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Motorcycle Camping

  • 09-06-2021 4:35pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭


    Just setting up a new thread so anyone interested in motorcycle camping can just look on here for tips and all that ****.

    I'm new to motorcycle camping myself, but have done hiking and camping quite a few times over the year.

    Biggest thing for me is deciding on going hard or soft panniers.
    I went with Soft panniers on the DR to save weight when on trails incase I drop the bike or do something stupid.
    If I was taking main roads I'd probally have taken the bigger bike with hard panniers for security.

    Get drybags as well for everything, nothing worse than finding everything is wet after a day of riding.
    My tent is just a cheap decathalon 3 person tent I had from a few years ago, but I'd recommend a lightweight 2 person tent minimum, mainly so you have space to keep your gear in the tent too beside you and not leave it out in the open.

    Theres other **** too to bring, but I'll put up a post on that later on. I'm prepping the bike soon for the French TET so can get pictures of that as well for anyone interested. heading from Cherbourg to Monaco and then might go up through Italy to get to Switzerland.

    m6GDl7Z.jpg


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,958 ✭✭✭D3V!L


    Great idea for a thread. I've mentioned it to the missus that I'd like to go camping with the bikes. My GSA is a workhorse and has plenty of carrying capacity.

    What's the story with wild camping in Ireland, is there any no-go places ? Not a fan of campsites.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    D3V!L wrote: »
    Great idea for a thread. I've mentioned it to the missus that I'd like to go camping with the bikes. My GSA is a workhorse and has plenty of carrying capacity.

    What's the story with wild camping in Ireland, is there any no-go places ? Not a fan of campsites.


    Its pretty gray area unfortunatly from what I understand.
    We camped out in some forestry area, if theres Landrover / 4x4 tracks going up and no private, keep out sign its usually ok for one night and then move on.

    I bring bin bags in one of the side pockets and have this grill for a camp fire, so its pretty contained and then no mess left over.

    https://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/uco--flatpack-firepit--grill-mini-35354-p.asp


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    one of the lads I head out with knows the areas pretty well for camping, so we pick a general location and then scout around for public land thats hard for cars to get into.


  • Registered Users Posts: 710 ✭✭✭TefalBrain


    Very hard to wild camp in Ireland especially on a bike as a lot of land blocked off or made inaccessible because of our eh wandering nomad ethic culture.

    Would recommend camping in Europe for sure have done it numerous times and the Pyrennes or Picos is my go to locations. I bought these a few year back to throw over the back of my Bandit 1250 and they are amazing. I get all my camping gear and cloths in them and have a tankbag for everything else i need at hand.

    https://www.motea.com/en/motorbike-tail-bag-bagtecs-sx70-rear-seat-bag-70ltr-waterproof-in-black-188809-0?gclid=5h0pp1n9-en&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYGGBhCTARIsAHdMTQyiqAOVyZ6OCWqgqVZ9BsGIYPLzbIiu45drPpnZqmrJ04gveiccFHgaAkqoEALw_wcB

    Will be interesting on the back of the MT09 this year for my 3 week tour in August


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    I'm running the andy-strapz panniers, got a set off ebay last year as they were a good price (second hand on ebay anyway)
    https://www.andystrapz.com/product/expedition-pannierz
    I've the tent strapped to the back and then keep everything else in the panniers.
    Keep my tool roll on the top of the pannier for easy access incase it was needed.
    Currently one is off for repair as a friend melted the corner on his Tenere 700 exhaust.


    Might upgrade my tent to a lighter one though.


    Did you travel the TET for Pyrennes?
    Myself and Dad are both taking DR650se for this trip.
    Looking at either keeping the E07+ on the DR or else getting MotOz tractionators, but I'm not sure what the Terrain will be like.
    I did like the E07+ over the weekend, handles really well on gravel and the main road.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,485 ✭✭✭omerin


    This Scottish company do great waterproof bags in all shapes and sizes and very reasonable

    https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Motorcycle-Dry-Bags.html


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Did a couple nights moto-camping with the missus last year. Three man Decathlon tent, it did great.
    Picked up a 2 man pop up tent from Decathlon a few weeks ago for solo camping, so I'm itching to try it out soon.

