SOLO MOTORBIKE CAMPING ADVENTURE GEAR REVIEW

I go over all the gear I took on my solo motorbike camping adventure around Australia. The camping gear, bike gear, repair gear, as I travel through New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland on my Royal Enfield Himalayan. I go through what worked, what didn't work and what new things I might try next time.
Previous gear review
• All the gear I took on...
Camera gear is the same as last time so see previous gear review link above

[@brucefleming1743]

That was great to see what you took on the trip and how they faired I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your videos Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🇦🇺

[@freewayproject]

thanks Bruce, I hope some of the information might be useful.

[@AZGeek520]

Thanks for the post ride gear review. I do bring cook gear, mainly for boiling water because I've got to have some coffee in the morning and also have the occasional dehydrated meal. I haven't tried the full-on preparing a fresh cooked meal yet, but perhaps for shorter trips tat would make more sense.

[@freewayproject]

Yes with a shorter much easier to bring stuff to cook a real meal. In Australia with such long days on the bike and having to deal with download footage, charging etc at the end of each day having one less thing to do helps. I'll be putting up another ones of these at the end of the New Zealand series which is different as I have a 23kg weight limit due to the plan flight so things become very stripped back.

[@bobdrakeford5731]

It was great to see your breakdown of the gear you used Joe. I use the material tape (small rolls at Bunnibgs) rather than electrical tape. It's pretty strong, adheres well and tears easy for use. Thanks again for sharing your experience. 👍😁

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I hope you got something useful from my gear list. Yes normally I would probably have gaffer tape or duct tape, but I didn't have any before I left so I through in the electrical tape last moment.

[@Jamie-zt2gz]

I sold the brand new hard panniers off my Africa twin, then bought rhine walk flexi bags. I absolutely love them had enough money left over to buy a tank bag and a drone lol.

[@freewayproject]

Cool, thanks for letting me know, yer the gear bag I had has been good and so has the tank bag, so good to know someone else has used the pannier bags and they are going well too.

[@khaledashraf5935]

Great video yet again. I needed this .

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, I hope some of the information might be useful.

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Very handy information Joe, thank you.

[@freewayproject]

thanks Dazza, I hope some of it might be useful.

[@fenderrabbit1]

Great job mate... Thanks for the vids..👌

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I hope you got something from it.

[@jasontaylor8412]

Thanks for sharing your set up with us joe looking forward to your short trip.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I hope some of it might be useful. Yes should be interesting to see what the experience is like compared to a long haul trip

[@tommartin1609]

Thanks for this! I'm taking notes!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Tom, Thanks mate I hope you got something useful from it

[@aaronlampe340]

Great Vid. Lived it and shared the knowledge. So much info and tips! Awesome thanks Joe

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, hope you got something from it.

[@ianseddon9347]

Greetings from rainy England! Great reviews and insights from your adventures- thanks Joe

[@freewayproject]

Hi mate, hopefully some of the information is useful

[@markonmotos]

Great series and round up of the gear that went with you. Thanks for sharing it all. Can't wait for your next adventure to arrive

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed there series. Hopefully I'll be back out exploring soon.

[@gregorygorecki7524]

Great very informative and very simple thanks again, gregory

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Gregory, I hope some of it was useful.

[@frankseymour4162]

Thanks for taking the time to post this video. Fantastic information.

[@freewayproject]

thanks Frank, I hope you got something useful from my gear list.

[@frankseymour4162]

@@freewayproject Your recommendations were really great. I am off to the bike shop next week to buy some boots. They are exactly what I have been searching for. Thanks again.

[@jamie.miller.inspiring]

You could use some 100mile hour tape in different colours underneath the mesh to identify which bag is which to easily identify which is which. Or some coloured cable ties or string knotted on each zipper :)

[@freewayproject]

yes all good idea, I think of it but then would be on the next trip and go, damn I forgot to put that tap on haha. Hopefully I'll get it sorted before the next one.

[@MrPansophy]

Fantastic trip and thank you so much for sharing your gear - it massively helped me prepping for my future trips. 👍 The idea to not bring cocking utilities is something I definitely adopt!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I hope you got something useful from my gear list. Yes everybody's different with what's important, I had a mate who would carry around a cast-iron cooking plate so he could cook is bacon and eggs just the way he liked them😂

[@MrPansophy]

⁠@@freewayproject That would be way too much for me. I rather save on accomodation and have a good lunch on the road. I’ve ordered a hammock tent that packs up very small and is light to transport. Will test it out on a weekend trip over Christmas 😂

[@jbgrant7250]

Thanks Joe, some great stuff to know. Im putting my own kit together soon.

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, I hope some of it might be useful.

[@littlepuppy101]

Good one buddy. I have the saddle bags and was planning for the Himalayan type panniers. I think they'll fit in the Bullet as they're all one family. I'm going to purchase a new foam mattress. Still looking at options. I currently have a Stockman swag made of canvas and many woolen blankets. It works well. 😊😊

[@freewayproject]

Swags are great, it just depends if you have the space for one. I am using soft panniers now, I find them better when doing more off road stuff as they are lighter and I can get them closer to the centre of of the bike for better weight distribution. Hard Pannier are better when touring long distances.

[@person.X.]

Sea to Summit do different colour dry bags in lots of different sizes. I have red, yellow, black ,green and blue which I use to keep my stuff organised on trips.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, I'll check it out, can you buy a pack of them with all different colours or do they do like some other sell the pack with all the one colour, so you could have to buy several packs.

[@person.X.]

@@freewayproject From memory they sell them individually in different colours and sizes. Or at least that is how I purchased mine. I cannot find my receipt or I would let you know the details. They are not cheap (surprise! surprise! 😞) but I have used them on big trips and found them to be good quality and durable. I use them even with waterproof bags as it makes everything so much easier to organise and the extra layer pf protection gives peace of mind.

[@shaned187]

Thanks Joe. Very informative. Good advice on the hiking gear. I did the PCT thru hike in the US a few years ago and learnt quickly how much having excess weight can suck over 4,000km. A gram feels like a kilo lol. Ultralight hiking gear translates well to the motorcycling world. Not only for weight saving but the gear all packs down small saving room for more luxuries. More people should look into it. Check out the Big Agness Copper spur for a side door tent. It holds up in the wind quite well from experience in the mountains. Thanks again for all your awesome vids of your trip! It really made my day on a Friday evening winding down and putting on an episode and getting inspired and entertained. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@freewayproject]

Thank mate, I hope some of the information might be useful. Yes I have done a lot of thru hikes and back country snow camping and hiking in Canada. The PCT would have been epic, I did the Rim trail at Lake Tahoe, which jumps on the PCT for a little bit. I'll check out the copper spur, I'll have to start saving now for a new tent, as I am not sure how much longer this one will hold up. Yes a lot of the gear does translate well to Moto camping, especially when riding a smaller bike where extra weight does make a difference. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@person.X.]

@@freewayproject I use a Copper Spur. A great tent but it also blows flat in strong winds. Very comfortable and easy to put up with plenty of room. Very well designed imo.

[@09591000]

Thanks a lot! Good experience. To your health! 🍻

[@freewayproject]

thanks Vadim, I hope some of it might be useful.

[@Bugonabike314]

Brilliant. Thanks Joe. I reckon I’ll view this video again before I head off on a longer trip. Thanks for honesty in what works and how well each item performed. Annie

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Annie, hopefully it helps. Oh i forgot I had a little air pump for my sleeping matt (it is in the first gear review) and I forgot to mention I carry between 4 and 6 litres of water as well, I always carry to much just incase.

[@horsesoldier1]

Oh geez… I missed this. So much good info even for horseback adventures. It’s winter here now but planning some overnight camping with Lightning in the summer. So wonderful that I caught this and looking forward to your next adventure. Take care Joe, mount up and ride on!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Indi, hopefully you get something from it. Hopefully I'll be out exploring soon.

[@pippacarron1861]

Great, thanks for this run-down of gear you took. Next video, maybe show how you packed everything into their bags/containers, and onto the bike. I totally agree on not taking cooking gear. Muesli with lots of nuts, soaked in water the night before, does me for breakfast, salami and parmesan cheese for lunch, and, similarly, cans of tuna for dinner is what I live on, though add salad veggies to the tuna.

[@freewayproject]

I hope you got something from it.I might do that on this next shorter trip with the new soft pannier bags. I still have no idea what he best way to pack them are but I am sure I'll have to figure it out quickly.

[@DanielSmith-vp5vn]

Great info mate. Soft panniers safer. I’ve got them on my larger adventure bike but testing the rhinowalks on the smaller. So far I’m impressed with them. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, It good to know other people have used the Rhinowalk ones and that they are doing the job, thanks for letting me know.

[@derrickmurphy9859]

Brilliant review and I know you needed all that gear or dam near most of it but you did really well to fit it all in.Great stuff mate thanks.

[@freewayproject]

thanks Derrick, yes I think I used most of it except some of the emergency stuff. I hope some of the information might be useful.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Awesome stuff Joe. I gotta have my jet boil to make that morning coffee 😊

[@freewayproject]

I think most people would prefer that, I grew up in the north, Darwin so never got used to drinking hot drinks as the only thing you wanted to do was cool down.

[@kengoold7157]

Hey Joe, absolutely loved both your trips mate, your pace is awesome, the way adventure riding should be. Can't wait to see what you have planned for the future. I have a BMW GS1200 and a Honda CRF 300 Rally, but watching you makes me want a RE, maybe the new one now. I really hope Royal Enfield are supporting you and give you one of the latest for the next ride. You are the best advertisement for the brand possible. Photography and commentary are awesome. thanks buddy. Ken, Gold Coast

[@freewayproject]

Thank Ken, stoked you enjoyed both series. Having a choice of weapons to choose from would be awesome. The New 450 Himalayan looks like they have stepped it up in ever way, I got my Himalayan second hand as I couldn't afford a new one, so I'll have to wait for that lotto win to try the new one out 😂, but mines doing the job at the moment. Hopefully I'll be out there exploring again soon.

[@benjohnson7170]

Nice job packing all that stuff. It was a long trip.Looking forward to the next dirt road tour.

[@freewayproject]

Yes it seems a lot when I went through it 😂 but I used it all. I hope I can get back out there exploring soon.

[@DavidGibson-se1ev]

Always good to see the make of a solo riders kit mate nice work Joe It will be interesting how you find the soft panniers Already looking forward to your next trip It’s been a great couple of series Thanks heaps Dave

[@freewayproject]

Thanks Dave, I hope you go something from this. Yes I am keen to see if I can tell the performance of the bike and the practicality of soft panniers compared to hard ones.

[@zhuoscar4484]

Great work Joe your travel video really inspired me. Now I booked my flight next Feb and plan to do a lap around Tassie!

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you have enjoyed the series. That is awesome you are going to explore Tasmania, it's an awesome place, I barely scratched the surface on my last trip.

[@mullins6429]

Hi Joe, great video. Thanks for sharing your set up. I’m pretty impressed with that battery setup. I might look into that. I have thought about taking fold up panels before but haven’t seen those little batteries. Love your work mate👍🇦🇺

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, I hope some of it might be useful. Yes, the white one I took on the trip early this year down to Tassie and it worked well, so I grabbed the second one (black one, which, is the newer version, charges faster and I think the batteries are better), again wait until they are on sale if you can. It's really good on long trips.

[@turdferguson5108]

Great video Joe👍 remember, self inflating means you have to inflate it yourself 😁👍

[@freewayproject]

😂 😂 😂 yes because it definitely not talking about the matt. Thanks mate.

[@terryjackman]

Mate, if I hadn’t watched all of your videos, I would have to presume you went in a van with that much kit! Awesome videos btw. Thanks for sharing ❤🙂👍🙏🏻👏🏻

[@freewayproject]

haha, Yes it seems a lot, but I used all the tools, on the 2 long haul trips this year, I replace chains, I replaced tyres, repaired flats, had to tighten up bit and pieces, used all the oil oh and oil filters (forgot to mention them). I wore cloths several days in a row and still ran out of clean gear, also slept in everything I had in the sleeping bag in the south to keep warm. I used the camping stuff nearly every night. Because I was filming I needed a bit of extra stuff that most people wouldn’t need like the power stuff, I think the only stuff I didn’t use was the emergency stuff like first aid kit, life straw, Emergency Personal Beacon and a couple of the smaller items. Thanks mate I hope you got something useful from it

[@roaming-aus]

I use the Kriega bag as well and a little tip for you is when you pack, plan the end you want to open first is the one with the orange tag on the top.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, yes that was the plan to have something at one get to mark it, but did I do it, I am forget full with things like that haha, well lets hope I take your advice and have something on there on the next ride.

[@roaming-aus]

@@freewayproject the tag is already there

[@sethruter]

Great gear review brother, thoroughly enjoyed the series , as for the different packing cubes for clothes etc Mosko Moto makes some different colored variations that would work for you, I know I love mine. Love your content, can’t wait for more. Cheers from the U.S.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the information about the cubes, I'll go check it out. I hope some of the information might be useful.

[@gcprost]

I enjoyed your video. You have different experience and different requirements. I live in Canada on the East side of the Rocky Mountains. I was a mountain and ice climber I have done many years of camping, but now that I'm older I have different priorities. I primarily use hotels but as I travel in remote areas I bring camping gear for emergencies. My priority is to visit ghost towns. I have a 2022 Himalayan with aluminum panniers.

[@freewayproject]

that would be super cool exploring old ghost towns. I do like camping but also I just don't have enough funds at the moment to stay in hotels/motels, so it works for now. It must be coming into spring so more favourable weather for riding and exploring now I gather.

[@beretgascon]

Thanks, mate. Always good to know what makes up somebody else's kit. I'm so toying with the idea of moving up to the Himalayan 452, would appreciate your input about that one of these days if you have time to talk about it!

[@freewayproject]

I hope you got something from the gear review. I'd like to ride one, no idea how I would get my hands on one thought.

[@thebudgetadventurer1879]

Nice break down of gear. I use hard panniers or soft ones depending on trip. And a 50 ltr aldi bag for tent and bedding

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, yep I think you nailed it on the head, it depends on the type of trip.

[@robertmauter6493]

Hello Joe, I enjoyed your gear breakdown. Thanks for sharing that with us all, yes, Year after Year, I do make some changes in our extended, long-haul trips, but I had to laugh much when you hit the part about the rain suit, I cuss mine immensely, and will wait to the very moment before I feel I have to put it on, God help me, and then to take it off, I’m not really sure which is worse, but once you have it on, it delivers, but man do I ever hate that thing, for something to cost so much. It is a absolute royal pain, but anyway, thanks for sharing your material breakdown and I do look forward to whatever you put out next as always, take care buddy be safe see you on the road. Rob from U.S.

[@freewayproject]

So the pain is really and I'm not the only one 😂😂😂. I hope you got something from the gear review, even if it is "Joe carries to much stuff" 😂 The surprising thing is I used it all except the emergency gear. I hope your out there exploring, have fun and I should be back out there soon.

[@terrycavender]

I have the Rhinowalk 30 too, but it is the updated version. The new version has a padded, heat resistant surface where the mesh used to be, and an internal pocket for documents, or small items. The one downside to the new version is the inside is black as pitch, to find anything you need a flashlight. Another upgrade is the attachment method, gone are the Molle hooks, I had the first gen 10 liter in Thailand, and keeping them snug was an issue. It works well as a carry-on too, the provided straps work well for hiking between gates at airports, but, I'm thing not so much on a long trail. I have seen the side bags, the look good, I'm looking forward to hearing your opinion of them. What size did you get? I think the largest hold 40 liters overall, I know the next down holds 28 liters total. As always, enjoyed the video.

[@freewayproject]

Good to know other peoples experience and that they have worked for you. I got the 48L ones.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Agree with most of your gear review, I think a good compromise is hard top box and soft panniers, so you can still lock valuables in etc .I have the same riding pants mate 👍, the Knox urban pro 2 is fantastic- it’s an under armour jacket 🧥 ( for on and off road ) it’s designed to layer over and under . Fantastic in hot 🥵 weather as it’s well vented , in the cold 🥶 you layer over it .I use the Forma short ADV boots 👢- for my long trips away as comfortable to walk in as well .

[@freewayproject]

Yes I am still trying to work out the best combo with bag and boxes, it seem to depend on the type of ride. those boots do look good and so does that armoured top, looks like you have it all sorted, I am still working on my set up 😂

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@freewayproject One ☝️ other thing instead of taking a can of Chain lube ( as it can spring a leak ) , Motul does a chain paste - looks like a tube of tooth 🦷 paste BUT larger , VERY compact and no leak problems. I only use it for long trips , at home use the can spray .

[@clairebelle8389]

Fantastic thanks lots 👌🌸

[@freewayproject]

you're welcome Claire, I hope some of it was useful.

[@clairebelle8389]

@@freewayproject it sure was... very helpful.

[@andreaswales7739]

To much gear Joe , go light go far 😉, the Rhinowalk gear is really good stuff & a good price, looking forward to the next one buddy 👍

[@freewayproject]

Yes it seems a lot haha, but I used all the tools, on the 2 long haul trips this year, I replace chains, I replaced tyres, repaired flats, had to tighten up bit and pieces, used all the oil oh and oil filters (forgot to mention them) so with out that stuff I would have been stuck for days or in the middle of nowhere. I wore cloths several days in a row and still ran out of clean gear, also slept in everything I had in the sleeping bag in the south to keep warm. I used the camping stuff nearly every night. Because I was filming I needed a bit of extra stuff that most people wouldn’t need like the power stuff, I think the only stuff I didn’t use was the emergency stuff like first aid kit, life straw, Emergency Personal Beacon and a couple of the smaller light items. But it will be interesting on this next short ride to see the difference and test out these soft panniers.

[@coobye]

It's interesting looking at different riders equipment thinking that's a good idea or what the hell would you take that for😂. The hard panniers are great for security and convenience but soft panniers are better offroad. I would ditch the flying condom and get two piece wet weather gear. You can leave the waterproof liner of your jacket at home and either use the top over your jacket if it's cold or top and bottom in the rain plus your jacket doesn't get wet when it rains like it does using a zip in waterproof liner.

[@freewayproject]

Yes, a long haul trip to a short one to off road and one, to staying in motels to camping the whole way all changes everything, and me wanting to take photos and film, just makes it more complicated 😂 I had two piece rain gear before but trying to get them on quickly I put a hole in the pants the first time 🤦🏼‍♂️, I could blame the pants but probably user error. I hadn't gotten a replacement in time for the next trip so I got the onesie off my mate. Now that it is summer, it is not as critical to stay dry and warm, I'll try the 2 piece solution again I think.

[@coobye]

@@freewayproject Fair enough. After trying to film our own rides for personal viewing and realising the effort and time it takes I now appreciate these videos for our viewing pleasure. I'm looking forward to your NZ trip. Cheers.

[@GSSarai]

I can't believe you fit all that gear on the Himalayan! I noticed your RhinoWalk 6L tank bag in videos a while back, and I decided to get one too. I'm using it as one of my front panniers (opposite a jerry can). Thanks so much for these videos! I'd be curious to see footage of what camera gear you use! I used to have a DSLR and am thinking of getting one anew for the 2024 riding season.

[@freewayproject]

If you look at the older gear review, it has the camera gear in it, nothing has changed.

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

Interesting to see how you go with less gear , I take very minimal gear but I am offroad the whole time. Oh and only a week at a time ,nothing like your trip.

[@freewayproject]

yes, it all depends on the type of trip, as this next one will be short, I am going to try cut down as much as possible, but I'll still have the weight of the camera gear which I am already down to the minimum, but no panniers no solar panel, les cloths etc... The range of temperature on the last one 0 - 38°C means more gear. But it will be interesting to find out what I can get away with.

[@stevenross7319]

Great trip my wife and I really love watching your series. We both went down to Tassie at the beginning of the year for about 3 weeks on our mt09 tracers from Adelaide. I was just wondering how your bum is after your long days. Both my wife and myself have an air hawk which is great for long rides. My old man said not to get any comfort seat or gel as gel heats up when your not on the bike also can change over to other biks when you replace or upgrade best thing I ever got.

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you two enjoyed the series. I have't had any issues on long rides, I mean I do get a bit stiff all over the body after about 800km but it is not to bad.

[@ronstorms4363]

Great review, Joe...all these matters are so usefull...Thanks very much ! One of my question to all your adventures in Australia.....what about snakes in the wild ? did you get to see them? did some came to visit ?

[@freewayproject]

thanks mate, I hope some of it might be useful. In the last 2 series I think I came across about 10 snakes, I think 3 are filmed in the series. I am used to doing the basics to not have issues with them. nearly all the time they want to get out of the way and don't want to have anything to do with you. You just need to avoid places they could be sleeping or located, check first, when in bushland and camp sites, keep your boots on and the motorbike pants with the kevlar lining is good too. and always, always zip up your tent, even if only going in and out for 20seconds (same thing for spiders).

[@jamieallen8728]

Great series and a great video of what you took. How long was that trip overall?

[@freewayproject]

Great to hear you enjoyed the series. I think it took about 8 - 9 weeks.

[@800Adventures]

Absolutly loved the series and was an inspiration for my trip to Flinders Ranges this week. Have you looked at the Kings 24ah battery packs? They are the same power as the iTech World, they dont have the inverter but are alot smaller as well. I used Cignett 27ah pack but it lacked the outputs as it only had one fast charge USB C and one USB A.

[@freewayproject]

I need the 3 prong plug to change the computer and some of the camera batteries as a normal USB-C charger doesn't have enough power to charge them. As the Inverter is build in, it save needing another piece of equipment.

[@800Adventures]

@@freewayproject yea makes sense as well. I actually put a little 150w inverter in my top box along with a power hub that runs off my battery which I use to charge things while I ride 👌🏼

[@DIYIT13]

Great video's buddy 👍. What's your helmet like with noise e.g. wind ? Cheers Des

[@freewayproject]

I don't have anything to compare it to. I have my dirt bike helmet but I don't go over 80 - 90kmph on that and thats off road. I know I hear the wind but it not annoying at all, no whistling. Probably better to ask someone who uses a lot of helmets.

[@phil7160]

Staggering how much you ended up carrying but great run down. Perhaps a vlog on your camera equipment sometime as I remember you saying you weren't a fan of GoPros.

[@freewayproject]

yes, once you go through it there is a lot, but I used everything except the emergency gear. The first gear review on my channel has the camera gear I use at the end of it, nothing has changed since then, link below kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZewkIx6l7Sniac&t

[@GRiNGO-ADV]

Great series mate! been following along. what is the brand of the that camera light with the protector/directional cover? Are you considering the new himalayan when it arrives?

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the series. The light is a SmallRig, my version is the RM160 RGB Video Light mine has 3800mAh, but they have new ones with 5000mAh, so will last even longer (they have server different version but all very similar) They also work like a power brick as you can change your phone off them or any USB-C device. I had to buy my Himalayan second hand to be able to afford it, so unless I win the lottery I'll have to stick to mine for now, but the new one does look like it's improved in nearly every way.

[@3goldfinger]

I got Nelson Rigg Panniers on my Himi.

[@freewayproject]

They look good, are they the 14L or the 28L ones?

[@3goldfinger]

@@freewayproject 28lt

[@martyjwalker]

Macpac do the different coloured packing cells.

[@freewayproject]

Sweet, thanks for the information, I'm a fan of Macpac they make good quality stuff.

[@davegraham3558]

Thankyou for taking the time to share your experiences and ideas. I've loved watching S1 & S2. Just out of curiosity, apologies if youve already answered, how many k's did you end uo getting out of the rear you were told you'd get 10-20k from? From memory you got it early on in WA????

[@davegraham3558]

Just watched the 40000km review episode. You've answered already! Thanks again.

[@freewayproject]

you are welcome, glad you are enjoying the series.

[@freewayproject]

No problem, any other question let me know.

[@REBELMOTION...500]

Loved the series and the bike was amazing. You have converted me from a CF Moto to the new Himalayan. I am looking at a road trip late next year on the new version of the Himalayan. we are heading Perth to Darwin. any tips for the trip? I want to go inland in the Central west but then back out to the coast as there are some locations in and around Meekatharra, do you recommend the 2 extra fuel cells?

[@800Adventures]

Which CFMOTO were you looking at? I went the opposite way i went from a Himalayan to a CFMOTO 800MT, its a different beast all together, only issue i found with the Himi was on the highway it just couldnt really get over 90-100kph and overtaking wasnt going to happen. On my latest trip my mate had a Himalayan and it struggled on the highway but still great on the dirt. The new Himi should be completly diferent again and elliminate most of the issues but the price is looking like its going to be fairly high for what you get as well.

[@freewayproject]

Yes it seem by all accounts that the new Himalayan will be even better than the old one, so that's got to be good. The new 450 have a couple extra liters in the tank, up to 17L but it may use more fuel. there was no where that was longer than 450km between fuel, but that is if you plan carefully. The extra fuel cells just means you can explore more and don't have to worry about recalculating. I think one would be enough, but 2 gives you that range when you are in the middle of the outback. The Bungle Bungles was the best place I saw in W.A. If the Gibbs River Road is open then that definitely would be worth exploring, but a lot of the cool places are off the road so you have to go in and out again. Buy fly nets for your head, there $1 of $2, but out there you could sell them for $100 😂😂😂. and always have to much water.

[@REBELMOTION...500]

@@800Adventures looking at the 650mt or even the Bennelli 502x Looking to test ride closer to purchase day next year.

[@kensbikestuff]

Great series. Where is your next trip. ive done a simular trip to what you done in 2022 and was off again this year but my bike died. Im planning another trip around oz in 2025. Cheers Ken

[@freewayproject]

That's a bummer about your bike dying, I hope the 2025 one will be good. well I have a shorter trip planed where I am going to try and stay more on the dirt. But the next big one will be across the ditch.

[@simonmills2375]

Hey Joe, Man you carry a lot of gear/weight. Be interesting to see how many Kgs you can shed. I've limited myself to 35kg and most of it low down. See how that goes on my next trip....cheers for the vid

[@freewayproject]

Yes, with the long haul trips and having to be self reliant it does weigh you down. It will be interesting to see how much I can shred on this next short trip and how the experience changes.

[@user-hq7rb5hv7s]

great trip.....any future thoughts about doing the same type with the new 450 Himalayan for a comparison? Perfect man for the job....got the hours on the 400.....🤔🤔 During the next 4-5 months of snow, I need to get my camping gear...will be using a lot of your info to choose.......curious..any experience using a hammock....we have a lot of trees her...yours are sparse, in some areas......thanks for taking me along...look forward to your next trip

[@freewayproject]

Yes the new 450 looks interesting, I had to buy my Himalayan second hand to be able to afford it, so unless I win the lottery I'll have to stick to mine for now. I have used a tree tent before in Canada (which requires 3 trees, another places with lots of trees) but I have not used a hammock. Yes neither of these would work in parts of Australia 😂 Hopefully I'll be able to get back out there soon.

[@JohnnyWSmokeyJnrsMum]

Ha! Knew you'd be back! 🎉 how good was your own bed?

[@freewayproject]

I am on a pull out couch at the moment so I think the air matt might have been better 😂

[@JohnnyWSmokeyJnrsMum]

@@freewayproject in the dog house mate!?

[@gudgengrebe]

I used to hate the idea of hard panniers and was going to go with soft until I realised people can cut through them. I was wondering if there is a cut proof material that can be made into a bike cover to deter thieves? Anyway thanks for the gear review. I prefer listening to riders who’ve been off the main roads for extended periods. Great ideas.

[@freewayproject]

Yes I think it depends what type of riding you are doing which would lead to the hard of soft panniers. I know there is material that is cut proof, but I haven't seen any motorbike bags using the material. I hope you got something useful from my gear list.

[@robpinter5431]

Packsafe make mesh steel covers for backpacks that could be adapted for soft panniers.

[@gudgengrebe]

@@robpinter5431 Thank you 🙏

[@gudgengrebe]

@@freewayproject I always learn something from watching your videos. I also love to see the scenery and your great photography. Always gets my imagination flowing and I’m impatient to get mobile myself.

[@danieljones3053]

Fantastic trip mate. How many k’s did you end up doing?

[@freewayproject]

Thanks mate. I am not one for keeping track of data like that, but a rough guess is that I was a bit over 22,000km at the end of the last trip and with a bit of riding after this trip I am at 40,000km so maybe around 17,000km

[@raiman432]

mate that is a lot of gear I thought I carry a lot (which I do) I have the rhino soft panniers 28lt ones and so far they are great on my gs310 a little bit of a pain to put the right side to keep it off the exhaust. and I use 2 interlocking tool boxes as my top box one for my cooking and food/drink box and the other which is half the size that locks on top for my camera/lenses etc so far so good, they look a bit funny on my small bike but they work and only cost me $130 instead of the insanely expensive bike specific ones been on some corrugated roads and they hold up great I bolted them on the rack with a support board underneath. Oh the new Himalayan will have tubeless tyres and has 40hp?

[@freewayproject]

Thanks for the info mate, yes when I went through the stuff it did seem a lot 😂 , but I used it all except the emergency stuff, so to be self sufficient I am not sure exactly what I could so with out. Apparently yes the new Himalayan does have that and looks like a big improvement performance wise.

[@yegdeh]

How well did the 320 sleeping bag go in the south? Did you need a liner for additional warmth?

[@freewayproject]

there was a few nights when it got down to 0°C, I didn't have a liner so slept in my puffer jacket and was all good. Liners are great but I already have to much stuff on the bike and to carry a liner for 2 night over many months wasn't worth it when I have an alternative with me. But if you can fit it they are great.

[@Danysleo180]

Hi, how did you carry water? In remote and hot area how much water do you use per day or how did u plan how much to carry with u?

[@freewayproject]

Hi Mate. I had it in the side panniers and also a couple in my bags, I normally had 4L if I knew there was access to water, but i have carried up to 8Litres when going into more remote areas where I am unsure of the availability of water. It depends where in the country I was as to how much I used. In the north it was up to 3L.

[@grantwtk]

They sell water bladder bags, water purifiers. Or backpack style camel bag with a hose extending to one's mouth. Or just big bottles at the store. I agree it would be a management problem to have enough especially in Northern Australia..

[@fullyeetadventures469]

Would you upgrade to the new 450 Himalayan?

[@freewayproject]

I had to buy my Himalayan second hand to be able to afford it, so unless I win the lottery I'll have to stick to mine for now, but the new one does look like it's improved in nearly every way.

[@joshleal9811]

Just one question. What about carrie fuel and water

[@freewayproject]

Hi Josh, they were covered in the first gear review and bike review, the quick answer is between 3 and 6 Litres of water depending on where I was heading, if I was unsure I'd take more water. Fuel the bike holds 15L the side jerry cans hold 5 Litres each so 25L. I would only use the extra jerry cans if I was going off the main track and unsure where I would get my next fuel. The main tank would get me between 420 - 450km (depending on how I rode). So if all full between 700 and 750km

[@joshleal9811]

Thank you for your answer, I will check that video too. Always be careful and will see you on the next adventure.

[@grantwtk]

I'd want a camping stove like a Trangia Camping Stove (alcohol burner) which is super compact. Its got two pots, pan & kettle. In video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6qznmmOeLyGm6c&ab_channel=SkipandJump

[@freewayproject]

That one looks like it has everything 👌🏻