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What To Pack For Your Motorcycle Holiday And Where To Pack Them

Posted: Wednesday, June 06, 2007

by Ian Molloy
Crikey Adventure Tours

Packing is one of those things you never think about until you have to do it. It is also something you don’t think about until you go with somebody or see somebody who has mastered it. You will then be embarrassed when he (or chances are she) unpacks and packs in half the time it takes you. He/She will know where everything is and have a spot for everything. They will not leave a necessary item at home…

Speaking of necessary items, you do not have a car and you must be ruthless in what you take and leave behind. Once you have your list there will always be something else that is vital, try to use this list as best you can adapted to your individual needs.

To start off, you wear your riding gear (leathers, Jeans or whatever and underwear appropriate to the season; plus a t-shirt under it, plus a light jumper if it’s really cold. Add boots waterproof and protective, helmet (possibly with a tinted visor – it makes a big difference to your fatigue level) and a pair of gloves. You also make sure that your bike’s toolkit is fully stocked and in place.

Then you pack:

A clear visor (for night riding)
In summer, a spare pair of gloves (warm and waterproof)
Rubber overboots if you aren’t wearing waterproof boots

All of these should be packed somewhere easily accessible.

Next:

A pair of jeans or moleskins
A pair of light walking shoes (sneakers)
A pair of thongs (or whatever you call them in your country – flip-flops, jandals)
Two t-shirts
Two pair of underpants
Two pair of socks
Two handkerchiefs (more practical than tissues)
A light jumper (unless you’re already wearing one – then add a light nylon windcheater or a sweatshirt)
Two pair of shorts
Swimming costume (in summer); a pair of shorts could double up here
A baseball-type cap

Pack all the clothes in a plastic bag and toss in a small container of laundry detergent so you can wash them. If you’re fastidious, include another plastic bag for dirty clothes.

Motorcycle tools, spare parts and accessories:

Inner tube
Small socket set
Owners manual
Workshop manual
Fire extinguisher
Fist aid kit
Torch with a bulk and fluorescent tube
Aerosol type inflator
Pump
Multi-purpose spanner
Impact screwdriver
Tyre levers
Tyre valves and key
Spoke spanner
Tyre pressure gauge
Spark plugs (full set)
Spark plug gapping tool
Aerosol lubricant
Insulating tape
Length of rope
Brake and clutch cables
Throttle cable
Standard tool kit
Tube of silicone sealant
Bulbs (head, turn, stop/tail)
Puncture outfit
High tension wire
Short length of chain
Chain breaker
Spare ignition key (carry in your wallet or hang on a light chain around neck)
Fuses
Allen key kit (change crosshead screws used on engine for an Allen key kit and take an Allen key)
Epoxy bond
Foam, plastic and ties for wrapping other small spare parts and tools
Soft-face hammer
Plastic bags

Wrap all items together in a tough, water-resistant material, such as canvas, and strap them securely to the motorcycle. First aid items may be carried in the tank bag.

Then add:

Your wet pack, containing: shaving gear, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb, small containers of soap and shampoo and a box of matches. (Never know when you might need matches).
A wire coat hanger, twisted together into a ball, and a tobacco tin full of bolts and nuts
A camera and one or two spare rolls of film (plus, maybe, spare batteries for the camera), instead of the quick happy-snappy in your tank bag
Don’t forget a small amount of cash as well as a credit card (or, preferably, two: in case one gets eaten by an ATM) and your rego papers

You will note that the contents of this list will fit reasonably comfortably into a single pannier (leaving the other for your tent, mattress, sleeping bag or your pillion’s stuff.

Try this list and see how you go.

Try this little tip. Get everything you absolutely need and pile it all onto the bed. Have a good look at it and remove half of it. Now have a look at what is left and remove half of this. Now you are left with what you should actually take – if it fits.

Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours http://crikey-adventure-tours.com/index.html. Ian has travelled extensively around Australia. Visit his website for more information about his tours and other related topics. His site is full of very helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel http://crikey-adventure-tours.com/motorcycle-holiday.html, driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other camping and travel information

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