyway, interested to hear what your thoughts are so I'm not reinventing the wheel... or learning lessons the hard way.

[Toledo Mark]

I have done a lot of solo tripping and here is my take on your questions.

1.  I usually stay in hotels where I can park right outside my room door.  I make sure I can see the bike from the window.  I lock the handlebars and saddlebags.  Never had a problem.

2.  I never make reservations for a one night stay.  If I am traveling and staying extended nights in one location I make reservations.  I check them out on Google Earth and see what is around also.

3.  I pack everything that goes into my room in a duffle bag that is strapped onto my rear fendor rack.  Left saddlebag has room for my half helmet.  Right saddlebag, tools, parts, anything else I might need while traveling.  Nothing goes into the duffle bag that I can repurchase while on the trip.

4.  Use one of those bungies shaped like a net.  They sell them about 15" square.  How good if your rack attached to the trunk?

Each time I travel I take less clothes and more money.  Some clothes can be washed out overnight in a hotel room.  I generally stay at ma and pa motels and in the states pay about $50 a night.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I could never get my Valkyrie in the room    Yes I've tried a few times in fact.  I like ground level park at your door motels. No guarantee it will be there in the morning but its possible you might hear him and get a few shots off 

[ragincajun]

Have the passenger pillion with sissy bar, so no fender rack and no trunk/luggage rack.  She is gonna wear a light backpack so that will help with her stuff..lol.  Rain gear in left saddle.  Use the helmet lock for helmets or bring inside with us. 

[RainMaker]

Lock the handlebars and bags and you'll be fine in most areas.  Sometimes you can ask the clerk if you can park under the awning so that it's in a well lighted area if you can't have it directly in front of your room.  If you have Ultimate seats, cover 'em with the covers you got with the seats.  If you have a sheepskin or airhawk, bring 'em in the room or lock them in the bags - they'll walk or pick up moisture from the dew. Same with your helmet and jacket - it's nicer to have them at room temperature when you put them on.  Agree on the square net bungie but don't overload it - throws off the center of gravity and may be in excess of the weight the bags can carry without damage.  Get up early enough to wipe the bike down every morning before you take off. It will look nicer and the bugs come off a lot easier when they are fresh 

As for reservations, depends on how you ride.  If you ride until you are tired and ready to stop, don't make reservations.  If you always like to stop at a certain time, make reservations.  But note that you can often get cheaper rates on the 'net than if you walk in.  Take your smartphone or ipad and check the rates on the internet when you stop, then go in and find out your best rate.  If the rate is better on the 'net and they won't budge, sit in the lobby and book online.  I've done this about 4 times where the butt behind the desk would not budge on his rate even though the internet rate was cheaper. 

If I don't know the town, I stay nearer the major highways for safety. It's worked so far!

RainMaker

[BF]

Get a bike cover.

[R J]

I always carried a CC for the Motel Rooms.    Got a room where the bike could be parked right out side my room.     If that wasn't possible I'd ask if I could park under the Canopy so the desk clerk could watch my bike.

If non of the above was available, I moved on down the road.    Best luck was ma & pa Motels.    When my clothes got dirty, I shipped them home in a UPS box.

What I couldn't buy, the wife sent me in a UPS box to a Motel I'd make reservations at.    If the UPS truck got their ahead of me, I'd contact the Motel to accept it as I had a reservation.     Never a problem in 2 years of all over the country traveling.

If bike gets stolen, that is what insurance is for and the CC can get you a flight home or a Rent-A-Car to drive home.

In 242K miles and in all the lower 48 and Alaska, I never had a problem except one in Santa Barbara.      I was on the ground floor, bike almost right out side of the door.    About 2:00 AM I woke up to a bunch of yelling and noise.

Opened the door, walked out, tapped a big mudder on the shoulder.   He turned around and looked down at me and said YEAH, What da f**k you want.    I said it ain't what I want, but I'm tellin ya, you assholes knock that bike over, it will be your ass that will be picking it up and paying for any damage.    He said white boy, ya'll ain't big enough to kick my ass.    Pulled my old 38 service revolver out and said this does my talking.    They scattered.     About an hour later John Q Law showed up.   Explained the situtation, oh ya, the officer was holding my empty 38, asking what I intended to do with it.    Said nothing since they scattered.   He said you have a Concealed weapon card, said yup, right here.   He said thank you, we will take care of it have a good night.

So pack light, and ship your dirty items.     I always wore White T Shirts then, you could buy them for less than $20.. for 6.     That was 6 days of travel, could by cheapo pants at Wally World for like $12.00, get 2 pair and that would last as long as the T Shirts.   Toss em in a box and head em off for home.    Then other times I'd have mom send me clean ones also.

[cookiedough]

tough traveling 2-up with no top luggage rack or top trunk in my opinion.  Just side saddlebags for 2-up can't pack much more than 2-3 days I would think?  But, you can always wash your clothes every other day and just pack 1 bag for you and 1 for her.

It seems there is never enough room even on my I/S with top rack bag filled on top of rear trunk.  Those side saddlebags don't hold too much.  A cheap raingear even if a poncho for each if rain expected can't hurt and don't take up much space.   

I'd just wing hotels/motels unless you have a set route and lookup mom and pop motels that are clean and cheap before riding out and calling to make sure they have rooms available on set days and call a day or two ahead of time before heading out.  Most will be honest and most likely if they have some rooms available they will tell you but no 100% guarantee one will be left, but most likely will be.   I don't know of too many even motels under 50 bucks, but s/b under 80 most of them.

I'd just lock the handlebars/bags and park right outside your room if possible since most people (unless in high crime area, etc.) will not mess with a bike 13 or so years old.    

[salty1]

Get a bike cover.

+1 I agree with BF as it covers your goodies from covetous eyes and sticky fingers. I always take my cover even if it takes a small amount of space. Everything else's said sounds good too.

[salty1]

If your going to do two up touring there are a lot of sissy bar luggage items that makes life more pleasant. You should aprobably also use a carrier behind the passenger seat to support that type of luggage.
http://www.tourmaster.com/product/Cruiser_II_Collection/Cruiser_II_Sissybar_Bag_XL/118/product.php?productid=119

[Jess from VA]

One of those big cordura nylon backpacks that slips over the sissy would probably really help out with your clothes/toilet/personal gear.  Without a luggage rack, it may slip down over the tail light, so you can try to jury rig something to prop it off the light.  I zip tie a 32 inch 5/8" wood dowel across my solo rack to keep the soft duffels I use from rubbing the paint on my rackless bag lids, and making it easier to get into my saddlebags with the duffel mounted.

I have heard T-bags are good.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=t+bags+motorcycle+luggage&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=7939628985&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=353185342738933249&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7f4sxvgidc_b

I have this Dowco half cover just for trips.  It is water resistant, not waterproof, but most rain just runs off it, and it is nice to not have the bike (electicals and seats) sitting out in an hours-long downpour overnight.  It folds/rolls up very small, almost no bigger than a large softball, and dries off very quickly when wet.  No metal hooks to scratch the paint.  Easily a quarter the size and weight of a full size cover.  It also keeps prying eyes and fingers off your bike.  Always get a room on ground floor (away from foot traffic) and park right outside the room... and after lights out, leave the curtains open a foot or two.  I always have a pistola and good small lite on my nightstand (under a towel) in any motel, and not just for my motorcycle.

http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/product.asp?pid=409&str=2&ID=108848867

When traveling, I never stay in any cities or big towns, but ride out an exit or two away to the outskirts and find a cheap chain motel (they have friendlier bugs).  Speaking of which, it's a good idea on return home not to immediately throw everything back in the house until you go thru it for critters.  Something I learned last year (unfortunately), if bed bugs bite you, you generally do not show any bites or itching symptoms until a couple days later.  This caused great confusion until I did my homework.

And I always carry a pair of channel locks to remove the dang atomizer screens they stick in the showers to mist you like a plant.  Although now some of them have to be drilled out.      

[fudgie]

1. I lock the bags and take the key out. Occasionally fork lock it. put on the cover. I try to park out near my window. Alot of times up front on the sidewalk near the enterance.

2. I usually wing it unless I know it will be busy. I like to find mom & pops.

3. Get a good duffle or luggage and strap it to the back. I use a ratchet strap. I can always pile on top of it.

4. I strap stuff to my lids all the time. I also have lid racks.

[..]

1. I lock the bags and take the key out. Occasionally fork lock it. put on the cover. I try to park out near my window. Alot of times up front on the sidewalk near the enterance.

2. I usually wing it unless I know it will be busy. I like to find mom & pops.

3. Get a good duffle or luggage and strap it to the back. I use a ratchet strap. I can always pile on top of it.

4. I strap stuff to my lids all the time. I also have lid racks.

That covers it.

Plus have 2 credit cards. M/C and Visa.

[cookiedough]

1. I lock the bags and take the key out. Occasionally fork lock it. put on the cover. I try to park out near my window. Alot of times up front on the sidewalk near the enterance.

2. I usually wing it unless I know it will be busy. I like to find mom & pops.

3. Get a good duffle or luggage and strap it to the back. I use a ratchet strap. I can always pile on top of it.

4. I strap stuff to my lids all the time. I also have lid racks.

That covers it.

Plus have 2 credit cards. M/C and Visa.

Why 2 cards?  Only thing I have is a M/C for past 30 years no problems ever needing a Visa or American Express.

[Serk]

Why 2 cards?  Only thing I have is a M/C for past 30 years no problems ever needing a Visa or American Express.

Only speaking for myself but I always carry at least 2 in case one starts getting declined (Sometimes they'll shut you down for security purposes when they see lots of small purchases spread out over distance (I.E. Getting gas for a motorcycle) and it's not always quick and simple to get it working again when on the road.

[old2soon]

I found in the camping section of Wally Wurld what they call a stuff bag. I also found a small cooler that when I put it on my I/S bitch seat it leveled up with the rear arm rests. Fill stuff bag put cooler on rear seat put stuff bag on cooler two 1 inch ratchet straps and i'm off and running. Save the saddle bags for tools parts water and like that. Trunk holds other material I might need while traveling. When I went to I-12 last year I had packed too many clothes. Don't wait til the day you leave to start figuring what you need to carry on your trip. The only short coming with my system is that I have to loosen the straps to get to the cooler.   When I get my trailer hitch and start pulling the trailer it should/might/maybe/could get a tad bit easier.   RIDE SAFE.

[..]

Serk answered about 2 C/C's.

Carry stuff you need daily in the right saddlebag so you are standing away from passing traffic.

[alph]

Get a bike cover.

Ditto.....

[pocobubba]

a few years ago I got a cable lock with a burglar alarm [ siren ] in it . It's long enough to go through 3 bikes but still wraps up nice and small , can't remember where I got it but pretty sure it was Zanesville at an Inzane . It works great and is easy to hook and lock .
                             Good luck

[ragincajun]

Tarp...gotta get one.  Cable lock looks like a good idea too.  A bit worried about gas stops on one of the trip legs...gonna have to research a bit more on the route and distances..

[BobB]

Ditto to everything above.  Just wanted to add a comment about bike security.  Lock what can be locked, carry a full cover and use it, park where you can see the bike from your room window.

I purchased one of those disk locks with an alarm years ago.  Waste of money.  I have used it only once, last year in the Smokie Mountains, when I parked at a motel but stayed with family about 1/2 mile away.

[BF]

Tarp...gotta get one.  Cable lock looks like a good idea too.  A bit worried about gas stops on one of the trip legs...gonna have to research a bit more on the route and distances..

