KEEP IT SIMPLE! Moto Touring Kit List

[@TheLeevtr]

Get yourself a heated jacket. I have the Keis one, absolutely brilliant. Once you do you'll wonder why you didn't get one years ago. Can double up as a casual jacket for the evening, and even if you're not that hot leave it switched off and it's just another layer. Don't buy the sleeveless gilet, get the full jacket it's much better. Even got a heated collar.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I really should. Not really planning on going cold riding like that anytime soon, but maybe with a heated jacket I'd plan some winter tours. Which jacket do you recommend?

[@TheLeevtr]

@thebristolthunderbird Hello Matt. I've got the Keis jacket. I know people who've bought the gilet( sleeveless) but personally in for a penny in for a pound. It really is very very good.

[@daddystu7046]

I've got a £12 unbranded one off ebay. Lasted me 2 winters so far and lasts 4 hours on max setting.

[@trevorhussey2027]

I agree entirely about touring bikes. We are spoon fed by the industry the idea that you need a touring bike for touring and need with that to spend big money on a large capacity machine. We are also in the midst of an “adventure” bike fashion which also dictates buying a machine with all kinds of capabilities snd gizmos you don’t really need. Your comfort on the bike and confidence riding it are key. You’ve nailed that one. I have toured with various items of soft luggage and the security thing you identified is also very important. Much depends on your intentions. If it is to get from A to B, C, D, E etc without stopping, soft luggage is fine. If you want to get off en route and walk, swim, climb, explore it’s not. I have now, after a few experiments, settled on hard panniers, a hard top box and a internal bike compartment which all lock. It’s a game changer, particularly with soft inner bags. There’s little more stress inducing and holiday wrecking as having your gear nicked.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

The hard Vs soft pannier thing is a hot debate for touring bikers. Heard arguments for both. The mad thing is we have to consider being robbed in the first place!

[@TheQ427]

Hi Matt in regards to tools - in civilized areas there is no need for tools. However if tools give you peace in mind, get yourself the Wera mini set along with their torque screwdriver plus the most common spanners (for the mirrors) - much lighter and smaller. Anything else you can't fix anyway by yourself 😉 Cloth - I suggest you look at merino underwear - you can wear it all year round, keeps you dry and cool in summer or dry and warm in winter, doesn't smell, even after a week of riding. Generally, get yourself some travel wash (I use REI). Don't wear cotton t shirts - they keep the moisture which is in neither climate something someone wants. Ratchet strap isn't necessary for any ferry BUT you may consider something to cover the parts where the straps touch your bike (either some thin leather or foam rubber) to avoid marks and scratches. Talking about panniers - soft panniers are only good if you go from A to B, unload them in a Hotel, change cloths and explorer the area like a local (in normal street cloths as you'd at home). If you want to jump off the bike for a swim you will change to hard panniers as they are the only means of protecting your stuff in this application. Riding a T120 I know the struggle of either staying with the looks (= soft panniers) or being practical (= hard panniers). Aesthetically it's by far not as bad looking as you may think, but gives peace in mind when leaving the bike. Plus hard panniers are convenient and less fiddly. Some innerbags let you grab your stuff quickly dropping them off at the hotel or carrying into your tent. The rollbag (camping gear) can be secured with a lockable cargo net. That's what works for me, YMMV. Heated grips are a must. Not only in the cold but even light summer rain may cool down your hands uncomfortably. Also pack medication as needed, cos in other countries you may not be able to buy them due to legal reasons or they're simply not available etc.. Last not least - there is nothing a credit card can't fix 😁 Stay safe Q

[@nigelmtb]

You've got some great advice there. Thank you.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Hi mate. Thanks for this reply, some really helpful tips there which make a lot of sense. Many of these products you've mentioned have popped up in other conversations, so clearly people have found great ways to overcome some of the Moto touring challenges. I'll be getting some of these myself for sure. Also, it sounds like you've done some touring too so thanks for taking the time to go into some details. Much appreciated mate. Kindest regards.

