First time touring, advice appreciated.. IOM/Wales Complete

[zedmeister]

we are off to the island next week can't wait, staying in Kirk Michael taking the van with both bikes in the back. There is heightened security at the port ( Heysham )and its the Gurkhas who are doing the searches, but they are stopping you before you enter the port not actually in the port grounds. This is because next to the port, Heysham has a Nuclear Powerstation, and that is the primary security reason. You will need ID of some sort.

As for packing you need only the basics in clothing for the first day or so, it is so easy to buy t-shirts, undies, socks, toiletries etc,( big tesco in Douglas 1 minute from the dock ) for a few quid then when you have done with them just throw them away. For the more formal stuff you will need to take with you, no need to panic about packing at all there is ample space with 120ltr+.

As for security i don't bother on the island no need its mutual respect among bikers and 1 biker will look out for another ones pride and joy, and by the sounds of it you have plenty anyway.

just booked for 2018 today, it took me 3.5 hours to get through!!

[zedmeister]

Just out of curiosity Tay, what tracker did you buy?

DONT TELL HIM PIKE !!! 

[shaggs147]

Zed .... you are now on ze list

[zedmeister]

 

[Tay]

Importantly don't forget ID for the ferry.

Yup, on my list, since I dont have Driver lic photo ID, it'll need to be the passports.

[Tay]

Just out of curiosity Tay, what tracker did you buy?

Ebay special for testing. 
Rewire Nano102
Seems okay, lots of faffing about to get it working etc, was sent back once, but I fear some of that might have been down to me.
Now I have a decent sim (giffgaff £7.50 tariff currently, but will drop it as I dont need to text so much) and it works pretty good, you do need to configure it by sms, so the acknowledgments can take its toll if you are on a very light tariff.

I went for the gpslive premium (I really dont know what that give you over the gpslive only) but its premium, must be better right !! - its all manual to set up and manage but comes in around £40 quid + sim charges + £30 quid per year for access to gpspremium.

There is a test site you can use..  https://gpslive.co.uk/  - go to bottom right for the demo login.

Happy so far, I run it in sms mode only unless there is an activation I'm not expecting then I can switch it to full on live tracking mode. As I've not wired it in yet its on batteries only, last maybe 4-5 days in standby mode.  Hooking up to bike battery would help but I might just wait until I choose a power module unit.  I've heard some horror stories about police not turning up for ages once you track the bike yourself, so I'm a little hesitant to pursue this one.

Whilst I'm pretty happy with it I might switch to Trakking from Datatool,  this one is basically has a control centre monitor all events, if it moves outside a geofence area or moves without the ignition then they call you up to confirm it's been stolen or otherwise etc, once you report to police they can act on your behalf and guide the police.   

Pricing seems pretty good (comparatively speaking, to the likes of Biketrak), retail is £179 + fitting (they reckon its roughly 1.5hrs tops) then £99 per year subscription.   https://trakking.net/home
     
The nano102 is a bit belt and braces and the Trakking is much more pro.   

[Tay]

we are off to the island next week can't wait, staying in Kirk Michael taking the van with both bikes in the back. There is heightened security at the port ( Heysham )and its the Gurkhas who are doing the searches, but they are stopping you before you enter the port not actually in the port grounds. This is because next to the port, Heysham has a Nuclear Powerstation, and that is the primary security reason. You will need ID of some sort.

As for packing you need only the basics in clothing for the first day or so, it is so easy to buy t-shirts, undies, socks, toiletries etc,( big tesco in Douglas 1 minute from the dock ) for a few quid then when you have done with them just throw them away. For the more formal stuff you will need to take with you, no need to panic about packing at all there is ample space with 120ltr+.

As for security i don't bother on the island no need its mutual respect among bikers and 1 biker will look out for another ones pride and joy, and by the sounds of it you have plenty anyway.

just booked for 2018 today, it took me 3.5 hours to get through!!

tks

I'm not there until the back end of June (skipping the TT this year to catch up with friends, so the population should be down to normal level :)

Also we're heading out of Liverpool, not sure if that'll be better or worse for security.  I'll make sure we leave plenty of time, its a 11:15 departure for the ferry and were some 60 miles down the road. 

[shaggs147]

Lived in Liverpool for 27 years Tay and never had a problem yet. Don't believe the stereotypical crap you hear about Liverpool, it's a great city to visit. Yes, there will be the odd lowlife you get in any major city, but they would only be interested in scooters and dirt bikes. Don't worry about bike security, just enjoy the trip.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Tay]

Not worried about the low lifes, there is plenty in London for the rest of the UK !.

I was referring to the additional security measures, post Manchester, as opposed to the crime there :)

[O.C.]

Tay my friend, methinks you worry too much ....pack a few things into the space left by S.W.M.B.O climb aboard and have a blast...Enjoy my friend...Oh and do NOT forget to tell us all about your trip when you return      

[Tay]

Tay my friend, methinks you worry too much ....pack a few things into the space left by S.W.M.B.O climb aboard and have a blast...Enjoy my friend...Oh and do NOT forget to tell us all about your trip when you return      

Perhaps, maybe I need to unsub from a few facebook groups !!

Security wise I'm reasonably happy for the trip,  1 x Alarmed disc lock and a cover, the other tracker might be fitted by then, maybe not. That'll suffice me thinks. Cover keeps it out of view and keeps my arse dry if it's be peeing down in the night.

Now, down to the packing, SWMBO has panniers inside for her to practise on :)

Couple of tweaks to the bike and I'll be good to go. 

[ChrisB]

we have done france, germany, austria. Scotland, England, Ireland and northern Ireland with only a disc lock. common sense goes a long way. we always ask if there is secure parking no matter where we go. if not available then look around for a hiding place to park out of sight.
left pannier for the wife, right for me. top box for camera and spare trainers and gloves. tank bag for anything we can fit in, using it for handbag, shoulder bag with docs and money. obviously not left when parked. bought a simple wire lock to secure tank bag and helmets when parked. enjoy.

[Rusty]

Tay ... enjoy your trip ! Pop your camera stuff in the top box that way you can grab it quick when you get one of those moments when all is needed.
Chain and disc lock ... I just used the steering lock and disc lock in Spain.. that was fine. Get a weather app for your mobile .. they are becoming more and more accurate .. may help with waterproofs etc .. take or not to take etc ... just take the basics and if you forget anything essential buy it when you're there. If you are ever out and about and fancy a cup of T on your GTR pop across to Loxwood Ave .. Ill put the kettle on. Just don't baffle me with any technical stuff and we'll get on fine !

[pross]

I use the top box for bike bits puncture kit ,compresser,spare gloves etc  bike chain .
Leaving the two panniers for you and your good lady I also use pannier bags I never remove them when away just take out the bags whatever the weather 

Or the other option she has two panniers and you wear and use your pockets 

[nightrider]

Let s get this into prospective, he going from his house 60 miles away then bike at his mates for a week then back home via Wales  ,not exactly round the world , should be safe anough,,,