[[email protected]]

I wish I could search the forums for this but search seems to be down.

This summer I plan to go cross country from DC to San Francisco to Seattle and back to DC.

I need help rigging up my 07 1300r for the trip. I already have US Saddle bags on it. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2533133636_d10b93900e_o.jpg

I've taken off the rear seat. I was planning on getting the Hondaline rear fender rack. It has a nice retro look. Do i need to get a sissy bar to hold the luggage or do they make bags that will attach across the rear fender and the saddle bags?
Does anyone have any good luggage suggestions?
I don't want to break the bank and I don't want to pack heavy.

I'll be camping most if the way across. i still need to buy a 1 man tent, sleeping pad, etc.

Here's my blog post about the trip:
http://michaelbrashier.blogspot.com/2009/02/road.html
i intend to upload pictures to this blog from the road.

 

[Ghost 26]

For my longer trips on my 1800S I have saddlebags and a Bestem sissy bar/luggage rack combo. They are always on and are pretty much clones of the Hondaline Deluxe sissy bar and rack. Attached to that setup I put a touring bag (T-bag) behind the sissy bar. Between the sissy bar and my driver's backrest I lash a bag that contains my tent, sleeping bag, and maybe a couple other soft items. This setup works great for me and is very stable.

This setup also doubles as a very nice backrest...

G26

 

[atfrith]

I'm going to keep an eye on this thread as I am also planning a road trip this summer. However we will be leaving from colorado and going to either san diego or san francisco and back. I checked out your blog and was going to recommend trail ridge pass while you are going through colorado but it looks like its already part of your plan. You will love that pass! It is a gorgeous ride that takes you through Rocky Mountain National park and on I think the highest paved road in the country, I could be wrong on that though...I don't know what your planned dates are for this but I do know Trail Ridge pass doesn't open up till mid June some years, so heads up on that. Good luck man and ride safe!

 

[poolmaster79]

A sissy bar and luggage rack will really help secure the luggage.

I've got the tourmaster tail pack and usually use another smaller backpack too. Her's a pic:

 

[Ghost 26]

Mike, if you are going by places where friends or relatives live you may want to consider mailing some changes of clothing to their houses and swapping out clothes. As for your tent, you may want to think about a 2-person tent so you can pull your gear inside, as well as change clothes a bit easier if it rains. I've spent time in a 1-man tent before. Yes, they are light, but pretty much are only good for keeping bugs/rain off you. If you have a good waterproof tent then the condensation inside the tent from your breathing ends up "raining" on you when you wake up in the morning and hit the side of the tent. With a bigger tent you can also have a tent fly that will allow you to ventilate the tent, reducing the amount of condensation you have to deal with. The bike has the room and the power, so consider taking advantage of it.

Also, I have a membership in Kampgrounds of America (KOA) frequent stayer program. I get a pretty good discount when I grab one of their tent spots and always have a place to get a nice, hot shower.

Pooldude, you have the same bag I have, though I'm about ready to buy a bigger bag for when my other half comes with me on longer trips. Next I have to convince her that she can't bring her whole closet...

G26

 

[poolmaster79]

That is my bigger bag. My other bag was a first gear, about 4-5 inches shorter. I barely got everything that I needed in it for the 7 day trip to Daytona.

 

[M-2]

A sissy bar and luggage rack will really help secure the luggage.

I've got the tourmaster tail pack and usually use another smaller backpack too. Her's a pic:

+1 on the tourmaster set-up. check the tourmaster site out. I have got the tourmaster sissy bar bag also. I love it to death. I bought the eztra large one.

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/X-Large-Nylon-Sissybar-Bag-W-Barrelbag-p-128_16.html

Good luck!

 

[twohearted1955]

I also am going to be taking a 1-2 week trip this summer from Michigan to Colorado and will be in need of some pretty big luggage, I have heard and read that the Kuryakyn Grand Tailgater is good, but pricey, I can get it right now for $238 on ebay with a coupon.

 

[poolmaster79]

I also am going to be taking a 1-2 week trip this summer from Michigan to Colorado and will be in need of some pretty big luggage, I have heard and read that the Kuryakyn Grand Tailgater is good, but pricey, I can get it right now for $238 on ebay with a coupon.

That's the Granddaddy of luggage right there. And you're right it is pricey. But for 6500 ci's it's not a bad deal. Heck, that's only 27 cents per cubic inch...What a deal.

 

[[email protected]]

great info

Thanks for the great suggestions guys. I'm taking in all the info. Over the next 3-4 months I'll be procuring all this stuff as cheaply as possible.
Ghost and poolmaster, those are nice rigs. I like the look of the tourmaster.

Looks like I'll need a sissy bar. I assume the sissy bar brackets don't conflict with my saddle bag bars. There must be room to mount them both to the fender.

I've been told I'll need a wind sheild on a long trip like this to cut down on fatique.

Ghost- where was that pic taken with the beautiful scenic background? Pics like that get me stoked about my own trip.

BTW- Some friends/family have been somewhat discouraging about my trip, focusing on the negative, telling me how it will suck, how sore I will get, etc.

Honestly, from people that have done some extended road trips, is it more fun than not fun? I gotta believe it is. I can't wait to hit the open road.

This may change but I plan to:
- wake up when i wake up (usually pretty early when sleeping in a tent or hammock tent, grab some local breakfast,
- drive for 2-3 hours
- stop for an hour or two to eat and relax
-drive another 2-3 hours
- stop in the evening, find a place to camp, grab some dinner, relax

I'm hoping to get 6-7 hours of driving a day. Does this seem feasible?

