Advice for first solo trip?

[hobzinho]

Yay another CB500x rider. What's your luggage setup like? I got my x used and the previous owner made some supports for soft saddlebags that easily attach via the rear peg mounts. If I knew you better I'd let you borrow it all, using a backpack over distance gets tiring.

Great question MadEnglishCow. I've been wrestling with that. I just got a couple Givi waterproof soft side bags today. Was looking at SW-Motech soft sidebags with a cool rod bracer running off the passenger pegs, but balked a bit at the $400 tag. I realized (or I think) I can get the same stability by running a bungee from the passenger peg, through the D-rings on the bags, and around the rear fender to the other passenger peg. Should keep the bags stable and keep them from dropping toward the rear wheel. I'm testing it tomorrow.

Have wanted to put a top box on the bike for a while now but also balking at the $$ after you buy the box and the very overpriced series of hardware. I have another wp bag that attaches nicely to the seat behind me. I use that all the time. Only planning a small camelpak for hydration. Nothing else on my back.

The extra $$ I could put in expensive cases I'm putting into lights. Putting on Vololights and looking at front auxiliary lights as well. I want to be seen from space! (The lights have been planned for a while, not just for the trip.)

The two Givi sides are 25L each and the top bag - a little bigger, can't remember. Should be plenty for a week if I plan well. (After all, this isn't a camping trip.)

 

[hobzinho]

Sure, take a can of chain lube. I wouldn't worry too much about cleaning over the course of the trip, but the chain nazis will descend momentarily to predict instant death for even suggesting such an outrage. If you want to make it easier to lube the chain, and your bike doesn't have a center stand, you can try one of these.

FWIW, riding down I-5 sucks. No better way to put it. Tedious, tiring, and a bit lunatic, but that's just me. YMMV. 101 is a better, if somewhat longer alternative, and Hwy 25 is a nice alternative to the most boring part of 101.

Yes I was quickly dissuaded from I-5. Currently planning the route down in the 101ish way.

Have a center stand, but wish I had known about that device before putting it on. Very cool. You're probably right about the chain. I'll make sure it's shiny clean before heading out.

 

[MadEnglishCow]

Hmmmm, not sure I'd feel comfortable with bungees to keep them clear, it's a big gap. I'll take a pic of my supports tomorrow so you can see how simple they are. There might be someone here on Barf that could easily knock you a pair up pretty reasonably.

The only mod I've made so far on my X is to go down a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket. It's transformed the gearing. Now I don't feel like I'm wringing its neck off the line in first. For touring, I wanna get a better/taller windscreen.

 

[hobzinho]

Hmmmm, not sure I'd feel comfortable with bungees to keep them clear, it's a big gap. I'll take a pic of my supports tomorrow so you can see how simple they are. There might be someone here on Barf that could easily knock you a pair up pretty reasonably.

The only mod I've made so far on my X is to go down a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket. It's transformed the gearing. Now I don't feel like I'm wringing its neck off the line in first. For touring, I wanna get a better/taller windscreen.

I'd love to see a picture of the luggage setup. To be fair the bungee I have for this is a thick, stiff rubber kind that looks more like the belt on a car engine than the typical bungee, and fortunately just the perfect length to run from peg to peg around the back fender.

I bought my X with a tall Puig screen. Have never ridden with the stock screen. I'm 6' and even with the taller screen the wind, especially wind noise, at freeway speeds really sucked. I stuck 10mm spacers on the upper bolts and that was just enough to calm the air around my head.

And THEN I found Hearos Extreme earplugs. Now I say let it blow!

 

[SlideSF]

I notice nobody has suggested chain cleaner/lubricant. I generally clean my chain every 500-600 miles. I assumed this is something I would want to carry - do I assume wrong? Agree I'd prefer to carry as little as possible.

My original solution was to buy a refillable mini can of aerosol chain lube (on left). It's much smaller and lighter than a full size can (behind). But you can't find them everywhere, and they are only good for 1 - 2 lubes before you need to refill them. My current solution is to use the Teflon liquid lube. Get yourself a couple small pump spritz bottles from a cosmetic store. Use one for chain lube and another for water or spray cleaner for getting bugs off your helmet shield or windscreen.

 

[flying_hun]

I'll take a minute to weigh in on the topic of luggage.

I like top boxes. They are great for splitting lanes, and are secure. Don't grouse about the cost of the mounting hardware. You will rue the day you cheaped out on either the box itself, or the rack that mounts. Ask me how I know.

For throw-over saddlebags there is one solution that stands above the rest; the Ortlieb bags. More water proof than any hard luggage I've owned, compact, stable, and reasonably priced. Mine have covered 10 countries on 2 continents, and have seen speeds in the triple digits (autobahn). They work.

Some folks like seat bags. One of the most highly touted comes from a company called Giant Loop. Never used them, and can't speak to them. I have used the MotoFizz bag, and while there is a lot to like about them, they are nowhere near waterproof, and it's too easy to lose the waterproof cover. A good, cheap solution is just a large waterproof rolltop dry bag. Inexpensive and waterproof, and you just bungee it to the seat.

Note that I keep mentioning waterproof. It's one of those things that's not an issue until it is. Wait until you've spent 8 hours riding in the rain to make your ferry reservation, and not only is everything you're wearing - from your helmet to your socks - soaking wet, but all your changes of clothing, maps, books, tools, supplies have been sitting in water for most of those 8 hours. You'll understand why I emphasize it. Probably not critical for your upcoming trip, but if you're going to buy something for future use, take it into consideration.

 

[Cornfish]

I've been happy with my Kriega 5, 10 and 20 liter bags. I recently ordered the tank bag strap for flexibility but have not had a chance to use it. The Kriega bags are well made and 100% waterproof according to Kriega and my own limited experience using them. I have used the 10 only on the tail for shorter trips and hotel trips, or the 20 and 10 stacked on the tail for overnights. I'll most likely end up putting the 20 and 5 on the tail and the 10 on the tank for max capacity, longer trips. I also put a spare clear shield in a shield case and strap it around the luggage in case I am riding in the dark.

+1 for skipping I-5!

 

[flying_hun]

I've heard nothing but good things about Kriega. :thumbup

 

[dravnx]

And ditch the bungies. They have no place on a motorcycle. Too easy to vibrate loose. You cant tighten them enough. You don't want you gear either falling off 50 miles back or getting caught in the chain or wheel. Get some Rok straps. They rock.

 

[matty]

Tons of solid advice here.

and

Be sure to include Peach Tree Road and Indian Valley Road towards San Miguel.

Enjoy! :thumbup

I'll second this, after that you could hook with 58 just after Atascadero off 101. After fueling up in taft, continue on to the 33, but take the detour through Frazier Park, that will you drop you back on to 33 right where the fun begins.

And as far as advice, I say don't push it. If you feel fatigued or dehydrated or ... stop and rest, stretch or even get a hotel. Give yourself time to make adjustments in your schedule. Don't pressure yourself to get to some destination by a certain time.

Have a great trip

 

[hobzinho]

And ditch the bungies. They have no place on a motorcycle. Too easy to vibrate loose. You cant tighten them enough. You don't want you gear either falling off 50 miles back or getting caught in the chain or wheel. Get some Rok straps. They rock.

Agree completely. Already rokin the rok straps!

 

[hobzinho]

I'll take a minute to weigh in on the topic of luggage.

I like top boxes. You will rue the day you cheaped out on either the box itself, or the rack that mounts.

For throw-over saddlebags there is one solution that stands above the rest; the Ortlieb bags.

Some folks like seat bags.

Note that I keep mentioning waterproof. It's one of those things that's not an issue until it is.

I've heard nothing but good things about Kriega.

I hear you. I wouldn't cheap out IF I did the top box. Not sure I should do it at all.

But let me throw this out to all the veterans. I'm a relatively new rider and this is my first multi-day trip. Other than a tail bag I've strapped on a few times, I'm thinking I should be somewhat cautious about how much and where I add weight to my bike. Top box seems perfect for daily commute, but do I want weight up high and rear on a long trek? (Serious question. If it's not a major concern I'd do it in a heartbeat. )

I was sold on soft panniers but am already tired of hot exhaust and rear wheel rub concerns - and I don't even have them.

Those Kriega look very cool. Love the simple modularity.

A buddy just gave me a magnetic Bilt tank bag. Haven't used it yet. Do these magnetic bags really hold well?

This place rocks BTW. All the great advice and suggestions just getting me more excited to hit the road every day!

 

[Bzwrthy]

I hear you. I wouldn't cheap out IF I did the top box. Not sure I should do it at all.

But let me throw this out to all the veterans. I'm a relatively new rider and this is my first multi-day trip. Other than a tail bag I've strapped on a few times, I'm thinking I should be somewhat cautious about how much and where I add weight to my bike. Top box seems perfect for daily commute, but do I want weight up high and rear on a long trek? (Serious question. If it's not a major concern I'd do it in a heartbeat. )

I was sold on soft panniers but am already tired of hot exhaust and rear wheel rub concerns - and I don't even have them.

Those Kriega look very cool. Love the simple modularity.

A buddy just gave me a magnetic Bilt tank bag. Haven't used it yet. Do these magnetic bags really hold well?

This place rocks BTW. All the great advice and suggestions just getting me more excited to hit the road every day!

I've had an ok experience with my magnetic tankbag, but I also secure it with a strap since I regularly have to deal with high cross-winds on my travels. When that thing dies, I'm getting one with a tank lock.

Would recommend you load and test your tank bag before you head out - some are so high and/or wide they interfere with steering. :|

 

[dravnx]

I've had an ok experience with my magnetic tankbag, but I also secure it with a strap since I regularly have to deal with high cross-winds on my travels. When that thing dies, I'm getting one with a tank lock.

Would recommend you load and test your tank bag before you head out - some are so high and/or wide they interfere with steering. :|

This. Load everything up as if you're heading out for your trip and do a long day ride. 2 days into a trip is no time to figure out what doesn't work.

Don't bring tons of clothes. You can wash your tighty whities every couple of days. Don't bring cotton, it takes too long to dry.

Stay hydrated
Hide some cash somewhere besides your wallet.
Hide a set of keys. Losing your keys would totally suck. My jacket has a "secret pocket" that I use or you can safety wire a set somewhere on your bike.
Stop and stretch every hour-hour and a half. It may not feel like much but it'll keep you going.
Don't ride tired. You can make small mistakes that become big ones.
Just do it. You'll make mistakes and learn for the next trip. Some of your gear will work and some won't.
As much as I like touring with friends, I really like solo trips. I have more conversations with random people and have my own schedule.

 

[rodr]

But let me throw this out to all the veterans. I'm a relatively new rider and this is my first multi-day trip. Other than a tail bag I've strapped on a few times, I'm thinking I should be somewhat cautious about how much and where I add weight to my bike. Top box seems perfect for daily commute, but do I want weight up high and rear on a long trek? (Serious question. If it's not a major concern I'd do it in a heartbeat. )

It's not a major concern. You don't have to put a lot of heavy stuff in the top case... put heavier things in the side bags. On road trips the top case is for convenience and security; for commuting it's perfect for holding your work stuff, and your helmet when you're off the bike.

Re bungee cords, I've been using them for 7 years without incident. Not a big deal either way. Just get good quality.

 

[flying_hun]

^^^^What Rod said^^^^

 

[MissMoxy]

good advice you're getting !

-Always start the day with fully charged electronics, that way if something happens you don't have a cell phone with say, 1/4 power.

-Do roads that might require a little more technical skills in the morning so you have 'fudge' time.

-carry water bottles, munchies : I do Ritz pb crackers, bumblebee tuna kit with crackers, fruit cups, sardines~hmm.. maybe that's why I ride alone powerbars, a fork and spoon,and a book to read just in case you are stuck....

-Think ahead of 'what if' issues ; ie, if your pannier broke off, headlight came off, what would you need, what would you do ?

-when you stop for gas/rest break, ask people what :ride roads they may know nearby

-have a pad and paper with important contact numbers just in case your cell phone goes kaput.

-small first aid kit like the glove compartment kind

-bungee cord advice: these have worked well for me the past 8 years . You can buy at cycle gear.

-I also carry moto jumper cables that pack up nice

Most of the above I store in my Pelican top box which is permanently attached



#1: HAVE FUN

 

[MadEnglishCow]

Here are my X's bag supports. Without them soft saddlebags are gonna want to collapse in towards the tire, and bounce around, so that's the concern with using bungees to hold them in place. I think it could work with Rok Straps, as someone said, they adjust and can really be cinched down. Can it be done safely without my type of support, dunno......

 

[Cincinnatus]

Tank bag (RKA makes GREAT stuff - http://rka-luggage.com/A02 Tankbags/com bag Build sheet/Master Accessoires Build Sheet.html) that fits your bike

Get & install a mini-fusebox and wire up a charging cable for your cell or GPS so it's continuously powered :teeth :thumbup

 

[ThumperX]

Not a fan of top boxes here. The reason, I like the back of the bike unencumbered in the event o need to get off fast. This goes with the being able to pick your bike up yourself not of advice.

MEC. Those supports look simple and adequate. All the have to do is keep the soft bags from curling under. Seems with that picture it would be easy peasy to have them fabricated.