No.....not a tarp.....a bike cover.  Get yerself a full cover bike cover.  

Sounds stupid, but a full cover over the bike really is a deterrent.  It's not gonna stop a thief that really wants your bike, but it will disduade the causal thief.  

It hides your bike and won't show it off.....thus making it potentially less attractive than that blinged out Harley parked next to your covered up bike.  

And ditto on the cable locks.  They make ones with alarms now AND you can also buy a wheel/brake disc locks that have alarms in them now too.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Xena-XX6-Motorcycle-Wheel-Brake-Disc-Lock-with-Alarm-/160875802559?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item2574f1efbf&vxp=mtr

Xena Motorcycle Disc Lock Alarms - GhostBikes

TOTW Motorcycle Locks OnGuard Kryptonite Bully Kuryakyn Xena

Or, you can buy a motorcycle specific alarm system.

TOTW Motorcycle Alarms

[Lyn-Del]

Only speaking for myself but I always carry at least 2 in case one starts getting declined (Sometimes they'll shut you down for security purposes when they see lots of small purchases spread out over distance (I.E. Getting gas for a motorcycle) and it's not always quick and simple to get it working again when on the road.

My CC issuer asks that I notify them when I travel out of state, and I always remind them I ride a motorcycle and make fairly frequent small volume gas stops.  Since then, the only time I've had a problem was when the CC network was malfunctioning at a station.  I always carry enough cash for emergencies, so I can still fuel if that happens.

Not as many miles, yet, as RJ, but I'm working on it.

I find that I pack less than I used to.  And I still end up with stuff I didn't use.   I know that Motel 6 always has a guest laundry room.  So I carry a few of those little laundry detergent "tablet" type things, and I can have fresh clothes every week or so, as needed.

It's actually amazing how much I can fit in my travel bag.

[ragincajun]

Well, I ponied up and purchased a luggage rack for the back of the sissy bar off e-Bay yesterday so I'll have that and can strap a small bag to it.  Should be OK for space now.  In the next couple of weeks I need to buy some parts to do my rear drive service and wire up a few accessories (GPS and AC adapter for starters) so I can run GPS and charge my phone. 

Any thoughts on the wireless bluetooth units?  I'm thinking they would be handy for me and my daughter to communicate during the trip about what we're seeing, potential stopping points and photo ops..lol. 

[Alien]

Seems like everyone else has you pretty well covered as far as packing and security goes, so I'll address a few other things.

Obviously, before your trip you'll want to inspect and service your bike as needed.  Here are some of the bike related things that I carry:

First of all, I installed a 12V outlet inside the rear pocket of my right saddlebag to run my air compressor and charge my phone while riding or at the campsite.

Tire patch/plug kit

12 Volt air compressor (Mine's a small one made by Coleman and is about the size of an encyclopedia)

Zip ties (plastic wire ties)

5 feet of 14 gauge wire

Tools-full set of allen wrenches, set of metric wrenches, screw drivers, tire irons, duct tape.

Spare ratchet strap

Bungee cords

1 quart oil

Microfiber cloths for cleaning the windshield

I also installed two bicycle water bottle holders and bottles, one on each windshield bracket.  This is hands down, the best modification that I've made to the Valk for summer touring.

Non perishable energy bars for snacks.

I'm sure there's more that I carry, but my coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Alien]

Oh, one more thing:  Unbolt your passenger seat and tape an envelope to the bottom of it with a couple hundred bucks in cash or travellers checks inside.  That way, if you lose your wallet, you have some extra cash on hand.  Plus, with it being under the passenger seat, no one will find it and you'll be less likely to dip into it for non-neccessities.

Ride safe,

Alien

[RainMaker]

Oh, one more thing:  Unbolt your passenger seat and tape an envelope to the bottom of it with a couple hundred bucks in cash or travellers checks inside.  That way, if you lose your wallet, you have some extra cash on hand.  Plus, with it being under the passenger seat, no one will find it and you'll be less likely to dip into it for non-neccessities.

