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I've got a 900 mile (1448 km) trek coming up (round-trip), across Iowa and South Dakota this summer. I decided it would be a great time to take my bike. I've never done more than about 60 miles (97 km) in one trip, so it's going to be different for me. But I've got my route all planned out and I'll be stopping every 80 (129 km) to 120 (193 km) miles for some sight-seeing, leg-stretching and refueling. The speed limit across interstate highways is 80 mph (129 kph), which I think I could manage, however, I plan to take my time and travel on some state highways where the limit is lower and the scenery is prettier.
The trip is still about 3 months out, but I've been acquiring some "touring" gear to prepare. So far I've got some cheapo (but surprisingly durable and well-made) saddlebags and passenger seat bag. I think the brand is Classic Motorgear. But since they were a universal fit and didn't come with any kind of mounting bracket, they sagged. So I followed suit to some of the other users around here and fabricated my own supports out of PVC and mounted them above the passenger footpegs. Simple.
The bags were pretty easy to secure and they're very stable. The passenger seat bag that attaches to the saddle bags, however, wasn't able to tighten very much. But it's not much of an issue. The tank bag is something I've had for a long time. It's small but it gets the job done.
The seat cover is another cheap product. A Coleman ATV cover I got for $15 on Amazon. It doesn't really fit, but it helps in terms of comfort. Not sure if I would necessarily recommend it. It was kind of a pain to secure over the seat.
Additionally, I bought a Go Cruise throttle assist. (Can be barely seen above the front brake lever.) I tested this thing out and it's fantastic! Expensive, to be sure (for a piece of plastic) but I think it'll be worth it. (It's especially nice to have because the cruise control malfunctioned on my Infiniti!)
I also bought a Slime Power Sport Smart Spair, in case of an emergency flat tire.
And lastly, I'm trying to figure out what I want to do about the windscreen. I'd love to have a bigger and taller one. The Laminar Lip is an option. I've also been searching all over for the Honda touring screen that attaches under the mirrors. The other screens that require taking the bike apart are not so appealing to me. I'll make that decision soon.
Before I embark on this trip, I will be cleaning and lubing my chain thoroughly (I actually need to do this right now) as well as changing the oil. Anything else I should be thinking of in terms of maintenance?
Any touring tips I haven't thought of? I'm really looking forward to this!
The trip is still about 3 months out, but I've been acquiring some "touring" gear to prepare. So far I've got some cheapo (but surprisingly durable and well-made) saddlebags and passenger seat bag. I think the brand is Classic Motorgear. But since they were a universal fit and didn't come with any kind of mounting bracket, they sagged. So I followed suit to some of the other users around here and fabricated my own supports out of PVC and mounted them above the passenger footpegs. Simple.
The bags were pretty easy to secure and they're very stable. The passenger seat bag that attaches to the saddle bags, however, wasn't able to tighten very much. But it's not much of an issue. The tank bag is something I've had for a long time. It's small but it gets the job done.
The seat cover is another cheap product. A Coleman ATV cover I got for $15 on Amazon. It doesn't really fit, but it helps in terms of comfort. Not sure if I would necessarily recommend it. It was kind of a pain to secure over the seat.
Additionally, I bought a Go Cruise throttle assist. (Can be barely seen above the front brake lever.) I tested this thing out and it's fantastic! Expensive, to be sure (for a piece of plastic) but I think it'll be worth it. (It's especially nice to have because the cruise control malfunctioned on my Infiniti!)
I also bought a Slime Power Sport Smart Spair, in case of an emergency flat tire.
And lastly, I'm trying to figure out what I want to do about the windscreen. I'd love to have a bigger and taller one. The Laminar Lip is an option. I've also been searching all over for the Honda touring screen that attaches under the mirrors. The other screens that require taking the bike apart are not so appealing to me. I'll make that decision soon.
Before I embark on this trip, I will be cleaning and lubing my chain thoroughly (I actually need to do this right now) as well as changing the oil. Anything else I should be thinking of in terms of maintenance?
Any touring tips I haven't thought of? I'm really looking forward to this!
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