Road Trip

Topics

Road Trip

Birtyyy
5 years ago

Hey guys, planning a bit of a trip over Christmas. Riding from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and back and wondering if I should set my bike up a bit differently to make the trip more comfortable. Been looking at the quarter fairing but not really sure how much difference it would make. Will it actually keep a bit of wind off me or are these small fairings only for looks? Last time I did this trip was 4 years ago and on a lowered Sportster so this should be much easier.
Any other recommendations welcome also.

steelo
5 years ago

Hi B. If you have a few bucks to spend. The screen makes a massive difference to comfort in that it stops the wind from hitting you in the chest and trying to push you backwards. There is usually a benefit to fuel economy as well. Problem is, if the height is to high or low it can cause buffeting in the helmet which can get a bit tiring.
Is there a clip on screen for that bike. well worth a consideration
Consider an air hawk seat, at low pressure can make for a longer day in the saddle and smooth out those rough roads.
Get a handlebar RAM phone mount and a hard wired USB charger adapter to power the phone. That way you can use the phone as a GPS. Some of the fellows might chime in with the the best app
Do you have Bluetooth communications in your helmet. A bit of music and ability to take calls as well as GPS instructions is worthwhile. Paper maps as a backup are a good idea.
Good earplugs are vital. I use alpine but there are many brands. Even the throw away ones from the chemist are better than nothing.
Motorcross style kidney belt can save your back if you are going to be doing long days
One of those plastic wrist grip savers (get them off ebay for a couple bucks) for the accelerator saves having to hang on for dear life
You can also get a throttle lock which just clamps on the accelerator
A little tool bag on the forks for nic nacs and tools / tyre plug kit.
If it's hard to get to the tyres, get a right angled or flexible inflation hose to put air in the tyres.
I put a flexible spring type pocket pen holder on all my bikes handlebars so I can hang my sunnies when putting the helmet on and off.
A good waterproof bag
Spare sunglasses and a yellow / clear night time pair
Spare battery for the alarm fob.
Have a good trip. I'd love to be coming with you.

mickle
5 years ago

Quoting steelo on 25 Nov 2019 11:51 PMedited: 25 Nov 2019 11:53 PM
Hi B. If you have a few bucks to spend. The screen makes a massive difference to comfort in that it stops the wind from hitting you in the chest and trying to push you backwards. There is usually a benefit to fuel economy as well. Problem is, if the height is to high or low it can cause buffeting in the helmet which can get a bit tiring.
Is there a clip on screen for that bike. well worth a consideration
Consider an air hawk seat, at low pressure can make for a longer day in the saddle and smooth out those rough roads.
Get a handlebar RAM phone mount and a hard wired USB charger adapter to power the phone. That way you can use the phone as a GPS. Some of the fellows might chime in with the the best app
Do you have Bluetooth communications in your helmet. A bit of music and ability to take calls as well as GPS instructions is worthwhile. Paper maps as a backup are a good idea.
Good earplugs are vital. I use alpine but there are many brands. Even the throw away ones from the chemist are better than nothing.
Motorcross style kidney belt can save your back if you are going to be doing long days
One of those plastic wrist grip savers (get them off ebay for a couple bucks) for the accelerator saves having to hang on for dear life
You can also get a throttle lock which just clamps on the accelerator
A little tool bag on the forks for nic nacs and tools / tyre plug kit.
If it's hard to get to the tyres, get a right angled or flexible inflation hose to put air in the tyres.
I put a flexible spring type pocket pen holder on all my bikes handlebars so I can hang my sunnies when putting the helmet on and off.
A good waterproof bag
Spare sunglasses and a yellow / clear night time pair
Spare battery for the alarm fob.
Have a good trip. I'd love to be coming with you.

You forgot the Stubbie holder for your cup of Tea.

steelo
5 years ago

Well picked up M!!
I'll add it to the definitive list.

JFE
5 years ago

Steelo the bloke ain’t on a full faired HD towing a trailer! Good advice though.
I’d add - what bag set-up you considering? Don’t have a back pack if you can avoid it. I like the Deemeed bag set-up (roll strapped to the rear behind the rider). Other like panniers. I went the roll as I thought it was good value for money. For big trips on my Fatbob, a screen would be nice but not mandatory. Best thing I did was get a Mustang seat - fabulous all day comfort, with a built in removable back rest (pic below).

