I get it. I tend to be a minimalist too. There is something to just grabbing the jacket, the wallet, a paper map shoved in the pocket, and hitting the trail. I plan to be in the middle: Get the bike prepped right, toss the necessities in the saddlebags, and go. I just wasn't sure what the "necessities" were, but as you point out, they can vary widely.

Fletch wrote:
Thanks for all of the great advice. I will add a windshield, ED touring seat, and saddlebags. I will do any maintenance well in advance, and make at least 1 test ride all loaded up prior to the trip. I always wear my helmet, so no worries on rules about that. I do want to change my oil pump gear. I know the recall work was done, but no idea if the upgraded gear was, so I will buy one and do it.

Make sure you put the ED seat on with enough time/miles to break it in or it will be just as bad as the stock seat. Mine didn't get comfy until I had about 1000 miles on it. 600 is the minimum recommended.

Father Pobasturd wrote:
I'm sure we have many members that have taken many more road trips than I have, and logged many more miles. They planned months ahead, packed all the tools and spare parts they thought they might need, and when it was all over, they probably had a road trip that was almost as contrived and boring as the rest of their lives are. When I was younger, before cell phones and before I got all fued up physically, I would roll up a jacket if I thought I might need it, hit the gas station and head off to...wherever. Most times I made it back without a hitch, if I thought my bike was that bad off I just didn't go. But there were times when shit happened, and it's during those times I met some of the most interesting people that I would have never otherwise met, and had some of the best times of my life. Motorcycling is supposed to be about freedom of the road and adventure. These bikes are pretty dependable as bikes go. Mine's a rat, but, if health permitted, I would jump on it and point it anywhere on the continent with a rolled up jacket and not much else. Making all these grand plans and itineraries and shit-dragged-along, to me takes all the fun out of it. It's like planning your own surprise birthday party. But I also understand some people are just too uptight to roll like that. So, understand, I'm not putting anyone down, this is just how I roll.

Given my opinion of PB, I can't believe I'm agreeing with him...but ONLY about this post. Yes, biking is about freedom and having the time and sense of adventure to just jump on your ride and go is one of the joys of it. But, in the case of the OP, he has a set amount of time, a specific destination, and doesn't seem to have the luxury of throwing caution to the wind. Just like when I go to Celina this June, I will prepare for it the same way I would if I were traveling in a cage as far as checking maintenance items, hotel reservations, scheduled stops, etc, and things specific to riding (patch kit, tools, rain gear, etc.). Now, if I were just taking a few weeks to "discover" the US with no actual destination and my purpose was to seek adventure, then screw it...grab my credit card, phone, gun, and go. No maps, no reservations, no real "plan". Maybe a blanket to sleep under the stars and an emergency medical kit.

Usually I take some basic tools and a tire plug kit and 12v compressor. When I went to Eureka Springs last year I brought almost nothing. It was only 2800 miles, what could happen?

A lot of good suggestions, but what ever you do don't forget to pack this.

barmandr wrote:
Father Pobasturd wrote:
I'm sure we have many members that have taken many more road trips than I have, and logged many more miles. They planned months ahead, packed all the tools and spare parts they thought they might need, and when it was all over, they probably had a road trip that was almost as contrived and boring as the rest of their lives are. When I was younger, before cell phones and before I got all fued up physically, I would roll up a jacket if I thought I might need it, hit the gas station and head off to...wherever. Most times I made it back without a hitch, if I thought my bike was that bad off I just didn't go. But there were times when shit happened, and it's during those times I met some of the most interesting people that I would have never otherwise met, and had some of the best times of my life. Motorcycling is supposed to be about freedom of the road and adventure. These bikes are pretty dependable as bikes go. Mine's a rat, but, if health permitted, I would jump on it and point it anywhere on the continent with a rolled up jacket and not much else. Making all these grand plans and itineraries and shit-dragged-along, to me takes all the fun out of it. It's like planning your own surprise birthday party. But I also understand some people are just too uptight to roll like that. So, understand, I'm not putting anyone down, this is just how I roll.

