thinking about a long trip.

[beechfront]

i am THINKING about taking a big trip west. Never been west of Nebraska at all. Traveled east quite a lot, just never west. I've got about 20 days of vacation built up so I think I could have myself a pretty nice trip. This would be by far the biggest trip I've ever taken, and there are a couple things I've been thinking about -


1 - I need to rig up a temporary back rest. The last long trip I took, I realized that leaning against a backpack filled with clothes seemed to take a lot of pressure off my rear and made things a lot more comfortable.

Anything I've seen on ebay goes for quite a bit, so I was going to try to make something myself.


2 - I'm also going to need some saddlebags and hopefully a luggage rack. once again, what i've sen on ebay is expensive and a lot nicer than I need. this stuff is only going to be temporary and I don't care how it looks.

any thougts on where/how i could find/make any of this stuff?

i'm going for cheap here.

THANKS!

[ratbyk]

Baggage

I would suggest that you go and visit a local M/C salvage yard. They usually have a great variety of racks/carriers/back rests/hard and soft luggage. They will price everything individually. Select the assortment that will meet your needs then offer a lower price for it all as bulk purchase. You will be surprised at how negotiable most of them are.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk

[Geezer]

If you have a rack, put a trunk on it and then roll up a sleeping bag up infront of the trunk and tie it down. This is far more comfortable than any back rest.

If you make it out as far as Oregon, let me know and we can meet up someplace. Maybe we can have an impromtu rally. ;o)

Geezer

[beechfront]

i've asked around and nobody knows of any m/c salvage yard nearby. I think my best bet is what geezer said and find a luggage rack & roll up a sleeping bag in front of that.

hopefully something cheap will come up on ebay soon.

[Jerry]

A couple ideas for low-buck rack and backrest....

Sometimes the Vetter luggage frames (without bags) can be had at a decent price. I found my set without a decent rack. Was able to fit a rack from a CB600 on the Vetter frames. Honda rack came with an adjustable backrest which I can slide back and forward. In the forward position, with sleeping bag between me and the rest, the comfort is quite good. Rack had a bent "arm" which I cut off anyway, price was less than $10.00 with backrest.

Along with the Vetter racks, get some heavy-duty duffle bags. You can strap these to the frames. (Use straps, not bungee cords.) Threse will get dirty but will keep your stuff covered and dry. Put your stuff inside plastic bags inside the duffles for extra protection.

Don't overlook a tank bag for maps, camera, other odds and ends that you may want handy for quick access.