[kkrause]

I'm takin' a trip to San Francisco this weekend from LA. This will be the longest road trip I will have taken my bike on. You suggest anything special for me to bring? Besides liquids, snacks and Tylenol--for my boys and my back?

 

[Lucky#13]

Power bars . For protien and carbs . Makes haste not waste

 

[MrSciTrek]

Power bars . For protien and carbs . Makes haste not waste

Whoa... that's a truly fine & funny use of the phrase!

 

[ilya]

I took the same trip on a Ninja 250 back September '05. If you do not have any touring mods on your bike, I would strongly recommend soft grips, throttle rocker, and a sheepskin seat pad.

grips: http://www.casporttouring.com/store...D&Product_Code=440-01&Category_Code=Hand-Cont

throttle rocker: http://www.throttlerocker.com/

seat pad: http://www.alaskaleather.com/prices&sizes2.html

 

[Smoky]

which seat cover do you recommend for our ex?

 

[ilya]

Pillion Type 1 is the one I have. Alaska Leather recommends it for sport-type motorcycle seats.

kkrause: I don't think you'll have time to order online neither the seat pad nor the throttle rocker. At the very least I recommend installing softer grips.

 

[blent87]

I packed some screwdrivers, allen wrenches, and a pair of pliers when I went down to cedar point. You never know when something unexpected is gonna happen, and those few tools will handle most small jobs on our bike (and doesn't take up much space, either).

 

[dwengi]

Riding up the coast I hope...

I find zip ties and large hose clamps can repair a variety of random problems.

 

[Royson]

Ear plugs.
Water.
Tool kit.
Zip ties/Duct tape.
Snacks.
A live chicken.


*One of those items should not be brought on the bike.

 

[knightslugger]

Ear plugs.
Water.
Tool kit.
Zip ties/Duct tape.
Snacks.
A live chicken.


*One of those items should not be brought on the bike.

... but rather tied to your swing arm and drug behind you on your journey. makes it really tender.

 

[blent87]

Ear plugs.
Water.
Tool kit.
Zip ties/Duct tape.
Snacks.
A live chicken.


*One of those items should not be brought on the bike.

... but rather tied to your swing arm and drug behind you on your journey. makes it really tender.

Also makes the job of defeathering and skinning the chicken a whole lot easier.

 

[dragknee]

^ i searched and searched for a screen cap of the scene from national lampoon's vacation, where he ties the dog to the bumper, then the cop pulls him over 30 miles later.... this is the best i could find

Motorcycle Cop: Do you know what the penalty for animal cruelty is in this state?
Clark: No, sir, I don't.
Motorcycle Cop: Well... it's probably pretty stiff.

 

[blent87]

Here's a link to the clip on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz7zeX_y7nk

 

[Smoky]

HAHAHA thats terrible he should be dragged from that car.

 

[wolf66]

Nice links, I ordered a butt pad from Alaska and the Throttle thingy..

the Alaska site also had these things that i need:

Glare Reducer $9.95 (my morning comute is right into the sun, even my tinted visor ain't helping)

Halo Helmet Reflective System $9.95

visability always a plus..

For grips I like the foam ones made by Johar of California, thick foam that seems to soak up some of the bad vibes... : )

They have them for $6.95 in 3 colors here:

http://www.instantop.com/CyclePage/Grips_7_8inch.htm

 

[xtxn]

Earplugs are a must for long distance riding. We use the etymotic er6i earphones. They are noise cancelling and it really makes for a much nicer trip. My wife listens to her XM radio and plug into my Ipod. In time you should also purchase an Autocom system. I have the Active plus on the GSXR and we are looking for another one for the 500R. With the Autocom I have 2-way radio, cell phone, Ipod and radar detector all plugged into it. The quality is excellent. I can use the cell phone and have talked to my wife while riding at 150+ mph and the sound is crystal clear, she could not tell that I was going that fast, either.
If you can't afford an Autocom save up for it. I have tried the other brands and I have spent enough money on all of them to purchase 2 Autocoms. The quality is the best and you will enjoy getting it right the first time. The Chatterbox GMRS is the same price, but not the same quality - been there & done that, too. Also, you don't have to waste your money on the Kenwood radio, a motorola works just as good and will save you about $200 per radio.