Given my opinion of PB, I can't believe I'm agreeing with him...but ONLY about this post. Yes, biking is about freedom and having the time and sense of adventure to just jump on your ride and go is one of the joys of it. But, in the case of the OP, he has a set amount of time, a specific destination, and doesn't seem to have the luxury of throwing caution to the wind. Just like when I go to Celina this June, I will prepare for it the same way I would if I were traveling in a cage as far as checking maintenance items, hotel reservations, scheduled stops, etc, and things specific to riding (patch kit, tools, rain gear, etc.). Now, if I were just taking a few weeks to "discover" the US with no actual destination and my purpose was to seek adventure, then screw it...grab my credit card, phone, gun, and go. No maps, no reservations, no real "plan". Maybe a blanket to sleep under the stars and an emergency medical kit.
This is an accurate picture of both sides of the coin.

Yes, when you have a set amount of time and a specific destination you MUST plan accordingly. If you're free-birding like FP does it, yea great go for it, but my idea of adventure and freedom does not include freezing my ass off because I wan't thinking about where I was going or what the weather might be. Nor being broke down on the side of the road with no means to help myself because I wanted to be 'free', doesn't make sense to me.

If you plan on riding through the desert carry a bandana to cover your mouth and nose from the dry heat, also leave your leathers on because it will keep the sun off and holds the moisture in.

twowheeltherapy wrote:
[b]

Yes, when you have a set amount of time and a specific destination you MUST plan accordingly. If you're free-birding like FP does it, yea great go for it, but my idea of adventure and freedom does not include freezing my ass off because I wan't thinking about where I was going or what the weather might be. Nor being broke down on the side of the road with no means to help myself because I wanted to be 'free', doesn't make sense to me.

Things like being responsible FOR and TO other human beings kind of dictate that you don't just run off chasing the sun on Friday afternoon and be a self absorbed dick. I'd like to think I have gained a little wisdom along the way to free me from these self imposed hard lessons.

Fletch wrote:
This October, we are heading to Tulsa, OK for the Great Dane National dog show. I planned on trailering the bike there, then while the wife is dog showing, I plan to head out to my dad's ranch in NM. I have never done a trip like this. What prep do I need? My bike is stock except for the V&H short shots and a K and N filter in the stock air box. I figured I needed:
1. Some sort of saddlebags/sissy bar pack
2. GPS holder for cell phone for google maps
3. helmet with blue tooth for the maps (excuse for new helmet)
4. Take bike to dealer for full checkup (brakes, etc...)
5. I plan to do my own servicing like oil, etc...
6. Purchase a good tool kit
7. Rain suit

I plan to stay in hotels/motels on the way down historic route 66 into Tucumcari, NM, then turn south to Roswell. What prep am I missing? Any advice from folks who take week long trips would be greatly appreciated.

Fletch, the trip across OK and TX. on old 66 is nothing but a concrete service road for I-40! It is rough and not very enjoyable. Only small stretches is the original Hi-way. Their are some places it goes through small towns that are practically ghost towns since the interstate was built. I was born and raised in western Ok.. (Erick, OK ) along the old highway.. Worked at service stations there in the 60's that were on the old road. The panhandle of TX. is not Enjoyable no matter where you cross it. But I would do anything to avoid I-40! Amarillo to Tucumcari sucks. If I was going to Roswell I would go southwest out of OKC to Lawton then to Altus, Hollis OK and to Memphis Tx. and Silverton, and own to Roswell N.M. It is not a bad ride. If you go that way consider stopping at Medicine ParK It is a little town in the Wichita Mountains next to the wildlife refuge north of Lawton. I-40 is semi truck heaven.. so damn much turbulence riding amongst them things it can get quite scary at times. JUst my opinion. I have been riding this area of the southwest for many a year.. Ride safe and have fun. Oh, I forgot to Mention if you get up early, it is just a days ride from Tulsa to Roswell. Riding easy and gawking, two days easy..OH Yeah, get you some of those foam earplugs. You will get Damn tired of listening to those shortshots!!

Thanks Agpilot! I am disappointed to hear about Route 66. I had envisioned this historic ride and thought it would be great and memorable. Your suggested route sounds like the better plan. I will pull out (up) a map and check it out. And yes, the bike came with the short shots. Very loud. I am planning to replace with 2 into 1's. I think I am losing HP and Torque with them as well.