Using a sports bike for touring.

[spareparts]

Chipchap said:

spareparts said:

Absolutely spot on and I'd agree with everything said here.

Grasscutter to Spareparts: "How far do we have still to go ?"

Spareparts: "Not far"

GC to SP "When will we arrive ?"

SP to GC: "Not long"

A

Pain is a sign of weakness

[black-k1]

Dog Star said:

black-k1 said:

Secondly, make sure that any and all luggage you add is stable and secure but also lets you get on, ride and get off the bike without the requirement for significant contortion.

I ended up doing almost a week around France last month on my MV F4 and using a big(ish) rucksack and truth be told I was perfectly comfy with it - I've always had strapped on luggage before but there was no option for it this time.

I found that it gave me a lot more freedom. Just walk out of the hotel, hop on the bike and drive off. No pissing about with bungees and so on. Best option would have been a Renntec + topbox, but that wasn't available.

It was also pretty handy if visiting museums and so on - instead of worrying about leaving soft luggage on the bike I'd just ask the attendants to look after it, which they all did with pleasure (except anywhere American eg. Point d'Hoc).

This is the size of rucksack I'm on about...




Had shoes, flipflops, socks, undies, t shirts, jeans, washbag, phone charger, visor cleaning kit and even a hoodie all carefully micro-packed. Did 420 miles in one day.

As I said ...

black-k1 said:

But, find what best works for you.

I'd hate to be wearing a rucksack all day but if it's what works for you then go for it.

[Silver993tt]

spareparts said:

Pain is a sign of weakness

no, it's a sign of being unfit and out of shape

[Silver993tt]

Dog Star said:

I ended up doing almost a week around France last month on my MV F4 and using a big(ish) rucksack and truth be told I was perfectly comfy with it

Well some of like being hygienic and clean but you do what you like.

[Dog Star]

black-k1 said:

I'd hate to be wearing a rucksack all day but if it's what works for you then go for it.

As I said - I didn't have a choice. The year before it was my R1 + Givi box which was perfect. rucksack isn't ideal but as it turned out it did the job fine.

[psychoR1]

Personally I dislike rucksacks and tankbags as they make it harder to move around on the bike.

I use a Kriega clip on tailpack, 10secs on/off and has a shoulder strap to carry it - job done.

Don't take stuff you don't need, be comfortable and don't test your kit at the start of a big trip if you can avoid it.

The photo is of a mates K5(?), my R1 and a Tuna touring France for a week. Have been to Mugello Italy and Barcelona numerous times with this set up and no porbs.

R1

[Fotic]

I've been to Italy and back before with just a Kriega rucksack and although I was a little sore at times, it's not as bad as you'd think. A good rucksack like the Kriega takes a lot of the weight off your shoulders.

[Dog Star]

Silver993tt said:

Well some of like being hygienic and clean but you do what you like.

??

[hebegb494]

Dog Star said:

Silver993tt said:

Well some of like being hygienic and clean but you do what you like.

??

My thoughts too , Dog Star, not sure if he knows you and it's meant in jest , or if there is a presumption that somebody actually riding their bike long distances over foreign terrain on decent roads in great weather, means you shall do it with no thought for personal hygiene - however , my toothbrush ,deodorant and aftershave can easily fit inside my bumbag,which is where I keep my passport,wallet,tickets and hotel booking confirmation and every hotel I ever stay in Will have hot and cold running water,soap,shampoo,shaving equipment, clean dry towels and bedsheets !!!!


Maybe there is a need to fit a bike trailer and carry your life behind you... or go in an estate car...with a caravan .....?

Edited by hebegb494 on Saturday 30th August 15:57

[Hooli]

hebegb494 said:

Dog Star said:

Silver993tt said:

Well some of like being hygienic and clean but you do what you like.

??

My thoughts too , Dog Star, not sure if he knows you and it's meant in jest , or if there is a presumption that somebody actually riding their bike long distances over foreign terrain on decent roads in great weather, means you shall do it with no thought for personal hygiene - however , my toothbrush ,deodorant and aftershave can easily fit inside my bumbag,which is where I keep my passport,wallet,tickets and hotel booking conformation and every hotel I ever stay in Will have hot and cold running water,soap,shampoo,shaving equipment, clean dry towels and bedsheets !!!!


Maybe there is a need to fit a bike trailer and carry your life behind you... or go in an estate car...with a caravan .....?

Indeed, it's not hard to stay hygienic riding a bike. Hotels & indeed campsites tend to have showers etc.

[Mastodon2]

Impossible, you can't be hygienic on the road unless you're riding one of these:



And don't forget the fully equipped Land Rover Discovery support vehicle filled with supplies.