Motorcycle Riding Tips:How To Pack For A Motorcycle Touring Trek
By: Phil West
Submitted: 2010-04-20 10:25:20 | Word Count: 548
"Less is More" is the common caveat. Every inch of cargo space must count. That is how to simply solve your packing dilemma. You should pack items that have multiple purpose to minimize space like the army knife or get creative and figure out multiple uses for few pieces of clothing. And there is no way you are bringing along your favorite set of golf clubs. If you need a trailer to carry that much load maybe it is time to consider buying a car or maybe you just have to leave some things at home. Bring only the necessities which of course everybody had their own definition. The list of necessities may seem endless.
Anyway, as you pack you will suddenly realize a single saddlebag is not enough especially if you are travelling with a companion. So you decide to add one more saddlebag. As one of the many motorcycle riding tips here is what you should keep in mind.
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1. Add on saddlebag require bag guards to keep the saddlebags from sliding down into the rear tire or exhaust pipe. Forces, wind pressure and shifting made by the rider or his companion can move the bag against the wheel.
2. Soft saddlebags often times sag or shift and may touch the exhaust pipes and there's a danger of setting you bags and its contents on fire. The exhaust pipes on a cruiser bike is on one side , so hang your bag away from it.
3.Stiffen the suspension especially at the rear part and the tires should be on the correct pressure to be able to carry your added load. Check tire pressure often. Bring along a tire gauge. You don't want your tires to blow up or come apart die to riding with under inflated tires.
4. Make sure there is still some space left between the bag and drive chains. As the rear suspension is fully compressed, saddlebags especially the soft kind should not possibly get into the the belt or chain. It could cause a sudden stop, the bags get pulled or worst yet launch the rider and crash.
5.Buy a quality bungee cord. Tie and loop it around your bags and securely strapped your bags to the bike. It is an excellent security of not losing your luggage along the way.
6. Put your emergency items or the things that you will always need during riding in the bag on your right side. The right side is usually easier to reach and out of the passing traffic.
7.Carry waist packs for your personal items such as cellphone, map, rain gear, snacks in case you get separated from the group (if you are group riding). This is a good way to tote your things once you get off your motorcycle.
8. Carry a pen and notebook or a micro-cassette recorder. Record the things you saw, the interesting characters you met and how your motorcycle is behaving the entire trip. It is a great way to refresh your memories years from now.
