But, I'm off touring in a month for a coupla weeks. It's my first time touring on a any type of bike worried about the packing side of things, as the wife struggles to NOT use a suitcase when on overnight trips to my mum in the car !!
Have full luggage (Panniers and top box) & tank bag if needs be. I'm into my photography so will be 'trying' to take my DSLR and a couple of lenses and spare batteries etc, maybe even a small collapsible tripod. but if that doesnt happen then so be it, I'll take a point and shoot.
Any tips on that side of things would be great!
I'm a little worried about security of the bike when travelling to Liverpool stopping overnight about 80 miles south in a prem inn. then riding up to Liverpool the following morning for the IOM crossing, less worried whilst on on the Isle of Man as we're staying with friends and it'll be garaged for the most part.
What do your guys do when you're away? I have a couple of disc locks, one of which is alarmed. I have a tracker and thats about it. I'm travelling back through Wales the following week some nice hotels and some prem inn's, so not really sure how secure they really are, all are off road.
Is a cover advised?, Is it worth taking a big "eff off" chain etc?
Any tips greatly appriciated
As far as packing for the trip goes, all i can say is do a dummy run by getting out what you think you need, then try to pack it in your panniers. Then when you realise you can't get half of it in, try it again with what you really need. You can always buy extra toiletries etc as you go. When I went on my trip I didn't bother with locks or chains, but just took all the luggage and sat nav off the bike when I parked up for the night.
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We always go in B&B (cause very familiar and more trustworty mostly) or hotel only in case of bike can be garaged indeed. We check or ask it before we lake booking. If not possible some look for a solution anyway
Lock on brake and chain was always OK for me then
Enjoy yr trip !
Packing for a trip is easy...your wife gets one pannier & half the top box....you get the other. My laptop goes in the top box, along with my DSLR, tank bag is for anything else we will need...(like paperwork when we go to France) waterproofs etc.
As for staying at hotels, I use a chain, the panniers and top box go into the room....just leave a naked bike outside.
Tay
Have a read through this forum thread here http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=513.0
Security ? If you have room for a chain, then why not, but I always rely on the alarm and ki-pass. It's a bloody heavy bike, no one is going to pick it up to take it away.
Packing is a personal choice. I take stuff for each day [underwear/tee shirt etc] plus one extra as insurance. Share as much as you can, and you are not going off grid or away for months, you don't need a lot, and what you forget will be available in a shop. Rolling clothing rather than folding can save space and should mean less creases.
I don't know Mrs Tay, but I try and enforce a strict one pannier only and a share of the top box with Mrs doebag.
Oh, and quoting myself from the thread linked to
Quite a few years ago, I was given a packing tip.
When you come back from a trip, make three piles of the stuff that you took.
1/ Stuff you took and used
2/ Stuff you took and used, but could have left behind
3/ Stuff you took but did not need.
Next trip, take pile 1, a selection from pile 2 [ might include waterproofs for example], and leave pile 3 at home.
After doing this a few times you will have a pile of items that you always use, and no excess items. When I pack for holidays, Mrs Doebag always say's 'is that all you are taking' and the answer is 'yes, I won't need any more'
I know it does not help on your first trip, but it is worth remembering. I just noticed you are going for a couple of weeks, take a weeks worth, and either borrow your friends washing machine or have a day off from riding and go to the launderette.
Having toured with my wife, the simple rule is this: she gets the left pannier. And the right pannier. And the top box. I get the tank bag.
DSLR & tripod? You should be so lucky! Point and shoot and micro-tripod (for timed selfies...)
As for security, one alarmed disc lock should be plenty. Also, parking the bike in places that aren't easily accessible is better security. For example, down a path somewhere, in an area that is barriered off (you can fit down the side on the path). Basically, anywhere that a van cannot get to. Any bike can be put in the back of a van in seconds by a few hefty blokes. Not so if the van can't get anywhere near it.
Cheers
Paul B.
Security? what do you use at home? What do you use on your commmute to work?
Why be any different just because you're going on holiday?
All you need is a disc lock ,, :biker3:
Thanks for the tips all that really useful has has activated the synapses.
