Ok so I know there are quite a few touring posts but all I can really get from them is panniers, panniers and more panniers... maybe I'm not looking hard enough?
I've seen a couple of others like a 17 tooth sprocket and bar risers which I plan on getting for my trip around Australia!
What I want to know is what else have you done to your bike to make long trips more comfortable?
I'm also looking at a sheepskin cover and a screen but not if it's going to make bugger all difference for US $130.
All information is helpful:) photos too if you have them!
Trunks, larger windshield.
personally, I think the handlebar risers and a gear change is about all you need.
I put a 17t and a 35t rear, but i wouldnt go below a 36t.
I do a fair bit of touring.. (not on the GS, but on my FZ6)
The single most usefull install was a 12v power outlet, cigg lighter style.
Charge your phone, gps, run you air mattress pump.
^ this!
Quote from: The_Paragon on February 16, 2015, 07:49:43 AM
I do a fair bit of touring.. (not on the GS, but on my FZ6)
The single most usefull install was a 12v power outlet, cigg lighter style.
Charge your phone, gps, run you air mattress pump.
Agreed, I did the 17T, SW-Motech risers, soft luggage a tank bag and this...
Charge yer stuff
(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/mod01.jpg)
Charge the bike
(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/mod02.jpg)
See if the bike is charging
(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/mod03.jpg)
Yeah! A usb port would work better if you could install that!
I have a usb and cigarette port on the handlebars. Will definitely be using it
I just needed a USB port, no air mattress here, just a sleeping pad.
(http://i62.tinypic.com/105xna9.jpg)
as far as supplies. it depends. A riding rain-coat is at the top of my list motorcycle wise. I can ride in the rain, I can't ride with hypothermia.
For me, personally...
Get about 10 bic lighters and stash them different places, they don't weigh much + you're sure to lose about 4. ferro rod isn't a must have, but it works in the rain [if you can find/make dry tinder] a good knife, I carry a small, and large knife. + a hatchet. rope. never enough rope.
Self defense i'm not sure about in the land down under, and the laws. but it's more about crazy humans, then it is wild animals. shotgun with buckshot/slugs is more then enough. I haven't got around to setting up my GS build for trips yet, but I've carried multiple long barrels on motorcycles very easily, and even better, hidden! you want to hide your long barrels here state side, other wise if someone see's em, and your inside a store or something, they can walk off...
Guns are basically useless as self defense here in australia. You have to keep them locked in a safe with the ammo locked in another safe. From what I've read anyway (never owned one).
As for rain gear, that is a must have
Quote from: dooleysam on February 17, 2015, 04:45:34 AM
Guns are basically useless as self defense here in australia. You have to keep them locked in a safe with the ammo locked in another safe. From what I've read anyway (never owned one).
As for rain gear, that is a must have
get a machete then. or a parang if you have to deal with lots of hardwoods or thick bush. trust me.. a well maintained sharp machete, one swipe is all it takes to make your attacker have a REALLY bad day...... plus it puts you that much further away from your attacker...
Are cap and ball's considered "firearms" in auss town? In my state [Florida] a cap and ball pistol is considered a weapon, there for you can open carry it and all that good stuff. its not a firearm. and even the NEW one's that are modeled off the old ones, are grandfathered into that. might be worth a look at? I mean, if someone's attacking you, I'm sure they aren't over 50 yards anyway! Plus they are fun to shoot!
Quote from: dooleysam on February 16, 2015, 04:02:06 AM
Ok so I know there are quite a few touring posts but all I can really get from them is panniers, panniers and more panniers... maybe I'm not looking hard enough?
I've seen a couple of others like a 17 tooth sprocket and bar risers which I plan on getting for my trip around Australia!
What I want to know is what else have you done to your bike to make long trips more comfortable?
I'm also looking at a sheepskin cover and a screen but not if it's going to make bugger all difference for US $130.
All information is helpful:) photos too if you have them!
I don't have panniers, just a big-a** (said to fit two full-face helmets) topbox, I would like them though...
Not a fan of sprocket changes, stock is perfect, up to about continuous 160km/h (100mph), and even if you're on the freeway, who needs to go faster than that continuously? Not GS riders, I think.
Bar risers are good. I have them, bought the bike with them, seating position still needed some getting used to, now I think it's perfect.