Make sure your Harley Assist membership is current.

It’s also worthwhile researching accommodation options that have covered parking near your room. Some can be good as are smaller places away from bigger cities. And don’t forget a cold beer is even sweeter after a day riding ...

Big Steve
5 years ago

I've run with the biltwell exfgil on my sissy bar, it doublesas a back rest.

I've also used a Kury roll bag.

The combination of that luggage and higher bars makes for all day comfort for me.

brucefxdl
5 years ago

all good tips there steelo,agree ,kidney belts are good for long days and keep your lower back warm too. i use a sundowner seat for long hauls and it makes the long days comfortable.

Birtyyy
5 years ago

Some great suggestions there and a few things I had certainly not thought of. I don't have a headset or bluetooth helmet or anything but I don't need directions, trip is pretty straight forward and I've done it a few times. I'd rather have my phone turned off and stashed away, this is my escape!
I have a small swingarm bag (from forum member Paul @ Vandal Leatherworks) but I do agree, riding with a backpack sucks so I may look into a detachable sissybar or small luggage rack.
I probably won't go as far as getting a new seat, I appreciate how much difference a good seat can make but this bike will never be a proper tourer. Longest I've ridden apart from this upcoming trip is about 2 hours. Just have to weigh up cost for something I might only use once or twice.
Had a mate mention those wrist grip saver things also, not sure I understand if/how they even help?

Birtyyy
5 years ago

Quoting Big Steve on 26 Nov 2019 03:37 AM
I've run with the biltwell exfgil on my sissy bar, it doublesas a back rest.

I've also used a Kury roll bag.

The combination of that luggage and higher bars makes for all day comfort for me.

Hey Steve, you got anymore pics of the sissybar? Also what are the bars on the Fat Bob?

Big Steve
5 years ago

Quoting Big Steve on 26 Nov 2019 03:37 AM
I've run with the biltwell exfgil on my sissy bar, it doublesas a back rest.

I've also used a Kury roll bag.

The combination of that luggage and higher bars makes for all day comfort for me.

Quoting Birtyyy on 26 Nov 2019 08:33 PM
Hey Steve, you got anymore pics of the sissybar? Also what are the bars on the Fat Bob?

Hi Mate, I have both Harley Sissy Bars
The one piece is the one I strap my luggage to as its higher. I also have a chopperware jerry can mount for an additional 5L of fuel

The 2 piece with backrest is what I use if I'm carrying a passenger

The bars are 14" Wild1 Chubby Outlawz on 2" risers.

Ken in Cairns
5 years ago

I bungy a Camelback onto my bars, acts as a wind break and makes getting a drink of water without stopping very easy.
Enjoy the trip.
Be aware that Harley assist can be a bit thin on the ground in some places, I have RACQ blue cover as it is more widely available out in the sticks.
Cheers
Ken

boxa
5 years ago

Everyone is different , I'v been doing a lot of big rides for the last 10 years , stuffed up on a lot and done well on others , When i first started doing them   i would strap on everything including the kithen sink ,, i'd have my panniers full , a big rj bag on the carrier another strapped on the back seat , fook it used to take me an hour to unload and load back up ,

Over the yearrs though , what i've settled on if i'm going to warm weather , thongs , boardshorts and singlets for when i've stopped riding , pair of jeans and 3 t shirts for if i want to go to the pub , and for riding leather jacket , and kevlar jeans , i also carry wet weather pull on pants and top easy to pull on and off , and if your gonna get wet you will get wet ..

