Realizing from the start I couldn't bring everything I'd like, my list began with MUST HAVE's and "nice to have's". But you know how this goes...the MUST HAVE pile grows way to b
ig to fit anyway. So then you have to sort that pile, and rank items there. Travelling hotel to hotel with credit card and eating at resteraunts at every stop is obviously the ticket to packing light. But in these tight economic times, plus the added 'spice", motorcycle camping can save some bucks and give you experiences you'd never get inside 4 walls, but just plain takes a lot more gear. Especially in colder weather, like the middle of April can bring. (showing lows in 30's around Area51)
I needed to not only gather and check my camping gear, but decide what to pack on this trip, and where on the bike to store it. So packed up in garage tonight to test where things fit best.
Recommended is heaviest gear goes low on the bike, and is evenly distributed; lighter stuff up top. So the sleeping bag is above the tent and other gear. Dare I say, it's going to be a tight squeeze with my gear (and girth) to fit it all in, but that's part of the fun.
Since I didn't have the cash to buy larger hard cases, the narrow Givi E21's can only hold about 2 gallon milk jugs each or 11 lbs (to give you an idea; not that I plan to bring milk). I did get the large top case, the E52, but that was mainly because I wanted the added safety of the tail-light kit it has. It's rated at 22 lbs. The rest gets strapped down to the seat behind me.
The pics show the bike loaded up and ready, and also some closeups of some
of the accessories I've added.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment