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Parts and Accessories Tips |
Patrick says: Packing for a road trip? If you watch the ounces, the pounds
will take care of themselves. When loading your bike, keep as much weight as
possible close to the bike's center of gravity. That means low and toward
the tank, distributed evenly from side to side. A day or two before you
leave, do a dry run. Pack the bike and go for a short ride, then adjust the
load as needed. With your bike fully loaded for your road trip, check your
headlamp to make sure it’s properly aimed. If you need luggage, we’ve got
it! From fork bags to pet carriers and everything in between.
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• Lightweight synthetic clothing – such as T-shirts and underwear – can be
washed in a hotel sink and dried overnight (cotton fabrics take too long
to dry in this manner). |
• Zipper-lock plastic bags of various sizes can be extremely useful for
organizing items in saddlebags and duffle bags. They can make it easier to
find and retrieve particular items without unpacking your entire
motorcycle. Use the one-gallon size to pack one day's worth of clothes –
jeans, undergarments, and shirt. This makes it easier to unpack just what
you need. |
• Don't fold your clothes – roll them. They take up less space that way. |
• Pack items that have more than one use. A multi-tool is handier than a
basic pocket knife. |
• When traveling with other riders, conserve space by comparing packing
lists and eliminating duplicate items. |
• When traveling (two-up) with a spouse or "significant other", ask yourself
questions such as: "Can we share a tube of toothpaste?" or "Can I get by
using her shampoo for a week?" |
• On long trips, consider bringing your rattiest underwear (or other
clothing), then just throw it away when you're done with it! |
• Check the cargo weight limits of your bike - as wells as the bags and
racks - and adjust tire pressure and suspension accordingly. |
• Few things are as easy to pack as money or credit cards. If you're
struggling with whether or not to bring a particular item, consider simply
buying it on the road if you need it. |
• If you watch the ounces, the pounds will take care of themselves. When
possible, lighter is better. |
• When loading your bike, keep as much weight as possible close to the
bike's center of gravity. That means low and toward the tank, distributed
evenly from side to side. |
• A day or two before you leave, do a dry run. Pack the bike and go for a
short ride, then adjust the load as needed. |
• If you're camping, set up your tent once or twice before you leave (and
don't forget to waterproof it). Practice setting it up in the dark. |
• With your bike fully loaded for your road trip, check your headlamp to
make sure it’s properly aimed. |
• Pack all your cold weather and raingear no matter what time of year it is. |
• Plastic bags make great boot liners if you forgot your gaiters. If you
forgot your rain gloves, rubber dishwashing gloves make great, inexpensive
substitutes. |
• A small towel can be wrapped around your neck during a rainstorm to keep
water from running down your back – and doubles as a shop rag. |
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