Hey everyone,

First off, I'd like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum. It is very welcoming, patient and helpful. My name is John, I'm 27 from the US and I am starting my RWT in October. I'll be traveling for as long as money lasts across 6 continents and buying a motorcycle in various countries. Thailand is my first stop, I plan on flying into Han Oi from BKK, buying my bike and starting the trip from there. Hopefully ending in Singapore and selling the bike there or in Malaysia. From there my rough route is New Zealand-Australia-Indonesia-Europe-Africa-South America-Antarctica-Central America-??

I'm looking for some suggestions on what type of gear you guys have found absolutely necessary while riding through SEA and the rest of the world? I'm trying to save a money where I can.

What would be most useful everywhere?

What is cheaper or more accessible in the US that I should bring from home and how accessible are other things?


I usually travel light, my main pack is 38L with a small day pack. I don't want to lug a lot of heavy gear all over the world. I've traveled across the US, a portion of Mexico and several Caribbean Islands like this on Suzuki GN250s, GN125s and a Harley 1200 Sportster.
My basic gear list was:

Cloths (shorts,t-shirts, cargo pants, a light waterproof jacket)
Shoes (Leather sandals and a pair of trainers, throw away flip flops)
Small toiletries
First Aid
Head Lamp
Electronics (Iphone, unlocked GSM cell, Camera, chargers)
Pad locks
Towel
Maps/ Paperwork
Hammock
Water/Food
Misc

In saddle bags or additional bag on rack:

Patch kit
Small foot pump
Spare tubes
A few spare parts
Basic hand tools
Tarp
Rope
Locks
Stand

For protective gear, I've always just worn a helmet, gloves and padded sunglasses. 90% of the time I ride in shorts and a t-shirt. I'm assuming in NZ and AUS I can find quality helmets but for Asia I wasn't sure.

For a trip like this, what do guys suggest?
What am I missing or bringing that is necessary or unnecessary?
What should I buy here?
Thank you for any advice, this forum is great source of information.

Hi mate..

It seems you have the basics covered. You will soon find out what you want & need and what you can do with out.. I like your 'Travel light' mentality.

My only advice would be to rethink your choice of riding gear. T-shirt and shorts is just asking for a long spell in a dirty third world hospital. You're trip could be ended in your first country by a low speed topple in traffic or sliding on some oil/sand etc.

Riding gear is personal choice, but for six continents, you need to make sure you will make it out of the first one in one piece.

You can get some really lightweight, ventilated, low cost and stylish riding gear. Get on Ebay for some mega bargains.

At least get a jacket with some armour and back protection and some sturdy boots. You will be really grateful for it if the weather changes too (which it will). Also, your ankles are REALLY vulnerable on a bike and they are one of the hardest parts of your body to fix.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I am with Ted on the riding gear, it is essential, a pair of armoured jeans would be on my shopping list and buy it at home, you won't get the quality in developing countries.
You don't mention what size bike you expect to use, check out your travel insurance cover, you might find it a lot more expensive to ride bikes over 125cc so if you are happy with smaller it will save money there.

Worth remembering.... Just because it's 'Bike Gear', doesn't mean you can't use it for other things.

A riding jacket can be worn at night to keep warm, the waterproofs work on and off the bike.

I don't think you're the type of guy to wear proper bike boots but sturdy hiking boots will be good off the bike for hiking etc.

There are quite a few threads on this forum about bike boots...

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Hey give the guy a break, he is already wearing "padded sunglasses"
But seriously, I would not do Australia in a T.shirt for starters. It gets cold and who doesn't appreciate their skin staying were it should in the event of an off.

I used a Dri-rider Rally X jacket & Draggin zip off cargos.

You can remove the thermal and waterproof liner from the jacket and it has mesh front and back. I also updated the armour to CD level armour in the shoulders, elbows and back.

The zip offs where great for walking around off bike while still having protection on bike.

Both are Aussie brands but you can get Draggins online and in the UK bike stores.

Thanks for the advice guys, and especially for the detailed list TA-Rider. As far as the protective gear goes, I might consider bringing the one riding jacket that I have but I still don't like the idea of lugging it around the world and it's HOT. It's vented mesh with CE armor, the only time I wear it is when I'm on a sport bike. I've never had a problem riding or hiking in trainers so still not sold on the boots. Here in the US most riders don't wear protective gear unless motor crossing or racing on sport bikes. You never see someone on a cruiser wearing anything but a helmet and glasses. I'm a pretty large guy, always hot and sweat tremendously. That's one reason why I never jackets on heavy pants. I also don't like the look, I'm more of a surfer/hippie type. If the locals ride without gear, so can I.

My travel insurance covers motorcycles of all sizes so no worries there. I have no problem with a 125, in fact I'll be looking for a GN125 once in Han Oi and would love to ride the same bike in all the countries I visit. Africa and South America make me a little nervous but since I'll be heading there after Europe or AUS, I figured anything I needed could be bought there.

Do most of you riders carry tents or hammocks even when in SEA, SA and Africa?

I camp around the US but every where else I always find a guesthouse, hostel, random family etc.

I've never used a GPS other than a TOM TOM or my Iphone. Do those of you that carry them feel you get your use out of them? Is it necessary for Asia or can it be bought abroad before Africa and SA?

What is the purpose of the FTP password and Linux Live CD?

For Malaria medication, I have decided to just bring a 12 pack of Malarone for emergency treatment. What do the rest of you use?