MOTORCYCLE TRAVELS 7 lessons I wish I knew before hitting the road.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

kzbin.info/door/YDs7iM2cqyV9GDIHqAcrDA

[@MichaelH416]

Some things that I consider when riding: 1) I ride solo a lot, so I always have a tool kit (Roll Bag) in my saddlebag. If you are in a group only 1 person needs a kit. Someone else can keep a small air pump and maybe a small jump box. 2) Rain Gear should be 1 size big. It fits over your clothes. If you have your heavy leather on, the rain jacket needs to fit over it, and allow room to maneuver. 3) When you plan your trip look at the gas stations along the route. Around me there are places that do not offer premium fuel. My bike doesn't run well if it is not premium. 4) If you are doing big mile days, I recommend compression socks for that day. They help with fatigue. 5) When planning your trip make sure your motorcycle and gear are compliant with the State Laws along the route you chose. A helmet ticket from a neighboring state was $300. Some states mandate that you cannot wear tinted lenses at night in both your helmet visor and your glasses. 6) Make sure your helmet fits properly. It's one thing to wear a helmet with hot spots for an hour. It's another to wear one for 7 hours. I actually had bruises on my head where it created hot spots on a 500-mile day. 7) Last, it is always better to pay a cancellation fee on a room, then try to push too hard and have an accident. Accidents on motorcycles, especially at traveling speeds, tend to have large consequences.

[@ichbinmartin]

Good advices! I can confirm from my 100000 miles. 1, Each rider slowed down the average speed of the group by 10% 2, For clothes, what I'm wearing is enough, then something warm and something cold, civilian jeans for the city, but a motorcycle jacket is enough. Underwear also what I'm wearing plus 2 sets. It's good to leave room in your suitcases, for example, for food, bottles, souvenirs, or anything else necessary. 3, Rain cover always and everywhere except for very short trips. Also goretex gloves. 4. I always have DEET spray in my cosmetic bag. And a quick-dry towel. 5. I don't do a daily check, but it certainly doesn't hurt before the trip and then under the bike. Never on the Japanese one, never on the English one, once a month on the others and daily on the American ones, hehehe. 6. Water is very important, but even when I have it, I often forget it. 7, You are right about the accommodation. Just book it one hour before arrival. Only exceptionally does it happen that nothing is free, even though I have already experienced that. Then you have to continue. Except this I have with me very compact backpack, exactly the one they sell moto-jeans in, cable lock which can be used to lock the helmet and also the jacket by pulling it over the sleeve, phone and intercom charger (the same), window spray with a cloth, because I have a naked bike, ducktape, disc lock and plastic drawstrings. Ah, one thing more: In summer I wear sweatbands because the wind blowing into the sleeves of my jacket (I always wear a moto jacket, even when it's warm, for safety and protection) makes my knuckles ache. And that's it. I don't carry any power banks, no navigation devices, no washing powder, because functional underwear and t-shirts can be washed with ordinary soap and will be dry by morning. Don't take cotton clothing, it is quickly dirty and stinks and after washing it needs long time to dry. Mostly are enough one boots - the motoboots and thin slippers to the hotel. I don't carry any other tools than what is in the bike. I wouldn't be able to fix anything on it anyway. In my pocket is a swiss knife, but that's for a completely different use ;) No sunglasses, no caps, no scarfs, no stylish t-shirts, nothing what I really don't need. One more piece of advice, it's good to divide the bags into personal and motorcycle. The motorbike ones can stay on the bike and I only take one bag to the hotel.

[@rmcalhoun4543]

I've learned to bring a big bag of quarters. Most hotels have a coin laundry but since no one uses cash anymore, sometimes getting a few dollars change is hard to do. Stop at your bank before you leave and get a roll or two.

[@rockinrodlittle]

All good stuff. The day I retired from the Canadian Army, I rode from Nova Scotia, down the East Coast USA to Florida then over to Nashville then back north Through Ontario. 10,000 kms solo. Loved it

[@HoagMurkula]

Did you take one of the ferries or did you drive up through amherst?

[@rockinrodlittle]

Took the road to Amhurst, then veered off to St John after Moncton . I might try the ferry next time .

[@danbarrette9888]

Good advice. Being a wildland firefighter for many years I’ve learnt to pack minimally. My socks,underwear and tee shirts are merino wool which keep their shape and are microbial so I wear them for 5-10 days without stinking. Also for the water thing I hydrate Monday for Tuesday and so on and I also mix a sugar free electrolyte pack in my water. Ride more have fun.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Thanks for watching Dan. I do need to invest in more Microbial stuff for my road trips. Be safe.

[@gcanaday1]

The electrolyte thing seems a good idea. I already have merino.

[@just_another_Joe]

Great tips and all very true. My wife and I just finished a 4966-mile two-up ride a couple weeks ago, and this clip was an exact match for our trip. We each took 3 days worth of underwear/socks/shirts (wore one and packed two), and one pair of shorts and casual jeans each. We did laundry several times during the trip at the hotels. One thing we did was bring several layers to suit whatever weather conditions we encountered. Long underwear, heated jackets, mesh jackets, and rain gear worn in varying combinations covered stifling heat/humidity to rain/snow mix and everything in between. For most of the trip, we wore at least some of that, but for some parts we wore all of it and some other parts we wore very little of those items. We were both pretty comfortable for the entire trip. We didn’t bring our heavy heated gloves. Instead, we brought lighter gloves. I relied on the heated grips for warmth, and she brought rechargeable hand-warmers that she tucked inside her gloves. Those worked fine and saved space. I’ve taken several cross-country trips on my Road Glide, but only one time I was burning oil when I was returning home to Colorado from Los Angeles early last year. Carrying that extra quart of oil came in handy. All the other trips, including the one a couple weeks ago, my oil level never dropped.

[@negotiatewithleverage4763]

I've done a TON of motorcycle travel through the States and every single one of your suggestions is spot on. I didn't expect the "just show up and get a hotel", but that's how I've done it as well. it's an area, take the stress off. Booking in advance puts you in a weird rush. As for the others. Yep, people pack way too much. We've all brought camping gear we never used, or 7 changes of clothing for a 1 week trip. It's hilarious to think that you really only need to keep up on tires, fluids, gas, and bring your gear. You can literally buy disposable clothing, toiletries, .etc. Just no point overcomplicating it. Best of luck out there riding. Love the video and the bike!

[@LeeDoesStuff]

Thanks for all the long haul travelling tips. In regards to your Harley burning oil, the more stages and mods you do on your bike the bigger possibility of reliability issues and oil consumption. I have owed a few Harley’s now and as much fun as it is to stage out your bike it creates a-lot of issues when putting up big miles over the long run. My current bike is a 2021 road glide standard with the 107. The only things I have done to it is raise the handle bars up because I’m 6’4, and put Reinhardt slips on without changing the head pipe. So basically my bike is stock, he’ll you could say I don’t have a true stage one done as I haven’t changed the air flow in take or head pipe. My Harley has never ran better and just does what it is supposed without any issues. It idles well, doesn’t run hot and doesn’t consume a drop of oil. This has been my experience with Harleys and going forward I’m done with all the fancy staging as it just doesn’t hold up over the long run. Good luck on your future travels and stay safe fellow riders.

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

All great information brother.... A good friend of mine use to say don't pack so much....just bring lot's of money....you can buy what you need.. 👊🏽😎

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Ha ha! Thats one way of doing it. Be safe brother.

[@randallrydes]

...well he's half right ;)

[@bradgray5629]

A.good friend said to wallet full of clothes and your suitcase full of money

[@kelvinknaff9903]

John Maxwell Harley Tech spoke about oil service in a video he stated he found 4.5 quarts was the perfect amount, you dipstick will show full at proper engine temp. I’ve used his advice haven’t had a issue with engine oil, misting or needing to add on my road trips. This years trip over 5K round trip, PCH, Death Valley, Las Vegas.

[@curtisbarrow7650]

When you are riding under a time constraint or tight schedule, the Iron Butt Association teaches it isn't how fast you drive, but how fast you stop: when you stop, do your business and get back on the road! If you are just getting gas you can be done in under five minutes even with a quick check of the bike, but if you add a restroom break (granted, you may have to!) and a snack and looking at the neat truck or other bikes and chatting with the old timer who had one "just like your's!" and so on, your stop is 30 minutes or more before you notice it! And if you are stopping for a meal, it can be its own break separate from a gas. stop. It isn't much longer, but you got two breaks instead of one for the same miles and time. Ride safe! {!-{>

[@CMB911]

Great video! One thing I always carry with me when solo motorcycle camping is a .357 with bear loads in it, or a 9mm with alternating 115/147 grain solid cast bullets. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Definitely a great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@curtiscollins2174]

Retired, no set times, don't ride in bad weather. Avoid all dangerous situations. Safety 1st. Anyone doesn't practice this can't ride with me. 48yrs on the road.. grateful..

[@WhiskeyRides]

Great tips, the one that is the hardest to commit to in not booking hotels / camps ahead of time. But it really does make the trip better.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Yup, I agree. 🤙🏻

[@57Adventures]

Great video. I am planning out my first ever moto camping trip. Your advice is what I needed. 👍

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Glad it was helpful! Be safe. 🤙🏻

[@greentravelingmachine]

The water and just go tip I highly agree with for sure. This past years trip I bought a camel bag it was great! I always just go by the fly tho just small planning

[@FullThrottleHOG]

The “Just Go” approach definitely brings a new level of freedom. Ride safe and thanks for watching. 🤙🏻

[@mikeriester8798]

I also used to plan all my stops ahead of time. I had a couple of trips where things came up and then it gets really stressful to try and maintain the schedule. Now I just go, only once did I have an issue with accommodations and I was eventually able to figure something out. My camelback is one must have item. Riding to Sturgis one year three of us were in the group, two of us had camelbacks and we were fine, the third guy ended up with heatstroke. Always stay hydrated!

[@thomashastings6831]

Great video, great advice. See ya around town my dude...

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Hell yeah man. 🤙🏻 Thanks for watching.

[@ampini212]

I agree with room booking. It was nice for my first trip to book a place at the half way point but the next day was stressful to get to the next check-in. It was also a holiday weekend. I don't think I'll be booking a room for the next trip. Especially if I'll be there for an overnight Also, never underestimate the summer weather. Acadia, Maine in July can be very warm but 6am departure through the back woods... around 40° . We learned that leaving Vermont two days before🥶

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Great point! The weather is always a fun game to play. Be safe out there and thanks for watching.

[@gregrose6915]

Leaving on a 5000km road trip in two days. Great advice.

[@Jim_Berry]

Good info and we have similar thoughts on travel.

[@bennavarrete2487]

Planning for Sturgis all the way from México and all advices are rigth on! Having military background it's kind of hard not to plan everything but i'll try my best 😎👍

[@FullThrottleHOG]

That will be an amazing trip! Ride safe and thanks for watching. 🤙🏻

[@MeettheotherBrowns]

I want to try bunk a biker this year. I normally use a combination of motels/hotels and air bnp when on the road and book my evening accommodation whenever I stop for dinner. That might be a little trickier with bunk a biker. I might have to plan my destinations a day or two in advance.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Once you do it once, you'll get quick at the process. I hope you enjoy the experience.

[@pmjcr]

Great tips. You Forgot something small but important, especially during the summer trips. Some sort of lipstick to hydrate your lips. Mine always get killed with the dry weather

[@shawnme]

For guys, Chapstick with an SPF of 15 should be applied even if it is cloudy or at night. The wind can dry out one's lips.

