Top 10 Most Useful Items for Long Motorcycle Trip 

Man, your videos are, by far, the single best source of adventure riding info I found on RU-vid. Thank you so much for making them!

Have a great trip... I always carry some wet wipes or baby wipes. A clean face or butt makes moral better.

Great video as always! Three points I would add... 1. don't wear sunscreen on your forehead or near your eyes. If it gets hot and you sweat, the sunscreen can be painful and cause your eyes to tear up. If you are at a critical point on the road, your temporary blindness could lead to a tragedy. 2. I encourage everyone to take a pair of women's nylons (black may be the best) and pull one foot section over each side mirror for nighttime riding to help eliminate blinding glare from vehicle headlights, especially if there are few vehicles behind you. The nylons enable you to still see the headlights so you will know the vehicle is there; however, they eliminate virtually all of the other glare that would otherwise be on the mirrors. 3. I highly recommend applying high viz reflective tape to your helmet, ideally around the entire base of the helmet and across the top of the face mask opening. This creates a reflective source of lighting that is much higher than the rest of your motorcycle, and is visible therefore at a much greater distance. There are even very inexpensive devices that attach to the back of your helmet and the rear tail light of your motor cycle that links the break light and the turn signals with your helmet and acts like the third stop,light on cars.

A kickstand plate, about 3 x 4 inches, made of thick plastic or metal, to prevent the kickstand from sinking into soft ground or asphalt on a hot day.

Good list and it's obviously built from experience. My long rides have been in North America and up to 12,000 miles in a go (with a few short trips in Western Europe). For my riding style I'd add and drop a few things: Cable lock no (no cities for me, I'm a country boy - and not really any crime in rural US/Canada). Luggage Net absolutely... I carry 2, they're also a good location for drying clothes. Disk Lock no, they don't keep a bike like mine from getting stolen so why bother. Zip leg pants yes very handy but I always carry comfortable jeans too (bulky yes but worth it). Belt bag I'd have to think about, on long trips I assign locations for all valuables and ALWAYS put those items in those locations... the habit insures I won't lose anything (lesson learned the hard way), but a belt bag is something I wouldn't trust on my body while moving (too easy to fall off) so I'm not sure what I'd do with it... maybe put it in tank bag. Laundry/Body Wash no - every place I've ever stopped to do laundry has sold detergent, and IMO bar soap is the best option for showering (no leaking to worry about). I'd also add camping towels (called shammie's by some folks)... work pretty well and take up zero space. Multiknife yes if planning to cook while camping, in North America I do this on short trips when the added bulk of cooking gear isn't a problem, on long trips I eat at restaurants (less luggage and no bear problems... bears are a concern through much of the US and nearly all of Canada). Hiking Headlight absolutely... and spare batteries. Nitrile gloves are a good idea, but I wouldn't replace my rain glove covers. The big thing I'd add however is Dry Bags... if I'm going to be travelling for more then a week then I'll have more gear than can fit in Panniers, Top Case and Tank Bag... so I have two large dry bags that I can stack on the pillion seat, they carry camping gear, dirty clothes, and act as storage for riding gear not being worn (I take an air jacket for the desert for instance, and my 3 season jacket is muy bulky!)

I always carry a few plastic grocery bags! If you need to pack away some wet items, or to put used clothing in until they can be washed (particularly things like socks and under-clothing), can be a litter bag. can put all the 'stuff' from your pockets in one while you do laundry or before sleeping if you are camping, and even for a number of first aid uses...and much more... Just always a good item to have handy. I have even used them as boot covers in heavy rain on the highway! And to tie around my pants legs in cold weather to keep cold air from coming in... always finding new ways to use them...

I have used body wash to assist in mounting a tyre back on the rim.

Other useful items to carry: - sigarette lighter $1.50 at any gas station more practical than matches - gasoline powered cooking stove. Never run out of fuel and spare bottles can be used as emergency fuel supply - piece of tubing or fuel hand pump to suck gas out of tank - sprockets from your motorcycle. You can always find chain and shops will cut it to your length but sprockets are very specific and unlikely to be in stock. Riding in dust/rain/mud can destroy chain quickly, and you don't want to replace chain without replacing sprockets. We did that once and 200mi later front sprocket hooked up chain, broke it and punched a hole in crankcase. On many bikes rear sprocket could be reversed but front not, so if it is on yours you want to carry at least front. - Motorcycle manual and maps in PDF format on your phone. - Spare tail/headlight bulb and fuse - pump and plug kit (for tubeless) or patch kit - rainsuit to put on top of waterproof riding gear - 2 pairs of gloves summer and winter

another thing I learned is if you have hard luggage keep everything in an inner soft bag so you can take your stuff out leaving top box on the bike. especially useful when you on overnight ferry like UK to Spain, the bike is 4 decks down and you cant get to it. leave helmet in the empty top box and carry soft bag to cabin. learned that the hard way. Good luck on your trip

I carry a lot of the same stuff. All my gear except my gloves are waterproof, so I carry glove rain covers. They're great for adding an extra layer of protection in cooler conditions too instead of carrying heavier gloves. I carry a small bottle of Nikwax for my Visor. I carry a stick of zinc oxide for face protection from the sun. I carry a tool roll and a tire repair kit (obviously). I also like to carry a pair of flip flops to put on when I'm airing out my motorcycle boots when I stop for food. Carrying a lightweight rainfly or tarp and a hammock or camp chair can be handy too for rest breaks or just to get out of the rain for a while. And I carry a nice looking but light and packable button down shirt to put on that looks more respectable than my synthetic sports t-shirt when I go into hotels, motels, public places...

Thank you for the wonderful advices... We will keep that in mind

I have advice for you too. In Ulaanbaatar be careful around the Narantuul market and the train station, many theives. On buses bag slashes and pickpockets are common. My wife is Mongolian and showed me her old schoolbag and on the bottom it was covered with slash marks. I caught one man with his hand in my pocket. In foreigner bars, the ladies are light on your back pocket containing your wallet, be careful whilst drinking. When drinking at the bar, never run a bar tab, the staff will always attempt to rip you off with added drinks. For your personal safety, never walk hand in hand or show love and affection to a Mongol girl, the Mongol boys get pissed off, and some will bash you out of jealousy ..Nationalism is big in Ulaanbaatar. Some of these cautions you may never meet, it depends on how long you stay in UB. Lets face it, half the Mongol population lives in UB, and once out of the city, the population is sparse. I worked Ulaanbaatar and was married there long before Charlie Boorman and Ewen Mc Gregor ever set a motorcycle tyre on Mongolian soil, and a lot has changed over 20 years.....UB is far more aggressive than in 1997 when all were poor. Enjoy the countryside for it is the heart and soul of my wife's people. If you stay at Nassar's Guest house say Stewart the Australian said hello, tell her I was Batagrel's friend, she'll understand. Regards and a safe trip.

Plas chamois / Kanebo to wipe the dirt out from the helmet visor, windshield, etc. Thanks for your inspiration, good luck for your Travel. Greet from Indonesia.

Easily the best video series for long distance biking. Practical, realistic and budget-wise. Keep up the great work.

Great video. Some great tips I did not think about. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Also thank you for keeping your videos short and only talking about what it says in the video title. It is annoying when others give you their life story before getting to the point of the video!, Your videos are informative and wise. You have helped me prepare better for my next long ride. Keep up the great work. Excellent job.

Hey Pavlin, Another great video. I've been watching your channel for about 2.5 months and I am glad that I have discovered it on time. I am currently around the middle of my tour from Istanbul to Scandinavia and then back home. I can say I have been practising your recommendations as much as I can. Your videos are helping me a lot. Many thanks! I wish you a good adventure in your trip to Mongolia. As you always say: "Ride safe and see you somewhere". King Regards, Okan

As always - simple and useful. I am glad I found your channel, the info is precious.

