Hey Everyone,

I'm leaving May 3, 2011 for a 6-8 week cross-country USA/Mexico ride. I'm starting just outside of Philadelphia, PA I'll be zigzagging all over the country taking mostly back roads. My furthest southern (not in stone) destination is Cabo San Lucas, MX depending on how I feel I may ride up to La Paz and take the ferry across to the mainland then continue further south. So I was wondering if some of you can offer suggestions on a few items I don't have yet.

I'll be riding my trusty stallion....i know its not the typical bike used on this forum but its what i want to use



I have cortech sport saddlebags ( Cycle Gear - CORTECH: Sport Saddlebags, BLACK 2074.8 cu. In. / 34 L ) that I'll be using, I think my bike sits too low and the rear fender is a very odd shape to mount panniers and have them stabel. And I already have a tent that I have used during other shorter motorcycle rides ( 2 Up 2 Motorcycle Tent - Catoma Outdoor )

So the other things I need suggestions on are: a sleeping bag, rain gear (gloves, jacket, pants and i prefer something to pull over my regular riding boots rather than carry an extra pair of boots) I also have a Garmin 60csx can you tell me where you can buy mounts for the bike? any other suggestions or input is appreciated.

Thanks
Robert

Fantastic bike, enjoy the trip. I'd say (looking at those pipes) that you are definately going to need some ear-plugs.
I have a 1200 GS now but I've had a few Harleys and loved 'em all. Take no notice of those who will say you'd be better off making the trip on the John Deere.
Ride safe.

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Nice ride indeed (+1 on the earplugs ). Have you given any thought to tire repair kits, air compressor etc. I believe you have tubeless tires. Therefore, fixing a flat is relatively easy.

As for a GPS mount, take a look at Ram mount. They make universal mounts. Maybe you find something that fits your GPS/bike.

For rain gear, I like the two-piece Rain Man from Firstgear. I'm not much in favor of over-booties. I think they are a PITA to put on and move around in. Plus, you may find that you get hang up on various protruding objects on the bike. I prefer "waterproof" boots from the start. I have made great experience with SIDI Adventure Rain boots.

Sounds like a fun trip, enjoy .

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Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"

If I was buying a rain suit tomorrow, I'd probably get a BMW ProRain3 assuming it actually packs down into the relatively tiny stuff sack they supply with it. You're going to have to put both pieces on regardless, might as well not have a place to leak at the waist... and have it be bright yellow so you're visible. Harley used to sell a rain suit made of Gore-Tex paclite material, I had a Klim off-road rain jacket made out of it and it was fantastic! Super light, packed crazy small, and was absolutely waterproof and dried quickly. Otherwise, I'd stick with a PVC or similar material that can't and won't eventually wet through. In the end I decided to just find pants and jacket that are waterproof to begin with and love my Aerostich AD1's and Klim Traverse jacket.

I decided to just get boots that are waterproof too (Alpinestars Scout Drystar) instead of putting covers over them. The rubber overboots FirstGear sells work great though, and cheap.

I've yet to find waterproof gloves or glove covers I really like other than my winter gloves (warm n' safe classic riders). If its warm I just let my hands get wet so far... but the hand guards keep most of the moisture off anyways.

Dunno if the helmet on the back seat is the helmet you're taking or not, but I'd personally take a full face, or at least something that can have a face shield attached, just to keep the rain, rocks, cow poo, bugs, etc out of my eyes, nose, and mouth. Also helps with wind/exhaust noise.

Sleeping bag, for as long as you're going to be out and the distance you're covering, there's still a good chance of finding cold weather at altitude. Two years ago, in August, a 40* down sleeping bag worked fine except for one chilly night in Colorado. This time around I'm bringing a 20* down bag from Kelty that I ordered from Campmor in New Jersey.

Camping Gear & Outdoor Gear - Outerwear & Outdoor Clothing from Campmor.com

Down filled bags are nice because they pack smaller, but lose all insulation if they get wet. Synthetic bags retain some of their insulating properties when wet and are often less expensive, but typically pack much larger and are heavier. I went with down because for me the ultimate pack size was more important, and I trust the waterproofing on the stuff sack I have it in.

I'd personally find a tent that packs smaller than 30" wide, but since you have it and it works for you roll with it. The Eureka Backcountry2 is a decent size for a solo moto camper... and packs to 15" long. And is $180 or something like that, also from Campmor (only place that sells it).

Do you have a sleeping pad to go between the bag and the ground? Lots of options there... currently have an insulated air pad from Big Agnes, but might revert back to a self inflating mattress like a Thermarest or the REI branded ones to save me from huffing and puffing at night. If not for comfort, pads give insulation between you and the ground keeping you warmer.

I'm leaving for that part of the world on a one way trip in about a week I hope, I might still be out that way God willing when you're rolling through. Don't worry so much about the gear, just get out and ride!

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2008 Yamaha WR250R

Thanks for the suggestion those pipes at WOT are approx 145 dbs but they are surprising quiet when doing 45 and under little throttle so i wont be waking up the sleepy towns i go through, I'll probably alternate between earplugs and the Ipod thanks again im sure i would have overlooked the plugs

Thanks for the link for the ram mounts, i found one that fits my bike and GPS unit (garmin 60csx). Haven't thought much about a compressor. Are there any decent compact ones out there? I am undecided on a 2-piece or 1-piece rain gear. hmmm decisions decisions.......

hiya mate, are those toxic pipes on your bike, if they are not trying to be a smart arse change them before you go keep them for posing, they rot badly, i tune and modify vrods, i made a copy set in 304 and wrapped them.
Steve,

thanks for the advice, i went back and forth before purchasing the toxic pipes for a while, it was between these and a 2 other smaller companies. From what i read from other people that were having issues with the Toxic pipes was an issue with the coating on it, either it was too thin or faulty. Since then i think the guys at toxic fixed the issue one way or another. I have put over 1500 miles on them ( i put them on last october, right before i put the bike in the garage for the winter) and i have no issues with them yet. I figure if i run into a issue on the road ill just buy a difference setup and get it drop shipped.