    My Blackbird came with a top box and two side panniers, all hard cases, so it's superb for carrying a good load of stuff. My big concern is where to camp, as I don't wanna leave the bike alone, and she'd have to be chained to something as I'm not gonna chance her being lifted (although god help anyone who wants to lift a Bird).

    Feels amazing though, camping by bike. Very clichéd, but feels very freeing and nomadic.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    There's a guy Chris Hardy who does books about motorcycle touring, inspirational stuff. Hope to get out there in the future. The books are like £2 on Kindle, so worth a read.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    I have had an idea about doing this for a while. I have bought a tent from decathlon, and the few bits and pieces that I think I need. 2 years ago I did one night in Dingle. Got soaked. Didn't fit into my sleeping bag, cold, wet. Wasn't nice.

    Since then I have bought an air mattress, and a bigger sleeping bag. So hopefully I will be more comfortable. Going to head up north to get a few photo points and have booked a pitch in a campsite up there. Hopefully I can manage it a bit better this time. I think it's just practice and experience that will make it better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    I have had an idea about doing this for a while. I have bought a tent from decathlon, and the few bits and pieces that I think I need. 2 years ago I did one night in Dingle. Got soaked. Didn't fit into my sleeping bag, cold, wet. Wasn't nice.

    Since then I have bought an air mattress, and a bigger sleeping bag. So hopefully I will be more comfortable. Going to head up north to get a few photo points and have booked a pitch in a campsite up there. Hopefully I can manage it a bit better this time. I think it's just practice and experience that will make it better.

    the inflatable mattress definitely helps!
    I have a liner for my bag too, thats easier to wash than a sleeping bag.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    I have had an idea about doing this for a while. I have bought a tent from decathlon, and the few bits and pieces that I think I need. 2 years ago I did one night in Dingle. Got soaked. Didn't fit into my sleeping bag, cold, wet. Wasn't nice.

    Since then I have bought an air mattress, and a bigger sleeping bag. So hopefully I will be more comfortable. Going to head up north to get a few photo points and have booked a pitch in a campsite up there. Hopefully I can manage it a bit better this time. I think it's just practice and experience that will make it better.

    the inflatable mattress definitely helps!
    I have a liner for my bag too, thats easier to wash than a sleeping bag.

    This is a very good read!
    https://www.madornomad.com/the-ultimate-motorcycle-camping-gear-checklist/

    you don't need as much for just camping in ireland. Were never far from a town, and if you have breakdown coverage you're fine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Betsy Og wrote: »
    There's a guy Chris Hardy who does books about motorcycle touring, inspirational stuff. Hope to get out there in the future. The books are like £2 on Kindle, so worth a read.

    I might read it sometime.
    I'm not very good at reading non-fiction as its the same as sports for me.
    I'd prefer to be doing it myself than reading about someone elses travel or watching them do a sport.


    I do read arcticles on what equipment was brought, why and how much use it seen as they pop up. So I have an idea of what to bring.
    Currently I'm researching tyres and set ups for the French TET.
    I think with the E07+ i should be ok, but I was also recommeded the MotOz.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    I normally do 4/5 nights in Wales each summer but Covid knocked that on the head last year so did the Wild Atlantic Way. Up to then, everything I had was fairly big standard, but went lightweight last year and it made a massive difference.

    For wild camping, as it got to the evening time, I just looked out for camper vans and set up in roughly the same area (I know, not exactly wild when it's 50m from a road) Got moved on from a beach in Achill on the morning after my first night when an auld one threatened to call the gardai but that was the only hassle I had.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    hairyslug wrote: »
    I normally do 4/5 nights in Wales each summer but Covid knocked that on the head last year so did the Wild Atlantic Way. Up to then, everything I had was fairly big standard, but went lightweight last year and it made a massive difference.

