The List Part Three

Well before I start this final list as part of THE LIST series I would like to mention the recent purchase of a brand new R 1200 GS Adventure, yes I did trade-in the 1150 GS, and I sold the Harley. So all I have now is the Goldwing and the GS.

My Final list is for you the traveler, things I believe that one should do before embarking on a long trip.

1-Get into shape; no round is not the shape I was thinking about. Riding for hours on end concentrating on the road takes a lot of effort, and sitting in front of the computer all day at a desk job doesn't increase your stamina. Depending on how often you exercise this may not be an issue, however for most of the riders that I have met this is required. If you really want to enjoy the trip and not feel tired all the time then a healthy exercise plan at least two weeks before the event is required.

2-Get insured; the worst thing to happen on a trip is to get sick and can't afford the medical treatment of another country, or survive an accident and not be able to get your self and the bike home. There are several types of insurance that one must have like health insurance, motorcycle insurance, travel insurance, I have even heard of an insurance to ship you and your bike home if any thing happened.

3-Go to the Dentist; you do not want to spend time getting over a root canal in another country because your tooth cracked due to the fact that your lat dental checkup was two year ago.

4-Learn the language and culture; when traveling to foreign countries I believe it makes things more enjoyable and easier when a few words of the language have been learnt and maybe a custom or two. I am not saying you need to be know every language of every country that you visit , I just mean the normal "Hello", "goodbye", "thank you", " please", and "where is the bathroom" kind of words that show that you are visiting the country for the people as well as the land.

This concludes my list series for traveling long distance, please expand on this as you see fit I am sure I missed some thing here or there, and know that there will come a time when you had wished you had packed that extra tool or part which would have made your trip easier. In fact it is at this time that you should stop and notice that if we wanted to travel with ease we could have stayed home and watched the travel channel.

The List Part Two

Wow it has been a long time since I have written, and the reason is I am planning a new trip which I will write about later. At the moment we are still on the subject how to prepare for a trip. The second list consists of things that need to be done on the bike so that you have the lease amount of trouble traveling. This means getting the bike serviced and while some prefer to do this job them selves which is fine if you have the know how and tools, others get there bikes serviced by a professional shop. Which ever you choose I recommend the following be done:

1-Use Synthetic engine oil for high performance machines (high revs & temps) and Semi-Synthetic oil for the others. This should give you between 7 and 10 thousand miles before you need to change it. Great of you trip is within those limits. It goes without saying that the filter needs to be changed also.

2-If you don't remember when you last replaced you brake fluid, then change it. Depending on how often you use your bike, and the weather conditions it should be replaced once every one or two years.

3-Check the spark plugs and replace if necessary

4-Go through the maintenance schedule part of your motorcycles manual to inspect or replace certain items. This could include other fluids, hoses, belts, & chains. Pay special attention to filters they are your fist line of defense if you think the filter needs changing, then do it, fuel filters and air filters and the most susceptible to dirt.

5-Check the tires for thread, damage, and cracks in side wall due to weathering. Depending on the length of your trip and the condition of the tires you should make a judgment on when to change them if they require changing.

6-Finally go around the bike noting any normal wear that may affect you're riding like a cracked headlight or dissolving handgrip rubber.

The List Part One

I was recently asked what should I pack on a motorcycle when traveling? And the answered is that it depends on where you are going, and how far and long is the trip. The reason is that in some countries all you need is a cell phone and a credit card if you get in trouble all you do is call for help, and it arrives although you will have to pay for it. In others you will need to take many tools and spare parts since there will be no cell phone service or any roadside assist to help you.

I have however compiled three lists one is of things that you need to do before you go on a trip, the other is of things you need to take no matter how long the trip is, and a supplementary list for those really long trips that may end up in remote areas of the globe.

Today I will present the general list of things that you may want to pack of a motorcycle trip, while I present the other lists in other entries in the future.

This is the list of things that you may want pack for a motorcycle trip.

1. Cloths; I though I should state the obvious just in case.
2. A pair of comfortable shoes, I take running shoes.
   
3. Flip flop slippers for the beach or bathroom.
4. A water bottle or canteen that allows you to be properly hydrated while riding.
5. A First Aid kit, and get some training on how to use it.
6. A tire repair kit and learn how to use it.
7. A way to fill the tire with air, I suggest a compressor since it gives unlimited amounts and there are several built for motorcyclists.
8. A good tire pressure gauge, tire maintenance is crucial during travel and you need to check you tires regularly.
9. Duct tape, electrical tape, and zip ties
10. Flashlight with batteries that work.
11. Wiping towels.
12. Octane booster, depending on the type of bike you are riding since you don't always get the correct octane at the pumps.
13. Vise grips
14. Spare headlight bulb, taillight bulb and signal light bulb.
15. Electrical lead tester.
16. A multi tool knife.
17. Assorted spare fuses.
18. Some kind of pain and anti diarrhea pills like Tylenol & Imodium AD.
19. Your own medication if you are on any, also stating the obvious just in case.
20. Sunblock Cream & Eye drops

Cool Gathering

On September the 11th there was a gathering of over 200 motorcycles for "Ghabgh" (Ramadan Dinner). This gathering was sponsored by HOG Kuwait Chapter and participation covered all types of motorcycles from all makes including Harley Davidson, Honda, BMW, Ducati and MV Agusta. The event was also pictured in some publications, you can watch a youtube video at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pjl2XZaD3I .

It was very refreshing to see so many motorcycles coming together and sharing their passion for this sport even though there were many bikers that did not attend. I hope that our next gathering is even bigger.