So nice of you. Thank you for sharing your tips!

Thank you for all your straight forward no bullshit videos, I really enjoy them! When I go on motorcycle tours or hiking trips, I always carry one or two microfiber rags, approx. 20x20 cm . You can buy them in every supermarket in packs of 10, they are very cheap t and they are useful for cleaning the helmet, the visor, your glasses, the headlight, act as a washcloth, as a make do towel, they are useful for drying the bike after a rainy night, as an oil rug during repairs... I always buy high visibility colors, If it is a cloudy day, i place the under my luggage net facing to the back of the bike for extra safety. I count these rags as my towel when I am traveling light. Like Douglas Adams said: Always know where your towel is!

Excellent! Thank you!

Thanks for the great information you share with the riders...!

I like this guy!

Another great video! The zip pants are a godsend. Really inexpensive at Costco and they're good quality. I never go on a trip without them.

thank you for sharing!

I always carry a pack of baby wipes. Really handy for a freshen up on the road

I fix a cut off ketchup bottle ,upper part, cable tied some where behind lower screen area /clocks (depends on bike) with micro fibre cloth pushed in, kept damp for visor wiping. I've never scratched a visor yet despite dire warnings. I Like your vids !

Haha ! Lock the jacket too ! Very smart ! Thank you

Your advices and experiences are always amazing but also very useful! Thanks so much for sharing brother!

I have a device called "pack safe". It is a cargo net made out of stainless steel cables with long lockable main cable that keeps all the stuff on the rear seat safe and secure.

Hey! I like your Videos and wanna say "THANK U"!!! I also like to make a long trip and use many ideas to be ready for this :-)

You can also use plastic gloves that are often found on gas stations. Keeps your hands dry and even protects you from cold better. Learned this from my instructor when I got my motorcycle license.

New idees are always welkome..liked the bike look for helmet and jacket...looking forward to follw your upcoming jurney...thanks

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

Thanks for the great videos! The lock is a great item that I've overlooked. Based on lessons I learned last summer crossing the USA top to bottom and coast to coast (34 days, 10k miles), the most important items I would add include 1) neck protection (from the sun, wind, and friction) - I use a goretex baclava that works well in all temps and can go up under my helmet as well. I also add sunscreen & skin care products in case a hot spot develops. 2) Eye Protection (long days of 12+ hrs will fatigue the eyes, especially in hot temperatures (I ride in Texas). This includes sun glasses, UV shield on the helmet, and eye drops. I even carry black electrical tape to add a strip on the face shield to block direct sun (mostly on the sides). 3) Riding shorts - for multiple days in the saddle it helps to have breathable shorts under garments. In general you could make a Top Ten Clothing video because the rider has to endure the elements.

Good tips ! Thx man

Cable lock, genius!

Your videos kick ass man! Much respect from another rider in the USA!

I wouldn't have thought of most of these items but can see how handy they are. Brilliant video cheers

Thank you again! I really appreciate your advice.

Always useful tip, handy and cheap. Thanks, it inspires me a lot and good luck for your coming trip to Mongolia.

Fantastic content!

Thanks Great info Cargo net-one of the best things I’ve bought. Recommend one with adjustable hooks

Thank yoi. Some off your suggestion is really usefull

Probably one of the best vlogers. Really apriciate your way of sharing a knowledge. Take care!

Well done, I watched all your videos.Thanks for sharing with as this useful information. Have a nice and safe trip to Mongolia, hope to share with us the experience.

A small umbrella is a handy thing to carry, the one I have is 23cm long and 5 cm in diameter, takes up little space but is great if it rains and there is no shelter and can provide shade from the sun. Have a great trip to Mongolia, can't wait to see your video. 👍👍👍👍

Thanks again!And again and again for your future videos!Some of these stuff are already in my car!And i've found some new uses with others!💪💪💪

Been using medical gloves a lot recently when i replaced my bent bars. Ear plugs are important too. Still want a quieter helmet too

Another great useful info from an experienced rider. Thanks!

