Thanks for the reminder. I've got a couple I'd like to try out. Which ones work the best on the DR? The IMS tank limits space and hose routing...ideas?

Bottle opener? ah, right....not many twist offs down south!

I'm trying to leave in September. Plan is to see some place in Mexico I haven't seen in years. Real de Catorce and the dirt roads around there (Peyote country), some of the highland towns, a friend in Oaxaca, southern coast.

Explore some of Guate, visit where I used to live in Solola', onto Salvador for some water sports, Caribean side of Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica.
Panama? Not sure. Need help there. I may continue on, depending on time and money...into S. America to hook up with friends in Argentina in January. All this time premitting.

Good question. Nothing special. I could easily go with soft bags, I just want to try something new. I've done three multi-day dual sport rides with the soft bags. Even for just a 4 or 5 day ride....they were FULL! I guess I need to lighten up. I know how to do this...(honest) but don't want to! I'm old, and set in my ways. I may change my mind yet. Some serious thinking/evaluation about this now.

Mountain Man,
Thanks for all the great comments too! I didn't know the Pelikan lids were strong enough to mount. Interesting.

The whole security issue is always of concern too....nice outline.
i've been there. I've also learned not to have cool doo-dads on my dash or handlebars. Quick and clever fingers will see them disappear in an instant.

Will update this soon....thanks to all!

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

You can find paper filters in clear plastic case at most all auto parts chains. They're commonly used for lawn mowers.
You will need to loop some fuel line. I recommend using regular 1/4" automotive fuel line. It's cheap and doesn't kink near as easily as tubing.
I can send a pic of my setup (screw up) if that would help.
If you decide to use this and loop some line, remind me to explain about air pockets and what to watch out for.

Sounds like a fantastic trip, really. :thumb

Take one spare oil filter. If you start with a fresh one, that one spare can take you to 15k miles following mfger recommendations.

Plugs are spec'd for 12k, but I put close to 20k on my first set, and they still ran fine.

You know that 14t front will wear your chain faster...but that's life.

Be careful with the soft alum threads on the oil filter cover thingy. I just had to tap mine out to 1/4".

Check the front brake line where it routes inside the left fork and see if it's rubbing 'into' the soft fork.

Take a multi-meter.

Fuel filter, self supporting..

http://velvtride.smugmug.com/photos/181527249-L.jpg

No clamps on line?

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Martial, I ride therefore I am. DR650, R1100RT,HD FLHS

None needed.

Here are my 1550 Pelican cases mounted with the lid against the bike. This way they hold more in them when you open. Tough, waterproof, and can take a drop. My only complaint is that they scrape sometimes when I'm on the twistiies.

10R10R,
Looks like the kids are all set to go on the long ride!

Mollydog,
I take along a head torch (the type on an elastic band around the forehead) with LED bulbs so that the batteries last for ever, in place of a flashlight (usually end up with a mini maglite packed as well!).

The head torch is great for working in the dark on the bike, loafing around in the tent or even crawling back across the fields from the pub, or .........

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Dave

The Pelikans look good....and I can tell your girls adore you....you are very lucky!

The head torch idea I have not written down but will do so NOW! These things are the bomb. Question is: Where can I find one at a reasonable price? REI (fancy outdoor store here in USA) has them for like $50 or more!!!

Nothing more indispensable for camping and doing roadside repairs. Thanks for the reminder.

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

I got my headtorch from ebay (two of them) for about £10 each (about $20).
They are the "Energizer" brand (same as the battery brand) which I think is from the US but now made in China (like most other things nowadays!). Never let me down and the batteries go for ever.

As I mentioned, I still carry a mini maglite though.

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Dave

Thanks for the heads up Dave. I'll start perusing on line to see what I can find.

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

How long's the haul, Pat? What's the plan? Good to see you getting back on the road again...

Suerte, Dan

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Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...

Hey Mate hat as the reason for mounting the pelicans the lid first? I flipped them around so pelican was facing out.

Regards

I'm just in the process of buying a DR650 to ride the continental divide trail in August. All the info on this thread is a great help, but I have a question.
I'll be using small soft bags, but I have no "stand offs" are they a neccessity? I'll have less than 20kg each side, but I'm a bit worried about the exhaust side.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Absolutely a good idea for the exhaust side, especially if you spill. Easily made from metal bar at the local hardware store and vise, drill and hammer. I fastened mine to the upper bolt hole for the passenger footpeg (footpeg removed) and the exhaust mount bolt beneath the fender.

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http://ridefar.typepad.com

Thanks, I will have to keep it simple as I fly into the US, pick up the bike and only have 1 day before setting off.
Perhaps if I take some flat bar with me with a number of pre drilled holes, I can knock something up quickly.