Hi all, After getting my first bike in Feb, im off on my first big trip on May 13th, Warrington-John O'Groats! Now, on a Bandit 650, im expecting to have a flat arse by time i get there and there's little i can do about that (£140 for an Airhawk cushion, pftt! :getlost: ) So i was just wondering if you experienced tourers have any advice for me, equipment i should take that i wouldn't have already thought about, or things i could expect to break on the bike and would need checking before departure? Ive got a Givi top box fitted, and just bought some very cheap soft panniers from Ghostbikes (thanks for the link NWB :goodjob: ) got my self some leather trousers and a textile jacket, which im hoping will keep me cool when needed and warm with on that A9 :brr: . Any help would be most appreciated. Bass
Cig lighter adapter from your battery. Then you can charge a phone / satnav and stuff if required. They are quite cheap, you can get the Cig Lighter to USB adaptors from most Auto retailers and they are about a tenner. Make sure you have a bit of cash on you, rolled up under the sear if you have no pockets. Been in deepest darkest wales before now and had to pay cash for fuel. I imagine scotland being similar when you get off the beaten path Other than that just make sure you have the right kit, shouldnt be too cold that time of year, but a waterproof suit would be handy in case, as well as spare gloves in case they get wet. Breakdown service as well, if you have it with your insurance chances are it is "roadside assistance only" which if you have a puncture in the arse end of scotland is about as much use as tits on a fish. Full home recovery breakdown, also make sure it covers you for accident recovery as well. Not all do, and although I hope you dont have an accident being organised never hurt anyone. Biggest is a phone + credit in case of breakdown / problems. Enjoy it.
if youre going scotland take some baby wipes..... your visor and headlight will be inches thick with dead flies after a day lol! even worse towards autumn make sure you have recovery, just in case. be aware the fuel stops are few & far between the further out you go!
Make sure there are no gap in your gear, around the neck, bottom of trousers etc etc, Cold will always find a way in! Have a couple of spare pair of socks in a plastic bag (too keep them dry) at the top of your top box/panniers. Wet socks are a killer. Pack some "ready to eat" food, pasties or sausage rolls etc, if you break down and you have to wait a fortnight you will be glad that the munchies are there. A couple of bottles of pepsi Winner. p.s. dont drop it :icecream:
Duct tape and cable ties, you'll be amazed what you can fix with them. A couple spare fuses could be useful. Also a small toolkit from Halfords comes in handy and is small enough to stash under my seat (think it's about 4" x 6" in size) and a Leatherman/Gerber Multi-tool with pliers. For bigger repairs roadside assistance as mentioned by Deanoet is great to have.
i wouldnt expect any problems from such a new bike. lube chain before you go. take cash & cards. and a puncture repair kit just in case. give the bike a check over (brakes, fluids etc) and you'll be fine. i went to france and took clothes, passport, hi viz (legal req in france if you break down), breakdown cover, money and cards. thats it. i had a tailpack and everything fit fine. just take the essentials for clothes. clean socks / boxers for each day (perhaps a couple of spare pairs of socks), couple of t-shirts for riding, couple for off bike. 1 pair trainers, 1 pair jeans, 1 pair shorts (in case you drop lucky with weather) perhaps a light jacket and a sweatshirt/jumper. stick clean clothes in bin bags to keep them dry. baby wipes to clean visor are a great idea. a light weight waterproof oversuit is a good idea, and if poss a spare pair of gloves (are yours waterproof?). or you can take a couple of pairs of disposable gloves (like you get on the forecourt) that help if your gloves get wet.
You obviously don't ride a Suzuki ha ha ha Better to have a small essential set of tools than nothing for when a mirror vibrates loose etc.
I have been to Scotland twice best bit of kit i would recommend is Midge repellant,Scottish midges are blood thisty buggers,Dont laugh but Avon skin so soft actualy works,And buy it before you go as the locals sell it for double the price its such a big problem up there they have there own web site http://2010.midgeforecast.co.uk/ Also pack a can of Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair,the mobile phone signals a hit and miss in the highlands speaking of tyres how many miles have your current tyres done,your looking at well ove a 1000 miles round trip, whats your plans for accomodation,if your camping take a Mosquito net and make sure all your kit is packed in plastic bags trying to bed down for the night in wet gear isnt fun As for the numb bum I made a pad from bubble wrap and duct tape.I would also get few long rides of 150+ miles per day to harden you up before you go finaly enjoy yourself and remember Scotland is awesome for sceanery so dont forget the camara
Wow! Thanks guys, some really good ideas I would never of thought of. I've got Suzuki European recovery so that should be ok, I hope. The wet wipes are a brill idea, should help alot! Thanks again guys. As always this forum is very very helpful
Hi all, just thought I'd update you on my trip with me very limited 3G signal, Done nearly 1000miles so far, been to John OGroats, Orkeny, Skye, applecross pass (has to be visited if your here on your bike) and loch ness. I've done all that without incident, came back to the carpark and.... sh*t! Dropped my bike. Smashed indicator, scratched mirror cover, scuffed fairing and exhaust. Not happy! Ah well! All good.