Sehr schöne Ausführung, danke!

Very useful information. Thanks for uploading

Many thanks!!

nice presentation and of course good information

Love this video! My friends and I have a week long trip and lots of miles ahead. Thanks for the great tips.

Thanks my friend

I always carry a bit of velcro strap (20 to 50 cm). Many uses, for example: easy hand brake for when you are on a ferry.

Great tips and advice. Keep the videos coming.

Thanks for the quick response l actually found your video on security locks not long after sending the comment.Anyway thanks again keep up the good work.regards from Australia

Thanks for making the video, it sparks the thinking process. My FJR is over 750 lbs. when loaded. I carry a 2x4 wood block 6" long to drive up on to if I get a flat tire. It gets the bike high enough to be able to deploy the center stand. Once up on center stand I can safely make repairs. I carry that block in one of my sneakers, the other stores 8' of truckers rope for towing if need be.

Nice advice. Cheap to do and very useful.

very good! I have developed a very similar kit for use in southern Africa. except I carry high level pad lock and cut proof chain.

Very helpful ideas. I'm on the last bit of a long trip and I agree with each of your tips (some things I already use, and others look like great ideas).

Nice video. Thanks so much !

Very useful info.. Thks for your contributions for the community...

Useful tips from veteran rider...thanks bud

Great reviews. I use dishwashing gloves when riding in the rain. They fit halfway up my forearm under my gear easy & cheap fix. Keep up the good work

tks great tips

I always pack a couple of those disposable plastic ponchos. Handy for when yr out in the civvies.

Top sharing as usual. Even if you've been doing these things it's good to have this reinforcement and as a reminder why you started doing it.

45cmx10cm PVC tube with wardrobe lock attached below the seat ( opposite side of the exhaust ) to carry tools to fix motorcycle's related problems

Great tips, even though this is an older post for me as a starting adventurer it is very useful and i am working my way through your long list of videos and i am grateful you have gone throught the trouble to do them to help others out.. I have been riding motorcycles for year but only recently started riding an adventure bike GSA1200 (2016 model) but i did pick up a lot of useful and surprisingly simple stuff (knowledge)on your channel

Great Tips!!! Thanks!👍👍

Two items that I carry are zip ties and zip lock storage bags. They are waterproof and the help to keep small items organized. I really enjoy your channel, keep up the good work! Rich

Yep...another, clear and helpful video. Well done! I always take a couple of pairs of leggings, I wear them off the bike with a baggy t shirt, I sleep in them, wear them under bike gear if I'm chilly and they make great, warm, neck warmers.... ( ok, maybe more suited for females, but, you'll get my drift!)

Another great video! A video that would be even better is your wet/cold weather setup for rider+luggage. Tips and tricks to staying warm on the bike etc. Thanks mate!

Great advise, thanks.

That's great. Thanks

Tools, raingear, syphon hose (I used it once for another rider who ran out of gas) homemade jumper cables (ya never know) cable tie, oh ya,a nd my water bottle to keep hydrated. That pair of casual shoes (I use moccasins) to walk in when I stop, which is a nice replacement for my boots.

I found a throttle lock one of the best bang-for-buck additions for long rides. The kind I have just clips on, and cost something like $10. A good back brace belt (mine is a Back-A-Line) is also great for keeping comfortable for hours on the bike. It mainly serves as a reminder to not slouch.

