Gear for touring.....

Motorcycling
1

Hello All,

As per my post in the Questions and Answers section I’m planning a trip to Cortona in May / June 2011. It’s going to be an approximately 11-day trip with a few days in Cortona in the middle. Here’s what I’m planning to take in terms of bike and necessary riding / luggage gear so any advice on where best (i.e. cheapest) to get it and anything else I should have with me greatly appreciated.

-Yamaha XJ6 n = Already own and definitely can’t afford to change!
-Arai Chaser Helmet = already own and very happy with
-Dark Visor = Don’t own. Where best to buy?
-Alpine Stars textile jacket = already own and without liner should be breathable enough for those climates
-Bering textile over trousers = already own and again should be fine over an old pair of jogging trousers
-Screen = Don’t own. Am thinking of going for Yamaha screen because only want a small one as it’s main purpose is to protect the sat nav. Unless it’s as simple as snap on then would need to get somewhere that can fit.
-Sat Nav = Don’t own. After much deliberation it’s going to be the Garmin 660. Where’s the best place to get it? Amazon? Also, trying to figure out where it’s best to get it set up to be connected to the bike battery?
-Moto Detail Digital Tyre Pressure Guage = Don’t own but they have them at Get Geared for a good price
-Luggage = Don’t own but have basically decided on Oxford Sport Panniers and a get geared 50L waterproof touring bag – both from Get Geared
-Portable lock = Any ideas welcome on which type and where to get. Am thinking a Motrax Vishas Disc Lock.

Erm, think that’s it. As above, any suggestions or advice welcome.

Thanks!

n

2

http://www.racevisors.co.uk/ for the visor

thought about getting a cheap sat nav and wrapping it in cling film?
get a cigarette lighter socket from maplin or do a google search. Hook that up to your battery.

powerbronze, skidmarx or pyramid plastics for the screen…

you can pick up waterproof roll-top sack from any camping shop (ellis brigham, cotswold outdoor etc)
I got a 35litre one for about £20 and it’s bomb proof, use it every day

good luck with the trip!

3

check out TELFERIZER.COM for satnav mounts good value, go on Ebay search marine 12v sockets approx £3 wire to battery Ive got 1 under seat and 1 on fairing, buy a tyre plugging kit and if you got room a small 12v tyre inflator gets you outta trouble, make sure you invest in Euro breakdown mines £60 for the year due to bike age, make sure you got penty of tread on your tyres and that all fluids in tiptop nick. take small map as well in case you break/lose satnav, if your not used to riding long distances take plenty of breaks and most of all…ENJOY IT :slight_smile:

4

Hi Nemaxma,

Firstly congrats on deciding on doing the trip! It will be a blast. I have recently done a 3 month tour of Europe visiting 10 countries and doing 10 000 miles, so hope I can give you some advice especially since I did it on the same very bike :wink:

Dark Visor, must have for the sunny days, make sure you do have your clear one with you as well… As Radders says… racevisors is the place to get one from.

In terms of clothing what you have is fine, I found having a pair of Dragon Jeans also helpful as well as much more comfortable off the bike for walking around exploring.

Screen would be good addition as the constant wind pressure will do your head after a few hours! Again, Radders has good suggestions but do agree with Yamaha suggestion you have yourself.

Sat Nav, I personally bought the Garmin 660 and it performed flawlessly however I did have it wired into bike… as battery life is a mere 2 hours or so before flat. Although, to be honest you could get away with something less expensive but if you are going to make use of it in future then worth investment.

Luggage -> Oxford Post Panners are great piece of kit for short hall just bear in mind a coupe of things… A) They can end up rubbing on your tyres… which is not good. The can either be due to fitting incorrectly, or tilting when entering bends and thereby touching wells. Both of which I experienced on my trip. I ended up throwing them away! B) They are not very waterproof without their covers on… Get caught in a rain and all your stuff will be wet in no time at all. THe covers are okay but easily blow off or tear!

The 50L touring bags from GetGeared are legendary, I had four of them and only one failed due to being over full. They are a brilliant. Pretty stable as well and you can get two on top of each on back of XJ6 :wink:

Security, I did have the Motrax Visha Lock however never used it. :wink:

Make sure you have got European cover as well! Both in terms of bike insurance and recovery. Also note that insurance does not cover anything which is not a permanent fixture to your bike.

Check out http://ourlifebreak.com/ for my Gear and Things Learnt page and if you more questions etc. feel free to ask/pm and I will try and help, answer.