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Whether you are on the road exploring for a day or a year, the right gear is imperative to keeping your trip going. Without the proper protection for the bike (and you!), trips can get cut short unexpectedly. Here is a guide to the gear I have tried and tested while on the road. There have been many instances where, without most of this gear, my trip could have been cut short. Here is my 2020 motorcycle gear guide to prepare you for your next adventure.
The Bare Bones
Listen, money is definitely a thing when figuring out what you need for your next adventure. 99% of people need and want to find that good balance between low cost and high quality. Especially when it comes to motorcycle parts. The total at checkout can seem overwhelming.
When I was starting out on my trip around the world, I began researching things left and right to see what my best fit was. Even if it had a higher price tag, I really didn’t want to buy anything twice. It did end up happening, as I’ll explain below, but I wanted to keep it to a minimum.
There is nothing like the regret of not having bought the higher quality item first, only to have to buy it now on top of whatever you bought before. Having said this, I’m all for piecing things together when I can! I screwed a $2 hockey puck under my kickstand because I couldn’t stand the thought of paying $75 for a larger pad (yes, really). Goofy, yet just as reliable.
Personal Protective Gear
Above all else, even the motorcycle, should be your own personal safety. There will be other bikes, but you only get one shot. Some problems that arise with motorcycle gear is outside temperature. Riding through the desert with full gear on doesn’t sound like the most enjoyable thing to do (even though it keeps the sweat on your body), but it’s better than the alternative.
Brain Bucket
There is no question choosing the right helmet is top priority. Going back to the issue of heat, these things can get sweltering, especially with full faced helmets. I feel much more confident and comfortable with my entire head surrounded, which is why I buy full faced helmets.
But again, heat, heat, heat. My solution was the LS2 Valiant Modular Helmet. It vents very well. Plus, with a quick tap of a button, you can pull the jaw all the way back.
The problem with most modular helmets is you can only pick it up a certain amount. This isn’t very helpful when doing high speeds on the open road. More like a wind tunnel to your face. The Valiant eliminates this problem by swinging all the way to the back of the helmet. Not only does it look great, you can wear it any way you want at any speed. Of all the helmets I have owned, this one is by far my favorite.
Getting Rid of Wind Noise
The longer you ride, the more you realize wind is an issue while on the road. The constant wind noise can lead to irreversible damage. According to Hear-It, wind noise can be in excess of 90 dB. They say this is similar to running a lawn mower or leaf blower, although speed plays a factor in the wind buffeting that happens under the helmet.
When you talk to riders who have been on 2 wheels for over 30 years, you can tell their hearing is a bit out of whack because of how loud they speak. Nothing against veteran riders (I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from them), but I would like to avoid losing my hearing as much as possible. Here are my two options:
Cheap option: Silicone Ear Plugs
I like these ear plugs because of the band they have. You can wear them around your neck without having to fumble with loose plugs when you are ready to ride again. If you don’t want to listen to music on the road, these will get the job done for cheap.
Across the board option: Noise Cancelling Headphones
In ear is the only option when it comes to these, considering you’ll be wearing your helmet the majority of the time. With so many options to choose from, you have a wide variety of prices that will help get you covered.
The set I have been using since day 1 are the Bose QuietComfort 20. In-ear buds that really grab hold of your ear while maintaining comfort. You will not have to readjust them while on the road. They have easy access controls so you can change a song or volume level. They even allow you to break the noise cancelling with the click of a button if you want to hear something or someone a bit better.
Remember, these are noise cancelling, so they… well… cancel.. noise? I never use the noise cancelling feature while in the city or heavy traffic (especially down in Latin America), but when the open road is calling, you’ll truly find all the abilities of these ear buds quite useful.
Pants and Jacket
Remember how I said I messed up and had to buy something twice? Well, It wasn’t for lack of quality on this one. My first buy was simply meant for much colder weather. Considering I was heading south, the heat was what I was most concerned with. I’m going to share both items I bought with you, because it really depends on where you are heading. Luckily for me, the cold weather one isn’t totally useless considering I live in Boston.
#### Klim Kodiak
The Klim Kodiak is great for any temperatures between -5 F (-21 C) to about 75 F (24 C). I REALLY liked the fit of this set. The Kodiak Jacket was tailored perfectly. I don’t like wearing baggy things on the bike, and this was not too tight or too loose. Same with the Kodiak Pants. On my New England Trip, I wore this set through some seriously cold weather and wind up in Maine.
I was wearing very little underneath, and felt totally comfortable riding. It wasn’t until I reached the desert I realized I had a problem. It is just a little too insulated for the desert heat, and I hit a lot of that.
The biggest reason I suggest buying any jacket and pants as a set is the fact they zipper together. This eliminates the lower back vent that is created when you are riding hunched over. If you’ve ever ridden without that gap being closed, you’ll know it is worth it to buy a set on a chilly day.