 

[poolmaster79]

Just make sure to get the right sissy bar/luggage rack brackets that will work with your saddlebag brackets. What kind are you using? do they mount to the front two or rear two bolts? If they mount with the front bolts, then here's probably your cheapest option for a sissy bar/luggage rack combo:

http://www.bestemusa.com/product_info.php?cPath=5_35&products_id=133

Here's an ebay auction that has no bids:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOND...9620838QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[[email protected]]

I have the US Saddle Bags and brackets.
When i get home this evening I'll look which bolts they use. If memory serves they use the two on the stock chrome bracket on the fender.

 

[poolmaster79]

There should be 3 bolts on the fender. Most brackets use the front two bolts. Most any brackets should work, although you may need to get creative with some spacers and longer bolts.

 

[Ghost 26]

I've been told I'll need a wind sheild on a long trip like this to cut down on fatique.

Windshield and and engine guard with highway pegs will do wonders to prevent fatigue. The windshield will also help keep flying objects - bugs, birds, rocks thrown up by car tires, etc. - from hitting you.

Ghost- where was that pic taken with the beautiful scenic background? Pics like that get me stoked about my own trip.

That picture was taken east of Steamboat Springs, CO. Your proposed route takes you very close to that spot.

BTW- Some friends/family have been somewhat discouraging about my trip, focusing on the negative, telling me how it will suck, how sore I will get, etc.

Honestly, from people that have done some extended road trips, is it more fun than not fun? I gotta believe it is. I can't wait to hit the open road.

This may change but I plan to:
- wake up when i wake up (usually pretty early when sleeping in a tent or hammock tent, grab some local breakfast,
- drive for 2-3 hours
- stop for an hour or two to eat and relax
-drive another 2-3 hours
- stop in the evening, find a place to camp, grab some dinner, relax

I'm hoping to get 6-7 hours of driving a day. Does this seem feasible?

Your plan sounds very reasonable. The biggest problem you may run into is a sore butt from the stock seat. Many people say that aftermarket seats are much more comfortable. As far as what other people say, ask them how far they went on their trips and for specific reasons why they are trying to shut you down. I'm willing to bet that they've never really done any trips like that before are are just talking out of their rear ends. Sure, you will get a bit sore, tired, and will occasionally run into a rain storm that will suck. On the other hand, I have MANY more good memories of my trips than bad memories. On top of that, all the bad times just lead to good stories, and even better learning experiences for your next trips.

Take the trip knowing that it will be long and that you will experience many riding and weather conditions. As long as you do your best to prepare for, or wait out whatever may occur you should have a great time.

G26

 

[[email protected]]

Great advice!
I'm not letting the haters get to me. And you're right, none of them have ever done a trip like this.

I have the stock seat but I had it mod'd by Mean City Cycles. I'm now thinking i should have had them add the gel padding.

Maybe I can fine a good pad somewhere online.

 

[epiphysis]

I have not yet read your blog, but I would consider a bottle of Monkey Butt.....great stuff...helps you ride the distances you want to ride......in my limited experience, I would keep an open mind about stopping.....even with a great seat and seam less underwear, and better shocks, riding for two hours may hurt!! I did a long ride two years ago, one 500 mile stretch alone and found that stopping when I thought I should worked out the best! I could go just over an hour and then a 5 minute stop was all I needed to refresh...take a drink, a little to eat, bathroom, etc.......I used a smaller bag, also , and packed each group of items in large zip lock bags, found in the camping section of most large stores, they are blue...will easily hold and compress a week's worth of underwear, etc.........they say, pack ahead, then unpack and get rid of half of your stuff.....you will be getting t shirts along the way, so pack accordingly.......I got a very large backpack for my stuff...from ebay...reasonably priced, will hold my three man tent, yes you need a large one cause you will get claustrophobic otherwise....sleeping bag, inflatable bed, and other stuff......you need to consider what you need...I would contact Marty, he just did a very long ride to see what he used......and just do it and have a great time!!

 

[06orange1300C]

As a side not, when packing clothes don't fold them, roll them. You get a lot more in a smaller space. Like with jeans, start at the legs and roll them as tight as you can same with shirts etc. They will take way less space than folding or wading.

 

[[email protected]]

googleing Monkey Butt right now.

whoa, definitely getting some of that.

 

[SJR]

This summer I did my first long trip. Cleveland – New Orleans – Houston – San Diego – Seattle- Glacier NP –Mackinaw – Cleveland – 8888 miles. It was unbelievable, absolutely life altering. I’m heading back out this summer. I’m going to camp as well. A three man tent isn’t much bigger than a one man. I’ve found that Big Agnes tents use shorter pole segments and packs down small. I purchased a Big Agnes Madhouse 3. Their down sleeping bags compress down to nothing as well. If you make it to Seattle area you have to do the Cascade loop and Mt. Rainer it will blow your mind. I am also packing half of the clothes than I did last time. There are washers and dryer everywhere I just never noticed them before (Hotels and KOAs have them). PCH 1 just north of San Francisco will blow your mind if you like twisties. Twisties with a rock wall on one side and a 300 or 400ft drop off at the other edge of the road with no guardrail. At times it looks like the road is suspended out into space. I was going as fast as I was scrapping my floorboards on every turn, a constant back and forth for well over an hour with few breaks. I could go on and on. Southern Texas – Big Bend NP a must do ride. Here is a link to a blog we did as we went. http://www.theridgefiles.com/roadtrip.html Can’t wait to hear about your ride when you get back.
Back to the topic – you will want a sissy bar and my bag is a Kuryahyn Ultra Tour Bag about $105. More than enough room. Lots of tie down points all over the bag.

 

[[email protected]]

awesome

This is a great forum for info.
I'm getting pumped for this trip!