Touring a naked
Discussion
Looking to plan a short trip to the north west corner of Scotland, fort William and hopefully over to Skye if time/accommodation allows, for about 2 months time, only 2 nights. I know it’s a crystal ball type of question weather wise but after some advice from others that've done touring before, the bike is a 2017 bmw s1kr, so very little protection from the wind etc, normal weekend riding i use two piece leathers, would you go for some trusty pull over waterproofs or swap for some proper textiles? Luggage wise was hoping to get away with a back pack and kriega tail bag, should be sufficient for some light clothes, few tools, tyre repair kit? Open to all advice be it bike related, kit or destinations/routes! Thanks all!
Good textiles.
Tail pack. 20L should do for 2 days.
Puncture kit, if you like.
Going on my 3rd tour with a naked next week. (Speed Triple 1050 x 2 and now Street Triple 765RS). It's not a problem. I can sustain 80-90mph on motorway if we're covering long distances, just keep your head down, make sure you have good noise protection to account for wind noise. This years tour's mileage range from 220 to 270 miles / day.
I never fill more than 40L soft tail pack and that's for a whole week. Including spare gloves, under layers and basic tools (which I never use!) and of course clothing for the evenings out and toiletries.
You never need half as much as you think you do. Best advice is get everything you think you need laid out on your bed and half it.
Tail pack. 20L should do for 2 days.
Puncture kit, if you like.
Going on my 3rd tour with a naked next week. (Speed Triple 1050 x 2 and now Street Triple 765RS). It's not a problem. I can sustain 80-90mph on motorway if we're covering long distances, just keep your head down, make sure you have good noise protection to account for wind noise. This years tour's mileage range from 220 to 270 miles / day.
I never fill more than 40L soft tail pack and that's for a whole week. Including spare gloves, under layers and basic tools (which I never use!) and of course clothing for the evenings out and toiletries.
You never need half as much as you think you do. Best advice is get everything you think you need laid out on your bed and half it.
Fort William to Maillaig (A830) is a good road to ride with some amazing scenery. Although I've never done it, it is possible to get the 40min ferry to Skye from Mallaig. Silver Sands of Morar along that road are lovely.
Accomodation might be the hardest part nearing high season for tourists.
Accomodation might be the hardest part nearing high season for tourists.
In the past I did all my touring in two piece leathers. This included trips ranging from 4 days to two weeks.Typically I used a lightweight goretex running jacket for the lighter showers, and a waterproof all in one over suit for the prolonged and heavy rain.
If I did the trips again it would depend on bike and riding style, but I'd probably go for more textile approach. However just go with what you've got and enjoy.
Luggage wise preference developed to small tank bag for bits and bobs, Kriega tailpack and Kriega rucksack.
If I did the trips again it would depend on bike and riding style, but I'd probably go for more textile approach. However just go with what you've got and enjoy.
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Friday 6th June 06:35
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Friday 6th June 06:35
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Friday 6th June 06:36
Luggage wise preference developed to small tank bag for bits and bobs, Kriega tailpack and Kriega rucksack.
Edited by TiminYorkshire on Friday 6th June 06:39
lancslad58 said:
I'd bet you made it to wherever you were going on that, too 
I’d just go for a good waterproof over suit.
If you’re intending to use textiles in the future then yes, buy yourself a good set but for what you’re doing I wouldn’t bother.
If you want textiles then you go down the rabbit hole of spending a few hundred or a couple of grand where everyone and their dog has a different opinion. (Although I suppose you can say the same about over suits)
I use a naked all the time. Definitely do not use a backpack for touring (on any bike), they are just not as comfortable as not wearing one, which matters over longer distances. My favoured luggage is a top box plus a Baglux tank bag - top box for clothes and bulky items, tank bag for valuables and stuff I want handy (e.g. camera). The top box is secure so can be left on the bike when you leave it to explore, get food, book in to hotels etc. and the tank bag is easy to grab when you leave the bike.
Our last tour was 4 days to and around Devon (from East Sussex so not massive mileage but it was four full days riding). The luggage worked well. We had Gore-Tex textiles which unfortunately couldn't cope with the remnants of two hurricanes that hit on consecutive days, but the water got in between jacket and helmet so not sure what would have helped. However, we have said we would take over jackets next time to layer up, dry quicker etc. so your plan of waterproof layers makes sense.
Don't overthink it and take as little as possible, you will likely have too much still. I could easily get everything in the top box so the tank bag is purely for convenience, and you should be able to cope with just the tail pack if it comes to it.
Our last tour was 4 days to and around Devon (from East Sussex so not massive mileage but it was four full days riding). The luggage worked well. We had Gore-Tex textiles which unfortunately couldn't cope with the remnants of two hurricanes that hit on consecutive days, but the water got in between jacket and helmet so not sure what would have helped. However, we have said we would take over jackets next time to layer up, dry quicker etc. so your plan of waterproof layers makes sense.
