Packing for the Tour

This content has been gleamed from the "Motorcycle Touring Bible" by Fred Rau.

The packing space on a motorcycle is small so this means that packing must be tight and well thought out. To add complexity to the tour we have decided to camp out as much as possible. This means that a tent and sleeping bag are required. Azhar volunteered to bring a 4-man tent. All campers know that a 4-man tent actually means 2 people with little room for personal gear.

Ralph is riding a 2001 Suzuki, 1400cc cruiser. Azhar is riding a BMW 1200cc Sports Cruiser. The following describes what Ralph will be packing.

The Suzuki has 2 leather saddle bags. One bag will carry personal rain gear which includes a jacket and pants, waterproof gloves and a scraf. The other bag will carry extra riding gear such as a heated vest, synthetic armoured riding pants and chaps and selection of gloves.

I have a tank bag that rests on the gas tank where I keep maps, tools, snacks and small stuff that I may need during the ride with easy access.

I have a shelf behind the passenger back rest where I will store my sleeping bag, mattress and ground sheet.

Now, the important stuff like my clothes are stored in my motorcycle travel bag which I rest on the passenger seat and attach to the back rest. This bag is about a foot square and 2 feet tall. It also serves as a back rest will riding. The following will be packed into this bag.

Clothing:
2 T-shirts
2 causual shirts that can be worn to a respectable restaurant
1 pair jeans
1 pair causual slacks that can be worn to a respectable restaurant
I pair of shorts to wear under riding pants
3 changes of socks and underwear (laundry on the way or replace at a Wal-Mart.
1 pair of casual footwear (deck shoes would be a good choice because they pack small. I will pack my Keens which pack small and can accommodate most environments.

Personal Items:

- Shampoo and hand soap
- Nail clippers
- 2 small packets of laundry soap
- Sunscreen
- Disposable razor
- Pain killers (aspirin)
- Eyedrops
- Comb
- Tootbrush and toothpaste
- Earplugs
- small First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Tire repair kit
- Passport
- Spare bike key

In addition to the above I will have my normal riding gear that I wear such as boots, riding pants, riding jacket, sun glasses, helmet and riding gloves.

Did I miss anything?