How Bikers Ride Into the New Year

As the year winds down, many like to take a look back before looking forward and making resolutions. It's just something that happens naturally -we look to see what went right and wrong, and vow not to take the same roads that took us to the painful endings.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

At first glance it might seem that Bikers do the same, but if you dig a little deeper, you just might see that:

1. Bikers keep moving forward: We don't keep looking to the past, wishing things could stay the same as they were. Bikers realized long ago that change is the only constant -and that not getting stuck in the past allows us to move forward. And we know what's coming is usually better.
2. Bikers are in control: Even though our world is constantly changing, we know we are in control. Not of what's happening around us -nobody controls that but the Big Guy. But we are in control of our own thoughts, emotions and reactions. After all, the past is the past, the future is yet to come, so all we're left with is the present - and that allows us not to take our lives for granted. 
3. The by-product of that is: Bikers are happier (generally speaking). That's because we're not hung up on having things turn out exactly as planned, and then getting upset because everything's ruined. Bikers are happy because we don't need these illusions or expectations. When you don't have a particular outcome in mind, you're free to enjoy what does happen! 

The other thing that comes along with the new year is resolutions. Except that Bikers usually don't do resolutions, but this year I'm making one for me: trying something new.

No worries- it's not going to be climbing Mount Everest or competing on DWTS! Besides, by having one big goal and not hitting it is not the Biker way of doing things.

My new thing this year is doing a live stream called #WhatsUpWednesday.  The first and third Wednesday of each month I'll be getting out of my comfort zone and will be broadcasting live to the Facebook Page of FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, and to the Life Behind Bars Youtube channel. We'll be talking about what's new around the dealership - bikes, parts, clothes and more.

And by entering the new year with a purpose gives this Biker a sense that, even though it might be uncomfortable, it'll be another good one.

Who are these HOGs anyways??

Our Northern New York Harley Owners Group (sponsored by FX Caprara Harley-Davidson) -or NNY H.O.G. for short- had their Annual Christmas Party celebration, this year at the Watertown VFW. The food was excellent, the staff kind and professional, and great fun was had during the Great Card Game Gift Exchange. To see more pictures, just click over to NorthernNewYorkHOG.com

But who are these HOGs and how did they get here?? To answer that we've got to go back -way back to 1919 with Ray Weishaar, the Wrecking Crew, and a little piglet named Johnny. The newspapers related how the factory race team 'hogged' all the race track records. This led to the term "hog" as referring to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle: "Nice Hog, man."

Fast forward to 1983 and times are lean. The Motor Company had bought itself back from AMF just two years before, but the tarnished reputation was still there. To strengthen the bond between dealers and customers, Willie G. Davidson (grandson of co-founder William A. Davidson) and some other company execs went on a cross-country ride.

Willie G. is on the far right, standing

As they rode, they figured out that riding, having fun and connecting with people who share the same passion of the open road is a great thing. Why not start a club where they could promote motorcycling, offer benefits & services, and develop a close relationship with those who are passionate about riding?

Then they took the term "hog" and created an acronym: Harley Owners Group. Almost immediately H.O.G. becomes the largest factory sponsored club in the world. 

To join a local H.O.G. chapter you need to be a National H.O.G. Member first. That's easy to do -just own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and go to HOG.com. There's all sorts of benefits to being a member: discounts on insurance, hotels, motorcycle shipping and more, mileage and membership year recognition, rallies, events and rides, and tons more.

Even though our NNY H.O.G. Chapter isn't riding right now, we still like to have fun. All through the winter months we'll have monthly get-togethers, meet up occasionally for breakfasts and dinners, and have parties at Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Then during the riding season it's on! We'll have all that plus day and overnight rides.

With bloodlines like ours, it's no wonder that our motto is: 

We like to Ride and Have Fun!

What Bikers REALLY Want this Holiday

Gift Guides Galore this time of year - enough to make the average person cringe with fear every time they open their Inbox! That being said, we've already put out Our Holiday Gift Guide... what can we say? 🎅

But back to the purpose of this blog: we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson are here to tell ya what the Biker on your list really wants this year.

