What to take????

[natemoen]

that means I would have to find 4 people each year to sign up.

[planedick]

Maybe

Well, even if you don't find 4 new member each year, $39 is a good investment, especially when you realize how much the AMA does for you in congress. Things like allowing motorcycles in the HOV lanes, keeping off road areas open and putting together all those races of dirt bikes and road races. When you get the magazine every month you will see what I mean. You guys are really kind of foolhardy for not joining. Then there's the discounts at parts houses, motels, resturants etc. It don't take many nights in a motel or parts from online parts places to pay for the year.

[natemoen]

I am just poor and cheap!

[Wildkat]

OMG, Kahlua (or however the hell you spell it) is for pussies, guess that's why Tod had it in his bag huh? Kahlua, that's pitiful.

You haven't had Tod's Kahlua yet... and to make it even better, have Harry make the drinks (he adds more vodka) After a couple of them... you won't mind the taste... or anything else.
lol



Richard, in addition to all the extras for the bike, I always carry a First Aid kit (I haven't seen that listed yet). To save room, rather than pack bandages of assorted sizes, I've changed to rolled gauze and surgical tape.
You can cut it to fit and tape it down.

I've also found the kitchen sink to be an invaluable thing to carry...
lol


Have a GREAT trip!

[planedick]

Oh yes,

First Aid is in my bag, rather extensive one even, as is various chargers for all the gadgets like phone, GPS, bluetooth helmet, alarm pager, and ICE in wallet, phone and attached to The Pathfinder, LLOOOOOOONG list of MC shops and dealers nationwide..... memory sticks and chips, pocket sound recorder, camera mount for the bike cause there are a few backroads back home I want to record a ride on... If the chips get full I will have to go to a library or friends house and download to my e-mail.

[cywelchjr]

I understand that if you sign up for auto renewal that you get roadside assistance for free that way also. At least that was the deal they were talking about over on pashnit.com not too long ago. I keep thinking about doing it, but being that I suffer from CRS, having it come out of my checking account automatically each month requires a certain level of insurance to get the payment high enough for that, and it took higher than legal minimums, full coverage with low deductible, roadside assistance, medical payments etc to get it that high, but I don't want to go through all the pain it takes in Ca if the insurance lapses for as little as a single day, what with cancellation of reg and all, which means having to pay another full year of reg plus penalty etc plus show proof of insurance. It's cause of all the deadbeats that get insurance to get their vehicle registered and then cancel it, so it's reported electronically, and if they get notified it was cancelled, they cancel your reg, and if you get pulled over, they impound the vehicle.

[cowboybob998]

between the handlebars and the seat.

I dont think so

[b.walker5]

Has this 8000 mile trip got underway yet?? or haven't you found a truck big enough to carry all the suggested gear ???

My god thats a long list of stuff to take travelling Where the hell do you plan on storing it all ? Personally all I take is a small basic tool kit, some duct tape, a tyre pando and a cell phone and credit card. Oh, and as Kat suggested, I always have a small first aid kit in my bag.

Probably the only other thing I would consider is some sort of security measure, i.e. disc lock, chain or gun, or all three

If your bike is in good shape, and the advance wires are okay (as someone has already suggested) and you dont thrash the life out of it, you'll be fine.

Okay, Stuff Happens, but you can bet your bottom dollar if it does then it will be the one thing you didnt plan for.

[planedick]

Auto renew

cywelchjr, the deduction is only once per year, not each month and if you use a credit card there are no surprises.

As for security, I have a custom security system that is so sensitive, you cannot touch the bike or my pager goes off. If that happens you better be well armed or really fast.

I have all that stuff on the bike and still have an empty top box. Two rather small saddle bags that are really heavy and still room for my luggage, ice chest, large thermos, MC cover(s), and if I chose room for a tent, sleeping bag and air mattress. I might weigh the bike before I leave if I have a chance and I'll bet I'll be traveling with a bike loaded thats over 850 lbs gross.

[cywelchjr]

cywelchjr, the deduction is only once per year, not each month and if you use a credit card there are no surprises.

As for security, I have a custom security system that is so sensitive, you cannot touch the bike or my pager goes off. If that happens you better be well armed or really fast.

I have all that stuff on the bike and still have an empty top box. Two rather small saddle bags that are really heavy and still room for my luggage, ice chest, large thermos, MC cover(s), and if I chose room for a tent, sleeping bag and air mattress. I might weigh the bike before I leave if I have a chance and I'll bet I'll be traveling with a bike loaded thats over 850 lbs gross.

No no no, you misunderstand. I keep thinking about join AMA, but keep forgetting to do so and already have roadside assistance through progressive cause I can't remember to pay the stuff once a year, and it's too painful if I forget DAMHIK, so I had to really amp up the coverage to get monthly payments on the insurance so they would do auto pay so I don't have to remember, then CRS ain't a problem. I still plan on joining, but this time of year is a bad time of year, there is more stuff to spend on then money to spend . But my understanding was that you could get the free roadside assistance by signing up for auto renew with your credit card and have them renew it automatically each year (yes I know yearly). Maybe come fall when finances allow.

[oldbiker648]

I'm reading through this thread with some interest as I plan on taking a similar trip in July, except I will be departing Virginia instead of the Left Coast. One thing that makes me more confident about undertaking a 2-3 month long trip to see the country is the fact that the XS-11 group is so widespread and generous. Should you find yourself in a tight spot, I would imagine that there would be member within a hundred miles who would help you out in any way possible.
The thought of a solo trip across the good old US of A on 2-lane blacktop has been a longtime dream and I'm finally going to make it happen. What is your departure date? How long have you allowed for travel? Are you planning on taking any interstate, or all 2-lane roads?

[planedick]

Adventure

Well, the departure date is still up in the air as I'm waiting for the tornadoes to die down a little before I leave. I'm curtrently looking at sometime between 5/16 & 5/20. Gonna make a couple of stops on the way to the XS East to visit friends and plan on being in Lexington, VA on the 27th. Gonna take it as I go, no real big hurry, but After Utah and Colorado I will be doing the flatland area in the Interstate (70). Once I cross the Mississippi the route I take depends on how much time I have as I need to save a day or two to visit a friend in NC before the rally. After the rally I am going to PA to visit family and friends, NY then for the same reasons, then the next stop is IL to visit friends and then back home and again route depends on time and money left....

[oldbiker648]

Last thing you want to see is the Storm Chasers gaining on you in the rear-view mirror. Devastating weather this April, and statistically speaking, May is the peak of the tornado season, so I hope your flatland experience is boring rather than scary. I have been absent from the list for a while, but TC got me hooked back up a couple of days ago and asked if I'd be able to attend XS-11 East this year. Unfortunately, I'm committed to another ride that weekend, so I won't have the opportunity to meet you. I know you will have a great time in the area the rally will be held this year and the members are always a lot of fun. It almost seems as if you can't be an a**hole and own an XS for any length of time.
Since my trip may run as long as 3 months, I bought a really nice 2-man backpack tent (for the extra space) and plan on camping out most nights to try to save some money so I can grudgingly pay $5/gallon for premium gas. I'm not as far along the curve as you regarding packing, but I'll try to travel as light as possible. Just ordered new rubber and a new windshield today.
I'll be keeping track of your progress and hope this will be the trip of a lifetime for you.

[planedick]

I know

I do have a nice little 2 person tent, only slightly larger than a pup tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress, that will all fit on the bike, and I considered taking them, but I DO enjoy overnighting at Rickie's Hyatt House..... or similar, hot showers, indoor plumbing, AC, TV to check tomorrows weather, etc... and I plan on being around PA and NY for nearly a week after the rally in case you want to ride to PA and meet.

[jwhughes3]

I envy you guys...

On a cross country adventure...told my wife about it and she said "Have fun without me"... so if I ever do it I will not be 2 up.

John