Most times i take old socks and jocks and just throw them away , if i end up staying away for a while , do i wash clothes sometimes , others if i'm near a k mart , target , i'll just go in and buy a shirt for under 10 bucks ,

I always carry the phone charger ,   and charge it everynight , better if you have a connection on your bike ,,,,

ONE VERY IMPORTANT THING I ALWAYS CARRY , IS WATER , AND A COUPLE OF MARS BARS , SNICKERS WHATEVER ,,, you will be very suprised how hot and hungry you will get if you have to sit on the side of the road waiting for help ,, ask me how i know , Last trip i done was 3 weeks , Adelaide to Harvey bay , done it with my rj's bag onl half full , even less coming home , i just wore the socks and jocks for 2 days and flung them ,   i save all my old ones up got a speciel draw for them , this xmas the grandkids will all come rnd i know excatly what i'll get of them jocks and socks , so then it in with the new old ones put aside for travelling

Oz Dan
5 years ago

All good advice here......staying hydrated and not getting overly fatigued are very important. I’m doing a 4000km Trip myself early in the New Year (to Adelaide) and my tips and something I’ve added to my kit is a hydration vest........drops body core temp and works best in dry heat with jackets with good air flow. Harley make one for about $85 although I have the BMW version. I’ll have a camelback on so I can drink as I go. I’ll put my King’s Shield back on and not bite off too much each day....I’ll use ear plugs and break out the full face....I’m aiming for 3 days each way, or around 750 -800km per day.......best to find a camp early rather than late, and avoid dusk and dawn riding if possible.

Enjoy the ride and stay safe.

Birtyyy
5 years ago

Well I got the fairing on. Keeps wind off my chest at least so I guess it's better than nothing. I will be travelling very light and if I need extra clothes along the way I'll buy some.
I'm planning on doing the 1800kms over 2 days then the same on the way back. My main concern now will be avoiding bushfires. Even thinking about heading inland and going through Wagga and Dubbo as opposed to along the coast which I've done previously.

keith
5 years ago

Quoting Ken in Cairns on 27 Nov 2019 05:37 AM
I bungy a Camelback onto my bars, acts as a wind break and makes getting a drink of water without stopping very easy.
Enjoy the trip.
Be aware that Harley assist can be a bit thin on the ground in some places, I have RACQ blue cover as it is more widely available out in the sticks.
Cheers
Ken

Good thinking Ken.

binnsy
5 years ago

Quoting steelo on 25 Nov 2019 11:51 PMedited: 25 Nov 2019 11:53 PM
Hi B. If you have a few bucks to spend. The screen makes a massive difference to comfort in that it stops the wind from hitting you in the chest and trying to push you backwards. There is usually a benefit to fuel economy as well. Problem is, if the height is to high or low it can cause buffeting in the helmet which can get a bit tiring.
Is there a clip on screen for that bike. well worth a consideration
Consider an air hawk seat, at low pressure can make for a longer day in the saddle and smooth out those rough roads.
Get a handlebar RAM phone mount and a hard wired USB charger adapter to power the phone. That way you can use the phone as a GPS. Some of the fellows might chime in with the the best app
Do you have Bluetooth communications in your helmet. A bit of music and ability to take calls as well as GPS instructions is worthwhile. Paper maps as a backup are a good idea.
Good earplugs are vital. I use alpine but there are many brands. Even the throw away ones from the chemist are better than nothing.
Motorcross style kidney belt can save your back if you are going to be doing long days
One of those plastic wrist grip savers (get them off ebay for a couple bucks) for the accelerator saves having to hang on for dear life
You can also get a throttle lock which just clamps on the accelerator
A little tool bag on the forks for nic nacs and tools / tyre plug kit.
If it's hard to get to the tyres, get a right angled or flexible inflation hose to put air in the tyres.
I put a flexible spring type pocket pen holder on all my bikes handlebars so I can hang my sunnies when putting the helmet on and off.
A good waterproof bag
Spare sunglasses and a yellow / clear night time pair
Spare battery for the alarm fob.
Have a good trip. I'd love to be coming with you.

Quoting mickle on 26 Nov 2019 12:19 AM
You forgot the Stubbie holder for your cup of Tea.

What about the holder for the cream buns !!

steelo
5 years ago

Oh Palease young Binnsy.

JFE
5 years ago

Ummm Steelo - where do you order one of those? I’m asking for PB. He’s too shy.

Topics

Road Trip

Road Trip

Birtyyy

steelo

mickle

steelo

JFE

Big Steve

brucefxdl

Birtyyy

Birtyyy

Big Steve

Ken in Cairns

boxa

Oz Dan

Birtyyy

keith

binnsy

steelo

JFE