As for the home security aspect I'm paranoid, I know too many people in London and there is a crime wave going on right now, brazen scooter oxygen thieves nicking anything and everything secured or otherwise.
I have a garage thats way to small for the car.
I still use both disc locks, I have a ground anchor and CCTV (although thats been in there for years), the garage door is secured too (it's datataged too, but that that doesnt stop people), Last person in parks right up to the door, it has a tracker I've been testing for a few weeks, just a cheapy one but it seems to work well. I don't commute at the moment but when I did it was in the car, as it was generally faster.
The glove box might be suitable for both disc locks and keeps the weight forward, so I'll try that.
I was considering taking out the inner bags only, but it seems to make sense to take them all off since its so easy.
Thanks again for the tips.
Don't they Nick bikes in London ,and push them along with their foot by useing a scooter,imagine doing that with a gtr ,, :mfr_lol:
Of course touring in a car is so much easier
Quote from: nightrider on May 29, 2017, 03:24:02 PM
Don't they Nick bikes in London ,and push them along with their foot by using a scooter,imagine doing that with a gtr ,, :mfr_lol:
After watching some of the videos, nothing would surprise me with those oiks. Videos of them nicking Panegale's in broad daylight with pedestrians walking passed. Taunting the rozzers, they have no fear despite all the rhetoric from vigilante bikers.
They would probably just set the bastard on fire to act as a diversion or 'chuck' it in the back of a van and flog the parts. given that steering locks last 30 secs tops, the damage they do in under a minute is scary.
Quote from: PRD on May 29, 2017, 04:46:51 PM
Of course touring in a car is so much easier
Thats true. But done IOM quite a few times in the car, got the bike for it now and looking forward to it, I suspect the novelty might wear off when it pisses down everyday though !
Importantly don't forget ID for the ferry.
Just out of curiosity Tay, what tracker did you buy?
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!!
Quote from: shaggs147 on May 29, 2017, 08:33:27 PM
Just out of curiosity Tay, what tracker did you buy?
DONT TELL HIM PIKE !!! :mfr_lol:
Zed .... you are now on ze list
:2guns:
Quote from: Mikey on May 29, 2017, 05:36:42 PM
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.
Quote from: shaggs147 on May 29, 2017, 08:33:27 PM
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.
Quote from: zedmeister on May 29, 2017, 08:35:45 PM
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.
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.
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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 :)
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 :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on May 30, 2017, 06:02:17 AM
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 :yes:
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.
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.
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 ! :yes:
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 :yes:
Or the other option she has two panniers and you wear and use your pockets :popcorn:
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,,, :mfr_lol:
Riding from Cheshire to Croatia via Hull ferry in September, picking my good lady up at Zagreb airport, disc lock is all that I'm taking....well apart from a change of undies, after I've reversed them :whistling:
About 15 years ago, I was on 'Le Shuttle' with the car, when a guy on a Ducati 9something pulled on behind us. We got chatting, and I noticed he had no luggage at all, just a small bum bag. He told me he had a credit card, visor cleaner and spare pants. He was on his way to visit family in Italy and was sure that anything else he needed he would buy on his way or when he got there. :cool:
Quote from: Rusty on June 01, 2017, 02:36:37 PM
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 ! :yes:
Gonna go with basic Waterproofs, it will rain, IOM is notorious for its weather !! 4 season in one day etc. The wife has textiles so she is ok, I just need a spare pair of gloves and I'm good.
Thanks for the offer, we've pretty much got it all planned already, but I've got some catching up to do with an old mate, I think there could be some hangovers around!.
Don't worry about techie stuff I dont have a clue :)
Quote from: doebag on June 01, 2017, 08:37:51 PM
About 15 years ago, I was on 'Le Shuttle' with the car, when a guy on a Ducati 9something pulled on behind us. We got chatting, and I noticed he had no luggage at all, just a small bum bag. He told me he had a credit card, visor cleaner and spare pants. He was on his way to visit family in Italy and was sure that anything else he needed he would buy on his way or when he got there. :cool:
I better get some BO basher for the leathers then !!