#### Touratech Companero 2
Touratech is well known for their gear. I have to warn you, this ones comes with a price, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the only all-in-one I’ve found that is truly all-in-one. Both the jacket and the pants have removable shells. The armor is inside the base mesh layer, so it stays with you no matter what. The set without the shell feels like you’re wearing a t-shirt. The entire thing is high quality mesh, no better venting than that.
#### Your choice
As I said before, your personal protection is top priority. There are certainly other cheaper, and still reliable, jacket and pants on the market today. On your big journey, you will be traveling through all types of weather, and these two sets are definitely my preference.
Footwear
When you are on the road full time, space is definitely an issue. You can’t really carry footwear for every occasion (I mean, you could, but..). If you can find a boot that covers multiple uses, like these ones, it is definitely a win-win.
I enjoy hiking a lot, and many riding boots are simply too uncomfortable to hike long distances with (plus, the soles aren’t really meant for hiking trails). Add that to your limited space, and a problem has certainly arisen. Any kind of Gore-Tex hiking boot will suffice. They cover the high ankle, and are pretty rigid. Waterproof boots are a must, considering you will hit rain at least once on your trip (even if you swear you won’t ride in it, riding in the rain is inevitable). Gore-Tex has you covered on that front.
First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit is worth the space on your motorcycle. With a lot of them being very small nowadays, there really is no excuse not to carry one.
Bike Protection and Maintenance
Engine Guards
Engine guards are definitely something you want to think about getting. There have been multiple times I have dropped the bike (I’m still learning, give me a break!), and these guards have kept any major damage from happening.
Whether you get into an accident, or you are just clumsy like me, they will keep the important (and expensive) parts of your motorcycle in tact. I bought the Givi Engine Guards for my V-Strom. They are a bit pricey, but totally worth every penny when you see them do their job.
Skid Plate
If you plan on doing any off-road riding, a skid plate is something you definitely want to invest in. The undercarriage of your bike has some pretty important parts, and a skid plate will keep them safe from rocks and debris that get kicked up.
The skid plate I have has saved my bike multiple times when riding through rocky terrain. It’s one of those things you don’t think you need until you need it.
Bark Busters
Hand guards, or bark busters as they’re commonly called, are another great investment. They protect your hands from branches, rocks, and other debris while riding off-road.
I drive a Suzuki V-Strom 650, so these hand guards are what I bought. Keep in mind, this set includes the bar weights on the ends of the handle bars. There is another set that is only the covers themselves. I rode without the bar weights, and the covers went all over the place. Another prized purchases, as I don’t wear gloves as often as I should.
There are aftermarket hand guards that are a lot cheaper, and the reviews seem to be up to par with other brands. I recommend either of these I have linked to, mainly because they stay on the handlebar and won’t wobble around.
Aux Lights
I didn’t think I needed them either, but boy am I glad I bought them. Remember I wanted to be equipped for anything I could think of. What if my lights went out in the middle of the dark?
That is exactly what happened in the middle of nowhere Mexico. I was riding through the woods down a dirt road to get to my small AirBnb, when my lights went out. Thankfully, I had my aux lights wired separately to the battery, and turned them on immediately. Lights are important.
Center Stand
Another thing that will help you in a bind is a center stand. Being able to pick the bike up off the wheels is essential. Even if you have an extra set of hands, it is difficult even thinking about removing a tire without one. It’s also nice to have a backup way to keep the bike upright if something happens to your side stand (which is common when all this weight is added).
Windshield Extension
A windshield extension is a big help when it comes to riding long hours on a motorcycle. Helmet buffeting can drive any person insane after a few hours. These windshield extenders take a lot of that away. I bought this off brand one. I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between it and the name brand ones. For a fraction of the cost, this was something I was willing to save money on.
Motorcycle Toolkit
Tools are a definite a necessity while on the road. I’ve been stranded in the middle of the jungle with a dirty contact switch I had to clean. Without tools, this would have been impossible. A nice kit that will cover most, if not all your needs, is one from Pit Posse.
A friendly reminder before you head out on your journey. Take a look at the bike and make sure you have everything you need. Wrenches for your rear axle bolt, and a front axle hex tool are definitely things you don’t want to forget.
RAM Mount
Whether you use a GPS or phone to guide you on your way (a map is a different story, Lewis and Clark..), this RAM Mount is my top choice to keep it in eye’s sight. I’ve used this mount on both of my motorcycles. At high speed it stays put. No questions asked. The X-Grip is strong enough to hold your phone, and super easy to remove it when you are ready to walk around.
Waterproof Phone Case
Like I’ve said, I try to save money where I can. When I started my journey, I left my normal case on my phone. The only problem was, if it rained, I could not keep my phone out in the open while riding. I decided to check out some waterproof options, and found this case to be that perfect balance between low cost and good quality. I don’t really plan on taking my expensive phone into the water when I swim, although it is rated for it.