    For wild camping, as it got to the evening time, I just looked out for camper vans and set up in roughly the same area. Got moved on from a beach in Achill on the morning after my first night when an auld one threatened to call the gardai but that was the only hassle I had.


    I did a little bit of the Wild alantic way last year.
    We hid out in forestry, about 50 meters from the road side.

    Ireland is pretty **** for it unfortunatly, which is why im looking forward to this trip to France in July


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    goblin59 wrote: »
    the inflatable mattress definitely helps!
    I have a liner for my bag too, thats easier to wash than a sleeping bag.

    This is a very good read!
    https://www.madornomad.com/the-ultimate-motorcycle-camping-gear-checklist/

    you don't need as much for just camping in ireland. Were never far from a town, and if you have breakdown coverage you're fine.


    Think I have everything on that list bar the hatchet. I should be able to survive without that.

    There is no wine opener on that list. I reckon a bottle of wine is much easier to transport than a 6-pack of cans. So that shall be my choice to while away the evening.

    Currently reading Sam Manicorns into Africa. So between that and the wine I will be sorted!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Think I have everything on that list bar the hatchet. I should be able to survive without that.

    There is no wine opener on that list. I reckon a bottle of wine is much easier to transport than a 6-pack of cans. So that shall be my choice to while away the evening.

    Currently reading Sam Manicorns into Africa. So between that and the wine I will be sorted!

    always buckfast as well

    I've a beer opener on the Gerber, but I did toy with the idea of replacing the helmet lock on my frame with a bottle opener


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    goblin59 wrote: »
    always buckfast as well

    I've a beer opener on the Gerber, but I did toy with the idea of replacing the helmet lock on my frame with a bottle opener


    Buckfast 🤦*♂️. I am kind of hoping I have passed the stage in my life where I feel actually drinking Buckfast is acceptable.

    Well I am all loaded up ready for the morning. The bike feels a little less nimble. I probably have too much stuff. The big problem is actually trying to get the leg over. It doesn't help that the bike is really tall before you put the drybag on.

    Now, just need to hope that the weather stays nice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Buckfast 🀦*♂️. I am kind of hoping I have passed the stage in my life where I feel actually drinking Buckfast is acceptable.

    Well I am all loaded up ready for the morning. The bike feels a little less nimble. I probably have too much stuff. The big problem is actually trying to get the leg over. It doesn't help that the bike is really tall before you put the drybag on.

    Now, just need to hope that the weather stays nice.

    Looks good.
    Good luck and take a few pics!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Buckfast 🤦*♂️. I am kind of hoping I have passed the stage in my life where I feel actually drinking Buckfast is acceptable.

    Well I am all loaded up ready for the morning. The bike feels a little less nimble. I probably have too much stuff. The big problem is actually trying to get the leg over. It doesn't help that the bike is really tall before you put the drybag on.

    Now, just need to hope that the weather stays nice.


    Yeah My DR is pretty tall too. I just stand on the peg and step over the saddle as needed.
    Once my weight is on the bike the shock dips enough for me to stop at lights.
    I adjust the preload on the shock to compensate for luggage, but I have that Shock set for 15kg heavier than my body weight.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    goblin59 wrote: »
    Yeah My DR is pretty tall too. I just stand on the peg and step over the saddle as needed.
    Once my weight is on the bike the shock dips enough for me to stop at lights.
    I adjust the preload on the shock to compensate for luggage, but I have that Shock set for 15kg heavier than my body weight.


    That's a good reminder. I probably need to adjust the suspension. There is loads of screens and options about that stuff. I generally don't touch it!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    That's a good reminder. I probably need to adjust the suspension. There is loads of screens and options about that stuff. I generally don't touch it!


    all ECU adjusted on your bike?
    I just have a physcial remote that comes under my rack


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    goblin59 wrote: »
    all ECU adjusted on your bike?
    I just have a physcial remote that comes under my rack

    Yeah. I generally leave everything as is. But will change it up tomorrow.

    I would never have thought about changing it until you said it.
    I am actually 115kg so maybe I should change it to 2 people + luggage.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Yeah. I generally leave everything as is. But will change it up tomorrow.