But first, a few things we Bikers would like you to keep in mind:

1. Don't spend outside your budget. Yes, a brand new beautiful Harley-Davidson Motorcycle would be lovely to see in the garage on Christmas morning! But not if you have to go deep into debt over it. As we said on our "Thankful" web page: make a list, check it twice.
2. While it's nice if you know the exact year & model bike of the person you're shopping for -"He's got a 2009 FLTR Road Glide, which is the first year of the frame re-design"- it isn't exactly necessary. There are more than a few parts & accessories where we don't need to know. And if they've bought their bike from FXCHD and/or brought it in for Service, we're going to have that info in case we do need it. Although if it's a part s/he has specifically told you they want, then you're golden!

But don't let that fool you! Honestly, it really is easy to surprise that Biker with a gift he, she or they will really love.

If you've budgeted $0 - $25 

Grab a motorcycle map which shows things like Bike Nights and scenic routes (we have 'em here!). Or a photo of them riding- scan their Facebook or Instagram account and have it printed. Beanie caps, ear plugs, a pocket knife, motorcycle Christmas ornaments and can coozies also are appreciated.

If you've got $25-$75

The stuff your Biker will find to be right up their alley: Bike Cleaning Kits, a Smart Battery Tender, Snap-On 8-in-1 Screw Driver, H-D Barware -pint & rocks glasses, Harley button-up shirts, hoodies, and the like... I could go on and on, but I think you've got the point. 

For the $75+ budget

Things like luggage, vintage motorcycle signs, a bike dryer, FXRG Riding Gear or even a paid spot for an Advanced Riders Course immediately come to mind. Then there's the gift of adventure: a day at the track, a weekend on the lake (when it's warm enough to ride their motorcycle to), or a project bike for them to restore. Again, endless possibilities.

All of those are really nice gifts to give... and of course we would love to have you buy everything in our dealership over the next six weeks...

That being said, the one thing that Bikers really want is:

Respect

Treat Bikers just as you would like others to treat you -that wonderfully simple 'golden rule' that so many seem to forget these days. Just be honest and respectful with us. Don't assume we're automatically 'bad' people who are uneducated and unimportant. 

Allow me to share this video from one of our good friends. Jaws sums it up best I think: "...actually get treated right..."

And if you still need gift ideas for that Biker in your life, feel free to ask us -we're happy to help!!

How to stay sane during the off-season

Bye, bye bike for the next five to six months... (but hopefully sooner). How to survive?

In case jetting off to someplace warmer where you can ride isn't in your budget -just like us at FXCHD- here's some ideas on how you can stay sane when you're off you bike:

• Winter is pretty - get outside!! You already love to be outside riding your motorcycle... maybe try renting a snowmobile and get a hobby to keep you occupied and outside during the winter months.

• It is officially Snow Shoveling Season -which really is good exercise (you could burn 300-400 calories in 30 minutes). Just be sure to do it safely: follow these tips from Insidehook. You'll be fit in no time!

• Watch as many motorcycle movies and television shows as possible. 21 Days Under the Sky, Easy Rider, On Any Sunday, Sons of Anarchy, etc., etc. Living vicariously through others is one way to escape the winter blues.

• Bank your Time Off: if you're lucky enough to work where you can save up your paid vacation till you want to use it (as opposed to being told when you get vacation), bank 'em up. And/or you can get a part-time seasonal job to save up- that way you can take even more time off during the summer riding season. 

• Do any engine upgrades now and take advantage of the down-time. You'll have fun turning your bike into a beast and will be ready to unleash it come spring-time.

• Plan your next motorcycle adventure: start doing research now, choose your destination, where you'll stay, the roads to get there and what you'd like to see. But remember to leave enough 'wiggle room' to allow for exploration.

• Socialize! Join your local H.O.G. Chapter -our NNY Harley Owners Group always has stuff going on, even in the 'off' months.

Sure spring is months away, but the next Riding Season starts now!

3 Reasons Why Fall is a Good Time to Buy a Motorcycle

Shorter days, changing leaves and dropping temps all herald the end of the Riding Season (at least for us in Northern New York and similar climates). 

One last ride before my bike went for her nap!

You might be thinking that, since you'll probably be storing any motorcycle you get now until Spring, it isn't the best time to buy one. 

But it actually is. Here's why:

1. Less is More: I've blogged about how Bikes Call to People no matter what time of year we're in. However, those who bought their bike at the beginning of and during the season are now no longer looking. This translates to less competition and more opportunities for you, the buyer.
2. Other Ways to Save: Having less people after the same bike you want means you have a little more time to shop banks & lenders -especially if you've got a good to great credit score. This will potentially save you thousands in interest! Keep in mind tho- a little time is not a lot... give it 8 business days max. 
3. Extended Manufacturer's Warranty: The MoCo is offering an extension on their limited Two Year Warranty when you get a new 2016 through 2018 model year H-D® Motorcycle*, to make up for the 'lost' winter months we won't be riding. Who said leftovers were a bad thing? Get the deets by clicking here.

So, if you've been wanting to get a motorcycle all summer long and somehow didn't, allow this to be your motivation to get it done. NOW!

5 Driving Mistakes Bikers Can't Stand

Days are getting shorter, temps are decreasing... soon enough all of us will be caging it (aka back behind the steering wheel of our daily driver). 

(*crying inside)

Since it's coming to that soon, we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson thought we'd go over the stuff that drives us insane, no matter if we're riding or driving.

Photo by Logan Fisher on Unsplash

You see, most of us have taken the Basic Riders Course to get the "M" endorsement on our Driver's License, which makes us better drivers as well (that's why your auto insurance company will give you a discount after completing the class). 

Hopefully you know enough not to be doing these mistakes... but if you're guilty please stop it now. You are putting yourself and others at risk of an accident that could have been avoided - not cool.

5) Not using your Turn Signals

Those are the signals you give to indicate which way you're going to turn or when you wish to change lanes. I know every modern car and truck have them! So when you see a Biker getting upset because you changed lanes or slowed down to turn into a parking lot without signaling, now you know we didn't know what you were doing. Tell us which way you're going to go and we'll be ok with that.

4) Crossing the White/Fog Line to pass on the right

While it isn't illegal to do so in most states, it is something that drives Bikers mad and here's why: It's true motorcycles take up less room on the road, however we still like our 'cushion' room. A Biker has their 'personal space' even while riding and when a driver invades that space, s/he takes it kind of personally. Please give us the same room you'd give a car.

Photo by David Guenther on Unsplash

3) Jumping the Light 

We get it- you're in a hurry because you woke up late, got stuck behind the school bus or snow plow, or the dog got sick and you had to clean it up, etc., etc. Now you're waiting for the light to turn green, which you can see it'll do soon since the cross-traffic light is changing to yellow, soon to be red. There's no traffic coming... You decide you can just go ahead and go before you actually get the green light.

What you didn't see was that other vehicle -be it Biker or Driver- who is also in a hurry. Or maybe they decided they wouldn't be able to stop in time for the light and 'went for it' instead. Either way now you're both trying to be in the same space at the same time -not good! 

This is why there's a delay between when the stop light turns red for the other direction and your light turning green. Take your time and wait your turn.

2) Driving too slow in the Passing Lane

Two-lanes traveling in the same direction on a highway or interstate, the left lane is called the 'Passing Lane'. That means you travel in the right lane and, when you encounter a vehicle going slower than you, you move to the left, pass them, and then move back.

Drivers who 'hang out' in the Passing Lane, especially when they are not passing anyone, are most aggravating. Also, when they're going just 68mph passing someone doing 65mph.... so we'll say it again:

Using the left lane, actively pass the slower vehicle in the right lane, and then move back over!! 

No matter who is calling, put the phone down and drive!

1) Distracted Driving and Driving Under the Influence

Drivers that are on their phone, doing make-up, trying to eat their fast food, and those too drunk to even know where they are = the biggest threats to our lives when we're on the road. 

You don't see hardly anyone or know what's going on around you. You're the equivalent of a small bomb poised to potentially really screw-up an innocent person's day (and possibly even their life) as well as your own.

Put the phone down. Do your make-up at home. Stop somewhere to eat. Call a friend, a cab or Uber rather than drive. The life you save will be your own.

Going Fall Throttle - 5 tips for great Autumn Rides

Anyone who has lived in the Northeast during the three months of Fall knows that Mother Nature puts on one hell of a show! And the predictions for 2018 are that it'll be an Awesome Autumn up in the Adirondacks.

Gazebo in Harrisville, NY

Some of the best riding of the year can be had in the vast Adirondack mountain wilderness to the east of FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. The vistas that now have blazing orange, red and yellow can be breath-taking. 

Looking for New Roads to Ride? Get with the NNY H.O.G. Chapter or check out GoTourNY.com

But before heading out to fall in love with all the Fall colors, here's a few tips to take with you down the road:

Cool roads & tires can affect your traction -make sure you've got the right tire pressure!

• Do your T-CLOCS Inspection

Pay particular attention to your tire pressure (cooler temps can cause the pressure in your tires to go significantly lower!) and your lights (all the better to see and be seen with!).

• Check the Weather

The weather in the valley can differ greatly from what they're getting up on the mountain, so check all the points you plan on riding to know before you go. Plus it never hurts to take your Rain Gear.

FXRG Layers will help keep you warm while looking cool

• Look cool, but stay warm

It might be warm when you start out, but things can quickly change so you'll want to layer up. A good base layer (Harley-Davidson's FXRG line is good to start), wind proof jacket (in a pinch you can use your rain gear b/c waterproof = wind proof), chaps and a good Leather Riding Jacket with a removable liner is just what I've been recommending for years.

Neck gators, 3/4 or full face helmets, and insulated gauntlet gloves will complete your look -plus help fight against the cold. And a 'Hi-Vis' top layer will help you be more visible to the cagers.

• Be aware of the Road Conditions

Leaves gathering on the asphalt and in turns, wet pavement, slick 'tar snakes', frost & fog, etc., etc. -watch for these potential hazards and plan ahead for how you'll ride through or around them as necessary.

Let's not forget increased traffic -thousands of tourists come from all around the world to enjoy Autumn in the Adirondacks. Leave yourself enough of a 'cushion' so that they'll have more time to see you -not that they will... When you see someone waiting to turn left and they're going to cross your path, take that as an immediate threat to you! Slow down, cover your brakes and prepare to take evasive action.

Photo by Scott Jackson on Unsplash

• Please Deer, not tonight

The fall months mean it's that romantic time of year for our furry four-legged friends as well!! That, along with the fact that farmers are out in the fields harvesting their crops, means deer are more active.  

Best advice is to ride during the day only..... but that's not always doable so when you have to ride at night, go at the speed limit or slower (within reason) and stick to the main roads (as opposed to the back country roads for obvious reasons). For more deer avoidance tips, check out this Common Tread Post.

What I learned on my Ride Home

ICYMI: Harley-Davidson had their 115th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the Labor Day Weekend. And I rode there on my 115th Anniversary Heritage Softail, aaalllll the way from Northern New York with members of our Northern New York Harley Owners Group..... and then I rode a bit more before coming home.

I went from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson to Elyria, OH, to Milwaukee, WI to Munising, crossing over the Mackinac Bridge to Alpena and Port Huron, MI, and cutting through Canada to Niagara Falls before coming home.

After 2,217 miles on the road, here's what I learned: 

Skirting rain clouds on the coast of Lake Michigan (photo credit Google Maps)

• When you stop, check the weather radar -then put on ALL your rain gear if needed!

Somewhere in Ohio on our way out our group stopped to gas up and grab a quick bite. One member checked his weather app and proceeded to suit up while I thought all I needed was just my rain jacket.... WRONG! I got drenched.

Not making the same mistake on the same trip!! As I left Milwaukee there were numerous pop-up thunder showers, so I put on my full rain gear and this time it did its job -kept the rain away.

Remember to leave room for all the goodies you want to bring home!

• If you collect souvenirs, you'll need space to carry them home!

Start with a list of what you're going to pack, and stick to it. And once you've packed it all, make sure you've got space to bring home the souvenirs. I had extra space, but not enough and so I missed out on getting duty free items in Niagara before coming home. (Of course that just means I have to go back!!)

Harley-Davidson Serial Number 1 -a must see!!

• Have an idea of what you want to do, but not a plan...

Being in Fort Drum's backyard, we have more than a few "military" types who can have the tendency of over planning... but what I found works best is to have an idea of what you'd like to do/see, but don't be a slave to a rigid schedule. When you allow for flexibility, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the moment and see what the day brings.

These lovely ladies put on a great show at Veterans Park

• Getting to meet interesting people

We met more than a few people along the way who were also riding out to Milwaukee, then even more when we got to where we were going. Guys that rode all the way from Brazil. People from Japan. Others speaking German. And to top it off, one of our Uber drivers who wants to ride his motorcycle in NNY next year.

Gertie the Duck on the Milwaukee River

• U-Turns are what make a trip interesting

These days GPS and route planners make getting from A to B a lot easier... but if your bike is like mine, you might not have that info right in front of you. Trying to remember route numbers and directions isn't always easy... and when you miss a turn, even though it's a 'mistake' it sometimes is for the best because then you find interesting stuff.  There's a saying, "You're not lost as long as you've got gas," and this is very true when it comes to traveling by motorcycle.

A quiet spot close to Niagara Falls

• There really is still kindness in the world

Despite all the news headlines would have us believe, there are nice people out there. While putting on all my rain gear (after Milwaukee) I had a couple of riders stop in to check if I was ok. And while riding in Canada, all I had to do was put on my turn signal (to change lanes) and other cars would let me right in! It seemed where ever I went there were nice people welcoming me, asking how the ride was.

My Bike looking over at the Mackinac Bridge before crossing

• It wasn't fear I was feeling, it was the excitement of getting out of my comfort zone

During the torrential down-pour we experienced on our way out to Milwaukee, the 'fear' briefly flashed through my head, "There's lots of water on the road, I'm on a new bike, visibility is bad... I could so easily loose control and go down..." but then I stopped myself. They weren't really fears, just self doubt (which I definitely don't need while riding a motorcycle down the interstate in the pouring rain!). 

Instead I focused on my riding ability and the fact that my 2018 Heritage Softail has ABS. With my Basic Rider's Course Instructor's Voice in my head (even though I took the course nearly 10 years ago), putting the fact that I was soaked through from the waist down to the back of my mind (at least it was a warm rain), and laughing because the water was giving me a nice "fresh water facial" (what some people pay $120 for!!) allowed me to relax and ride through it. The upside to the down-pour for me was increased confidence in my ability and knowing what I can accomplish.

Tribute to the fun I had after the party in Milwaukee

• Take the time and really enjoy your life, no matter your age!

Growing up in the '70s & '80s the pressure was on to know what I wanted my career to be, graduating high school and college, and getting a good paying job with great benefits... That wasn't necessarily bad advice, but I realize now that was what their priorities were- not mine. 

When traveling by motorcycle I am forced to slow down and listen to my own voice. I turned 50 this year and I've realized that if I want to stop to enjoy a view or try a restaurant I should do just that. That it's ok to not have a priority or plan and to just enjoy myself, living in the moment. 

B-e-a-utiful Sunset in Michigan

• Be grateful for the little things

Riding along the coast of Lake Michigan and seeing those views, the beauty of the setting sun, flowers blooming and bees buzzing in a summer garden... After saying "WOW!" at the show Mother Nature was giving me, I'd follow up with a, "Thank you!" I am so blessed to be able to take this all in.

Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagara Falls in the Evening

Riding Home for the 115th Family Reunion

This month I'll be riding out with members of our Northern New York Harley Owners Group, taking our two-wheeled 'wagons' and heading West. Because the HQ of Harley-Davidson is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and this is their 115th Anniversary Paaaaarty.

It's going to be my first 'Family Reunion' of sorts, and the first time I've ridden my motorcycle this far - I'm so excited!!! I'm hoping that I'll actually follow my own advice that I recently blogged about: THE List of What & How to Pack and Battle Biker Fatigue (but I'm not making any promises!!).

Of the nine Bikers riding with me, some I've known only a couple of months, others a couple of years, and one going on 25 years (hi honey! 😉) -and all I feel close to because we share the same passion for a life on two wheels.

I just read how scientists have proof that 'the family we chose'  (aka our friends) are actually genetically related. Enough so that your 'Sister from another Mister' or 'Brother from another Mother' just might be your fourth cousin... How cool is that?!

That being said, families can still have squabbles and debates. Hell, these days good friends and even perfect strangers can get into a heated argument. 

Seriously! Ask about politics, climate change or religion- most people are quick to give you their opinion, and even quicker to ridicule yours if it doesn't match their view. 

Recent so-called journalism only adds fuel to that fire. Take this bit from NY Times on Youtube - 'reporting' other peoples' reactions to but not the whole story of the facts (and yes, I watched the entire video). It seems that their interest lies more with getting all of us wasting our brain power and energies on their pointless horror stories rather than practicing real journalistic values.

So before heading out, I just wanted to clarify a couple of issues that go to the heart of our family tree -because there is still a lot of gossip & rumors floating around out there:

• Harley-Davidson is a company and iconic brand that has been operating continuously since 1903. Over the 115 years since then they've grown to include markets outside the United States. In 2017 there were 103 countries that their motorcycles sold in. Of that, 94% of those motorcycles were produced in their US plants.
• It is their plan and preference to make their motorcycles in the United States - something that has not changed since 1903. 
• The MoCo does not wish to be in any political spotlight, but thanks to the current media highlighting and inciting drama, here we are.What Harley does want is a level-playing field, to inspire current and new Riders, and to work diligently to resolve these trade disputes while keeping the best interest of their customers, dealers, employees, suppliers and the brand in mind.
• With the current tariffs in place, HDMC is being squeezed at both ends: 1) Steel prices have gone up and 2) the European Union has increased their tariff to 25% on US bikes over 500cc's. Despite this increase to manufacturing and export costs the motor company has pledged to not pass along those to dealers or customers, opting to cover the cost themselves. However they cannot carry these higher costs indefinitely and, like any company with good business sense would, must look to find the best solution. Hence them looking at the possibility of building a plant overseas for overseas production. 

Let's all just take a breath and remember to enjoy this life. We certainly don't have to race to the 'conclusion finish line' and we can be open to the whole, entire story of facts. 

And if you're one of the hundreds of thousands about to descend on Milwaukee, look me up!! 😉

Beat Biker Weariness with these 7 Tips

You Deserve a Break

And taking a nice, long road trip by bike is one of the best ways to treat yourself.

However, if you find that you'll be spending quite a few hours racking up miles behind bars (say to Milwaukee for the 115th Anniversary Celebration like me!!), you'll want a plan to stay fresh and alert while on your journey.

At FX Caprara Harley-Davidson we've got these 7 tips to help you avoid the dangers of becoming road weary.

Photo by Floris Jan-roelof on Unsplash

1. Get some good shut-eye

In other words, be well rested. Plan to pack your bike a day or two before you leave so you won't be up till 2am doing last minute stuff. Or go to sleep early and pack in the morning. Either way get a full night's sleep before starting off.

Also, you can always stop and take a 'power nap' if you feel drowsiness setting in. It's much better to recharge your system for the rest of the day's ride than to push yourself too hard/far so that you're putting your life and others at risk.

2. You are what you eat (and drink)

No doubt that you spend more energy while riding than you do when driving. So much so that you might feel famished when you stop for your lunch and/or dinner... a word of caution:

When you eat a large, heavy meal (like spaghetti dinner or double cheese burger with fries) your body will then need to digest all that food -which also takes energy.... See where I'm going with this?

Instead we find it better to eat smaller meals more often -like every other time you stop for gas. Foods high in protein are best. And keep yourself well hydrated -with both water and something with electrolytes if it's hot out.

Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash

3. You gotta stop sometime

You've got promises to keep and 400 miles to go before you can sleep... But here's a tip: this is not a race, endurance or otherwise. Take your time, pace yourself and stop when you need to. 

My personal preference is to stop every 100 miles or so. If you're riding in a group you'll want to plan with the others when to stop, because different riders will have varying distances for their preferences.

4. Remember to Move It, Move It

When you do stop take a moment to make some movement. Walk, stretch, sit in the shade of a tree, start a conversation, grab that light snack and hydrate. This will help to keep both your body and mind fresh.

Photo by Cristobal Baeza on Unsplash

5. Ride like the Wind (just don't fight it)

The main reason Bikers burn more calories riding than other people do driving is because they're out in the wind. That wind is number one in creating fatigue, both in noise and aerodynamically (it pushes against our middle). 