Spare Fuel Tanks
I’ll be honest, there are very few times you will be in a place where you won’t have gas stations within fill-up distance. I say this, but anything can happen! Fuel tanks are a great thing to keep the mind at ease.
When I was warned there wouldn’t be any fuel for 300 miles in Baja California, I improvised with an empty jug of orange juice. Not the safest thing (definitely not OSHA approved), and really just a hassle to strap to the motorcycle. Get yourself some kind of canister better than that so you can keep on riding if there is nothing left in the tank.
Quick Connect Cable and USB Charger
A quick connect cable is something that will help you connect to the battery, well… quickly. The ability to get to the battery without having to get under the seat is something pretty helpful. You can only know the feeling of this if you have needed access before without having it. When you load your bike up, you either have a passenger or some gear strapped up behind you. Either way, taking the seat off is just a waste of time when you have a simple solution like what is linked above.
Everything is USB now, right? Well, the perfect addition to this cable is the USB Charger to go with it. I use this one, and have bought it a couple times since (surprisingly one of the very few things I have lost along the way). I have researched another one since, but haven’t tested it to share my personal feelings on it.
Tire Repair Kit and Inflator
You never know what is going to happen on the road, and a punctured tire can bring you to a halt. My favorite tire repair kit is The Stop & Go. It comes with everything you need, including CO2 tanks to re-bead the tire if it got to that point.
With a flat comes the need to re inflate it to the proper pressure. The most compact, and functional electric compressor I have been using for quite some time is linked here. It gets the job done, and even connects to the cables I mentioned earlier.
Motorcycle Luggage
Awesome! We’ve covered protection for both you and your motorcycle. Now let’s talk about where you are going to store your things. Remember, being on the road means being exposed to the elements. You want your belongings to be as protected from weather as you are, otherwise it’s going to be a wet trip.
Saddle and Top Bags
There are endless, and I mean endless, options when it comes to side bags. Soft or Hard Luggage? What kind of mounting gear will you need for each one? Are they all waterproof? How big are they supposed to be? I’m telling you, endless.
When it comes to soft or hard luggage, I prefer hard luggage. I haven’t used soft luggage much, so I can’t say much about it. Hard luggage, however, I’ve been using for my entire trip. Remember the quality piece we were talking about? This is definitely not something you want to have to replace in the middle of your trip. Who knows if it’ll even be available where you are. Don’t cheap out on this one, you’ll thank me later.
#### Givi Outback Trekker
My only recommendation when it comes to bags is the Givi Outback Trekker Line. I have dropped the bike, been through crazy rainstorms, even forgotten to lock the boxes before heading on a long trip, and these bags have held strong.
The saddle bag mounting kit and top bag mounting kit are easy to install. Definitely a one person job, and will get done in minutes. Most likely, you will want to remove the bags when you are staying somewhere for the night. Many hard bags don’t have the easy removal option. Plus, when you are hanging around somewhere for a few days or more, you’ll want to really feel what the bike has to offer! Don’t be weighed down by bags when you don’t have to be.
How Big Is Too Big?
I’m planning on being on the road for many years, so I decided upon the 58 Liter Top Case, 37 Liter Right Saddle Case, and 48 Liter Left Saddle Case. I offset these due to my exhaust being on the right side, and wanting everything to be relatively equal on both sides.
Secure and Waterproof
In terms of keeping things dry, these stainless steel cases are going to keep your mind at ease. Trust me, you won’t have to worry about your things getting ruined. More of a set it and forget it kind of thing.
Now, I typically sleep at hostels while I am on the road. Just like anywhere else, 99% of people are trustworthy and friendly. The 1%, however, can make your day one to remember, and not in a good way. Whatever bags you choose will probably come with locks, which is a plus for wherever you may sleep. The ability to bring them inside is also something you will be thankful for.
Dry Bags
Depending on how long you are going, and how much you plan to pack, dry bags are a very helpful solution. Even if you have them on deck just in case, it is always helpful to be able to keep as much dry as possible. Nelson-Rigg Gear Dry Bags are a product I am very happy with. I scrapped my measly tent bag for one of the 15 Liter ones. The other 15 Liter carries my sweatshirts and raincoat. I bought the 30 Liter for my sleeping bag. These bags go on top of my Givi cases like they were meant for it. The straps that come with these dry bags work well, and keep things nice and secure.
Tank Bag
By far my most organized pieces of luggage is my Mosko Moto Tank Bag. With three separate areas to store things, and zippers all over the place, even a severely unorganized person (hi) can keep things where they need to be. It is very easy to install, and even easier to remove. This is helpful considering you will probably have all your paperwork in there. 4 buckles get this off the bike, and you can wear it like a backpack. It even has a refillable water reservoir with a mouthpiece.
