Awesome! Thank you very much!

What tools would/do you pack, in addition to the (worthless) OEM kit?

What do you do to prepare the bike, providing you don't have any current issues and you've got plenty of tread on your tires?

With my level of expertise in the engine/electrical, the tools I pack are limited to: OEM Package, and my cell phone!

Bike prep: check the air-pressure in your tires. Many puncture flats can be avoided with proper inflation, and it'll protect your handling and mileage.

I'm sure others will chime in too, I just can't see carrying all the what-if kind of tools, because then you'd have no room for a passenger or anything else. And as little trouble as we have with these big girls, it's not like we need to carry an extra quart of oil, or a drip-pan with us!
DKLAZ

EDIT: Oh yeah....always my Leatherman multi-tool, just enough there to do "fix it 'til it's broker!"

That's a relief! I've heard about the BMW Riders' Association, and H.O.G., that put out directories of phone numbers of people willing to help Beemer or Harley riders who have trouble on the road. I don't suppose there's something like that for us, is there?

Well I'd help a guy out no matter what he was sitting on or standing next to as the case may be.

Maybe we should try to get a directory of our own going...

BTW - Good thread with some good tips everyone.

We could arrange it by state, (rather than putting peoples' names in it) and also include trucking companies and wrecker services that are motorcycle-friendly, plus reputable dealerships in each city/state, campgrounds that are motorcyle-friendly, and hotels that are clean, safe, and cheap.

Maybe put it up in the Classifieds or Tech section or something, in a printable format, state by state, so a rider would only print off the states that they needed, rather than printing/carrying a whole book.

It could serve as a way for riders to meet up, render assistance to each other, and network. I know I'd feel a lot more confident about hitting the road, if something like this existed...

Good idea?

There's a group here in the Southwest US, not sure if they are national or not, Cyclerides.com. (Mods can edit that out if I stepped on any toes). They created and provided these yellow plastic streamers, about 3 feet long. They're designed to be hung from your handlebar if you're stopped by the side of the road with a mechanical or other crisis. How many of us have seen/been a biker stopped taking a whiz or a smoke, and wondered if we should stop or not to help. NOW, if I see the streamer (at least locally), I KNOW I'll stop to help, and not just to nterrupt a brother's communion with nature. Might be something to consider...
DKLAZ

I have a lot of miles on the superslab, and maybe a little strange, but I enjoy the cruise factor where you can sit back and let the miles go by. I enjoy the 2 lane highways too, more scenic, but actually much more dangerous. You have oncoming traffic with nothing between you and the oncoming car/truck but a white line. There are also driveways and intersections everywhere and folks in the country tend to just pull out!!!!
On the slab I like to take either the right or left lane as you have an escape that is almost always clear. The left almost never has a stopped vehicle in the emergency strip or shoulder as they tend to pull off to the right so you have that escape. Although your left shoulder is also ususally much smaller before you hit the grass median. At highway speed a ride into the grass can be quite and adventure. The right lane also has the added risk of merging traffic and that can eb interesting as a car or truck merging does not seem to notice the bike right next to them. I generally try to flow at or slightly above the speed of traffic so I only have to really be concerned about what is in front of me. You will still get the fast car coming up, but they rarely surprise me as I keep an eye open on the mirrors.
As for preparations on the bike, my scoot is always ready to ride. Tires good for the entire trip length or replace before you go or you will have to live with what you can find and that can be pretty crappy. Oil fresh, belt tension, cables in good condiiton no frayed ends at the levers. Especially check the clutch as that is the one that will fail most frequently and the throttle can be operated with only one and you have 2. You may have to switch out if the wrong one fails, but it will get you down the road. Check your brake pad for a few mm of wear at least, no fun finding them on the road if you need a set and they are cheap. I carry enough tools to handle basic stuff and an tire repair and inflator kit. I keep a can a spray and shine and a micro fiber cloth handy to clean the windshield and lights especially during the really buggy months. Carry some water and drink a lot as wind and sun will dry you out. Wear comfortable cloths and powder your back side. I like to take a break about every 2 hours and fill up on gas. Keep it on the top 2/3's of the tank so you have reserves if you get to a long stretch with no service. Check all you lights before you leave and make sure they are working. I also check the horn as there is nothing like hitting the button and nothing happens.
Now that you are ready double check your map, and route, have a charged cell phone and Visa card and enjoy the trip..

Thanks!! I really appreciate it.

Also, the yellow steamers sound like a good idea, and I've read that there's the universal distress signal of putting one's helmet on the ground to the rear of the bike.

Really solid advice.

If you can, a GPS will give you lots of good information. I love my cruise control, takes the sting out of the wrist after a few hours, plus you can't itch everything with just your left hand

Spare parts? A clutch cable, bulbs and fix a flat. A bike alarm or lock. Good rain suit, Reflective tape for helmet and jacket... and gum! Chewing keeps you awake!

Don't drive tired, pull over at a rest stop, catch a few zZZZzz's.

Almost forgot, a riders directory? Good idea, but really hard to administer. People change phones about every other year, they move, they die, get married (I know, same thing) or just forget to update their information.
Maybe a website? Oh wait, we have one.. Just contact RSC if you have a problem, we'll get someone out there to you!

Frank--

This is something you definitely might consider. Just a little extra peace of mind...no flat tire worries is a good thing.

Ride-on

Lots of people swear by it, including Musky, I believe.

I was doing a 100+ mile per day commute on a 75 MPH six/eight lane slab. In addition to what everyone else has said here, watch your speed. It's REALLY easy to get a bit of road hypnosis, and before you even realize it, you're tooling along at 87 MPH and don't even know it. Or so the New Mexico trooper told me...

Have fun!

RK