WHAT TO TAKE

(And this still isn't the full list !)

Steve wrote in response to my article on our tour, and supplied a few more tips and a list of all the things he usually takes on longer trips.

He says he agrees with my comments about needing similar riding styles and agendas for the excursion. Here is what he has to say.

On a long trip some similarity in budget and time constraints would also be desirable. Imagine someone with few constraints traveling with companions who were on a tight budget. Could cause some dramas I suspect! Same applies to say a retiree traveling long term with someone who needs to be home before a certain date. Problems again! These differences would have to be thrashed out before the journey and I suggest you should do some travel with intended companions to see how it goes. (Yes, don't make your first ride together a long trip - do a few day-rides first to see how compatible your riding-styles and personalities are. Elwyn)

For long trips you have to deal with preparation of machine and rider and make the decisions about how much you want to carry and spend; and how you want to spend it. For example, do you stay at motels or hostels? Self catering or pre cooked? Another consideration is paying admittance fees to places of interest, or just checking out mostly free sights. Traveling by yourself avoids these problems but can be a bit lonely. Trust me I know!

Then there are tools/spares to consider. I usually carry spare tubes, spare engine oil and chain lube, a can of Finilec type puncture repair gunk, tyre levers, a quality bicycle pump, rim protectors, the original tool kit, some combination spanners, 5 sockets with appropriate handles, 4 screwdrivers, multi grips, 2 pairs of pliers, scissors, duct and insulation tape. Also various cable ties, some wire, a shifting spanner (as the original tool kit hasn't got a 24mm spanner for the axle if the chain needs adjusting), glass cleaner, disposable gloves to keep the hands clean, a small quantity of kerosene and a cheap brush for cleaning bike and chain. These are only for longer trips of course. Many of these things can be deleted for shorter excursions as they would be covered by pre trip preparation. As my bike gets older I may include spare cables and a spark plug.

I like a 1.5ltr hydro pack as you can sip as you go. Any regular medication needs to be considered as you cannot always obtain new supplies in outback locations. Spare spectacles are a good move in case you break your originals. Prescriptions for medication and glasses are also a good idea.

Sounds a lot (You reckon??! Elwyn) but does not take up that much room. I try and pack the heavier gear down low and using a tank bag not only provides a bit of extra capacity it helps distribute weight.

Fuel range may be an issue if you are traveling to remote areas.

I am always overly carefully how I attach luggage to the bike, and to date haven't had anything fall off. A trial run might be useful prior to longer trips. The newer flat style ocky straps are a big improvement over the older style.

There are many other things you can choose. (Yeah, he hasn't mentioned the coffee-grinder, the favourite drinking cup, the wine, the...! Elwyn). Communication devices between bikes or between rider and pillion is one. Hard or soft luggage, and types and brands are another. My R80 BMW had hard panniers and they were great but I have used Gearsac throwovers for many years with no problems. Ventura and RJays luggage are both good as well, and I have experience with both.

Riding apparel / safety gear is important but is also a personal thing. I have 2 pair of Draggin Pants and find them very good in our warm climate. I recently discovered that the company also provides very good after sales service.

Choice of bike is also a personal matter, mostly already decided by what we own. I have toured extensively on 2-stroke and 4-stroke 250s, having owned several of each. (The 2-strokes were much better!). I have also used various midrange bikes such as 750cc and 550cc SOHC Honda 4s, a 550 Kawasaki Zephyr, a BMW R80, a DR600 Suzuki, a GS500 Suzuki and my current DR650 Suzuki. I did a few 700km days on the BMW and GS500 and the longest day I have ever done was 900km on the GS500. You don't need a 1000cc bike or a specialist Luxury Tourer to travel. It won't be as comfortable and may take a little longer, but at least you're doing it. Plan your travels accordingly!

Maps, clothing and food are subject to space and weight limitations. Again, if you are planning your first trip it might be wise to load the bike and try a couple of nights away to see how everything goes. Better to identify problems or omissions when they can be easily fixed than have them ruin your trip. My first trip to White Cliffs was aborted not far from Wilcannia due to the difficulty of coping with an overloaded brand new BMW R80 on dirt roads. No such problems on the GS500 some years later as I took much less.

Common sense and experience will help tremendously, so you can always chat to experienced tourers while searching for ideas. You don't have to do everything they say but tapping into years of others' experiences and mistakes could save you a lot of grief and time.

Thanks Steve! There's a lot of experience there for us all to tap into. And some good points to ponder if you're planning a long tour.

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