Touring/Camping Gear

[alanmcorcoran]

I spent this week acquiring a boatload of touring/camping gear to explore the idea of motorcycle camping. I've kind of divided motorcycle camping into to two kinds of trips: the drive up and camp and the drive-in/park and backpack to camp. Where applicable I tried to get stuff that would work for both. I'm going to start with the drive-in and if that works out, I'll progress to the more challenging backpack aspect. I greatly expanded the carrying capacity of my Strat with the addition of an OEM luggage rack, add-back of the quick release passenger seat and a "Super-T" + "Top Roll" bag combination luggage from T-bags. I also plan to bungee/strap a 12-pack cooler to the passenger seat. I've got a three day test trip planned for Friday- Monday (Saturday night I'll be "camping" back in my bedroom) to see how the bike handles with the additional weight and wind characteristics. Also to shake down what I acquired and see what I missed. If anyone is interested in the gear or the luggage etc. I'll post more details. (Seeing as this is a GZ site, a lot of what I'm trying wouldn't really work on the Geezer.)

Also, if any of you expereinced campers and tourers want to weigh in with suggestions, please do. Also, I bought two books that were both pretty good: Motorcycle Camping Made Easy, Bob Woofter, and Lightweight Camping For Motorcycles, Frazier Douglass.

[ncff07]

Bug spray! :lol:

If youre going to drive in somewhere and hike to camp I'd recommend additional security measures for your bike. Disc lock, chain or large gauge cable to wrap around a big tree or steel post that cant be cut/removed. Or anything else someone can think of that would work. Heck even taking the fuses out of the bike itself could stump a would be thief trying to start it quick and get away fast.

[bonehead]

All I know is that a 12 pack is not enough for a 3 day camping trip. :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Alan you are a braver and younger man than I. Hotel/motels all the way for this old guy.

[alanmcorcoran]

Here's my site and my rig. So far so good. The big test is "can i sleep" and "how will I manage no shower?" btw a beautiful drive up. Worth the price of the gear even if I didn't use it.

[BusyWeb]

Here's my site and my rig. So far so good. The big test is "can i sleep" and "how will I manage no shower?" btw a beautiful drive up. Worth the price of the gear even if I didn't use it.

Nice looking setup on your bike Mr. Alan ...
People can live without shower for a week at least.... ha ha ha (just me?? me could go a month ^^;)
More photos would come ??
PS: I saw "Shower Towel" from the REI, have you tried it???

[Water Warrior 2]

Nice looking set up Alan. See lots of rigs like that in my area. Shower time.................ride naked in the rain.

[alanmcorcoran]

Thx bw&ww. Busy - I have an REI towel but I don't think it is a magical shower towel. Have you made it up 154 and paradise road yet? Very nice up here. I took moedad's advice and I've set up my thermarest. It's better than the ground but it's no bed. All in all though, it's been pretty fun so far.