    I would never have thought about changing it until you said it.
    I am actually 115kg so maybe I should change it to 2 people + luggage.

    its like looking at space invaders!

    You definitely notice a difference.
    I had a pillion passenger for the first time last week on my BMW and as soon as we left the garage I kicked her off the bike and increased the preload. Could feel the difference in the shock straight away on the BMW.
    I let her back on afterwards though, im not that bad


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    So a little follow up on my attempts to camp. Did a 500km day. And arrived into my campsite. Owner was very friendly, nice guy. Millstone camp site. About 3km south of Newcastle. Lovely location. Gave me a pitch. £10. Grand. Toilet facilities etc.

    Set up my tent and all the stuff. Took about 20 minutes from start to finish. When I pulled out my brand new decathlon air mattress I noticed it was pierced. Thankfully had a patch so fixed that.

    After that was done I had a glass or two of wine (absolute muck, so didn't drink too much of it!)

    Then strolled into town for food/deet spray/maybe a pint or two.
    Loads of midges but didn't end up been a problem.

    Anyways on the camping side. Didn't sleep well. Not sure if ohmy mattress was leaking air or I didn't pump it up enough. Also couldn't get comfortable with my pillow.
    Think I eventually got to sleep and had 2-3 hours of poor quality sleep. Woke up at 5:30 with the birds. Also the occupant of another tent was snoring .Should have worn my earplugs. So decided to get the hell out of Dodge and got on the road good and early. Took about 45 minutes to pack up, load the bike, change into the gear etc.

    So lessons learnt this trip:
    Bring deet spray.
    Bring a better pillow(maybe a pillow case may make a big difference, so small but nicer that the material of camping pillows. )
    Bring patches.
    Wear earplugs

    I am not going to lie. Did about 300km this morning. Was tough going and not the most enjoyable. But I did enjoy the camping element. Nice view and location for the campsite. If I could have gotten a few hours quality sleep it would have been grand. I will re look at it closer to home some weekend and see if I can get it better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Ah that sucks about the air mattress!
    Yeah insect repellent is a big thing at the moment! i got attacked one of the days by an absolute swarm!

    I defintely wake up much earlier when camping than when im at home
    And definitely why I prefer wild camping, no one nearby late night partying because theyre on a camping trip and unless theyre riding with you on the trip no near by snorers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    So a little follow up on my attempts to camp. Did a 500km day. And arrived into my campsite. Owner was very friendly, nice guy. Millstone camp site. About 3km south of Newcastle. Lovely location. Gave me a pitch. £10. Grand. Toilet facilities etc.

    Set up my tent and all the stuff. Took about 20 minutes from start to finish. When I pulled out my brand new decathlon air mattress I noticed it was pierced. Thankfully had a patch so fixed that.

    After that was done I had a glass or two of wine (absolute muck, so didn't drink too much of it!)

    Then strolled into town for food/deet spray/maybe a pint or two.
    Loads of midges but didn't end up been a problem.

    Anyways on the camping side. Didn't sleep well. Not sure if ohmy mattress was leaking air or I didn't pump it up enough. Also couldn't get comfortable with my pillow.
    Think I eventually got to sleep and had 2-3 hours of poor quality sleep. Woke up at 5:30 with the birds. Also the occupant of another tent was snoring .Should have worn my earplugs. So decided to get the hell out of Dodge and got on the road good and early. Took about 45 minutes to pack up, load the bike, change into the gear etc.

    So lessons learnt this trip:
    Bring deet spray.
    Bring a better pillow(maybe a pillow case may make a big difference, so small but nicer that the material of camping pillows. )
    Bring patches.
    Wear earplugs

    I am not going to lie. Did about 300km this morning. Was tough going and not the most enjoyable. But I did enjoy the camping element. Nice view and location for the campsite. If I could have gotten a few hours quality sleep it would have been grand. I will re look at it closer to home some weekend and see if I can get it better.

    I know that the first night I used a Decathlon air mattress last year, I woke to it deflated in the middle of the night. Checked, and it was my faulty. I'd not secured it correctly. When I did, it never lost any air. Would be worth checking.

    Few lessons learnt, the sleep thing is probably practice as I definitely found that the case last year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 761 ✭✭✭Agent_47


    Fair play Boredatwork82

    I have a 3wk trip in Spain in September so am preparing at the moment. Just got an airmatress this week off Bezos online shop. Tank lock fitted this evening. Biggest problem is the tent. I will be traveling with a top box and a Givi dry bag that tent, sleeping bag and air matress must fit into, so far tent won't play ball so I need to source a smaller 2 man tent. Everything else is packed
    Doing a recce to Slieve league in August so that will inform me. Likewise I have long days so sleep is important


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    Agent_47 wrote: »
    Fair play Boredatwork82

    I have a 3wk trip in Spain in September so am preparing at the moment. Just got an airmatress this week off Bezos online shop. Tank lock fitted this evening. Biggest problem is the tent. I will be traveling with a top box and a Givi dry bag that tent, sleeping bag and air matress must fit into, so far tent won't play ball so I need to source a smaller 2 man tent. Everything else is packed
    Doing a recce to Slieve league in August so that will inform me. Likewise I have long days so sleep is important

    I have an Oxford aqua bag 70l. It's a bit big but it fits a 3 man decathlon black out tent , a double air mattress, a compressor, a ground, and a good bit more. The only things that doesn't fit is the sleeping bag. But I didn't roll it up and and just lay it across the top it would fit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    I know that the first night I used a Decathlon air mattress last year, I woke to it deflated in the middle of the night. Checked, and it was my faulty. I'd not secured it correctly. When I did, it never lost any air. Would be worth checking.

    Few lessons learnt, the sleep thing is probably practice as I definitely found that the case last year.

    I definitely checked the nozzle. I have it pumped up there now. See how soft it is in the morning. I think it's just a dude. But I am convinced getting a good air mattress is the secret.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Agent_47 wrote: »
    Fair play Boredatwork82

    I have a 3wk trip in Spain in September so am preparing at the moment. Just got an airmatress this week off Bezos online shop. Tank lock fitted this evening. Biggest problem is the tent. I will be traveling with a top box and a Givi dry bag that tent, sleeping bag and air matress must fit into, so far tent won't play ball so I need to source a smaller 2 man tent. Everything else is packed
    Doing a recce to Slieve league in August so that will inform me. Likewise I have long days so sleep is important

    I just ordered the Aliexpress version of the MSR Hubba hubba for doing North to South France next month.
    Hopefully not a piece of **** xD
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000053713094.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.4e3664afT72sRD


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    goblin59 wrote: »
    I just ordered the Aliexpress version of the MSR Hubba hubba for doing North to South France next month.
    Hopefully not a piece of **** xD
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000053713094.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.4e3664afT72sRD

    Let us know how it goes when you test it out. I'm always intrigued by the AliExpress tents.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    Let us know how it goes when you test it out. I'm always intrigued by the AliExpress tents.

    shall do! my friend had one with him last weekend, (same aliexpress brand) and said it was great.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,218 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    So a quick update.

    Inflated the air bed last night. Came down this morning. A lot of air gone out of it. And this is with no weight on it. No obvious leaks. Everything checked. So I have sent an email to Decathlon. Try get a refund and buy a better quality one. Seems to be an issue with these decathlon ones.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    Some good tips on the attached. Might buy one of those Klymit Static V sleeping mats. Flew Ryanair to a concert with young fella, camping, these would prob have been the biz (compared to groundsheet) -no standard inflatable mattress as space & weight at a premium.

    #parallelsbetweenRyanair&motorbikecamping


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Betsy Og wrote: »
    Some good tips on the attached. Might buy one of those Klymit Static V sleeping mats. Flew Ryanair to a concert with young fella, camping, these would prob have been the biz (compared to groundsheet) -no standard inflatable mattress as space & weight at a premium.

