What to bring on an 8,000 mile trip?

Howdy gentlemen,

I'm in the planning phase of a trip to Alaska and back. The decision is all but made, so any attempts to talk me out of it will be in vain .

If you were going on an 8,000 mile trip in 3 weeks, what would you bring? Tools, spare parts, miscellaneous items? I've posted a question similar to this over on AdvRider.com, they may be able to help me out with the right clothing.

My tentative trip dates are August 20th to September 9th, so it's happening sooner than I realize!

Before I left on that trip I'd get new, high quality tires and put a couple hundred miles on them. Ed

Without a doubt. I have a pair of Lesters coming (so WHEN I get a flat, I'm not cursing my brains out fumbling with a tube) and will be replacing the bearings, both front and rear, and I'll throw on a new pair of Bridgestone Spitfires. I'll spoon off the used (but still good) Spitfires off my spoke wheels and carry them as spares.

Also, I'll be running a 530 chain conversion, geared down for better highway mpg.

And I'll throw in a brand new, freshly charged battery. Also, I'll be replacing my voltage rectifier with a new rectifier/regulator combo.

How bout a motorhome and trailer. :woohoo:
Credit cards.

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

No credit cards- I figure the majority of those little mom and pop gas stations don't take plastic.

rainsuit, I say this because I just got home from work and rode through one hell of a storm, having only riden for about 6 months, I was scared as hell. People in cars really do not have any respect for the crazy guy on the bike riding in the rain, almost got ran off the road several times.

Yep, a waterproof, windproof suit is on my list. I'm actually researching a heated vest too. I'm looking into a modern stator and voltage reg/rect too, if I get serious about a heated vest.

Go from one end of the bike to the other, looking for loose fasteners. Check to make sure all electrical cables won't move & rub causing a short. Carry plenty of fuses. If you have not changed from the older style of glass tubed fuses, now's the time to use the newer "Blade" style:

Fuse And Fuse Holder Designations

1. The older Kawasaki’s use a glass tubed fuse with the designation of AGX 1” long. Most good auto parts stores can get them for you. They are ¼” in diameter.

2. The more common AGC is 1 ¼” long and may not fit the smaller fuse clips. Again, ¼” in diameter.

3. To clean and polish the fuse clips, I use a cotton swab(Q- Tip) and some Brasso metal cleaner or Turtle Wax Chrome Polish. I suppose any good metal polish would work.

4. These fuses can fail internally but look good, only by removing them from the clip and electrically continuity checking with either a self powered test light, or a multimeter set on OHMS can they be determined to be in good shape.

5. A physical inspection of the metal end caps for tightness will tell you if the fuse is serviceable.

6. Most modern motorcycles are now using the automobile “Blade” style fuse with the designation of ATC or ATO.

7. The reduced sized “Mini” Blade style fuse holder uses the ATM size of fuses.

8. If the fuse and fuse holder overheat, it could soften or anneal the grip of the clip, it might require squeezing the clip to restore the tightness.

9. A list of where to purchase “Blade” style fuses and holders:

www.waytekwire.com order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/...20%20%20%208%20FUSE/

www.rallylights.com www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=765

www.delcity.net/store/6!way-fuse-blocks/p_10822.a_1

10. A source for the glass tubed AGX fuses:
www.boatownerswarehouse.com/browse.cfm/2,4986.html

I would take a couple of tubes and tire irons, as big a tool kit as you can, chain lube, sleeping bag, tent and something to make fire. You never know if anyone will stop to help. Rain gear is a must and rubber boots and gloves. It starts getting cold about that time of year some maybe put some wind guards on so your hands dont get as cold. Gold Bond powder for the backside, ibuprophin and a camera. A credit card is a good idea. I haven't seen a store left on the planet that doesn't take them and it would suck to need gas at 10 at night and the only station for 50 miles is closed but takes a card at the pump and you only have cash. Besides what if you blow your motor and have to ship the bike home?

the love of your life

I hope you document this as you ride, I'd poobably bring a couple of rolls of waterproof tape, just in case wires need to be repaired,