Ride safe,

Alien

Note to self - take allen wrenches and find Alien's bike if you need cash. 

[Alien]

Oh, one more thing:  Unbolt your passenger seat and tape an envelope to the bottom of it with a couple hundred bucks in cash or travellers checks inside.  That way, if you lose your wallet, you have some extra cash on hand.  Plus, with it being under the passenger seat, no one will find it and you'll be less likely to dip into it for non-neccessities.

Ride safe,

Alien

Note to self - take allen wrenches and find Alien's bike if you need cash. 

You'd best stop by the hardware store first.  I changed my seat bolts to pin Torx security screws.   

[Hooter]

   I didn't see how many days you were going to be gone? But, maybe I missed it?    Someone here said "pack light". Definitely a true story. We tend to really over do it. If you think you will need 4 pr of pants, take 2. A "T" shirt and underware per day if you are staying in a motel will sufice. A shower is the best on the road. Money.....I take plenty, but don't keep it all on me while I'm riding, some goes in my bags. If someone wants to rip me off I don't want all my money in one spot. When I stop for the night I get my money out of my bike and take it to my room. I usually have 2 wallets just for that reason.
   I take a tire plug kit and a can of air. I also carry a bulb of each type needed for the bike along with spare fuses. I will take a small flashlight. Sunscreen is good to have to. If you take meds, pack them as well or at least what you will need. Headache stuff such as Tylenol or your choice is a good thing to. None of this takes any space its just the little stuff that most forget.

[GiG]

I could never get my Valkyrie in the room    Yes I've tried a few times in fact.

Joe:
You can get your Valkyrie in the room.  
The trick is to get the fat chicks outta your room first!    

[old2soon]

I could never get my Valkyrie in the room    Yes I've tried a few times in fact.

Joe:
You can get your Valkyrie in the room.  
The trick is to get the fat chicks outta your room first!    

Lets see iffin I gots this correctamundo here-Get the fat chicks OUT so you can get the Phatt Ghurl IN??  Am I on the right track here?  RIDE SAFE.

[GiG]

You gotta take THIS outta the hotel room...


....Before this....

...goes in! 

[old2soon]

Every little once in awhile we might be having a tad too much fun here.  RIDE SAFE.

[Oldfishguy]

Seems like everyone else has you pretty well covered as far as packing and security goes, so I'll address a few other things.

Obviously, before your trip you'll want to inspect and service your bike as needed.  Here are some of the bike related things that I carry:

First of all, I installed a 12V outlet inside the rear pocket of my right saddlebag to run my air compressor and charge my phone while riding or at the campsite.

Tire patch/plug kit

12 Volt air compressor (Mine's a small one made by Coleman and is about the size of an encyclopedia)

Zip ties (plastic wire ties)

5 feet of 14 gauge wire

Tools-full set of allen wrenches, set of metric wrenches, screw drivers, tire irons, duct tape.

Spare ratchet strap

Bungee cords

1 quart oil

Microfiber cloths for cleaning the windshield

I also installed two bicycle water bottle holders and bottles, one on each windshield bracket.  This is hands down, the best modification that I've made to the Valk for summer touring.

Non perishable energy bars for snacks.

I'm sure there's more that I carry, but my coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Ride Safe,

Alien

5 feet of 14 gauge wire ??? What the heck??  Are you tying people up?

Note to self-  Leave Alien's bike seat alone, definitely not worth it.

David

[fudgie]

Oh, one more thing:  Unbolt your passenger seat and tape an envelope to the bottom of it with a couple hundred bucks in cash or travellers checks inside.  That way, if you lose your wallet, you have some extra cash on hand.  Plus, with it being under the passenger seat, no one will find it and you'll be less likely to dip into it for non-neccessities.

Ride safe,

Alien

Good call. I usually leave a cc in my shield pouches. Had to many close calls about leaving my wallet somewhere.