Packing For A Long Motorcycle Trip

Although over the years I have taken many long distance motorcycle trips, I have never gone from one continent to another, or like some, around the world. There are some excellent books that describe those adventures and also how to pack for your own trip.

I, on the other hand, have never followed anyone’s advice or learned the best way to do it. Having left on my first solo long-distance ride on my 1951 Panhead when I was eighteen years old, I had no one to advise me what to take, so I just winged it. And for better or worse, that’s the way I still do it.

First, I took my riding clothes, enough to stay warm, but only what you can wear at one time. It was pretty rudimentary back in 1970. No special Gore-Tex rainproof riding gear. Just a leather jacket and a surplus U.S. Navy ‘Foul Weather’ jacket to go over it when it got cold enough. Two pairs of Levis that could be worn one outside the other for extra warmth, and a pair of leather work gloves from the hardware store. I did bring a helmet, since when I got out of California it would be required, but back then, I didn’t wear it if it was not mandatory.

It could not have been more basic back then. Besides my clothing, my only ‘gear’ was my sleeping bag. Not down or even Fiberfill, which may not have been invented yet, it was made of cotton and was purchased at the local drug store. The sleeping bag was essential, since I had no money for motel rooms.

A rubberized G.I. poncho did double duty as a motorcycle cover, a ground cloth under the sleeping bag or a makeshift tent if needed. Make that triple duty. It was also wrapped around the sleeping bag while on the bike to keep it dry in case you rode into unexpected rain.

Even though I don’t remember ever doing it, you could also wear it as rain gear while riding, but it would have flapped mercilessly in the wind while going down the road.

To top off my meager kit, a few tools were necessary. Channel-Lock pliers and screwdrivers, both flat and Phillips.  Open end and box wrenches in 1/2” and 9/16”. The most common sizes on a Harley.

The sleeping bag with embedded tools was rolled up and tied onto the sissy bar behind. In lieu of a young lady, it was something for me to lean back on, making the endless miles bearable. For emergency purposes a couple of cans of pork and beans or Dinty Moore beef stew were also snugged into that sleeping bag. The military P-38 can opener was on my key ring. But my secret hand cuff key was hidden discreetly in my clothing.

Saddlebags were something we had never thought of yet. Only the big Harley ‘full dress’ bikes (today known as Baggers) had saddlebags. So, everything got packed into or on top of the sleeping bag. Jackets, when not needed could be bungee corded to the handlebars. Many of these early travels are documented in my first book, Hangmen.

Somewhere in Washington, 1970

Fast forward fifty-one years and again I’m off on a solo long-distance ride on a chopper. A little more modern and high-tech than in the past. This time I had a nylon dome tent, a fiberfill sleeping bag and an inflatable air mattress. Old bones sleeping on the ground don’t do well.

Also packed behind me was a small personal bag with extra clothing, but again, no more than I could wear at any one time. Still present was the multi-use military poncho.

On the handlebars was now my sleeping bag, acting like a fairing to block the wind. Not quite a windshield, but it worked well enough and didn’t ruin the looks of the bike like a modern slab of plastic would. After all you know that choppers are all about the looks. Comfort be damned.

Clamped to the front forks was a took kit, holding way more tools than I would need. In fact, by the end of the trip, I’d never needed any, except for an oil change in Wichita Falls, Texas.

So, if you are planning a long motorcycle ride and want some tips on how to pack. Don’t take my minimalist advice. Read up on what the professionals have to say and try to do it right. I’ve never been one to go the normal route on anything.

Still traveling old school, somewhere in New Mexico, 2021

Before I go, I have to say I was gratified when searching for the links to the books below on Amazon, the search titled “Long motorcycle trips,” both of my books, Hangmen and Against The Wind both came up on the first page. Who knew?

Further reading list: