Top 5 Things You Should Never do on a Long Motorcycle Trip!

[@Skeware]

When I go for long trips I always carry a second motorcycle on my giant topcase!!!

[@yassim0008]

😂

[@sleepydog33]

🤣

[@braveterasu]

yeah, you put alot of dollars on there lmao

[@jgordoncooper7112]

What a great idea. Why have I never thought about that?

[@allenantonio4389]

Shade Case ?

[@derekbell5333]

I've ridden cross country...my top case was the best luggage on my bike. It's indispensable and I won't ride without one. To each their own. :)

[@francoisnel5253]

Yeah, handy to store the most needed items like water bottle. The side cases aren't easy to access when loaded wide on the back seat. Not sure what i'll do without my topcase.

[@metodyx7507]

And, how long are your trips and how many days ??

[@RobinTorrekensTravelVlog]

My wife and I did a 32000km motorbike trip through Asia in 7 months and I must say that I recognise all your tips, they are true and luckily we didn't make the mistakes. Good video, keep riding!

[@CaptainCaveman782]

no one believes you

[@TerraPosse]

Totally agree with all but the last one from own experience. Yes, you are correct loud pipes that are not stamped can cause issues with the fuzz in a few countries. However, loud pipes save life. I stopped counting the number of times vehicles started pulling out because they didn't see me but stopped when they heard me. Worth every fine you may be slapped with. In Africa, loud pipes helped me to move animals of the roads and make people aware of your presence. As for maintaining your sanity on a long haul trip, pay attention to the noise data when selecting your helmet and invest in a decent pair of ear plugs. Just my 2c...

[@stephanboatin3949]

Top case? Depends on the bike. I absolutely love the top case on my BMW R1200RT. It gives me super easy access what I need. And since most any long trip (especially 2-up) requires lots of storage, having a top case or rack mounted bag is essential.

[@bravobob1]

I had a hard top case , hit a rut hard off road , it blew open , throwing my gear all over the road. I have a small soft case now. Has zippers , no latch , cant blow open. Still big enough for rain gear , First aid kit , basic tools , a lg bottle of Water and lunch. The stuff i need quickly . Thanks for posting !

[@motorcycleadventures]

What ever suit for you, as I said I just wanted to help...

[@bravobob1]

Your videos are extremely helpful !.

[@PulinPegu]

One of the most practical motorcyclist on youtube! 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks!

[@61marazali]

İ think so too!

Great advice. Fresh perspective. Years ago. Hit bottom. Job was killing me. Wife met mr right (wtf?) Jumped on the bike, in the rain and rode away. Into a disaster area actually. Seeing the devestation i realuzed I had no problems. Only a bad attitude. You can choose to be wet, tired and miserable, or wet tired and happy. Makes a difference. Wife was here when i came home. Been making the trip yearly now. Attitude needs it once a year. Bet you are overdue too.

[@outty77]

Always pee before you get back on the road.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good advice, thanks!

[@oozorakyou]

hahaha but yeah, this is right, some people in my group who don't want to do it will disturb later after 10 mins we start the trip.

[@outty77]

IF you decide to hold it you spend the whole ride concentrating on keeping it clamped instead of enjoying the ride.

[@ogie1470]

nice advice thanks a lot

[@zvpunry1971]

Not far away from where I live is a motorcycle club, they use incredibly loud harleys and have black vests with skulls and stuff like that and they try to look scary. I once waited on a red traffic light and there was one of these guys in front of me and I thought his motorcycle was leaking coolant or something. I first wanted to tell him, but then I saw that the motorcycle wasn't leaking and I had to laugh. Since then I always remember this when I see one of these guys and have to laugh again. =)

[@teneretraveller8980]

Good stuff. I keep my luggage in sections. Mixing oily bike tools and spares with clothes and or paperwork is not a recipe for success. One leaky container and everything suffers. A place for everything and everything in its place. This applies to jacket pockets too. Each item always goes back to same place. Just touch pocket and I know it's there. I try not to travel without emergency water or snacks in case I get stranded for a while. Perhaps most important, try not to let other people tell you not to go. Happy travels

[@motorcycleadventures]

I like the last: "Try not to let other people tell you not to go!"

[@souum1883]

Richard Underdown I agree with u 1000% My grandfather was a mechanic and since I was young he always says to me "A place for everything and everything in its place"

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

Actually, I like to place at least some of my clothing on the bottom of each case. Helps to protect the load against vibrations. (I guess this doesn't apply if you use soft bags but I prefer hard ones.)

[@teneretraveller8980]

Souu m he was a wise man!

[@zerotonine807]

Yeah, thats the spirit!

[@shikanofromhere3240]

Finally!! Someone who thinks the same as I do! Keep the bike small! Outstanding videos and solid, common sense advice. Well done!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks man!

[@robinvovolka6197]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with going on a long trip with a top case! I've done several 5000 mile trips on my triumph tiger with a 56lt Givi topcase totally full and never had any issue. One thing you can do if you're worried about throwing the center of gravity off is raise the forks in your triple trees a bit to get more weight on the front tire. I ride two up at max GVW with the topcase filled to the brim. No problem, just ride like your bike is fully loaded (ie. carefully) and you'll be perfectly fine!

[@JJamJ]

Have you ridden off road in tough terrain with the top case?

[@evandrosgsg]

@@JJamJ I had. Using a Givi Trekker. No problems at all.

[@mrwhiteinca]

You are one of the few people who give out consistently good and very practical advice. I particularly like, and agree with your advice on bike size (your other video) and one thing that you did not emphasize enough is the fuel savings. Your Yamaha 660, loaded down and in real world conditions probably gets at worst 50 mpg or 22 kilometer per liter - crucial when you may see long distances between fill up, or if you have a problem (leaking fuel line, get lost) which makes your fuel prediction go way off. By comparison, a KTM 1290 will get at best 40 mpg - more likely 35 loaded down. So if you have 6g/22l tank, that is another 60 miles or 96k - minimum. We're not talking about saving money - that is just a bonus, but if you do enough riding, believe me you will run into fuel situations and the better mileage your bike gets, the smaller and less frequent your problems will be. You also will not be obliged to carry so much extra fuel. You see these big bikes carrying 2-3 rotpax fuel cells, it is ridiculous. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to "beg" for fuel from a passerby, it is a lot easier to ask for a few liters (than 15 which you need for the giant KTM) so you can get to the next town. If you reduce your form factor, it has a geometric effect. Smaller bike=the less fuel=less weight=reduced wear on tires/bike/rider=reduced chance of something breaking, crashing from losing control, and of course when your bike falls over, it is a lot easier to pick it up. And this is particularly important with tires. A big powerful bike will chew through tires like crazy. My top 3 bikes (I am in USA so i can't get the Super Tenere) are: KTM 690 - all around, more dirt oriented Suzuki V-Strom 650 - all around, more street/tour oriented Kawasaki KLR 650 - budget, dirt oriented, bulletproof (can easily be made bulletproof that is) Honorable mention: Royal Enfield Himalayan - ideal for a smaller person Honestly i think if you choose anything above 800cc you're missing the point of "adventure riding". Just like you said - you're going so fast, you're missing everything! It's not that an Africa Twin or BMW 1200 sucks, the point is, you don't need that and if you're driving a $15-20k bike off road, imho you're trying to show off and missing the point (and i am going to ride circles around you and have more fun). It's an a-d-v-e-n-t-u-r-e, and part of that should be getting a simple object, like a small bike, to go where you want it to go. that is fun. ALl i ever see in adventure bike videos with the big bikes are guys either riding on pavement, or picking their bikes up out of the mud, or worst of all - 6 guys sitting around a map, trying to figure out how they are going to avoid the trails their bikes can't get over. Their missing everything. They stay on the major roads, and never dare go off the beaten path, because their bikes simply can't do it - they can barely get around a corner on a dirt road without falling down. If you offered me a choice between a new BMW 1200 and Royal Enfield Himalayan, i'd take the little enfield anyday. It's just more fun.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Very well said, thanks!

[@wanjaapar1671]

well said..agreed!

[@Larry-ir6of]

What amazes me is that My Favorite Bulgarian Adventrue Rider is ALWAYS interesting! There are motorcycle Vlogger who are so, so so so so incredibly tedious. Even when this guy is sitting on a couch not riding and just talking he is engaging and interesting!!!!!

[@richardcheatham9490]

This post, kilrassclown, is a very well-written one indeed. I, too, follow Pavlin now and like the spirit of his posts. I especially liked his reviews on the Enfield bike which suited my budget (being retired here). And I've gone up to the Enfield dealer here in Atlanta to see that Himalayan. But the input which Pavlin communicated about the engine being good for about "50,000 Km. only" really made me rethink my interest in that bike. I have a bit of history racing Yamaha DT bikes from way back when, so I'll look closely at the smaller Ténéré 700 when it arrives here and the price is known. Keep posting, keep riding---and safely along the way.

[@MyKharli]

I use a bolted on supermarket stack tray,cheep near indestructible and flexible enough to save frame from damage. Has seen me good for 6 years and 60000 miles of adventures and many offs !

[@motorcycleadventures]

If you find it useful, why not?

[@flburghardt]

Paper maps for sure. In a waterproof plastic cover on a tank bag. I tend to lose awareness of my surroundings when using a GPS - even miss turns more often with than without it. Too easy to surrender your brain to an electronic box. GPS is good for route planning and getting out of a confusing city so I have one but don't use it all the time. Top box yes. Never a problem.

[@actstuntcam]

All your points are good ones. I've owned a ton of different bikes and used a ton of different luggage systems. for touring, adventuring and sportbike riding... oh and commuting I would never use hard luggage - panniers and top-box - They are annoying to open, take on and off, your stuff still isn't really secure in them (even though they lock), they are expensive, are a hassle in traffic filtering through traffic, get in the way off road, aren't really waterproof...etc. I prefer soft luggage on a rack (venturer racks and bags are good). The bags slip on and off the rack easily, are cheap, pretty robust. I wouldn't put a ton of weight in the bag if I was ADVing maybe hard and heavy stuff in the bottom so weight is as low to the seat as possible. Then I wear a light pack with my soft stuff in it (in case I fall off - you really don't want to fall on anything hard or breakable that might cause you injury.) Anyway that's my tuppence worth. Cheers for the Vid. Oh on riding fast you are right. I rode 750kms in 6hr.40m. I stopped for an hour overall - so 5hr.40m actual riding. BUT that speed was exhausting and pretty dangerous - continuous speeds over 200kph. To put it into perspective, I did the same trip in a Toyota Corolla, very short stop for gas and a pie, continuous speed of around 115kph and the trip only took about 40minutes longer. Maintaining a constant comfortable speed munches more miles and is less exhausting. Anyway - I'm just reiterating your points now so I'll sign off. Cher for a good vid. Cam:)

[@XShaneX19]

How can someone get the hots for a bike because of a top case? While being handy those things are ugly as hell.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I agree with this, but everyone is different.

[@XShaneX19]

Motorcycle Adventures oh yeah 😂 i just showed the vid to a friend and he confessed that the main reason for buying his bike was the big top case in the main color of the bike. I think my taste is just too edgy 😂

[@robcourtney1997]

Mine came with top case. Never used it

[@illhaveanother4365]

He was a pizza delivery driver

[@scottmitchell448]

I've done a RTW and a top to bottom on a Yam xt600e, and I recognise and agree with everything thing this fella says 👍 This is excellent advice 👏

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@roygordon9644]

All your recommendations are priceless from personal experience , very valuable

[@frankirwin2377]

Good tips that I agree with you . Enjoy the trip by looking around slow. That's why we went in the first place.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Exactly!

[@TheMotorman1981]

Thanks for your tips..I always follow your channel... my motorcycle is small 150cc but I have done 80,000Kms with it..

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks! Good luck on your trips!

[@DrTranofEvil]

I have an 1100... Amazing on the highway; I sink like a rock off-road. X-/

[@JetstreamChil]

TheMotorman That's right ..it's not the size it's what you do with it..as the actress said to the vicar

[@admin5448]

i am riding with my 110cc bro lol. almost all my riding friend have atleast 150cc

[@1990-t1j]

Nice one, TheMotorman.

[@geraldscott9446]

One thing that I have found that is an absolute necessity on bikes with tube type tires (I ride a KLR650) is a centerstand. They are available from the aftermarket. Many riders deliberately do not use them, claiming they get in the way. I have found that not to be the case. Unless you have access to a large motorcycle lift, there is really no safe way of holding up a heavily loaded motorcycle while you remove the wheels.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree, center stand is a must.

[@lexroet1215]

Don't do leg day before a long trip. You will walk like a pinguïn when you arrive at your destination

[@markjacobs6294]

I have literally seen guys in the states make every one of these mistakes. Many times, ALL of them at the same time. Here, the ADV bike is simply the new fashion statement in motorcycles for many. As usual, great work and best wishes.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks Mark!

[@TheBearious]

"And then the owner starts the engine. It sounds like a crap! Loco loco loco!" So funny!

[@thanyaktm1189]

TheGreat Bear i crack dawn on the floor laughing so much 💖💖💖🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kuhndj67]

Top case suggestion is really the only controversial one... all very solid advice as usual. As to the top case, if you get a premium unit and mount it on a bike designed for touring loads you will be fine. I have two bikes with large top cases and both have strengthened rear subframes - the Ducati has extra subframe supports mounted under the seat. I agree with you that care should be taken... but I've found the top case to be incredibly useful on long trips as a place to store items you need frequently, providing access in seconds. What IMO is really key was not to overload it... heavy things need to be low on the bike. Bike size is also a factor... on smaller bikes (KLR or smaller) I wouldn't mount a top case and while I've never toured with a small bike I think I'd work very hard to keep my travel load as small as possible (it would be a fun challenge I think).

[@motorcycleadventures]

Ok, but what about if you need to ride 2000km off road? Would it survive?

[@whitedrguy6503]

More great advice sir. I find the biggest problem with a top case is the location, they sit behind the line of the rear axle which is bad for handling, it moves the centre of gravity up and back, the best thing is to have the weight as low and as close to the centre of the bike as possible, same principle as standing off road as opposed to sitting, when you stand the weight is on the pegs, when you sit it is on the seat. And as you said a top case, or for that matter any weight carried behind the axle puts extra load on the rear sub frame that cause it to break, simple law of physics, leverage. Moving the centre of gravity is one of the big advantages of soft panniers is you can have them sit low on the bike and closer to the centre line. When loading the bike it is an idea to look at the bike from the side and see where the load sits, try and keep it between the axles as much as possible with heavy things like tools low and forward, makes a big difference in handling. It also helps to keep the speeds lower so as to use less fuel, meaning you do not have to stop so often it is also cheaper to fill up the tank when you do, not to mention tyres last longer due to less heat, every little bit helps when on a budget.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good points, thanks!

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Wha??? A 20kg top box will break sub frame but a 70kg pillion won't???

[@papperme]

Thanks for your insight. You are the best channel on YT. Wow so much great advice I am planing to buy motorcycle of which I do not know yet. .

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad to help!

[@rickshawphilippines]

My rule of thumb on speed is keep your bike at 1/2 of the redline at cruse ez on rider n bike i never am in a hurry on my trips slo down smell the flowers

[@microtechmachineshop]

i hear ya amen

[@michaelwilson8461]

My bike redlines around 14k , half that 7000 rmp Im moving along a little quicker than the law would like lol but I know what your saying, just chuckled when I read your comment.

[@jamesringler987]

I'd have to take the scenic route if I run at 1/2 throttle bike really should have one more gear

[@burgymanuruguayviajesenmot6037]

I would say I agree in 4.5 of your items, but just because I don't do offroad ;-) On asphalt, branded monokey topcases and hard saddlebags are fantastic. My 2 cents: - never exceed the maximum load of your luggage and of your bike - never spend more than 10 hours on the road, nor ride in the dark hours in a stranger place - and never, but never hesitate to stop or turn back when it's the right thing to do, or you will regret it

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good points, thanks!

[@hayabusaTravels]

For power I only use power-banks instaid of the 12v outlet, but you have to recharge those at least daily. GSP unit lasted 10 hours on a 5000mAh power bank.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Which is mean another one device to carry. Why don't you use a normal GPS?

[@hayabusaTravels]

It's a normal GPS but powered from a power bank not the motorcycle battery. I'm scared of battery dieing on me while I am god know's where... A power bank you can charge from a gas station, a motorcycle battery... not so much.

[@MototechWanderer]

hayabusaTravels The smallest of bikes generates enough power to power up phone chargers from 12v sockets.

[@mrwhiteinca]

I've never been unable to start a motorcycle due to a dead battery. that is the beauty of a motorcycle - bump start.

[@santoshsundar1186]

Very well detailed. Thank you for the video. In addition I always pack light with use and throw T-shirts and I only carry 2litres of water. I carry power banks and dont connect any other wires to my battery as it might ruin the battery;

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks!

[@MototechWanderer]

Always carry visor washing liquid ( water + shampoo ) . Helps a lot when riding after dusk.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will agree with that. I also carry small flacon.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

I prefer water and paper; now it's true that while it is possible to find toilet paper on most gas stations, it is often very soft and prone to tearing when wet but you can always take some kitchen towels. The method of cleaning has always worked out very well for me.

[@cratetelecaster]

I use Honda Spray Cleaner Polish on my visor and windshield and on chrome and painted parts of the bike. Comes in a handy size too. take it along. The fewer liquids you carry the better off you are as liquids add a lot of dead weight.

[@mashed9603]

Cleaning your visor with paper or T shirt can leave microscopic scratches on the visor causing glare when driving at night. I've cut a micro fibre cloth into a 5cm square. Wet the visor with water and hand soap from the rest room. Wet the cloth and it will clean the visor without causing micro scratches.

[@GerhardCombrink]

Use baby wipes and a micro fibre dry towel. They also work well for no 2 emergencies in the bush.

[@kymstock1852]

Top case is for shopping. Soft luggage like Mosko Moto Reckless 80 is my choice. Wind noise as well as exhaust noise can lead to hearing damage; silicone ear plugs work so well and you can DIY ( I used dental impression silicone)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing

[@elendshuraglump3620]

Hi Pavlin, very good advices, as ever. You are absolutely right. But i must give in, i'm also a fan of topcases, i almost ever have one on my bike(s). Their i have my raingear, a second pair of gloves, a air pump, a small tire repair set and a bottle of drinking water (and a roll of toilet-paper for any cases :-). Ride safe my friend. Hans

[@psycholocke4090]

Elends Huraglump most of that i had in my tank rucksack on a trip. and on the support frame for the top case my tent and a mattress.

[@DhilipDeAlwis]

I do long journeys in Sri Lanka but the long journeys are small trips when compared to the millage what you do. Yes i do agree with your advice more than 100% cause it is true. Specially spare tires on the crash bar became a real nuisance to me. I take lot of curved roads and and when you shift you weight at a curve the dam tires hits your knee. It is irritating when it happens and it can loose your balance completely at the curve and drive you into a nasty experience. Thanks for you advice to rest of the riders.

[@bikepacker9850]

There are no long journeys in Sri Lanka. Lol

[@tomd4068]

I bought a top case for my r1200gs. Canada trip. 4400 miles. Turned bike over 3 times. Right in front of boarder crossing. Changes geometry of bike Way top heavy

[@spiderpsx1]

Top cases should be empties to store helmets and jackets when you stop or filled with light stuff like waterproof suits or winter filling of jackets and trousers, it is not a luggage storage, it would just unbalance your bike making low speed handling extremely hard.

[@grapewater123]

It wasn't the top case that turned it over , more likely the rider

[@kurrie3280]

@@grapewater123, exactly. It seems crazy to blame a top case for losing control of the bike unless it weighed 100+ pounds.

[@grapewater123]

@@kurrie3280 I know right it's ridiculous, but look at how many people liked that comment ?! I'm sure none have ever actually used one or even own a bike.

[@nazarreyaz7882]

Its a good idea to empty your bladder before getting to the road or continuing riding. In the case of an accident or even hard braking, your bladder could burst and the emptied contents will poison the internal organs. This is common in accidents where seat belts are used. Just my two cents worth

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@gregoryaparker]

I love watching your videos and I have gained alot of knowledge from them. I also have to say that I learned how to ride on the German Autobahn so it's normal to me. As for charging your phone while you ride you simply need to get a 3 amp USB charger and it will charge your phone while you use the GPS and play music at the same time. It's what I do and my phone has a display of almost 6 inches, but as for bright sunlight I have the sound in my bluetooth earplug to guide me then. Great video as usual.. thumbs up :D

[@Knighthawk916]

Learning from somebody whose been there & done it, is a lot less painful than the experience will be if it's you that has to experience the pitfalls having never done it yourself. Great advice.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Very well said, thanks!

[@Xxxoddam]

Regarding exhausts, when I was in Austria, I was surprised that all bikes were quiet. And that was fine. You can travel behind even in a car and don't need to scream to each other. I don't know, why lot of bikers think, that noise is good.? Bass sound is ok, accesories exhausts are also ok, but those not too loud.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I think exactly the same. I don't like noisy exhausts.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Maybe were just getting old

[@Xxxoddam]

Chris Hart rather not. Loud is good on Moto GP or events but not everyday.

[@chrisredfield3240]

More often than not you won't be able to enter the event if an exhaust is too loud

[@chrisredfield3240]

Also most cars now have such good sound insulation and usually have 3 rubber seals now, even the loudest bikes can only be heard when alongside the car, also if the driver is shocked and not expecting a loud motorcycle coming out of know where one could be shocked and swerve into your path.

[@spiritwalker6153]

I completely agree with your fourth point. I never rely on GPS. They have gotten me lost before. Great video.

[@motorcycleadventures]

You learned the hard way.

[@3rdworldgwaming467]

Jesus....I take spare tyres,spare clutch cable & a spare chain gt added to tht too after I had an incident wer my chain snapped with no spare in the middle of no where....one thing I do tht people like me for on bike trips is carry equipment to make tea & coffee

[@mrwhiteinca]

just carry master links instead of a 4lb chain. If your chain breaks, it's just a link breaking, not a systemic failure involving every link. i carry several, they weigh grams. And let me ask you - have you truly ever needed those spare tires? i've never met a person who has, and i've never once seen a quality motorcycle tire just come apart in the real world in fact i just tried to google a few different phrases and couldn't even find an image on line of one. carrying an extra tire is pointless. The only way a motorcycle tire comes apart is if you happen to drive over a giant razor blade, in which case - situational awareness ! you know, go around it! if you carry tires, then you need real, heavy, metal tire irons too which are ridiculously heavy otherwise, you have no way to change that tire.

[@jeffmorrissey9562]

The make light weight but fairly strong aluminum tire irons. I've actually used them to change my front tire once.

[@mowman7777]

A friend of mine was rear ended and the sharp edge of his top case snapped his spine and now he's paralyzed for life. I will NEVER use a top case. I use a soft tail bag and for long trips a large dry bag.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I am really sorry about your friend, I did not even thought about this worse scenario with the top case.

[@votpavel]

take him on the passenger seat trips if you can,im sure he misses riding

[@dafebeme2]

I made an entire trip around South America and offline google maps on android were crucial. It can find your location even in the remotest spot on Patagonia without the need of data; the battery is not an issue, you just have to buy an additional battery and replace it when the other is dead. Regarding the top case, i wonder what kind of horrendous bike you must have to get your sub chassis being broken by a top case. I did the entire trip with mine, and will definitely do it again. The top case couldn't stand the hundreds of kilometers i made in off road, but i easily replaced it with a much cheaper one here in my country. The only advice i could give is, don't spend tons buying a Givi, Touratech, etc. There will be always a local guy with knoweldge on aluminium works who will give you a better product.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Unfortunately, many of the braindead engineers on the cell phones these days are designing their phones without removable batteries. :( If you have some old laptop batteries though, often you can disassemble them and they'll have the 18650 cells in them. You can disconnect them and charge them up separately. There are some really cheap USB power packs on eBay that you can install these batteries into and they will charge them up via a USB connection and you can use them to power many devices that can be powered from a USB port. Maybe not as good as having a replaceable battery in your cellphone, but it might be a workaround for you.

[@HiDave0016]

Just curious, what bike did you use for your trip?

[@johnc8910]

A broken subframe is not unusual on the FJR1300. That is a serious failing on an otherwise superb long distance bike.

[@Eric-sw1jt]

I wish I had seen this video before going to Alaska. I carried spare tires like an idiot and never used it. I do ride with a top case on one bike, but never needed it on long other motorcycles I have done with bikes didn't one on. I love these videos.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Well, you learned the hard way...but at least now you know...

[@kalinsheytanov5402]

My two cents on the top box thing (or more against it): 1. The sad truth is that riders (especially beginners) tend to overload top boxes. This puts a considerable weight at the most inappropriate place - the very tail of the bike. Even worse - for bikes which we not meant to have a top-box, the mounting hardware usually put the box even further back. This additional leverage causes even more massive stress on the sub-frame. Apart from this having weight in the back also dramatically affects handling - the more weight on the back wheel = more shitty handling and high-speed instability. 2. Aerodynamics - at speeds above 100-120 km/h the top box (especially square shaped ones) start to create a lot of drag - the front becomes lighter, the bike starts to weave around. Counter-steering response is not that direct and immediate. Side wind causes a lot more trouble! Passing by lorries in the opposite lane becomes a priceless experience :) So far we've been travelling with empty top boxes to keep the weight distribution reasonable and just use them to lock our helmets and jackets when exploring a sightseeing. Now I am thinking of selling both top-boxes and just using good cable locks for the same purpose!

[@edgarbleikur1929]

So by all that theory we should never use the factory pillion seat for passengers, who weigh several times more than a top box ever could...???????

[@deaddoll1361]

I don't see how you can carry everything you need for a long journey far from home without one, especially if you're riding solo and can't share the load.

[@williamrae9954]

Agree there...centre line of a top case should never be further back than the centre line of the rear axle...as Yamaha MT09 Tracers know...high speed weave!

[@edgarbleikur1929]

@Cellar Dwellers you're directing your comment at the wrong person

[@fmacdonald3559]

Another great video, I carried two tyres for 10k kms and did not realise how bad it was until I used them :) A couple of tips I would offer, if you are travelling alone carry your passport / money / camera etc on a tank bag that never leaves you. That way you can leave the bike for a couple of minutes and just carry the tank bag. Secondly if you only have a small part of your trip that requires a larger fuel tank, don't spend a fortune getting a larger fuel tank, just carry a fuel can for this section of the ride.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I full agree about the petrol can.

[@geoffhalsey2184]

I've got an ST1100, so it's built for touring. Has good luggage capacity but poor weight distribution. If you pack too much heavy stuff and brake hard on the front the back steps out too easily. Keep to the recommended limit and it's OK. My old BMW R100RT was a lot better in that respect.

[@rockaboll]

I love my top box, I had it on two bikes and for 20 years and it work good. The worst is if you put some bag on your back.

[@motorcycleadventures]

What ever work for you.

[@mianqaisarabbas9309]

In the case of speed i agree with u i have a calculated formula 55 miles per hour = 32.7 minutes 65 miles per hour = 27.7 minutes (5 minutes saved) 75 miles per hour = 24 minutes (8.7 minutes saved) We can check what time are we saving. Overall that was a good video 9.5/10

[@wanderingbox7971]

and less fuel used... nobody has big bags of 💰💰

[@worekarolis]

In case of chargers, make sure you buy one with at least 2A per USB socket. Most of cheap ones go with 0.5A and that's insufficient to charge and use the phone at the same time. Also make sure phone gets good cooling. If you charge and use it as GPS it will get hot. If it's hot, phone will reduce charging to save the battery from overheating.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Valid points, thanks!

[@jaywalker4127]

Again excellent vlog,It opened up the reality about stuff we use on bikes.When you ride in India,I am sure you will ,I would love to ride with you and gain from your experience.

[@elmerbernardo5213]

I went riding this weekend for the first time in an island province here in Indonesia (i'm from the Philippines) and i have to stop 3 to four times because my iPhone 6 stopped due to overheat and in another time due to low battery condition.

[@moderatefkr6666]

#6 Never ignore advice of experienced travellers :))

[@geltvaha]

good advice Pavlin. im off to tour Wales. next weekend will bring spare gps!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Have fun!

[@12ze34]

I hate top cases! Makes the bike look like a pizza deliverer... ;)

[@motorcycleadventures]

As I said, they are very practical in the city, but on the trip...

[@toby7504]

Me to but dam its practical in commuting...

[@burns0100]

You can buy really nice ones that match your bike.