    #parallelsbetweenRyanair&motorbikecamping

    What book is that?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    goblin59 wrote: »
    I just ordered the Aliexpress version of the MSR Hubba hubba for doing North to South France next month.
    Hopefully not a piece of **** xD
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000053713094.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.4e3664afT72sRD

    The nature hike tents are usually pretty good. Another one that is well used among the camping community is the cloudup tent which is very good and packs down small.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32909103415.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6dc66bd87iTDXv&algo_pvid=3d39ecf1-bed7-4ce9-b560-e1ba2489aa51&algo_exp_id=3d39ecf1-bed7-4ce9-b560-e1ba2489aa51-4


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    What book is that?

    It's one by the guy I mentioned earlier Chris Hardy. He has the same section at the back of each of the books - there's about 5 of them - so any of them gives you that section. He's on Kindle (£2), prob hard to find in print. This is probably the best one.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Touring-Tight-Northerners-Perspective/dp/179452147X


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    iwillhtfu wrote: »
    The nature hike tents are usually pretty good. Another one that is well used among the camping community is the cloudup tent which is very good and packs down small.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32909103415.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6dc66bd87iTDXv&algo_pvid=3d39ecf1-bed7-4ce9-b560-e1ba2489aa51&algo_exp_id=3d39ecf1-bed7-4ce9-b560-e1ba2489aa51-4

    I did see that one and was deciding between the two models but I figured length isn't too big a factor on the bike, but 2cm difference in the width was worth slightly more room inside the tent.

    Plus I was planning on taking a bike out to Wacken open air in Germany at some point, so I'll probally get that add on for the tent to have a gear storage area.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 761 ✭✭✭Agent_47


    Went for one of these as the number of people having uncomfortable nights sleep due to air matress seems to outweigh other issues.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074QM1WWH?ref=ab_qro_dp_d_re_ad_1_1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    From my last trip to Wales


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    hairyslug wrote: »
    From my last trip to Wales

    I'd be afraid the exhaust would set those bags on fire :D some load out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    hairyslug wrote: »
    From my last trip to Wales

    practising Wheelies xD

    I think i need to either get a bigger carryall for my bike for the top, or else learn to pack a tent properly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    I was using a gelert 2 man at the time. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore. Have learnt to video myself unpacking a tent for the first time as I would always forget exactly how it was packed. The CBR was the most planted bike I ever had, never a days trouble but wasn't suitable for longer days


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    I'm using a 60l roll up bag from Motea now. Big enough to hold a tent, sleeping bag and mat with plenty of room to spare


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    iwillhtfu wrote: »
    I'd be afraid the exhaust would set those bags on fire :D some load out.

    I was carrying more than that last year on the Blackbird. Three PACKED givi cases, tent and air mattress strapped on the back, tank bag AND also a pillion!

    Would not recommend :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    I was carrying more than that last year on the Blackbird. Three PACKED givi cases, tent and air mattress strapped on the back, tank bag AND also a pillion!

    Would not recommend :pac:

    I tried hard cases last year (they came with the bike) and I was ****ting myself (and they were empty) No matter what I did with the suspension, I had no feel at all of what was happening at the front, don't know how you would do it with a passenger and cases loaded.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    hairyslug wrote: »
    I tried hard cases last year (they came with the bike) and I was ****ting myself (and they were empty) No matter what I did with the suspension, I had no feel at all of what was happening at the front, don't know how you would do it with a passenger and cases loaded.

    It felt like driving a train at slow speeds. Grand once she was moving, but the Bird is a big girl when unloaded.
    A few months back, I found the official weight load limit and by christ, I was waaaaaaay over last year. The bike never complained once though, to be fair to her.

    Anyways! Back to camping. I'm hoping to report on a few new gear items, maybe as soon as this week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


    My next stage is sort out my trail tools.
    I'm packing a few bits that are a little OTT as I'm setting this up for going across Europe where I can't just call for help.
    Anything where the engine is ****ed I'll just mark the position, and walk to the nearest town and come back for the bike.
    Have Motion pro tyre irons with the ring spanner ends, and then I bought the flex-head ratcheting spanner set from lidl.
    Had to order a 12mm spanner as it wasn't in the kit and to work on my Brakes I need a size 12.

    Key things I'm looking at are tools to remove my side panels and seat
    • 5mm Allen head
    • 12mm spanner / Socket (will check how easy it is to get the spanner in)

    Working on electronics and if I need to repair or bypass something on the bike
    • Butt Connectors (heat shrink things with the solder inside)
    • wire stripper / knife
    • spare wire (I'm going 24awg as I know it can handle the load as most of my bike is LED, if its a wire to the starter motor I'll just touch and go as needed)
    • spare fuse my bike only runs on one main fuse, everything else is done through the M-unit,
    • Spark plug and spark plug tool. The DR is a twin spark on a single cyclinder, so if one fails I've a rough back up, but I'm not expecting a situation when both will go if both go, its a coil issue and im screwed anyway.
    • multimeter - I'm carrying a Pokitmeter for portability. This will let me test for shorts on the bike.
        For the Brakes and wheels
      • Tooth brush for scrubbing dirt out
      • allen head socket for removing the retaining pin
      • spare pads
      • I was considering bringing brake cleaner, but I can pick that up in a general hard ware store in towns as I'm going through
      • 12mm spanner for removing the brake calipers from the front wheel.
      • Half a crutch (If i find one tossed out) - This works by sticking it under the RHS of the swing arm and then with the LHS side stand it works as a dodgy centre stand to allow you to take the back wheel off and work on the rear wheel and brakes
      • puncture repair kit
      • spare 21" tube - this can be used on the rear wheel too as a tempoary fix
      • spare chain links and chain riveter
      • air compressor for the tubes (Dad is just bringing a bicycle pump)

      I'll be wiring up a back up set of throttle and Clutch leads onto the bike that will be zip tied to the frame and Handlebars, in the event of a snapped cable, its easier than messing with a repair kit on the side of the road,
      I'll be bringing a Size 8 spanner as well to allow me to adjust the cables as well

      Generic items I'm packing are
      • zip ties
      • small punch
      • tweezers
      • Gerber multitool
      • size 10 socket and T handle to let me use the socket heads


      I'm pretty confident that I will be able to do most of the road side repairs, especially as this is a bike I built up myself, so I know it fairly well.

      Once I have assembled the kit I'll be taking pictures of it.
      Around 18th - 23rd of July I'll be packing everything onto my bike to head off, so I'll document that well for everyone to see.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭goblin59


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    Going through my trail-camping kit to see what I need to get to finish it off.
    I have some bits not shown here such as a spare front tube, brake pads, spark plugs and the actual bike.
    I'm going to take a trip to decathalon as well to get a backpack for my hydration bladder and a USB solar charger.
    The only thing i'm mainly missing here is my Satnav (Garmin 595)
    and I have a MSR jet boil as well.
    But I am considering getting the MSR multifuel stove so i can run it on petrol.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 410 ✭✭mervifwdc


    Did a bit of the Spanish TET at the start of 2020, right up till everywhere was closing and I had to make a serious run for home. It was late Feb / March I seem to recall, and a little cool but still nice sunny days. My few tips might be to do as many practice / test weekends as you can. Anything that does not get used after a few nights gets left behind. Tyres: I went with knobelies, on the basis that I could go slower on tarmac, but at least could stay going in anything tough. My buddy on similar bike had E-07, and they were grand but off road I had it easier. Bed: Scrap the pillow, shove your remaining clean clothes in a T-Shirt and use that, and put your bike gear under your matress to insulate you from the ground, and protect the matress from punctures. Look up Thermarest matresses. Pack small, and work well. Food: Bring a flask type insulated mug. Coffee goes cold bloody fast up a mountain. We had to go get petrol every day, so did that at lunchtimes usually and had a big meal somewhere. Then night time we did'nt need to to cook, just a bread and cheese or whatever. Less to carry.

    That wee bike in the photo is my tet bike, a Yamaha XT225cc. Many may laugh, but I can pick it up. That works for me :-)

    You seem pretty well sorted. Enjoy!



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