To cut wind noise use earplugs and/or a helmet that covers your ears (3/4 or full face). And for looooong trips you might want to put a windshield or fairing on your bike to help split the wind around you.

6. Take the Scenic Route

When possible take the back roads versus taking the interstate. That's because you'll be going through different speed zones, shifting through the bike's gears, and leaning through the curves equals more engagement with your mind and body.

Of course there are times when you need to buzz out there as fast as you can, you'll have to be on the highways and the interstate. Here, to avoid getting lulled into a zoned out trance, pass for position and don't use your cruise control. Reasonably moving around traffic and varying your speed by 5 mph will help you keep you alert. 

7. Talk it Out

Try using a communication system so you can talk to the other riders with you, listen to your favorite talk show/podcast, or sing along to your music. 

Even doing the "Biker Wave" will help you feel more alert and engaged. Added bonus: you'll be an ambassador for motorcyclists with everyone on the road.

THE List of What and How to Pack Your Motorcycle

Head 'Em Up - Move 'Em Out

Hands down, there is no better way to experience this b-e-a-utiful country of ours than from the seat of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

Taking the REAL Scenic Route

Or any motorcycle -I'm just a little biased!

Sure there's riding to and from work, but now you've decided to take things a step further and have planned to take the show on the road. Most Excellent!

To help you prepare, I've put together this list plus a few tips I've learned the hard way.

Before you go:

• Any new gear or equipment (i.e. helmet, tank bag or seat) you'll want to try out at least one month before you go!! A few years back I bought a pair of new pig-skin gauntlet gloves just for my trip, and then about threw them away. Because I hadn't broken them in, with my hand on the throttle, it felt like someone was stabbing needles in-between my fingers. Wear or use your new stuff now -it won't be new when your trip comes, but it won't be a waste either since you'll have figured out if it'll work for you or not.
• Take a small, one or two overnight trip on your bike before your big trip if you can. Pack what you think you'll need and see how it all fits on your bike. Then when you get back, re-evaluate: did you use all that you packed? Why or why not? Was there anything you needed but didn't have? These are the questions to ask now!
• Whether or not you've had the chance to take that 'Pre-trip Trip', you should start packing two to three days out. Blocking time out to pack will make your trip sssooo much easier!! Plan what you'll wear before packing and use clothes that will work for several outfits. You never need to bring clothes for more than four days, even if you're riding for weeks -hotels often have laundry service or you can stop in at a coin-op laundry.
• Shoes take up space!! You'll definitely want something for off the bike though, so pack a comfy pair of tennis shoes and/or flats. You can also use them to pack your underwear or socks in, utilizing the space they take the best you can.

Next up, What to Pack:

1) While Riding:

• Helmet and glasses/goggles
• Rain Gear
• Chaps -temperature changes can happen quickly, especially if you're riding in the mountains!!
• Gloves for Summer & Rain, plus a Neck Gaiter or Bandana
• Jeans and a Long Sleeve Tee
• A Three-Season Riding Jacket -preferably with layers you can add or remove as necessary
• Over-the-Ankle Riding Boots
• Water & light snacks (protein bar, nut mix, etc.)
• Chap stick/lip balm, sunscreen and one of those 'quick cool' towels
• Maps of the areas you'll be riding in (cell towers are few & far between, especially if you're heading West, so you might not have a signal)
• A cell phone battery recharger

Not that you'll be wearing all of that while riding, but you'll want it close in case you need to grab and use it.

Riding Gear that has multiple uses are best for a long road trip.

2) Packed on the Bike for At the Hotel/Campsite

• Not more than 3 pairs of jeans, tops/shirts, and socks -roll the jeans & shirts to save space, then secure with rubber bands before putting in zip lock bags or travel shrink bags
• 5 pairs of underwear (3 bras for the ladies)
• A Sweatshirt
• Synthetic long underwear/sweat pants
• Swimsuit
• 1 pair of Shorts
• Sneakers and/or flip-flops
• Toiletries - don't forget the nail trimmers, sunscreen and bug spray! Travel size shampoo, conditioner (or use the little bottles hotels put out for their guests, saving room), mouse, hair spray, body lotion, toothbrush and paste.
• Medications - for headache, muscle ache, allergy and any prescription meds

This is where planning ahead is key!! And if you're 'saving' outfits that you'll want to try out while on your trip, at the very least try them on before you go. I've pulled out an old outfit that I saw in the closet while packing, thinking it'd be nice to wear to dinner only to realize once we were at the hotel it didn't fit anymore!!

