New to touring

[sam.ye]

hey guys,
I've been riding for over 2 years now. My trusty cbr250rr has treated me well in this time. Bu now, I plan to take it to some new extremes.
I have never been long distance touring on the bike before, so I have none of the equipment for touring. So far the list of gear to obtain is:
1) Tank bag
2) Saddle bags
3) GPS
4) larger windscreen if available
5) adjustable rearsets if available

I'm not sure what sort of aftermarket windscreens are out there for the cbr, same with the rearsets. Do any of you know?

Do different bags fit different bikes, or is it all very much one size fits all? What are some good bags out there?

Cheers for your help

Sam

[jbs80106]

Hi!  Depending on what your budget is, a range of tank bags and saddle bags should be available.   I started out with ome removeable mesh bags with waterproof liners (I think I got them from motodirect.com) and a magnetic tank bag from the same place.  I've not yet made the move to a GPS, just a good road map, print out the route from Google maps or similiar and off I go.

Probably for a sportbike you'll be looking at some of the smaller sized bags but should carry enough to even do overnites if you fancy.  Probably can do a pretty good sized tank bag though.

Last summer I did 600 miles on my K75, and summer before that an overnight trip to Utah then across WY.  Given weather changes in colorado I used my tank bag, the hard-bags on my bike and strapped on the removeable bags so I had plenty of space....could have gone further if the budget allowed...

[Orson]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

[Cablebandit]

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

 

sage advice there.

[ConPilot1]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

Yep. What the Mod said. +1. My set up was a GS550L, canvas military O.D. surplus soft saddlebags, a woolen Army blanket, my small backpack/daypack stuffed with a sweatshirt, tshirt, extra socks, and a pair of jeans,
and a California map stuffed in my jacket pocket. All that shit strapped on the pillion seat with Kmart bungee cords.  

[coho]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

Plus a million.  
Trial and error is the best (possibly only) way to decide what gear is right for you.

[Orson]

that said...a tank bag is pretty handy...and it's the closest to your bike's center of gravity, meaning it will affect your bike's handling less than other luggage locations.

[Dan K]

Add a bigger bike to the list and you'll be good to go! Just kidding - any type of tail bag / tank bag combo should be enough.  If you need more, add a back pack.  As long as your list includes cash/credit card and mobile phone, you're good to go.

Socks - get some socks that dry up quick, you can wash them by hand, hang them up and have fresh socks in the morning.  A very nice thing, depending on your climate...

- Dan

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

 




So I'm going to assume that the 250 is a good fit for you? You're happy with the physical AND engine size? Otherwise it is silly to put much money into bike-specific gear. You might want to check out the classifieds on various moto sites and pick up some cheap used bags to test out until you get a better feel for what you want out of your ride  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 If you need more, add a back pack.

...and the first words of dissent appear  

I do not recommend a backpack, for a couple of reasons:
- it can increase fatigue to the wearer
- it can be an issue if there is a get-off. It can affect how you roll (or don't roll), not to mention it could cause a spinal injury if you land on something inside of it.

That being said, the first kit I'd pick up would be a tank bag. I personally hate to ride without a tank bag because that's where my camera goes, and if you've look at any of the rides on my website, you'll see that I don't travel far or often without my camera). Then a tail bag, if necessary. Side bags would be the final stage (they can affect handling, wind dynamics and fuel mileage. But they're great as buffers if your bike falls over!)

GPS - that's up to you and what you want. I like the ability to change my route at the last minute, or to find something along the way. I also like being able to check ahead to see if the road I'm taking actually goes through (although I confess that often takes the fun out of it, so I try not to do it unless I need to know). GPS can also be useful if you have a short fuel range, or are traveling through cities or other congested, poorly-signed areas.

Windscreen - personal choice. None of my bikes have ever had good wind/weather protection. Instead, I rely on good gear to keep me warm/dry. The wind on my head/chest was never an issue for me.

[Skee]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

I quickly discovered that having a second bungey cord was an immeasurably good thing  

[Daniel Kalal]

My first long trip looked like this in 1976:


That was the aerostich roadcrafter of the day--tourmaster or something like that.  I then moved on to saddle bags and a rear trunk and a tank bag.