Most tank bags I have seen are not innately waterproof, but this one comes with a cover that does very well even in high winds. You can still see your phone or map with the cover on, and can even sneak your hands in to grab things you want.
Motorcycle Cover
Starting off on my trip, I wanted to make sure the bike was fully covered during a rainstorm. I have since realized the motorcycle cover is more for security. Out of sight, out of mind. I rarely cover the bike during a rainstorm, it gets wet all the time. I always cover it when I am locking it up for the night out on the street.
The cover combined with a loud disk lock (listed below) will keep most (hopefully all) intruders and peeping eyes away from the bike. Long story short, order a cover more for covering the bike for security instead of the elements. It can be thin or thick. Just keep in mind the limited space on the bike.
Disk Lock
Disk locks are a great thing to keep your bike secure. They are compact, but certainly pack a punch. My preference is one with an alarm on it. The one I use, for example, gives three warning beeps if something slightly shakes the bike. If it senses someone is trying to move the bike, the alarm gets pretty loud (110 dB loud). Loud enough you can probably hear it from your hostel room, and loud enough the neighborhood to know something is going on.
Camping Essentials
Ok! Let’s talk shelter. Whether you want to camp along the way, or just want a makeshift shelter in case things go south (something you really want to think about), camping gear is essential. Let’s walk through the necessities.
Tent
There are many reasons you want a tent on your travels, but two come to mind pretty quickly. Wind and bugs. Wind can make you cold pretty fast, while bugs can make sleeping merely impossible. A tent will help with both of these problems, among many others. Depending on what you are looking for, I have two options I suggest.
#### Option 1: Marmot Crane Creek
Marmot is a very well known brand, with high quality camping gear. I have owned my Marmot tent since the start of this trip, and have zero reservations about suggesting it. It is easy to assemble solo, is made of high quality materials, and is perfect for both looking at the sky or buttoning up to stay warm. I like the Marmot Crane Creek because of its open top when the rain-fly isn’t on, while still offering privacy with the sidewalls.
#### Option 2: Lone Rider ADV Tent
Although I haven’t owned one of these tents, I have heard seriously impressive reviews from fellow riders. It fits perfectly in most motorcycle luggage, and is quick to setup with only one pole for the entire spine.
Upgrades To Any Tent
99% of tents you will buy will come with tent stakes. Some pretty good quality, others not so much. My tent came with pretty good ones, but rocky terrain can bend them from functional to useless pretty quickly. In terms of low cost/high quality, these tent stakes are where it’s at. I couldn’t be happier with them, and haven’t had to replace them at all on my travels.
The second thing to keep in mind is some kind of tent footprint. A simple tarp will do, but anything to get that extra layer underneath the tent is a great, and cheap, buy.
Sleeping Bag
If there is one thing I will probably reinvest in shortly, it is a new sleeping bag. I really enjoy mine, although I am not a huge fan of the mummy style. I find it a little constricting, mainly because I sleep in all sorts of crazy positions. They are space savers, so I guess I could live with it a bit longer. Depending where you are traveling and what time of year, just remember to check the temperature rating on the sleeping bag.
Inflatable Pillow
Wow. I’m only realizing how picky of a sleeper I am just writing this post! I really need a pillow to get a good night’s sleep. With space being a factor on the road, I prefer an inflatable one. This one honestly feels better than most regular pillows, and is super quick to inflate and deflate. The removable cover is key for easy washing.
Light
Probably about the size of your pillow when it is all packed up, this rechargeable light is a great thing to have. It is bright, has many modes, and can dim easily by pulling the light in or out of the base. It has hooks to hang inside your tent, and even magnets underneath in case you have to stick it to you motorcycle while you’re working on something.
Cooking Gear
Listen, growing up Greek means we love our sleep and our food. Now that you know I sleep in crazy positions, I’ll admit one more thing. I carry this cast iron skillet around in my motorcycle with me. It’s extra weight that I really don’t need, but I like my food the way I like it.
This, along with the Bisgear Camping Stove set has made cooking on the road very easy. We’ve been over the fact that space is precious. Don’t take advice from a Greek on what cooking utensils to bring. Food is life, and I won’t back down from a good home cooked meal, even when I’m on the road.
You’re Ready For The Open Road!
Here are your essentials you should think about buying before starting out on your trip. Now, the cost up front is pretty big compared to other forms of travel. There really is nothing like going exactly at your own pace, and checking remote places out no-one else will be able to see! I cringe when I think about having to ride the bus somewhere to go from place to place. All your transportation costs are feeding your passion for biking just as much as they are your travels and sense of adventure.
Can you think of things I missed, or would rather use instead? Shoot me a message and let me know! I look forward to hearing from you!
Safe travels,
Peter