[@RoadtripVietnam]

Very good and high quality work, I hope to see more such adventures from you. 👍👍👍

[@robertcurtis9449]

Good advice for trips

[@cwTheDrummist]

I'm the king of overpacking... Haha! Great tips!

[@allenantonio4389]

Thanks for the tips

[@billgraham4630]

Spot on !

[@kevinng8061]

Legit advice on not booking in advance. Did a 5000miles trip from Singapore to Northern Thailand (Golden Triangle). Totally relaxing and fun.

[@FrankieNT1100]

Very good, thanks.

[@JRBACZYK]

Great advice 🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate ya! 🤙🏻

[@kurrie3280]

I appreciate the helpful information. The only issue with the video I had was the road noise, which became somewhat irritating as the video progressed.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Thanks for watching. 🤙🏻

[@johndavis2399]

Good Advice. What helmet are you wearing? Thanks!

[@MarkoMarcello]

Great advice.

[@ArunThandra88]

Your bike looks great

[@EvgeniiRogovskii]

Super relevant tips, especially for those who knows, what the really long rides are. You nailed it) I think only to be broken in the middle of the road is a real big prob.. Do you fix yourself usually in this situation or use tow truck, or something else?

[@keithqueen3554]

I always hated the poison off so after going to Montana i started carrying mesh headnet and glove . Beartooth pass flag guy tought me that.👍

[@FullThrottleHOG]

That's a good tip. I will look into that. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@williambalyx1053]

good stuff, I'll be leaving BC Canada on May 30th for a 16-20 day ride to the Grand canyon Nothr rim, zion , bryce, monument vallay , moab, Keystone South Dakota, badlands...I've ridden cross Canada coast to coast also on my 2018 FLTRU. Surprised to here guys going through oil , mine uses about 1/2 a litre every 5k miles. Anyway short story, I went across Canada and didn't book most nights ahead...but 1 day I rode about 450 miles and planned a stop ahead only to find out that on the weekends everything fills up, party times lol, anyway I ended up riding another 200 miles that day to find a place (Northern Ontario) this trip coming up because so many places are tourist traps so to speak and never been in that part of the US I booked ahead my first 13 nights, so we'll see how that works out. I now ride with heated gear available and also a battery booster, just in case. But travel light for sure, I take 1 small pack for clothes that I put on the seat behind me that's it.

[@Yamahog]

Hey Bill, also get a flat repair kit, .... and a 12 V air pump that you can use to fill up with if needed,,..... Ya just might need to equip your ride with a cigarette lighter socket for that one .... lol Stay Safe

[@williambalyx1053]

@@Yamahog thanks Wes got them both, use the air pump quite often as tire pressue changes lots, also just installed the fobo bike 2 tpms, so far they seem to be very accurate, back tire is a pain to check so nice to have.

[@wingandhog]

Good tips. I do just hop on one of my bikes and just go solo. I try to pack lightly to your point. I have 4 or 5 days off during July 4th and told my wife this morning that I was probably going to take a long weekend on the bike and out of state. She asked where I was heading, told her I had no idea. 🤔

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Love it! My kinda jam right there. Ride safe. 🤙🏻

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

Great advice mate, top vid as always ✌️

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Thanks brother. 🤙🏻

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

@@FullThrottleHOG hope your well mate

[@LivingLifewithJudith]

I'm glad your wife is enjoying it! Does she ride too? You'll need to do a "Show the new clothes I bought" video! 😁 Love the series! Ride safe!

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Yup, she rides as well. But she still loves riding passenger too. Thanks for watching. New video comes out in 20 minutes.

[@TexRider]

I never plan where to stop. but I have a friend that always wants to plan ahead then we have to make sure we get there.. not the best for me haha

[@FullThrottleHOG]

I agree...Maybe on your next trip together you can talk him into traveling your way...Just to see if they enjoy it.

[@Southern_Hogz]

Do you have a video on what mic you use in your helmet, audio set up, etc? You have the best audio while riding that I've heard anywhere on KZbin! Great content btw! Thanks for the tips.