I just come back from a week in France, my first Trip on my own and a few mishaps. But I will mention the main one as I thought I was a switched on type of guy.
All my stuff was in a bum bag on the front of me zipped up and secure. Anyway I got onto a shuttle bus and noticed to young girls that looked not really old enough to be up to no good. The one touched my hand a few times, I was holding the grab rail on the bus etc. This I thought was odd but as it was happening I latter found out my wallet was being taken.
Money,I will only take enough for that day
Cards I will leave a spare back at base etc
Be aware in tight spaces as this is where it happens.
The bigger the attraction, the more of a risk.
It's common very common and on the increase.
I realise this is only suitable if you have based yourself somewhere.
Take a spare phob my phob started playing up and I realised the spare ain't a lot of good in the house.
Hope this helps
We always take 2 sets of keys. One set with me and the other with the wife. Each set has a KIPASS fob, pannier key, top box key, disc lock key and padlock key for the cable we use to secure helmets to bike when parked. Just be sure not to leave a set in the luggage on the bike.
So.....
We were pretty brutal in the end as far as packing was concerned.. She got a pannier, with enough gear 'ish" for 2 weeks as did I.
Techie stuff ended up in the tank bag, hence I could take it with me on the ferry etc.. this worked out pretty well, the top box had wet gear, shoes etc bike cover.
The only thing that didnt get used was a small mini tripod for the camera.
The trip was pretty uneventful with no mishaps etc. The lugging of panniers, tank bag, jackets, lids, top box was a bit of a pain in the ass, eg: lugging it all in leathers, got a bit bloody hot.
Best idea of the trip was the lightweight kevlar jeans I had, I was just going to use them as lightweight riding gear for the trip but in the end I posted the knee and hip armour back home and just used them for going out etc, I had shorts but since it wasnt hot I only wore them a few times.
The weather in the isle of Man was dire for a few days, it flippin hoofed it down, luckily we were staying with friends that do holiday cottages, they had a cancelation so we ended up with a nice cottage for a week.
Since it was school term time, we ended up in the car mostly after the kids were dropped off with our friends.
We managed to get out and about mid week and did a few laps of the TT circuit whilst we could, despite it not peeing down then it was still pretty wet and cold on the mountain, the 8-9 deg temps were a little unexpected for June/July.
Saw a few museums, went to a few Bike/Car places, did some vids, took a bunch of photos, saw some basking sharks, did a full tour around the island. We were expecting the worst when we left IOM and headed for North Wales, turned out to be great for the most part, slightly damp at one point but as long as we didnt stop we stayed dry. Even saw a few low passes by the RAF near Bala.
We ended up just north of Cardiff on Wednesday and caught up with some more friends, then made our way back Yesterday.
Despite a twats best efforts to try and kill us in his little red mini on the M4, we made it back with the GTR intact, and immensely impressed with the fuel usage and the trip in general.
Before we left for the trip we pottered around in the south on some spins around West Sussex, heading out to Ryka's, Custom Cafe, Wessons and Loomies etc, getting around 44-45MPG so didnt expect much more than that on the trip.
Over the 1300 miles we managed 54MPG on average, I ended up panicing and filling up frequently just in case, but I needn't have worried, there was tons in the tank. That included the spins around the TT circuit, often easing it past 120-130Mph and a spirited M4 jaunt yesterday to get back home. I could have done with some more airflow on me, it was it was pushing 31 degs on the trip back and we had had no space for the light summer gear.
The GTR performed flawlessly, although it needs a bloody good clean!!
The rear is starting to look like its squaring off a tad, not surprising with 2.5k on it now, I seem to recall the ZZR did that on the standard tyres after a coupla K. This this was fully loaded for 1300 miles.
Mightly impressed with the whole experience on our first tour.
Not sure when the next trip will be, but looking forward to it.
good report sounds like you had a great time despite some bad weather, thanks for sharing ~~~any piccies ?
Buy some pannier bags they are a godsend. I got mine from Heine Gericke but there are some tailor made ones on ebay.