These days,  I pack like this for a two week trip:


No saddle bags, no tank bag.  Just the small duffle (and a real roadcrafter).  You'll hear lots of advice saying to pack light.  It's true.  Don't carry around dirty shirts and underwear--wash them as you go.

[sam.ye]

I may get a bigger bike later on, but i do plan on keeping the smaller one as well. my GF may wanna learn to ride in the near future haha.

by the sounds of it, any bag should fit on the 250. by fit i mean it'll secure on without the need to install extra mounting points. is that correct?

[Justin]

Is that Orson with his first bike?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

by the sounds of it, any bag should fit on the 250. by fit i mean it'll secure on without the need to install extra mounting points. is that correct?

Yep, that's correct. Some things to keep in mind while shopping for a tank bag:
- waterproof? Vital if you keep cameras in there  
- will it hold what you need?
- is it easy to move to refuel?

A quick search led me to this bag. The magnetic bag has worked well for me in the past, but some riders are concerned about dust between the magnets and tank scratching the paint.

Other mounting options are straps and fuel ring.

[sammyseaman]

I first went touring at the age of 18 by bungey-cording a dufflebag onto my seat  

No fairing, no GPS, no nuttin'.

Just hit the road...you'll figure it out as you go  

We is old, my friend. We is old  

[Mr.Black]

We is old, my friend. We is old  

Beats the alternative Chimpster, beats the alternative.

[Orson]

by the sounds of it, any bag should fit on the 250. by fit i mean it'll secure on without the need to install extra mounting points. is that correct?

I am wary of using bungey cords anymore after a strong side wind in Nevada blew my duffle bag into my rear wheel   got sucked in then locked up the wheel at 80 mph.

no more for me. If it doesn't fit into the saddle bags, it's not coming.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I am wary of using bungey cords anymore after a strong side wind in Nevada blew my duffle bag into my rear wheel   got sucked in then locked up the wheel at 80 mph.

no more for me. If it doesn't fit into the saddle bags, it's not coming.

Good point, but it also helps to use the "right" equipment. I will swear by ROK straps and a good cargo net to hold just about anything to my bike.

[Mr.Black]

Its been said already. Take a trip and figure out what you did and didn't need. Work it out from there.

Last years trip;



After receiving many comments and suggestions,

This years trip will look like this;









Screw what others say. Take what you want and adjust to your own desires.

Secure everything very well and don't forget the toilet paper!

[Cablebandit]

 

[Daniel Kalal]

I am wary of using bungey cords anymore...

I'll repeat what Orson says.  I also now avoid bungee cords and only use straps that can be cinched tight.  If you look at the yellow duffle bag in the photograph (above) you'll see only straps.  I have incoporated a quick-release on my straps, so packing is just as quick as with bungee cords.

[Justin]

I'll repeat what Orson says.  I also now avoid bungee cords and only use straps that can be cinched tight.  If you look at the yellow duffle bag in the photograph (above) you'll see only straps.  I have incoporated a quick-release on my straps, so packing is just as quick as with bungee cords.

I occasionally use bungee cords to strap something on the back seat, but I always use one or two more than I really need  . I don't trust them either for regular use.

[Skee]

Its been said already. Take a trip and figure out what you did and didn't need. Work it out from there.

Screw what others say. Take what you want and adjust to your own desires.

Secure everything very well and don't forget the toilet paper!

+1 what others say, just don't forget the toilet paper, there is an occasional shortage at STN meets.

[cbsnbiker]

Consider doing a shakedown trip.

[sam.ye]

whats a shakedown trip?

[coho]

whats a shakedown trip?

Go somewhere.  Just for fun.
Take what you'd take if you were going in your car, ie. duffel with clothes, toothbrush etc.  Attach it with bungees, either cord, strap or net. If you don't have a waterproof duffel bag or backpack (strap it to the bike, don't wear it) be sure to put your stuff in plastic bags inside so you have dry socks.  Some money (and/or a credit card) and your phone (optional but recommended).  A tent or bivy and a sleeping bag if you're sleeping outdoors and know about it ahead of time* and a map if you've never been wherever it is you're going  This is all you need for moto-touring. Everything else is extra.

