If you are planning a long trip on your motorcycle, take a look at this list. Please add a comment if you see anything missing. I will be expanding this list and also discussing various solutions for communications, entertainment, repairs, etc as I experience them on my rides.
Equipment List (work in process…)
| Category | Item | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Toolkit | Try each item in kit on bike, augment as needed |
| Repair | Spare Clutch Lever | |
| Repair | Spare Brake Lever | |
| Repair | Tire Patch Kit | Appropriate to tire type |
| Repair | Tire Pump – 12v | Helps seat bead on tire |
| Repair | Tire Pressure Gauge | |
| Repair | Chain Cleaner | |
| Repair | Chain Lube | Enough for entire trip at 600 miles per lube |
| Repair | Nitrile Gloves | Box at Costco |
| Repair | Rags | for cleaning chain – in ziplock |
| Repair | Spare Bulbs | Headlight, Tail light, brake light, turn signal |
| Repair | Alumaweld or Devcon Plastic Steel | Filling holes in oil cooler, radiator, engine case, etc. |
| Repair | Duct Tape | |
| Camping | Tent | Appropriate to expected weather |
| Camping | Sleeping Pad | |
| Camping | Sleeping Bag | Synthetic, insulates when wet. In stuff bag. |
| Camping | Candle Lantern | Reading in tent |
| Camping | Lighter/Matches | |
| Camping | Bear Spray | Hopefully will keep marauding bears away! |
| Riding | Rain Gear | |
| Riding | Riding Jacket | |
| Riding | Heated Vest | |
| Riding | Warm Weather Gloves | |
| Riding | Rain/Cold Weather Gloves | |
| Riding | Riding Boots | |
| Riding | Riding Pants | One piece suit as alternative |
| Riding | Bike Shorts | Help with long days… |
| Riding | Long Underwear | Top and Bottom |
| Riding | Synthetic Socks | Hiking socks that insulate when wet |
| Riding | Helmet | |
| Riding | Ear Plugs | for wind noise |
| Riding | Pinlock antifog faceshield insert | Smoke and Clear |
| Photography | Camera | with manual |
| Photography | Tripod | |
| Photography | Long Telephoto | Wildlife and Landscapes |
| Photography | Short Prime or Zoom (24mm) | Bike shots, People |
| Photography | Lens Cleaning Brush | |
| Photography | Spare Battery | Charged |
| Photography | Memory Cards in Ziplocks | Empty/Full |
| Photography | Card Reader for Computer | For downloading and backing up photos/videos |
| Photography | Computer with Wifi | Storing, Editing and Uploading Photos/Videos |
| Entertainment | MP3 Player | Music, Podcasts, Radio when available |
| Entertainment | Headphones/Earphones | While riding and off the bike |
| Charging | USB Cables or Chargers | Camera, Laptop, Cell Phone, MP3 Player |
| Navigation | GPS | Get latest map update. Upload route info. |
| Navigation | Maps | Paper and on laptop |
| Navigation | Guidebooks | |
| Navigation | Campground Guide | If guidebooks are not adequate |
| Personal Gear | First Aid Kit | Review contents – augment/remove as needed |
| Personal Gear | Toiletries and Medication | |
| Personal Gear | Shower Shoes | |
| Personal Gear | Camp/Hiking Shoes | Hiking in riding boots can be brutal! |
| Personal Gear | Regular Clothes | For walking around town… |
| Personal Gear | Fleece Jacket | Insulates when wet – more comfortable in camp |
| Personal Gear | Passport and ID | Crossing in and out of Canada |