Thank u very much for the information 👍👍👍

From where did you come originally we have a lot in common about the trips! Love your videos ! Funny thing is after some trips I made I have the same things in my bike as you haha. Also a good leathermen on the belt is good, cause you have a sharp nice and it is not big so no problems with border or police. Also a foldable water Kanister can be useful if you decide to camp more often. A second cheap smartphone can be useful to just swap a 5€ SIM card in that you can use as a travel guide in cities where you never been before. And of course don’t forget to set up a usb charging box on your motorcycle so your smartphone, go pro etc is always ready to use. The last thing I like is a very small Bluetooth box with good battery life to listen to my home radio or my favorite songs after 12h rides it keeps up the motivation and relieves stress. Keep riding safe!

I have a 2012 Can Am Spyder RT-SE5, which comes with an integrated fairing, saddlebags, and travel trunk. There is no removing them without a few hours expenditure. The previous owner, did replace the exhaust system with one made by Two Brothers Racing. Which seems to be common system when going aftermarket. The exhaust note is definitely different than the stock exhaust, but no one has yet complained that it is too loud. Not the dealership, police, or motorists idling at a stop nearby.

thanks for the tips

So very clever ideas there, I already carry the cable lock and gloves, but must make a disk lock holder.

More videos pls! Very very helpful for us noobies in adventure motoring.

Hi Pavlin, the most of this items i already have with me on may bike. But not a hiking headlight. I will buy one immediately ... thanks for the tip, Hans

Great video

Hi ! You know the drill ! :) All that you say here I learned in time, sometimes in the " hard way " ! Keep in doing this videos !

My experience, 10km in the US with an Harley coast to coast, 10km in Mexico with a klr650 north to south, and going next year from Mexico to Argentina with the klr650 I had everything from your list, great video. I even changed my regular cable lock for a 2 meters cable lock to attached the bike to something like a tree. To add some things to the list, things that I am glad I installed: -a high windshield. It looks ugly on the bike but you won't be that tired after hours of riding -something flat in your back on your luggage to support your back used as a backrest. After riding 6 hours, back pain starts in my case -highway pegs, to stretch your legs -Throttle cruise control assist. very cheap, just a small piece of plastic, you are able to move and stretch your right hand without decelerating. I do not like the ones that block your throttle, it is dangerous, but like a crumpbuster or a throttle rocker it is great. -your bike's manual and some tools to be able to fix quite everything on your bike by yourself in the middle of nowhere -cigarette lighter plug charger fixed on the handlebar and plug adapter to usb to charge everything you want by usb when riding -large handguards to keep your hand and gloves warmer -sheepskin saddle pad to keep your butt without pain -a camel bag fixed on the tank bag to drink water whenever I need during riding -12v air pump to inflate my tires quickly after a off road session as I deflate my tires a bit for off road parts of the trip There more things but there are the main ones A french guy living in Brazil Ride safe

Good tips! Some of these itens I also Carry with me all the time

What a great list! Your video gets us thinking and looking at things in a new way. One thing I would add is toilet paper. You don't need a whole roll, and if space is an issue, smash it flat. Put it in a ziplock bag to keep it dry. The cable lock is also an awesome idea. I take it a step further and use a much heavier cable lock that can also be used to lock the bike to a pole or tree. You can still lock up the helmet and jacket, while also protecting your bike. It costs more and takes up more space, so the smaller cable lock is still a good choice for those with limited space or money who need less security. Keep up the great videos!

Thanks man,, remembering these

Lithium jump starter. Recharges phone etc and starts bike in flat battery situation Stored under seat

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! I'm just starting preparation for some longer trips and the only thing from your list what I use now regular ways are ear plugs. Especially on long distances, but sometimes even on way to work. And thanks to your video I could find even more thing (other people wrote in comments :) )

Number 9 is worth the entire video alone. Can’t believe I never thought of that! Thanks for sharing

I will be taking a wind up radio for when I’m resting, especially as I ride alone and it’s great to hear music if a signal is available

Thank you very much. Your videos are undiscovered treasure... Realy...

Very good list, Pavlin, I always learn something from your videos, so thank you for doing them! Safe travels, and I look forward to your travel videos!

I used gallon freezer bags as a rain stop in a pinch

Very good, thank you