I must admit it surprised me that there are only two threads in this forum. Being a younger guy at this game I wish there was a little bit more activity on this particular subject.
I purchased my 04 ST13 with LD in mind. I have done some longer trips on mostly standard bikes until now. Bikes like the DL650, Versys, FZ6. My first "long" trip was on a Nighthawk 700S! I'm no IBR rider but pretty regularly run a few 6-800 mile days in a row when on my multiple day trips. This is really the bulk of my miles/year considering I don't commute on a bike. Still, I consider myself pretty novice at the LD game compared to many, so I would like to hear any gear tips that you more experienced riders might have. I'll start it off by listing a few specific items I wouldn't leave on a long trip without. These are just riding related items:
Let's hear some other gear suggestions for LD riding!
I purchased my 04 ST13 with LD in mind. I have done some longer trips on mostly standard bikes until now. Bikes like the DL650, Versys, FZ6. My first "long" trip was on a Nighthawk 700S! I'm no IBR rider but pretty regularly run a few 6-800 mile days in a row when on my multiple day trips. This is really the bulk of my miles/year considering I don't commute on a bike. Still, I consider myself pretty novice at the LD game compared to many, so I would like to hear any gear tips that you more experienced riders might have. I'll start it off by listing a few specific items I wouldn't leave on a long trip without. These are just riding related items:
- Riding shorts (spandex), under armor boxer jock's, etc
- Gold Bond or monkey butt powder
- Sena Bluetooth headset. This thing changed the game for me, this is a must have as far as I'm concerned.
- Sheepskin or beads. I'm currently running a sheepskin pad but I have a feeling the beads might be better in hot weather. Heat is what can kill a day for me.
- Dry fit t-shirts. They are cool, they pack up small & light, and I can get a couple days out of one without smelling like a dumpster.
Let's hear some other gear suggestions for LD riding!