[@toby7504]

Mine do...but it never ever looks good on any bike i think...but again perfect for comuting...

[@toby7504]

yu I never use side pannier for commuting...too wide...after all the years riding sportsbikes with a backpack...the topbox are great...ugly but great...

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

I agree with everything except #1. A large bike that is comfortable is great for long distances and slab work. However it depends on your trip and where you'll be riding as the OP posted. As far as top boxes, I've got one but hardly use is as it acts like a sail in the wind. If you go relatively fast it affects the steering of the motorcycle, hence me never using it. Alsways pack heavy stuff at the bottom of your panniers to keep the centre of gravity down. It makes a big difference in corners and general handling.

[@bigstick5278]

Riding fast will fatigue the crap out of you. You will get there just pace yourself i use ear plugs as well. My fried would want to go fast all the time on his Kawasaki Concours because he could. 3hrs later he's a Gibbering Clam wanting Coffee to stay awake and stay focused. Needless to say i no longer tour with him and ride, eat and camp alone.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Whatever suit to you and your riding style.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Also, you should protect your hearing (even if you have a full coverage helmet) by wearing the 31 dB foam earplugs that they sell for shooting and such. I usually carry a couple of pairs with me in case I lose any. Repetitive noise not only harms your hearing, but it tires you out.

[@motorcycleadventures]

True.

[@TheMotorman1981]

please come to India..you can rent a motorcycle and explore around.. Many foreigners do the same.Thanks

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will come to India this Oct.

[@TheMotorman1981]

Motorcycle Adventures Are you bringing your Yamaha?

[@SamirMishra6174]

Motorcycle Adventures hey how was your India Trip? Did you make a video ?

[@gablan1468]

I actually cannot wait to come back to India and this time explore it on a motorbike! India’s such a beautiful country.

[@brianseas8903]

Pavlin, Instead of a Top Case, we installed a Luggage Rack behind the Sissy Bar on our 2012 Suzuki C50T Boulevard. We use the luggage rack to carry various sizes and shapes of cargo.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, it is much better.

[@MohankVBM]

Hi Sir after getting many ideas. the confidence is much more.

[@billybull7419]

Mohan Kumarvbm lol

[@BassOutcast]

Totally agree on the exhaust part! I had an old Honda 250 as my first bike and that thing came with a very loud pipe. I used to ride it all around the countryside on weekends and it's just screaming all the time at top gear and attracts a lot of attention and not always the good kind if you know what I'm saying...I keep my current bike stock and it's much better

[@motorcycleadventures]

Leaned the hard way...

[@colincampbell2153]

It's all very subjective. It's all down to the individual. I am never impressed by so called experts spouting off their personal views on how to do things and what you must do. And as usual the sheep follow them. I don't like the looks of top cases, but them to be ever so useful on long trips. Great for storing vehicle docs - keeping them relatively safe and dry. I don't pack much in the top case, leaving room for helmet etc when stopping at a nice place to walk etc without lugging the bloody thing about. Tend to carry a bit of food - snacks - lunches etc in the box. As for panniers - I prefer the security of hard luggage. But did hurt my leg quite badly on a ride in Uganda when I came off and trapped a leg under the alloy pannier. Soft luggage is a bit safer for that. However, soft luggage is never waterproof and too easy for the thief. Go for what you like and try and pack light. :)

[@motorcycleadventures]

You are right, it is subjective. Everybody need to find the one he likes.

[@alexnuno]

That's exactly what Pavlin said in the begining of the video " I don't have any goals to correct you, teach you or change you". He's just giving his rightfully earned opinion on this matters. And I thank him for that.

[@mariyanhimselff3273]

i cut my exhaust on ybr 125 cc so it was just 20 cm of straight pipe no muffler , just 100 miles and i said i cant take that sound anymore and had to buy black widow exhaust for 200 pounds so yeah you are rite !

[@motorcycleadventures]

Learned the lesson the hard way!

[@mariyanhimselff3273]

@@motorcycleadventures I ride the bike without the silencer right now but riding without any muffler on a short straight pipe it was only 1 time experience, never ride without the muffler and always try to keep the RPM down

[@motorcycleadventures]

The Essential Guide to Any Motorcycle Traveler - Online Course: rtw-adventures.com/online-course-1.html

[@teneretraveller8980]

Motorcycle Adventures read it! Most excellent read!

[@premswarooppaul1109]

Practical suggestions for all who are into Motorcycle Touring especially the newbies. Best wishes.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@NabilKarsheh]

If i go abroad i always put back the stock exhaust

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good.

[@NabilKarsheh]

Motorcycle Adventures exactly for two reasons: law regilations and it is too loud. Btw topcase is good if your tour is only on good quality roads not like mongolia :)

[@motorcycleadventures]

I don't like it to any roads, but that's me.

[@NabilKarsheh]

Motorcycle Adventures maybe if you have 4 minutes you could check out my latest video about my trip in Romania, thanks

[@DrTranofEvil]

I kept the stock exhaust on my bike only because they were talking about changing emission laws in my area. I'm glad I did, I would love to take my bike to Europe and didn't even think about emission standards there. X-/

[@sun6v546]

Love your channel .... Love your presentation brother ... All is troooooo and sweet .... U R a good teacher . .........lots of love from south india . God willing I want to meet you Brother . Cheers till thn... Chal👍👍👍👍 👍👍👍👍.....

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thank you so much 😀!

[@jameswill9323]

How did that motor sound again?

[@brianseas8903]

Thanks to your Tip # 4 we now know that we must buy at least a basic "Garmin" electronic map as well as bring paper maps with us. On our 1st long road trip, last July, throughout the ride, we had to stop often to make sure we were staying on or close to our intended route. And, you are correct, we could not see the cellphone screen in the bright light of day.

[@motorcycleadventures]

So, you already learn it the hard way.