[@Chris-mn7yy]

Great Vid. You're right pal, its all about comfort. The marketing will brainwash you that you need this and you need that, but you really don't.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Very very true. Thanks mate!

[@roblock2630]

Great video. I totally agree the best bike is the one you have in the garage and just keep things simple. You don’t need the kitchen sink.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Indeed, your bike will circumnavigate the globe without any problems, (well maybe one or two) but it will do it!

[@pja7]

I’ve got a big adventure bike, but never seen the attraction in those honking great big metal panniers. They weigh a ton, even when empty and look bloody awful

[@thebristolthunderbird]

To be honest I have no idea what they weigh, but I guess they must add a bit of weight too. They just look nice and secure, but as one of the other guys mentioned above, if a thief wants your stuff he'll have those metal panniers off in a jiffy too! What bike you riding?

[@pja7]

@@thebristolthunderbird Super Tenere 1200. I have the metal Givi Trekker 58 litre top box and that alone weighs a considerable amount (6 kilos empty). Most of the time I use a Givi 40 litre plastic topbox or just use my tank bag. Also, with those metal panniers, if you fall, you or your pillions leg can get trapped in front of them. Here in Spain you see bikers every weekend with those panniers going for a ride. You would think they were moving house.

[@jtdiffen]

Excellent! Only item I would add is a “puffy” sweater. Extremely useful and low volume.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Not a bad addition. Any links or ideas for what you use. I'm always looking for good options to stay warm!

[@ThePreminem]

The most important is The Trip! Let’s be honest, in my opinion most people overcomplicate and overthink what they need to pack or what bike do you need to travel. The thing is unless you’re going into remote areas you don’t need everything. there is always shop round the corner there will be laundry place there is always be recovery in next town etc. Just jump on your bike and go. Pack basic stuff and just go! Far or local, trip is a trip. Stay safe 😎😎🏍️🏍️

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Very true. Overcomplicating anything is like paralysis. Just get on your bike, have a pair of boxers or two, (maybe a tent), and off you go.

[@nigelmtb]

It's the same adage with boats; the best one to go cruising in is the one you have right now. I agree with you!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Are you a boats and bikes guy? So true though. Too much marketing hype can steal a lot of joy. Just use what you've got.

[@nigelmtb]

@@thebristolthunderbird I sailed (chartered) a lot before COVID. Can't seem to find crew any more though. Still a sailor at heart! And I just bought an NC750X which is perfect for me.

[@BlackThor15]

Great video, thanks for sharing! 👍👍

[@thebristolthunderbird]

You're welcome mate. Thanks for the comment and follow, much appreciated.

[@ianfutcher1518]

I agree don’t overpack. You don’t need lots of clothes as you will be riding most of the time in your bike gear. Just one thing you forgot - toiletries ( you know you like your deodorant 😂)

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha, yes I did didn't I! I did have them with me, (some at least). I'll include that in the next video.

[@WilliamAPBodie]

That is a nice follow up of the road trip. thank you very much 😀

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Thanks so much. Yes, thought the logistical side would be interesting for those wanting to get out and do a bit of touring.

[@AlexOnABoat]

If you do need to get to your tool kit then you can bet it'll be when it's pouring with rain. The last thing you want is to have to unpack all your clothes on the side of the road. I'd recommend lightweight waterproof stuff sacks for clean clothes, dirty/wet clothes and shoes. They really don't add anything in terms of bulk and they're worth their weight in gold in a downpour.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I like that idea, never thought of sacks for different things. That would save a lot of time, especially if you can get colour coded ones, easy to identify. I'll look into that, cheers!

[@JoshDros]

This is really great. I've yet to take any long trips but I plan on it. This is a perfect video for me!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That's great mate. Get planning, you won't regret it. Thanks!

[@richardfews2113]

Hi ,I ride with some luggage when touring and camping(panniers/ tank bag/ crash bar bags/ drybag on the pillion seat).It's the trainers and flip flops that really annoy me and I'd love to carry some hiking shoes! I tend to try and stay out of towns and cities to reduce the security risk but you can't always do that of course and even that's not a guarantee so I'm considering the wire mesh "PacSafe" as an option.All the important stuff goes in the tank bag (wallet,glasses, passport,mobile) .Ride safe. Richard ,Bristol ( Honda 500 CBX 2017)

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Someone else mentioned the PacSafe system. I'm going to look into that. Sounds like a smart idea.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Bristolian too. Nice one!

[@DaveOasist]

Brilliant video Matt,, I'm hoping to go over to France on the Tbird later this year and your video has helped lots! thanks mate 🙏😎

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That's good to hear mate. These Thunderbirds are built for the miles.

[@gerardomusano6919]

When i go for long road travels i use 4 for everything boxes , socks and tshirts but only one trousser that have zips around the legs so become short to walk or swim i do use merino wool for 2 socks and 1 tshirt that i put on first and i put it all in a compress bag .when i change them i leave the in a fishing net bag out on my bag so i can wash them and make the sun do the rest . For sicurity i have an 3mt cabel that i pass and close it up in lock it has . I don't carry mutch because i am 90% with my gear on and if i don't have water i have always a packet of baby wipes.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Yes, baby wipes! I don't know why I didn't think of that. When I got back someone mentioned baby wipes and I couldn't believe I'd not thought of it! I'll look into those products you mentioned. Zip leg trousers are a perfect 2 in 1. That's on the shopping list! Thanks my friend.

[@robertbelasco3859]

Great video. With respect to bike choice, I would need more wind protection. I find battling wind for hours at high speed very fatiguing.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I know what you mean. I guess I got used to it after a while. If I rode a bike with wind protection and went back to naked bike I would probably wonder why the heck I didn't go with wind protection!

[@chr11sf]

I've rode nakeds for years and for me its the only way to get the true motorcycling experience in todays modern camera infested roads..in the early 90s I used to blast down to the south of France every year on my various sportbikes with fairing, cruising at around 120mph lol, would've been very hard on a naked lol...Nowadays for cruising on motorways I stick to around 70 - 80mph and have no issues with wind..I embrace it.

[@dbharrold]

Totally agree with you. If your are comfortable any bike can do it. Niklas Aittamaa (on KZbin) rode from Sweden to Malaysia on a Honda Grom! I use soft panniers too (Oxford) and I think hard panniers create and illusion of security, a thief would have them in seconds too. Yes security is always a worry until you get to your hotel etc with a nice garage. As for travelling in colder weather I found that it's well worth investing in Gerbing or Keis gear. I have the jacket and gloves. They are a game changer.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I'll look into those jackets and gloves. Another guy commented on some heated jacket stuff. Might be an idea to get one and try it out in the next couple of months while it's still cold! Your right about the pannier stuff I guess, if a thief wants them they're gone! I'll look up that guy from Sweden, sounds like a proper mission!

[@dbharrold]

honestly if the jacket is up too high it’s too hot. It warms up in seconds

[@jimbalshaw7347]

I use a Pacsafe steel net when i tour with soft luggage they come in different sizes and lock securely to the Bike these things have many uses and pack up quite small Think i got mine from amazon years ago

[@thebristolthunderbird]

I'll definitely check that out. Thanks mate.

[@neilwiddison6529]

Your are right, i am going touring on a suzuki 400 burgman

[@thebristolthunderbird]

That will be comfortable! Met a guy in Greece, right where the thimbnail photo was shot, who toured in his Burgman. Ride safe mate.

[@PicArt.100]

Yo Bro ❤😊❤ Rule number one in long distance Road running 😮 Stay Right OFF Wet Roads!!?!!

[@thebristolthunderbird]

Haha. I tried, honestly I did!!

[@AlexOnABoat]

I'm not comfortable on any bike beyond about 200 miles. I guess it's going to take me longer to get there.

[@thebristolthunderbird]

200 is enough for a day really. I just found out on the trip that I was capable of sitting in the saddle for a very long time!