Triumphrat

mistermellow001 · 04-28-2008

In 3 weeks I'm heading out on my Bonneville for a 6-week, 8,500-mile triangle trip across the U.S. I've gotten a lot of good pointers from people here on the forum. Below are some things I've addressed, and some you may be able to help me more with. The list isn't all-inclusive (example, I didn't list Monkey Butt powder and things like that

), but based on what I've included, have I missed anything?

Installed:

Thruxton gel seat
Hepco & Becker side and top cases
Modre Lowsets
Triumph dresser bar with Kuryakyn right-angle pegs
Throttle lock
Western bars
Triumph tank bag
New Metzelers
New Progressive suspension
Vario adjustable wind screen (not real happy with it)

I am:

Camping the whole way if possible
Taking my 1-person light-weight tent
Using an all-goose-down bag (risky if it gets wet, but light)
Using light-weight cook gear/stove
Average 300-350 miles/day
Taking Gerbing electric jacket & gloves. Possible low temps/snow drifts in passes in upper U.S. even in late May.

Issues and Questions:

Possible extreme variations in weather (northern route in May, southern route in June). Need pointers on how to take less but still be prepared (the electric gloves are not negotiable - my hands get cold even in June). Layering is an example. What works for you?
Experienced camper, but never motorcycle-camped before. Any tips?
Hydration tips? (bottle in tank bag, hydration back-pack, etc.)
Pain and suffering. Anyone know any good massage therapists?
Is a KOA membership worth looking into?
National Park season pass?
How far into trip do you think I'll have to replace my tires?
8,000 miles on the bike. Any preventative measures? (example: I replaced my clutch cable, tune-up, oil and filters.)
I'm taking basic tools, chain lube, etc. Some say don't bother with tools because you can't account for every eventuality. I'm taking tools, but any opinions on this?
Things to do while riding to while away the miles?
Things to see (basic trip generally follows I-90 east, I-71 south, I-40/Route-66 west to L.A., I-15 north, I-84 west, I-5 north.) I'm not staying on the Interstates the whole way, but this is the general route.
Other clever pointers?

High Tech:

I'm taking my digital SLR, and my Sony Handycam, and possibly my Apple laptop (it's small and light) to blog or post. Leave it home? One option is to use libraries or internet cafe's to post trip reports, or just wait 'till I get home and write the whole trip up.
I'm not taking a GPS.
I'm due for a new cell phone. Thinking of an iPhone (why not? I've already bled enough money; what's a few hundred more? ) Any advice?

Holy smokes. That's enough.

propforward · 04-28-2008

Wow,

looks to me like you have pretty much got it sorted. Best wishes on your trip - look forward to seeing a write up and pics.

Only things I would say are:

1. Keeping occupied on the ride - no other activity besides concentrating on riding - don't go drifitng and then fall off. Pretty obvious I guess.

2. Seat - have you tested that gel seat over a decent distance - wouldn't the K and Q be better for a long ride?

3. Tools - definitely worth packing a few basics. You should be able to tension and lube the chain, pull the wheels, have wire to lash things. Also consider puncture repair. Also a couple of rags, and top up oil. Look into the cruz tools kit for ideas on what to take.

Can't give you any advice on campsites etc, haven't done much of that over here, but you seem to have it pretty well figured. I personally wouldn't go in any mountain pass on a bike if there's a chance of snow, but then I'm no action man.

Have a good one!

mjsmilford · 04-28-2008

don't forget to cash in your bonds for fuel if your trip brings you to new england. aproaching $4.00 for regular in CT.

scramblethis · 04-28-2008

I think I would include an I-pod or mp3 player. Some sort of music for the down time and possibly while riding if you choose.

Baltobonneville · 04-28-2008

Suggestions for tires:

A tire pressure gauge.

Right-angle tire valve stem extension. I've found it impossible to get some service-station chucks onto my rear valve stem. This widget is very small, no problem to take along.

A CO2 kit for inflating the tire if it gets a slow leak. I have four large cartridges and valve that attaches to them (although I rarely take them along, it makes me feel better knowing that I can).

Or: A small bicycle pump.

ohiorider · 04-28-2008

Mellow - Hard to comment on all your questions, but overall, sounds like you've thought it through. Only suggestion I could make would be to do the southern route out, northern coming home. We hit snow (light/wet) crossing the Bighorn Mts in WY 2nd week in June in 2006. Of course, I don't know the mountains , and that could have happened several days later, too.

The H&B bags are a great idea, I modded up a mount for the small Givi E21 bags, and my riding bud was using much larger Pelicans or similar. Probably close in size to your H&Bs. In any case, a set of hard bags turns the Bonnie into a lightweight touring bike.

This link will provide some photos of our two Bonnies, outfitted somewhat differently.
http://s115.photobucket.com/albums/n...;20Out%20West/

The major difference (aside from different handlebars, saddles, windshields) was the fact that my 'minimal' Lucifer Orange and Silver T100 was equipped with a RenTech rack which I used to carry tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress. My buddy used large soft bags bungeed to the passenger portion of the saddle for those items. I couldn't do that, since, with smaller hard bags, I needed the passenger space for clothes, etc.

Re the one person tent .... it doesn't leave you a lot of room inside for the rest of your gear (things like helmet, leathers, etc .... if you can find a lightweight 2 man tent for the trip, it'll leave lots of room for storing gear at night.) Both tents in the pix were two man.

It is difficult to account for all possible problems. We lucked out .... bikes ran perfectly for the entire 5000 miles, both got close to 50mpg running the two lane roads where we spent most of our time. No flat tires .... we left on new rubber, by the time I got home, the rear tire was fairly well shot .... it was a Dunlop 501GT. Front was good for 2-3K more miles.

One thing you may want to do is drop in at local libraries along the way and keep us posted about your trip. We did that, and several of the Forum members let us know if we had any problems, they weren't too far away.

Best wishes for the ride of your life! Once you're back home, you'll never look at the little Bonnie the same way .... you'll know she's capable of taking you anywhere.

Bob

PS - maybe consider taking a spare H4 headlamp bulb, and a brakelight bulb. I've had to find these things a couple of time when on the road.

boxerman · 04-28-2008

Light breakfasts and light lunches. Carry some fruit, energy bars, and water. Get yourself some LD (Long Distance) Comfort shorts. They're like bicycle shorts but better. Wear them instead of underwear. Rinse 'em out at night and they're dry by morning.

hogwylde · 04-28-2008

How far east are you going on 90? If you are taking 90 into Massachusetts, you will be riding right passed my house (1 mile off exit 3) and are welcome to stop at my house for a rest, food, drink, etc.....

Ride safe. Enjoy!

BonnieBob · 04-28-2008

You'll enjoy each part of your trip more with more frequent stops along the way. At 350 per day, that's about 3 gas stops a day, not enough rest IMO. Stop at least once if not twice between each gas stop, you'll be amazed at how much more fun the bike is once you've gotten off even for just 10 minutes. Plus you'll be more alert. Give you a chance to review a map too and plan while stopped, plan your next stop then too. So just take your time and enjoy the ride. Dont ride in the rain, everything will get wet and camping is no fun wet. Plan some motel stops along the way too, even if just by chance, you'll need the better rest. Eat some good meals along the way too, cooking over a little stove is hard and where is all this food coming from. So break it up and you'll have a great time.

Ride smart and ride safe

BB

hankmarx · 04-28-2008

Try not to overplan it. Leave room for spontaneity. Ride further than you think you can one day. Take a road just for the hell of it another day. Let go of rigid conformity, live a little.
Have a good time, it should be fun.

Good luck, {and I do think bike shorts make a big difference}.