[@monique-ik5ru]

hi, i had a burgman 650 with top case ,,,the cross wind wouls blow the moto off the road ,the heavy tractor trucks would suck my moto allmost under the wheels, it took all my experence not too fall under the truck wheels,,, top cases r just too go too the store on inter city ryding,,,m,,,XXX

[@patrickcoleman3]

Hi bare dog so how do you like your 650 scooter, I rode scooters and bike for years and now back on an 650 Vstrom with a top case. Winds are a pain in the arsenal so are big trucks who always want to pass. Regards from Australia Patrick.

[@artemfl9614]

Very strange. Burg 650 is heavy enough to forget about all this. Or you have a top case around 60L?

[@Jasonnnnnnn007]

i have a 200cc scooter which weight in around 175kg with luggage... tell me about those crosswind.. ;/

[@krisstoute6123]

I love my burgman 650 also!

[@toodgs]

There have been surveys in Australia and top boxes are responsible for most back injuries resulting in paraplegia, if you fall and if you go off road you will fall at times, you want the bike to slide from under you, also you want to be able to get your downside leg back and up so the bike does not fall on it, for this reason I do not use side boxes either. I carry spare pants, some form of footwear like rubber flip flops and a couple of T shirts. when the shirts are dirty I bin them and buy new ones, this all goes in a small back pack with my hydration bladder. If you want to carry a suitcase full of clothes buy a car, it is not what motor cycles are made for.

[@mototroter]

When you go off-road of course top case can be the obstacle. When you travel mainly on the asphalt roads it is very comfortable. It is easy to get something or hide something inside. When you travel with passenger (especially a woman) it is absolutely necessary and is a backrest for the passenger. When it brakes the frame... sorry, shit happens. When using smartphone man should always remember about off-line maps and to turn-off roaming, it can kill you outside Union of European Socialist Republics. ;-)

[@motorcycleadventures]

As I said in the video, I am not going to change you, just want to help.

[@mototroter]

That's what man should always tell to his wife. ;-)))

[@patrickcoleman3]

Most Adventure bikes are quite strong and as a welder by trade i couldn't do much better,I actually have a 40lt top case ( Shad ) and no problems ever.

[@mototroter]

Yes they are and I had never such problems but I have never gone real off-road. During my trip in Bielarus sometimes out of the road I was a little bit afraid about my topcase. In fact long trips I do with passenger so my motorbike is not so exposed to vibrations due to mass.

[@haluks5322]

Topcase can cause a problem on the open stretch in strong wind. Especially gusts from the side and especially for the inexperienced rider.

[@Arltratlo]

i own a 52l topcase + side cases, but i never ever dare to do really offroad riding with my V-Strom its just to heavy to handle, but its allways good to have a bike you can use on gravel roads... it worked well in New Zealand and Scotland and on the German Autobahn....

[@motorcycleadventures]

If you like it, just use it.

[@glitchysoup6322]

What a relief hearing someone who speaks English using kilometers instead of thouse damn miles.

[@yessure5291]

Come to Canada - it is very common :))

[@glitchysoup6322]

@@yessure5291 But I live in the Latvia. We (and countries around us) only use metric measurments. Absalutly no imperial measurments.

[@jackt1400]

I do long trips with my wife and the topcase is essential for us to store our belongings, we used to do road trips on sport bikes and she had to carry a back pack which is tiring for her. hence a topcase on my current crosstourer is definitely a bonus. Nevertheless, i'll be going for a solo trip on the crosstourer soon, and i'll try it without the topbox.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@ethanstrydom7331]

Topcases look so bad

[@motorcycleadventures]

I agree, but...some people love it!

[@malvinacarabas5768]

Gotta give Dima credit - just looking on the luggage top case unmistakably determine mechanical shape of the bike . Very nice video . Thank you !

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, the top case said everything he need to know.

[@MaxUtley]

I agree ... top boxes are rubbish

[@tristar3005]

Loving all the videos you've been putting out, lots of good things to consider as I've been putting together a moto camping kit for next riding season. Thankfully there's plenty of motorcycle content on youtube to keep me busy during the winter so I don't have to think about my bike sitting alone in the garage.

[@motorcycleadventures]

This was the original idea of the channel, to help you to make your trips much easier than me. I am glad that it works.

[@gixxusmetalman7435]

Topboxes are brilliant. What are you clowns talking about?? Ffs

[@motorcycleadventures]

Because I am clown and I new nothing about motorcycle riding...

[@jacek88gb]

I AGREE. I love my top box-very handy

[@MrBiggles53]

My current road bike top case’s original mounting fell off around 115 Km/hr 70 minutes into a 3 hour trip. Had to temporarily rig it with large zip ties and shock cords. I mostly like them for storing my helmet, groceries and lightest whatever on road trips.

[@eberbacher007]

True about the speed. sure in central europe I was once able to ride about 1500km in about 11 hours but that was on the autobahn and french highways and still it was super brutal.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I will agree. I did once almost 1,400km and it was way too much.

[@pilatesbruxelles5258]

Thanks for this video, as much as the others, very interesting. But frankly, your point no. 2 - never ride with a top case - is completely incomprehensible. Not only is the story of your friend completely irrelevant, but the reasons why you don't want a top case are not well explained. You state that they can break or whatever, but for us, who have used top cases with no troubles what so ever, this sounds like a very bad quality top case! Today, most top cases are made of good, robust, quality, so there is no need to worry. Please try to explain this better, instead of wasting the seconds on a completley irrelevant story of your friend :-)

[@kkfoto]

The only good argument against top cases is about how they look, really. All motorcyclists I know travel with them, and I've never heard about any broken cases, or broken bikes because of them. Top cases are easily accessible, waterproof and secure for storing helmets, jackets, gloves, etc. when you walk away from the bike. A motorcycle can easily weigh 200 kg, plus another 100 kg or so for the rider and gear. Most top cases won't bear more than 10 kg or so, hardly enough to cause something to break or affect your riding in any significant way.