I wanted a bigger screen, but lately I like that the wind supports my chest at higher speeds, it actually is less tiring. 'F' model!
Sheepskin looks good, but I would curse all day when it's raining...
I bought a set of lowered footpegs because I'm tall (184cm) and my 'racing' leathers make my legs go numb within an hour combined with the sharp knee angle. Not a problem with my mesh gear, so I didn't get to installing them just yet...
Quote from: Atesz792 on February 18, 2015, 04:37:02 AMNot a fan of sprocket changes, stock is perfect, up to about continuous 160km/h (100mph), and even if you're on the freeway, who needs to go faster than that continuously? Not GS riders, I think.
I don't believe people do the 17T mod to go faster, it's all about a little less Rpm at freeway speeds, it was for me anyway.
Quote from: J_Walker on February 17, 2015, 07:27:25 PM
Are cap and ball's considered "firearms" in auss town?
If it can fire a projectile, it's probably illegal unless you have a permit, license and a valid reason to have it.
I have an old flintlock pistol (I think it was my great-great-grandfathers) which, even though I have no ammo, powder or knowledge of how to use it; would be considered a lethal and illegal firearm if I were to take it one step outside of my house.
Knives, Machetes, bladed tools are all pretty much the same. You don't carry them unless you want to get maced, tased or shot by the constabulary.
I'd go with the SW-Motech top case rack and top case. You can probably get the setup for around $200. Had it on my SV and it was great for touring. Storage capacity in the top case which keeps your valuables dry and secure vs. soft bags. And it allows you to more securely attach cargo on the rear seat knowing they wont fly off the back.
For luggage I have a tank bag, soft saddle bags and tail bag. All have rain covers.
It suffices for long rides, (each year we take a ~3500mi, 9 day trip). The rain covers need some extra help to say on with some bunjie cords and the rain covers arent always 100% effective, but ive never had anything get more than mildly 'damp'.
Theyre also a bit time consuming to install and securely strap down.. as well as removing them and all the straps, then installing them the next morning... gets kind of old.
My friend has a VFR1200, with factory hard saddle bags and a top case. All are removeable with the turn of a key and flip of a lever, Installable and removeable in seconds. <--- I'm peanut butter and Jealous of these!!
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on February 18, 2015, 06:10:16 AM
Quote from: Atesz792 on February 18, 2015, 04:37:02 AMNot a fan of sprocket changes, stock is perfect, up to about continuous 160km/h (100mph), and even if you're on the freeway, who needs to go faster than that continuously? Not GS riders, I think.
I don't believe people do the 17T mod to go faster, it's all about a little less Rpm at freeway speeds, it was for me anyway.
I know and often say this, was just referring to it being a bit smoother at higher speeds, according to others. I agree there's some vibration at ~130km/h, but it goes away by the time you get to ~140, and it's silky smooth at 120. Feels like sitting in an armchair at 100.
I have rode to uluru/ayers rock and back from Sydney on the gs500 in the summer and this is what I found.
17t sprocket is a must. the difference in revs is a much more comfortable ride.
I used soft panniers(oxford). Dont worry about rain covers as mine were destroyed just from the wind. Just put everything in plastic bags.
Don't use a ventura luggage rack. Mine has snapped 3 times now(once on the trip). If it was made from solid steel instead of hollow tubing it would be good.
Airhawk 2 seat cushion. I can not recommend this enough. No worries if it gets wet unlike a sheepskin.
Tank bag highly recommended. I have a 2 helmet box on my ventura rack. good for keeping things dry if they are light. Not much else.
Motorcycle swag/tent. Great for sleeping anywhere.
I never have found wind to be a problem on my gs500f (height 183cm/6ft 1approx)
Some sort of charging usb/lighter very helpful. A light source that connects to that is also good.
Puncture kit (i got a flat)
picture of bike at Ayres Rock below
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=67988.msg820240#msg820240
Haven't had any trouble with the Ventura mountings but must say that my l-bar system is modified using rubber bushings to permit a tiny bit of "give" in the mounting system. For me, it's the Ventura zippers.....shocking quality;
Cheap panniers are great for touring, give a nice bit of protection when the bike topples, and chuck 'em once they wear a bit.....
Touring on the GS, I always kept the luggage real light....a great little bike for a trip......enjoy your time on the road....