Touring on the LS

[jp9094]

Having owned the '83 r65 LS for more than a year now, I believe I am familiar enough with the bike to think about taking some longer trips (300 miles or more).

I am soliciting advice from those more experienced than I about what I should carry/expect on trips like that. I have a Nelson-Rigg tank bag and properly mounted BMW hard bags, so storage is not an issue.  Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Your personal physical condition plays a huge part in comfort.

I always carried a spare tube (front? front will fit the rear, but not the other way around) and never needed it.  But knowing how to change a tube, AND get the new one seated and inflated, can be critical to your fun. 

The last time I rode out of State, I just made sure I had a AMA membership card in my wallet.  It didn't help my sore butt or my leg cramps, though.

I tried staying hydrated with a Camelbak in my tank bag one trip, a long time ago.  I found I needed a Stadium Pal, as I was stopping to pee all the time!

[mrclubike]

I do 1200 to 1600 mile trips
 
I carry   enough tools to almost disassemble the bike

I carry
Spare ignition system
  Coil
  Bean can 
  ignition module

I do have a dash mounted volt meter to monitor charging voltage or lack there of
I may carry a Alternator Rotor and removal tool haven't decided
Because if you pay attention to your charging voltage and it stops charging you will know to head to town and and wire a large AGM battery up and it will get you to your destination

Some electrical wire and connectors
fuses
tape

Plug kit for my tubeless tires
CO2 inflator and the factory pump
And yes it does work with my slightly longer valve stem 8-) 

Roll of Teflon tape

Rain gear for rain or if it just gets cold

A electrical box cover (4X4 inch piece of sheet metal) to throw under  the side stand when having to park on a  soft surface

Problems I have had  while out on the road But not all on the same trip

Orings on rear brake cam start leaking
 
Drive shaft  drain plug start leaking (was striped out by a previous owner) wrapped it with Teflon tape

Large seal   inside of brake drum on final drive started leaking

Ignition coil failure (Brown Dyna coil) primary and secondary shorted together 

Turn signal wires shorted to ground

Turn signal bulb lost contact inside socket

Carb pissed  all over my foot when I came to a stop   

Bike fell over and broke mirror when i was parked on a soft surface 

Valve lash closing up but wasn't enough to have to  adjust before getting home

This has been my experience yours may be different
The worst thing was the coil failure but was able to get a used dual tower from a small shop
Could have just got 2 1.5 ohm coils from any auto parts store and wired those together if i had to

35000 miles and never been trailered home  8-) 

 

[mrclubike]

Here is what my luggage looks like
I   will have a sleeping roll mounted on top of the top box and a Kermit chair mounted on top of a side box
on the way to the camp sight
These are Happy Trails  Boxes mounted to modified Krauser racks

[Luke D.]

From my trip two weeks ago.  About 4000miles in ten days.  I have the factory panniers and an extra rear rack (forgot what manufacturers). Also a magnetic tank bag from Amazon.  Had the factory tool kit plus a socket to take off the valve cover because for some reason the multisocket wouldn't fit. A spare tube, my uncles tent and my sleeping gear on the rear rack/seat.

[nhmaf]

Great Job! 
I am sure that you will remember this trip and its good memories for the rest of your life!
I did the 2500 mile round trip from NH down to the MOA rally in Tennessee some years ago on my LS, with panniers and a large duffle on the back of the seat with the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, walking around shoes, and shaving kit (probably a spare clutch cable too) stuffed into it.

[Billmc]

+1 on being in good shape, physically and mentally.
A comfortable seat. (additional/better padding for these older butts of ours)
The most complete tool roll you can carry without going overboard.
Credit card.
Cellphone and charger.
Good old-fashion foldable map.
Hunting knife.
Flashlight.
Matches or lighter.
Protein snacks.
Bottles of water.
A good sized flask with your favorite 'medicine'.
A good pipe and your favorite smoke.
First aid kit.
Rain suit.
Old towel.
Bungee cords.
Zip ties.
A bedroll or equivalent to put behind your back while riding.
Most importantly, a positive attitude and a smile on your face.
These should help get you down the road a lot further and have fun doing it.

[georgesgiralt]

Well at 59 (me ) and 56 (the wife, ridding pillion) we went to Ireland from Toulouse and spent in the Green Country 3 weeks biking every day.
She is fit but had it hard (she doesn't ride much) and I was not fit but were happy riding with the wife...
So it is still my joy ;-) like it was when I was 25 !