Every time you pack your bike you will take different stuff, leaving behind stuff you took before because you never used it and taking different stuff because you wished you had it last time.  If you find you want to do more you'll gradually accrete a bunch of gear, a little bit at a time, eventually more than can be loaded on the bike all at once.  The most important things to keep in mind when gear whoring shopping are "can I afford this?" and "how many things does it do and how small does it fold up?"

You'll find the right load out for your needs as you go.  A flat repair kit and some practice with it (about to get new tires? poke a hole in the old one and fix it) is a great place to start.  







*this may not happen every time, DAMHIK  

[kyzrex]

Kinda curious as where you are located and where you plan on traveling to.  

All good advice here.  I personally will always use a tank bag w/map case on top.  Don't use a GPS yet, might in the future if I see a need for it.  I know others that won't leave home without it.  Even if you do use one, I would recommend bringing a good map along as a backup.  

I've used a tank bag along with soft sided saddlebags or a tailbag many times for 3-7 day trips, with no problems.  However, my first trips were on a small bike with a gym bag tied on to a back rack.  That was many many years ago...!  Plastic garbage bags make good bag liners AND can be used for and emergency jacket liner if needed because of rain and/or cold.  Don't overpack, try to take things that can be used for multiple things and pack up very small.  Extra socks and an extra pair of gloves are always a big thing on MY list, as I hate having cold/ wet hands and feet.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Don't use a GPS yet, might in the future if I see a need for it.  I know others that won't leave home without it.  Even if you do use one, I would recommend bringing a good map along as a backup.  

This brings up one of my loves of a good paper map: looking ahead. If I have a general direction I want to go, it is very easy for me to look at a map and say "this road will get me there - eventually    and then I go. I have a much harder time doing anything like that with a GPS. For me, the GPS is for those times when I need the most direct route there, assistance in finding a specific address or (and this is the part I haven't used yet), following a pre-determined route.

[Mr. E]

I can go indefinately with my Cortech rig. A set of sport saddlebags, their duffel tailbag and their mini tank bag. This will handle clothes for three days and my camping (not cooking) gear. I have very little $$ wrapped up in it.

I don't see a need for a better windscreen. Invest in a quality rainsuit.

As for a GPS, skip it. Nothing gets a converstion going with the locals like breaking out a map. Open up a paper map and people feel obligated to share. You will have no lack of info about points of interest, local history and good roads. These are opportunities that you do not want to miss.  

[kyzrex]

I can go indefinately with my Cortech rig. A set of sport saddlebags, their duffel tailbag and their mini tank bag. This will handle clothes for three days and my camping (not cooking) gear. I have very little $$ wrapped up in it.

I don't see a need for a better windscreen. Invest in a quality rainsuit.

As for a GPS, skip it. Nothing gets a converstion going with the locals like breaking out a map. Open up a paper map and people feel obligated to share. You will have no lack of info about points of interest, local history and good roads. These are opportunities that you do not want to miss.  

Absolutely true!  I can't tell you how many times when so done has seen me at a gas station or in a restaurant with a map open, and had one or more people ask me what I'm looking for or where I am going.  Great conversation opener.

[cbsnbiker]

I can go indefinately with my Cortech rig. A set of sport saddlebags, their duffel tailbag and their mini tank bag. This will handle clothes for three days and my camping (not cooking) gear. I have very little $$ wrapped up in it.

I don't see a need for a better windscreen. Invest in a quality rainsuit.

As for a GPS, skip it. Nothing gets a converstion going with the locals like breaking out a map. Open up a paper map and people feel obligated to share. You will have no lack of info about points of interest, local history and good roads. These are opportunities that you do not want to miss.  

Interestingly enough, I've had people come up to help me when they've seen me puttering with the GPS.  

This does not invalidate your point about the map. Both maps and the GPS are good tools.

BTW, welcome to STN.  

[Orson]

In several ride reports I've read about "the GPS sent me this way or that."

