Tips for Two Wheel Travel

Shady’s Tips and Tricks - What the Hell do I know?

Shady’s Two-Wheel Tips

I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. My father taught me to ride dirt in the early 1970’s and I never lost the excitement of straddling two wheels. I began riding street back in 1982 (I really don’t feel that old) and have not been without a bike since. I was told that as the years pile up, one gains knowledge with experience. So, here I am writing about one of the things I think I know... the joys of motorcycling. I hope that this monthly column helps out a few of you out there who take the time to read it. And if you have any ideas or questions, please don’t hesitate to suggest or ask.

My father and I have been riding together for the past 19 years taking trips to almost every state in the nation. We started with some 4 day trips back in Missouri when he would trailor his bike in from Colorado. He would come in around springtime to turkey hunt with his buddies for a week and then he and I would take our 4 or 5 day trek into the back woods of Missouri, which if you have never ridden, has beautiful rolling hills and winding roads for awesome motorcycling.

We then shifted our trips out to Colorado starting in 1995 and have almost every year based our trips out of Denver. Colorado has to be one of the coolest, majestic and dryest states to ride in (so did you get the hint... we got tired of running into rain, sleet, and tornadoes in the spring of Missouri - it’s best to ride in the summer or fall in the Show-Me State).

So after riding on week long to two week trips, you learn a few things. The following gives a few hints of what you might need or put in your bags that will help you survive on the road for a week.

1. Tools

Yep, it is a good idea to have some kind of tool kit with you on any road trip. Whether it is a simple kit you buy from your dealer or a bike shop, or one you put together yourself, it is a must have. I have two bags of tools, one in each saddle bag. One bag has a few of the larger items you might need like a vice grips, a wratchet wrench, a crescent wrench and a few larger screwdrivers. The other has miscellaneous other smaller tools. Hex wrenches, smaller open end wrenches, wire ties, wratchet ends, and even a siphon hose is included in case your buddy forgets to fill up and you need to borrow from yours or someone elses gas reserve.

2. Maps

Yep, I have been traveling with the “hard copy” maps since I started riding. I am the kind of person who rarely gets lost and usually know where I am, but on occasion, a map that is handy, either in your tank bag, or on top or your t-bag is a wonderful thing. These days, all one needs is a GPS system, but I prefer the old fashioned way of seeing the “You Are Here” dot on the printed kind. Before heading out on any long trip, I recommend going to a book store and purchasing all necessary state maps. And really, they aren’t that hard to fold back up.

3. Flashlight

I carry a small flashlight in one of my saddlebags, not just for the occasional night time ride, but for almost all problem instances. A flashlight is handy in case of a breakdown as you will never know if you have to look deep into the bowels of your bike. Small flashlights are pretty cheap and can fit into just about any nook on you or your bike.

4. Rain Gear

On short trips, I usually make sure I carry my leather jacket, chaps and gloves for the occasional rain shower. The leather will usually keep the water off for the brief downpoor until you can reach a cafe or ride through. On long trips, I always carry my rain suit, usually in my saddle bag, and not too deep in case I have to quickly slide the rubber or polyester ensemble on. And this is a little hint... try not to wait until you get into the rainstorm before pulling over. If you are coming up on a storm, it’s better to be a little cautious instead of being a little soaked (or maybe you like feeling like a fish).

5. Extra Keys

This has not happened to me, but I have heard stories of riders either misplacing, or somehow losing their set of keys on a trip (slipping out of their jacket or dropping out of their pants wihile pooping in some stinky side road johnny). I always have an extra set of keys in one of my bags just in case.

6. Locks

Plural. You can never lock your bike up too much. Carrying an extra disc lock or cable lock is never ever a bad thing. People out there want your bike, no matter what you ride. So, carry extra security. And always lock your bike up if you are not going to be in sight of it. I actually had a bike stolen way back in the 80’s. I was visiting a friend in an apartment complex, parked my bike next to the complex, and when I came out (after only about 15 minutes), my bike was g-o-n-e. I thought maybe a few of my friends were playing a joke on me, but that turned out not to be the case. The funny thing about this is, they found my engine on another stolen bike frame four years later. The cops picked up a guy who was stealing the stolen bike.

7. Helmet

I know... you should always wear one anyway, but some states don’t require a helmet and for those of us who like the freedom, we occasionally don’t wear a helmet because we like to feel the air flowing through our hair. But I am a firm believer in having one with you for the occasional storm... and this could be a storm with high winds, blowing sand, or rain or hail. Have you ever ridden through hail and had it bouncing off your forehead? Not fun.

8. Sunscreen

Lather it on. It will save many a restless night. And, don’t forget the part in your hair.

9. First-Aid Kit

Usually a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit of some kind. Band-aids, bandages and gauze, ointments and creams, at some point, will come in handy. Hopefully you will never have to open this kit, but if you need it, it’s nice to know it’s there.

10. Water and Snacks

Re-hydrate when you can. Try to keep a bottle of water in your bags, and when you stop for a break... take a swig. It really does help after cruisin’ for awhile, especially on a hot day. As for snacks, I usually prefer peanuts. Nuts are a good source of protein and can keep you going til the next meal. Some people prefer the protein bars - another great pick-me-up.

11. Cell Phone

Back in the day... when we started our trips, no-one had cell phones. As we look back, there were quite a few times we wish we would have had at least one. Nowadays, everyone has one which is good and bad (I think). I actually liked not carrying one for the longest time because part of the fun of a trip was to get away from the life you are accustomed to and escape. But these days, it is a good habit to always travel with one because it makes for a great companion in case of a serious emergency. It makes for the best “repair kit”. And, before heading out... make sure it’s charged. Duh.

12. Cash

Not everyone takes credit cards... really.

So, those are the items that I would consider to be on any necessity list. Over the years, I have compiled a checklist of items that I usually pack for a long trip. The following is that list... and you can add or subtract to it depending on what kind of trip you take.

Moto Trip checklist:

money

bike t-bag

bunjees

chaps

leather coat

goggles

rain gear

leather gloves: light and heavy

boots

camp shoes

airmattress

fishing gear: fishing pole, small tackle box with lures & flies, knife

coffee cup (plastic)

water bottle

bug spray

sun block

baseball hat

bandanas

helmet

bike cable and locks

travel alarm clock

clothes: jeans, shorts/swim suit, tank tops, t-shirts, longsleeve t-shirts, sweatshirt, undies, socks regular & wool, small towel or wash rag

overnight bag: soap, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, Ibuprofin, tums/rolaids, lip balm, antihistamine, vitamins, shaving stuff (optional)

toilet paper, wet ones

trash bags, ziplock bags

matches or lighter

rope

cell phone

huggy (beer)

collapsable cooler

sunglasses or goggles

mess kit

eating utensils

camera

maps

tent

sleeping bag

thermal blanket

camp chair/stool

flashlight

tools

Winterizing Your Motorcycle

I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. My father taught me to ride dirt in the early 1970’s and I never lost the excitement of straddling two wheels. I began riding street back in 1982 (I really don’t feel that old) and have not been without a bike since. I was told that as the years pile up, one gains knowledge with experience. So, here I am writing about one of the things I think I know... the joys of motorcycling. I hope that this monthly column helps out a few of you out there who take the time to read it. And if you have any ideas or questions, please don’t hesitate to suggest or ask.

Since it’s that time of year, I will begin with winterizing your bike (or at least temporarily keeping it happy for 3 or 4 weeks).
Here are a few tips to keep your bike a little healthier during the cold and snowy months, or weeks depending on where you live.
1. Don’t be dirty. Sometimes we put our bikes into slumber after a ride with dirt, dust, bugs and miscellaneous grime from the previous ride still attached to our painted and shiny parts. I know I have not practiced this as much as I should, but it’s a good habit to get into that before you have rolled your bike into the spot it sits, at least take a wet rag and wipe down the whole thing. I usually use a squirt of the bug and tar cleaner for those extra stingy hardened bug guts and little chunks of road that have a death grip on your baby. Use a very soft cloth to initially wipe down varying sections of the bike. Then use a soft dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture. Micro-fiber cloths usually work best for both these tasks. Finally, if you have the time, do a quick coating of wax to help protect the bike from dust and slop that seeps in when the garage is opened. Or, if you know you won’t be riding for a few weeks, and you have a cover, place it over your pride and joy. When you go to unveil it, it will be that much more satisfying.

Tips to help your bike if you aren’t riding for 2 or 3 months (or longer)
1. Gas Treatment
A. A full gas tank means it’s less likely that condensation will take place inside, and water in your gas is bad whether you have fuel injection or a carbureted engine.
B. Add a little bit of fuel stabilizer to your gas (check the additive label for amounts - you don’t want too add too much).
C. Be sure the fuel petcock is turned off (for carbureted engines).

2. Fresh Oil
A. If you can, change the oil and filter before putting your bike to rest for a few months. Clean oil will not only make you feel better the first time you crank it up to ride, but it also helps coat the engine preventing rust from forming.
B. Make sure the engine is warm before changing the oil. Run it for 5 or so minutes to heat the oil and loosen the dirt and grime that might have settled. After changing the oil and filter, run the engine a few more minutes to circulate the new oil. It’s a good idea to change the filter because it contains about a cup of oil and if you don’t, the grunge inside it will circulate back around.

3. A Simple Charge
A. These days, you don’t really have to worry about the battery, but you can do one or two things to make sure you will have sound juice when you go to crank the engine over. Keeping your battery on a charger of some kind is not necessary but is a good idea.
B. You can add a simple battery charging harness that is attached at the posts of your battery with a type of pigtail plug at the opposite end that will help if you don’t want to remove your seat. The battery tender or charger easily plugs into the pigtail end when your bike is parked. Check your favorite bike shop for the equipment that works best for your make and model.
C. Tenders and Chargers. These are usually better than the trickle chargers as they are usually equipped with a shut off feature so as not to overcharge the battery. They usually range from $30 to $130 depending on simplicity and smartness.

4. Miscellaneous Protective Ideas. A few other points that can help extend the life of your valued two-wheeler.
A. Off the ground. If you happen to have a lift, stick your bike in the air. This takes the pressure off the tires and helps prevent soft of flat spots on the rubber.
B. Dust free. Cover your bike to help keep dust and other air born nasties from sticking to seen and unseen places. Plastic tarps are not advisable. They tend to trap moisture inside. A motorcycle cover specifically made for your bike is the best thing to use, but if you can’t afford one, a bed cover or sheet will work pretty well. This keeps the bike free from dust and allows air to flow and any moisture to evaporate.
C. A bubble. Again, if you can afford one of these, it’s like keeping your prized possession in a mini germ-free and dirt-free museum.
D. Insured? Year round insurance is a plus (I think a must). You never know when that warm day will come about. But this also helps keep your piece of mind in case of (God forbid) fire, flood, or theft.