[@Southern_Hogz]

I found the video where you told about your setup. Thanks

[@anthonyburgos5154]

"consistent as gravity" isn't this the truth, great video....QUESTION: what mic are you using and can you control the GoPro voice commands through that mic?

[@Setzerpendence]

overpacking especially with a passenger 😂 camel pack man....camel pack 5:19 we never book in advance unless it's a rally, day and weekend trips we are usually looking around sunset

[@FullThrottleHOG]

I do need to invest in a camel pack. Thanks for the tip!

[@bradgray5629]

Camelbak?? For hydration?

[@dougbotha8768]

Can you talk about what it’s like riding in the snow. Does the traction control on Harley work in the snow/ice ?

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Despatch rider for many years and riding in snow is cr@p! If it's snowing heavy and lying on the road then you can hardly see as your visor, screen etc are covered in snow and mist up. If it's just snow lying on the road, it's not too bad, just take your time. It's worse if it's snowing at night. If it's frozen snow, it's a nightmare. Caught out three times in thirty years and it was usually a case of visor up, glasses down and peering over the edge of my screen while hardly able to see where I was going. Pull over until some traffic came through and join the crawl and since you couldn't see the road, you just hoped the guy in front had some idea where it was! Bed & breakfast at the end of it and hope the road clears by the morning but once I stuck the bike on the train for the 180 mile trip back home.

[@randallrydes]

Very good tips Ryan. So, ride solo, no destination (boondocking), utilize thrift stores, sprays, water, maintenance, and again NO DESTINATION lol :) How are you liking your helmet?

[@lanepeabody-uh5xq]

Pants for three days same fer shirts rain gear .once u get saddle bags n such full when u get home see wat u can leave in so it's always there

[@frankpedigo5944]

I always pack some laundry pods . They have all you need and you don't need to buy the soaap from the laundromat

[@jefflist5043]

What road was this video taken on

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Highway 67, east of Ramona.

[@iceberg9248]

I would like to start doing iron butts and cross country rides. My biggest fear is Deer and wildlife wandering out in front of me. How do all of you deal with this? Especially at dawn and dusk.

[@FullThrottleHOG]

It’s really just riding with caution, I don’t do anything drastic, besides go a bit slower. It’s always in the back of my mind though during those hours.

[@bulgingbattery2050]

I drove to see the bagger 288

[@FullThrottleHOG]

👍

[@northbysoutheast5439]

😎👍👍

[@FullThrottleHOG]

🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@skesby]

Rides a Harley. surprised he's losing oil :P

[@AdventuresonZero]

Momma said them mosquitoes love me cuz I’m so sweet

[@FullThrottleHOG]

Ha ha! Sounds about right. 🤙🏻. Thanks for watching.

[@mnbikeradventures]

I make sure I have my medical cards with me in the event something happens medically.

[@FFL-vg9ro]

Avoid the chain restaurants and ask the locals for their favorites. I had the most incredibly unique and delicious food at this chain restaurant - said no one ever.

[@Yamahog]

Umm. how about a tire puncture repair kit and .... a booster/starter kit. and definitely at least a level one first-aid / trauma kit on board..... and in the summer months, if you are a smoker like me.... keep a dirty water bottle in your drink holder to extinguish your butts into, when you stop to enjoy the view..... keep the drinking water in a shady spot behind you

[@jamesmaguire3973]

Really ? Time ? Distance . I did 12,000 miles . No gps , no smart phone . Paper maps . No plans other then seeing the USA

[@FullThrottleHOG]

cool

[@royleevaughn2990]

Cool but everybody is different.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I ride my bike but I travel by train 🚆.

[@EvgeniiRogovskii]

Super relevant tips, especially for those who knows, what the really long rides are. You nailed it) I think only to be broken in the middle of the road is a real big prob.. Do you fix yourself usually in this situation or use tow truck, or something else?