I just can't abide by being led around by the nose. I gotta make my own plans. That's just cuz I'm a Luddite  

[sam.ye]

i will be doing the bulk of my riding between major cities with lots of stop overs. i'll also be going camping, but all the good camping sites are within a few hrs ride of my city. i need the GPS mainly for the roads through the other cities to avoid paying toll and high traffice roads.

[Mr.Black]

Many times my GPS is used simply for a compass.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

One other use of my GPS is the favored "Shortest Route" feature (this is best used with a bike you don't mind taking off road). I've found some amazingly fun roads because of this feature  

[cbsnbiker]

One other use of my GPS is the favored "Shortest Route" feature (this is best used with a bike you don't mind taking off road). I've found some amazingly fun roads because of this feature  

Me too.    

[alexj]

I love my GPS on my scooter even if its just a for town run around

I also love my grip heaters when its below freezing

[ConPilot1]

whats a shakedown trip?

Definitely. The first time I had the Concours majorly loaded for a camping trip/East coast tour I had a couple cam-straps holding a duffel on the back of the bike.

A hundred or so miles into the trip we were on the slab and I could feel something was not right with the load. I slowed way down and pulled over,
here I had a couple of the straps placed somewhere dumb and they had loosened up to the point where that duffel was going to let go. Made me all nervous after that,
Big Ben from the forum here tailed me for a while keeping an eye on my cargo making sure everything was riding tight.

After I got the new placement for the straps figured out, all was good, but whatever you do do a test run with your load to make sure everything will
stay where it should be.

[Orson]

just so you know...

1) there is no camping in sport-touring

2) there are no passengers in sport-touring

 

[sam.ye]

haha yeah definitely no passenger. no room if i'm gonna have enough luggage space. but why no camping?

[Orson]

but why no camping?

It's a rule.

sport-touring is all about strafing a nice set of twisties while riding The Pace

keeping an eye on my cargo making sure everything was riding tight.

If you are hauling a cargo, you are approaching Winnebago territory and are in no condition to get the maximum fun out of the twisties. Motorcycle suspensions are more susceptible to "cargo" than Winnebagos and nuthin upsets the apple cart like a hefty load of camping gear.

Over the years, you will train yourself to whittle away unnecessary cargo, and like the path to nirvana, you will attain serenity when you can travel with just a credit card and a toothbrush  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

It's a rule.

It's orson's rule  

Over the years, you will train yourself to whittle away unnecessary cargo, and like the path to nirvana, you will attain serenity when you can travel with just a credit card and a toothbrush  

Sounds great! Can I have your credit card? I'll get my own toothbrush  

[Orson]

Hey...whoever gets here first gets to indoctrinate them  

In all seriousness, another rule is to try not to ride at night. All the critters come out at dusk.

Riding safety guru Larry Grozky (sp) paid the ultimate price when he struck a deer while trying to cross West Texas at night. Don't make a schedule that forces you to ride after dark.

Besides...you can't see the scenery at night

[NoGear]

All good advice here.  I personally will always use a tank bag w/map case on top.  Don't use a GPS yet, might in the future if I see a need for it.  I know others that won't leave home without it.  Even if you do use one, I would recommend bringing a good map along as a backup.  

I've used a tank bag along with soft sided saddlebags or a tailbag many times for 3-7 day trips, with no problems.  However, my first trips were on a small bike with a gym bag tied on to a back rack.  That was many many years ago...!  Plastic garbage bags make good bag liners AND can be used for and emergency jacket liner if needed because of rain and/or cold.  Don't overpack, try to take things that can be used for multiple things and pack up very small.  Extra socks and an extra pair of gloves are always a big thing on MY list, as I hate having cold/ wet hands and feet.

I always ride with a tank bag/w a map case also. I do have a GPS but I use it mostly only when absolutely needed or to get somewhere the quickest route.  Other than that I prefer a good map.  

I've learned that I'd rather have more space taken up by tools than clothes. My bike has never broken down but others have found my tools very helpful getting them back on the road and were grateful I had them saving them the cost of a tow.

I also leave extra room for things I might pick up along the way as souvenirs.

Most importantly plan out how you pack. Put things you might need along the way where you can easily get to them. ( tire repair kit, extra socks, jacket liner, rain gear etc on top)  I carry my rain gear in my tank bag along with my camera.