[@nasirbasra]

I love it here .. big size box case

[@GenerationAI2024]

There is actually a speed limit on the German Autobahn and its 250 km/h :)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Ok, for 95% of the cars and 60% of the bikes this sound like no speed limit.

[@NP-xp3eh]

On some parts of the Autobahn there is actually NO speed limit :)

[@crowdsurfer77]

Es gibt kein Speed-Limit von 250km/h in Deutschland There is no speed-limit of 250km/h in germany

[@cmburns83]

Coldoikz1 Rubbish!

[@qdllc]

Never had an issue with top cases. There is a concern about OVERLOADING them. A good system works with the bike's hardware to distribute weight evenly. As much as the bike would look better without it, I keep my bag of essentials (wallet, medications, phone, key items needed during the ride), bottle of water, rain gear, essential tools including a tire plug kit and 12v electric air pump (bicycle size works fine). I used to use a tank bag but found it tended to get in the way more than anything else unless I must seriously load a bike and need it for additional gear.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Use whatever you like.

[@marcezs08]

Having bought a top case for my Suzuki, and done 6000 miles with it, I agree entirely, which is why it's now in storage replaced by a soft waterproof pack from givi. The bolts holding it sheared. Then the clamps broke. I fixed all of it, still hate using it, it's decent for town riding to store a helmet, not good for trips.

[@motorcycleadventures]

So you learn it the hard way, like most of us.

[@psycholocke4090]

my favorite top is: watch your average distance per day. too long trips in the beginning can exhaust you very quickly and ruin your time travel management. especially if you don't know your limits and capabilities, this can become an issue. my second tip is: be flexible and have a backup plan if something realy bad happens. if you go unprepared for the worst case scenario, anything bad will throw you off your feet. yeah, these might be generic and not specific for motorcycling. but they still count.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Valid point, thanks for adding!

[@vanveen8472]

I agree with you about the loud exhaust, I had a loud one on my Versys and on the highway it was a steady drone, what a pain, I still have the Versys but it has sported the stock exhaust for many years now, thanks great advice

[@motorcycleadventures]

Learn it the hard way...

[@vriendelijkegroet]

I cannot deny the fact that well made topboxes and other cases come quite handy, at least on my GSA. Nowadays I try to take as less as possible, a month trip is fine with a 20 liter rollbag. A passport, wallet and mobile phone can solve anything. My main reason not to take boxes is financially driven. A bike with heavy square boxes uses significantly more petrol and when you have to fill up the bike every day, it counts.

[@tfaizulfox]

Great video! Common sense and valid but for some people it is not a common practice. They prefer to learn hard way. Bravo brother.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes, we are all the same and different at the same time.

[@henburg1709]

gratchie carayo.bonn jorno vene solamente motorsiclo muy experienciado belo numero unn. good job comrade good advices!

[@ssn608]

650 V-Strom Adventure with Suzuki Panniers and Top case. I've ridden across the US (well, bottom to top and back again) a couple of times. I don't really do off-road driving, especially not on those two long drives, except incidentally (grass parking areas, campgrounds, etc.).. and find that I don't have a problem with my top case. It's mostly empty.... I keep it that way so I have an easy access & quick place to stash my helmet, gloves, etc, when going into stores, etc. Sometimes I will put my sleeping bag on the rear seat, propped against the top box, to give me a bit of a back rest. Much better than my Honda motorcycle that I drove from the East coast to the West coast of the US in the 1970s with a 3 foot high Sissy Bar on the back to which I had may seabag (I was in the Navy at the time) srapped....giving the whole bike a tremendously high center of gravity. Sooooo hard to keep upright if it tilted over mor than a few degrees. while at a stand still Loud pipes... no thank you. Have enough problem with wind noise. High speed? I've done it on occasion.. But it worries me.. and not just because of the possibility of a ticket. I remember a story of a biker who was driving from the US down to Argentina. He was barely on his way, driving in Mexico, came around a corner, and crashed into ... a donkey, or a cow or something. And broke his neck. And that was the end of that trip. On another bike I've owned, I've also had a front tire rapidly deflate as I was driving about 75 mph (125 kph) on a freeway. I was travelling across 3 lanes of the freeway as I tired to stay upright and stop. Fortunately, there was hardly any traffic. In heavier traffic... I might not be here writing this. When travelling long cross country trips.... I too try to avoid the big expressways. Back roads are much more interesting. And more dynamic, which helps keep you alert and avoid muscle ache from sitting in one position for too long. I try not to push too far in a day. Which usually means my last day will involve an overly long travel distance as I try to get to where I'm going at the planned for date, unfortunately.

[@bobdobalina798]

I use my top case to leave my jacket and helmet when I go from bike and put light stuff in it while travel ie sleeping bag and wet weather gear and mobile phone etc

[@motorcycleadventures]

Ok

[@zyonsdream]

I’ve ridden all over the U.S with straight pipes. Successive 500 mile days with no unusual fatigue. What stopped me? Trying to get dinner on the 4th of July in Boothbay Harbor Maine. I got out without a ticket but I learned a lesion in humility that day. What right do I have to blast the ear drums of people in a quiet harbor town. I deserved a ticket. I now Ride with stock exhausts. I honestly enjoy the ride better.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is always better.

[@jkoititomoforutube]

Your good sense are always. Well educated. Appreciated. Maybe I and you have the same instinct and way of life on motorcycle adventures.Let's keep driving safely always in order to get next nice "Motorcycle Adventures".Cheers and thank you.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, the same for you - happy adventures!

[@norriemasson4080]

Once again Pavln good solid advice from someone who has been there and done it. Thank You

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks!

[@jamescerillo5634]

Since I subscribe your channel I learned a lot I have only Suzuki thunder 125 but I'm inspired to make it more comfortable in riding

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad to hear that