3) Bike Maintenance

• 8-in-1 Screwdriver & a Multi-Purpose Tool
• Cargo Net(s) and Bungee Cord(s)
• Tire Pressure Gauge (and Valve Stem Extension if needed). A compact air compressor comes in handy, but not absolutely necessary. 
• 1 Quart of Syn3 Motorcycle Lubricant or Genuine Motor Oil (depending on what you're running in your bike) and a Paper Funnel
• Touring Suspension Air Shock Pump (if equipped)
• Kick Stand Puck
• Travel size windshield cleaner, cleaning wax, a shop towel and two micro-fiber cleaning cloths

Unless you're a Motorcycle Mechanic, you probably won't need a set of tools with you. Even if you do wrench on bikes for a living, having Roadside Assistance  coverage through your Insurance Company or through H.O.G. is always a good idea -review your policy before you go and make sure you take any necessary documents with you.

And now, how to pack your bike:

Let's go back to school for a moment... We'll be talking about Physics and Geometry:

The Load Triangle & Center of Gravity -things to keep in mind while packing your bike

• You and your bike's Center of Gravity: an imaginary point in a body of matter where, for convenience in certain calculations, the total weight of the body may be thought to be concentrated. In a uniform gravitational field the center of gravity is identical to the center of mass, a term preferred by physicists. The two do not always coincide, however, which is why it's important to load up your motorcycle correctly.
• That's where the Load Triangle comes in handy: defined as the triangle created by the bike's two axles and your head. Bike manufacturers know about this too -that's why you see the rider and engine (the heaviest things on the bike) are squarely within the triangle.

While packing your motorcycle, you'll definitely want to keep those two in mind. Put all your heaviest gear as close to the bottom of the triangle as you can. That way the additional weight will have the least effect on your bike's handling.

Got Bags?

If your bike came equipped with saddle bags, then I highly suggest getting liners for them -it makes it way easier to carry your stuff into the hotel or campsite.

If you don't have bags, you can get after-market hard or throw-over bags for your bike.

Either way, because they're close to the bottom of the load triangle, you'll want to put your heaviest items there. Keep in mind the side-to-side balance as well (think scales of justice type of thing). That'll keep it from affecting handling and also helps throw-over bags travel evenly on the bike.

Higher = Lighter

For those with a tour pack/trunk, a luggage rack or a large bag strapped to the sissy bar backrest, remember to keep on the light side when packing. Look back at that triangle -the location of that is way away from the center of gravity.

You can use it for those layers of your three-season jacket, rain jacket, map, gloves, goggles -in other words, things that you'll probably use often while you're actually riding.

My bike all packed up and ready for a new adventure!

Tanks a lot, bag
A popular place to keep an open map or written directions (large print of course). Even in the days with GPS & smart phones, Tank Bags are still pretty useful -an extra place to store gloves, goggles, water and snacks. And if your bike has auxiliary power, you can run wires to your tank bag to keep your phone and other stuff charged.

You might think that because it's within the Load Triangle you can load up a tank bag with heavy stuff... Yes and No. Too much weight in a tank bag will make your bike top heavy, so be reasonable. 

Also, make sure you go for a ride with your tank bag before going on your long trip -see how you like riding with it and that you can still see your instruments.

Practice Makes Perfect
At least a week before your trip, do a test pack.

If you have the saddlebag liners, I highly recommend putting those in your bags first, then stuff your stuff in them. That's because you'll most likely over pack your liners and then try to cram those into your saddlebags... Good Luck! 

You can also try placing different things in different places to see if this helps you include more gear. If you took that pre-trip trip, refer to your notes on what you did and didn't need.

Last but not least: take the time to do a T-CLOCS Inspection on your bike!!

All set? Ride Safe and Have Fun.