FYI: I've been touring for a few decades now on various machines (starting WAYYY back on bicycles) and I've learned a few things. You RARELY use everything you bring; after awhile you learn what to leave behind, and what can be picked up on the road if you do need it. Every trip you make a list of what you ACTUALLY used, what you NEVER used, and what you used infrequently. That second list can be omitted on any future trips, and the third list should be scrutinized carefully.
I've also reduced my packing requirements by having a separate set of "travel clothes" that I only use on motorcycle trips. These are ALL made of quick-drying microfiber. If you get caught in the rain, it dries very quickly and doesn't stay wet and clammy against your skin for long. It also packs up much smaller than traditional clothing and in a pinch you can easily hand wash them in the bathroom sink when you stop for the night and it'll dry overnight and be ready to wear the next morning.
My riding gear is also multi-purpose. I wear either my Aerostich Roadrafter Suit, or my Aerostich Darien Suit. Both are well ventilated and I've worn both comfortably in the hottest weather (just don't get either in BLACK). Although my Roadcrafter 2 suit is not 100% waterproof (rain will eventually work its way past the long zippers) the Darien Suit is as effective as any rainsuit I've ever worn. Supposedly Aerostich's new Roadcrafter R-3 suits are just as waterproof. They're expensive, but they last for YEARS. They'll save you having to pack rainsuits (which can take up a LOT of room).
On trips that last a week or longer, I pack three days worth of clothing plus what I'm wearing. Every third day I stop to do laundry. With my C650GT I've gone on camping trips and I've never needed more than the locking top box and underseat storage.
Always remember: this isn't the same as back-packing. There isn't any need to bring EVERYTHING you need because in a pinch, it is simple enough to hop back on to the scooter and head down to the store to buy what you might've forgotten; no real need to overthink everything.
Have fun!
Hi Guys
Not computer savy - have photos (jpeg format) how do I get them to stick on here? Been struggling for a while. Thx
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