Motorcycle Touring Advice Part 2. What to Take

Minimalism in bulk and particularly weight is the key. Aim to keep your motorcycle's handling at least 95% as good as it is when unlaiden. You should be able to have just have much fun in the twisties touring as anywhere else; what's the point in spending all that money and time is getting to God's own motorcycling roads if you can't get the most out of them?

But crucially, a badly handling bike is a dangerous bike as well as being exhausting to ride.

We dealt with What to Wear on the bike in Part 1, and we'll deal with the bits to take for the bike in Preparing the Bike chapter, leaving us with:

- Casual Clothing. Obviously, take only what you really need and double up what you can with your riding gear (waterproof jacket/windcheater, riding boots that can also be used as walking boots, etc). If you've taken the advice in other chapters you'll arrive with plenty of energy, so don't forget a set of suitable clothing for nights out. A swimming costume and a pair of flip-flops take up little room for that tempting dip after a hot days ride. The fairer species can often have a hard time reconciling their perceived needs with the carrying capacity of a motorcycle; allocate them a fixed space in the luggage a long time in advance, retire to safe distance and they will eventually find the right things to fit. Offer volume reducer bags should problems persist.

- Food. Always carry water in an easily accessible place. A few energy bars too (not chocolate that melt and get everywhere). Otherwise don't take food, it takes up too much space, can be heavy and is often messy; incorporate purchases as and when required into those all important regular stops.

- Camping. Don't take cookers, pans, etc. Too bulky and heavy, and too much hassle. Just take a knife, fork, spoon and some kitchen roll. Good cheap food is available everywhere (bakeries, supermarkets, cafes, bars, restaurants, even fuel stations). Have your morning coffee at a cafe during an early break. If you really must, use a petrol cooker, these are very powerful, can be fuelled from your bike's tank and can also serve as a final fuel reserve for the bike. Or buy the occasional disposable bbq on the way round. Look first at backpacker camping equipment generally, as it tends to be the most light, compact and robust. All modern tents are incredibly competent, even cheap ones; buy on weight and dimensions to fit the bike, not necessarily erected size (it's nice to have a bit extra room when the weather turns bad). The most important decision is what to sleep on; a good night's rest is obviously vital to a safe, enjoyable day's riding the next day. If an airbed works for you, great, otherwise a lightweight camp bed could be worth the weight penalty. Either way, have a practice night's sleep before you go.

- First Aid Kit. Motorcyclists are frequently the first to arrive at another motorcyclists accident, through group riding or roads popular with bikers. When touring, both these conditions are likely to exist, so we'd recommend assembling a motorcycle specific first aid kit including some basic resuscitation equipment, and learning how to use it. Such kits weigh very little. See our Motorcycle Accident Advice page for more details.

- Security. Peace of mind is an important ingredient of an enjoyable holiday, so you must exercise the same security vigilance as you would at home; remember that your bike is your transport home. There's a strong case of paying the weight penalty and taking a heavy duty chain and lock, and sometimes, if you're really struggling to get the weight distribution right when two-up, the extra ballast of a heavy chain at the front of the tank bag can make a big improvement to the handling. A top quality disc lock and security cable is a lighter alternative and has the flexibility to lock jackets and helmets to the bike too. See our page on Motorcycle Security, and whatever you take - USE IT!

- Documentation. Passport (make sure it hasn't/doesn't run out anytime soon), V5C registration document (if it's not in your name, take a letter of authorisation from the owner), EHIC (European Heath Insurance Card, successor to the E111 - entitlement for basic free health cover in EEC + Switzerland and Norway, but not Andorra), valid vehicle Insurance Certificate, quality travel medical insurance (make sure that motorcycling is covered, as some insurers like Norwich Union and Barclays don't because of the increased risk (all motorcyclists should boycott all their policies - and let them know it!). Take a spare set of keys and keep them and a backup method of payment (eg debit card) somewhere secure but different from your main set, in case of loss or theft.

Page last updated: 31/07/07

Next: Motorcycle Touring Tips Part 3: Preparing the Bike

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