Don't overthink it and take as little as possible, you will likely have too much still. I could easily get everything in the top box so the tank bag is purely for convenience, and you should be able to cope with just the tail pack if it comes to it.
As well as waterproofing yourself think about how you're going to waterproof your luggage. I'm just outside Glasgow and we've had all the weather in the last few weeks, including some ridiculously heavy rain. You don't want to get to your destination with sodden clothes to change into.
Which is why a top box is king.
Which is why a top box is king.
I’d just go for a good waterproof over suit.
If you’re intending to use textiles in the future then yes, buy yourself a good set but for what you’re doing I wouldn’t bother.
If you want textiles then you go down the rabbit hole of spending a few hundred or a couple of grand where everyone and their dog has a different opinion. (Although I suppose you can say the same about over suits)
Check out Rhinowalk tail bags, bit of a Kriega rip but waterproof and a whole lot more budget friendly, I have the 20 litres which is plenty for up to 4 days as mentioned above. Along with a SW Motech micro tank bag for the smaller essentials, I like to travel with empty pockets.
They also do an alternate set of straps too (compatible with Kriega) with whatever the proper name for those snaps clips is on one end and a loop on the other, feels much more secure even if the straps get a bit loose.
I assisted one of our group who'd slightly overloaded her rucksack weight wise for the TT and found it very uncomfortable after 20 minutes.
They also do an alternate set of straps too (compatible with Kriega) with whatever the proper name for those snaps clips is on one end and a loop on the other, feels much more secure even if the straps get a bit loose.
I assisted one of our group who'd slightly overloaded her rucksack weight wise for the TT and found it very uncomfortable after 20 minutes.
I have toured in leathers since the mid '80's, all over Europe and the UK. I carry a lightweight waterproof over-suit but I'm always presently surprised how rarely I need it. (Sorry other Old Gits, I know that'll now curse this years trip! 
)
It's more important to be comfortable than worrying about the type of suit, and when it comes to safety, leathers are definitely the better option.
)It's more important to be comfortable than worrying about the type of suit, and when it comes to safety, leathers are definitely the better option.
JaseB said:
Check out Rhinowalk tail bags, bit of a Kriega rip but waterproof and a whole lot more budget friendly, I have the 20 litres which is plenty for up to 4 days as mentioned above. Along with a SW Motech micro tank bag for the smaller essentials, I like to travel with empty pockets.
They also do an alternate set of straps too (compatible with Kriega) with whatever the proper name for those snaps clips is on one end and a loop on the other, feels much more secure even if the straps get a bit loose.
I assisted one of our group who'd slightly overloaded her rucksack weight wise for the TT and found it very uncomfortable after 20 minutes.
Another for vote Rhinowalk, I bought a 45L as I was carrying camping gear as well. Competitively priced, good construction and numerous straps for securing onto the bike.They also do an alternate set of straps too (compatible with Kriega) with whatever the proper name for those snaps clips is on one end and a loop on the other, feels much more secure even if the straps get a bit loose.
I assisted one of our group who'd slightly overloaded her rucksack weight wise for the TT and found it very uncomfortable after 20 minutes.
I am tempted to get a 20L for shorter trips on my new (smaller) bike.
Lightweight oversuit kept in a tankbag in a supermarket poly bag; quick stop when it rains, put your foot in the poly bag so it doesn't catch on the inside of the suit and you're dressed in 30 seconds.
Also, ditch the idea of a backpack, they are massively uncomfortable and very restricting when you're on the bike for any length of time.
Browse ebay or gumtree for pre-loved throwover panniers.
And take a pack of Pampers baby-wipes, they're excellent for cleaning hands, bums, visors, lights etc.
Also, ditch the idea of a backpack, they are massively uncomfortable and very restricting when you're on the bike for any length of time.
Browse ebay or gumtree for pre-loved throwover panniers.
And take a pack of Pampers baby-wipes, they're excellent for cleaning hands, bums, visors, lights etc.
You need Scott Waterproofs, get on to Motoledgends and get some. Not cheap, but they work. Been using them for years and they are amazing. In my mind they're much better than textiles as they dry out in minutes and you're dry underneath whereas a drop lined textile will wet out and take hours to dry and feel nasty and a laminated gear is expensive and not especially comfortable. Using Scotts means you can have summer type that keep you cool if it's hot and dry if it rains! You'll need Gore tex boots and gloves (I use summer gloves and then swap when if it rains).
I'm off to Skye next month. A few years back we rose from Fort William to Malaig and took the ferry to Skye. Feels little advanture all of it's own. We saw dolphins from the boat and the views were great both on the ride and on the ferry.
I'm off to Skye next month. A few years back we rose from Fort William to Malaig and took the ferry to Skye. Feels little advanture all of it's own. We saw dolphins from the boat and the views were great both on the ride and on the ferry.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff