- Joined
- Aug 25, 2008
- Messages
- 134
This was my first road trip on a vintage bike in 20 years. I did alot of prep work on the bike and gear and I am glad I did. Here are some of my conclusions about what worked for me. This is basic info that long time road trippers probably know all to well but I thought perhaps some people in the same boat as I was might benifit from my experience.
1. Bags are a big consideration for any trip. I opted for Cortech stuff because it was available at a local motorcycle shop. I liked being able to see and compare sizes etc before buying. I think it's a bargain and highly reccomend it.
2. Trip data. Since original clocks give only basic (when working) information I looked for a simple way to get the data I thought I would want to have while travelling. I opted for the Trailtech Vapor unit and I was thrilled with how it worked on my trip. At a little over a hundred bucks you cannot go wrong. Speedo (dead on accurate per radar measurments) time of day, mileage covered, etc. All this info helped me make decisions about when to stop and when to push on.
3. Situational awareness. Or keep your head out of your ass! I always take the time to look around while on the move to make sure nothing major has gone wrong, glancing down at the engine periodically. I call this my foolproof oil pressure sensor : )
4. Take the time to do it right. If you must do some roadside work. Find a good spot and and do it right the first time. Little oil leaks dont get better only worse.
5. Pick your hotels carefully. I knew I would be spending most nights in motels. Just what are you looking for at a motel? I found that I want a first floor room with a door that opens to the parking lot so I can park right outside my room. I also want to spend as little as possible. I would recon the motels in a town and note the ones that met my needs. Next, I called them and got a room rate quote and then made my choice. Older motels became my first choice. This is the only motel in the tiny town of Rio Dell, California and was my favorite overnight spot on the entire trip. It was like steping back in time. I spent alot of time in the parking lot with the bike and met alot of great people this way
6. There are lots of other considerations when touring on a vintage bike. The most important is...just do it. You will quickly become an expert on what works for you and what does not work for you. I had a blast and cant wait for the next adventure. Perhaps a trip across the USA....hmmmm.
1. Bags are a big consideration for any trip. I opted for Cortech stuff because it was available at a local motorcycle shop. I liked being able to see and compare sizes etc before buying. I think it's a bargain and highly reccomend it.
2. Trip data. Since original clocks give only basic (when working) information I looked for a simple way to get the data I thought I would want to have while travelling. I opted for the Trailtech Vapor unit and I was thrilled with how it worked on my trip. At a little over a hundred bucks you cannot go wrong. Speedo (dead on accurate per radar measurments) time of day, mileage covered, etc. All this info helped me make decisions about when to stop and when to push on.
3. Situational awareness. Or keep your head out of your ass! I always take the time to look around while on the move to make sure nothing major has gone wrong, glancing down at the engine periodically. I call this my foolproof oil pressure sensor : )
4. Take the time to do it right. If you must do some roadside work. Find a good spot and and do it right the first time. Little oil leaks dont get better only worse.
5. Pick your hotels carefully. I knew I would be spending most nights in motels. Just what are you looking for at a motel? I found that I want a first floor room with a door that opens to the parking lot so I can park right outside my room. I also want to spend as little as possible. I would recon the motels in a town and note the ones that met my needs. Next, I called them and got a room rate quote and then made my choice. Older motels became my first choice. This is the only motel in the tiny town of Rio Dell, California and was my favorite overnight spot on the entire trip. It was like steping back in time. I spent alot of time in the parking lot with the bike and met alot of great people this way
6. There are lots of other considerations when touring on a vintage bike. The most important is...just do it. You will quickly become an expert on what works for you and what does not work for you. I had a blast and cant wait for the next adventure. Perhaps a trip across the USA....hmmmm.
