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.

The Conclusive Harley Summer Vacation Guide

It is sssooo nice to be out on two-wheels again!! The smells in the air. Seeing each plant springing back into life after a cold, long winter. Forgetting everything else and just focusing on the moment as I ride along.

April 22 - first ride of 2018!!

Summer is the absolute best time of the year, thanks in part to the four founding fathers of the MoCo. And with my new bike from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, this summer is going to be filled with lots of adventures!!

Except there are a few things I need to remember while riding down the road. So I thought I'd share these helpful tips to make your summer rides easier, safer and, of course, more fun.

1. Don't get burned

If you're riding back and forth to work, then you can probably skip the sunscreen. But if you're like me, you'll end up taking the looooong way home after work, exposing yourself to those wonderful rays. 

I've got DNA proof I'm a "pasty-white chic" (Irish, British & Scandinavian). There is no 'tan' for me, I go straight to 'burn.' If I forget my sunscreen, I will pay the painful price!!

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and that it be waterproof. 

Also you'll want to wear protective clothing as another barrier against the sun. Enter Harley's Performance Shirts with Coldblack Technology.

Taking a few steps to prevent getting a sunburn and reduce your risk of skin cancer is well worth it in the end.

2. Make your bike and yourself road ready

Since your bike is just waking up from a long winter's nap (the price we pay for living in Northern New York!), you'll want to do a thorough T-CLOCS inspection -especially if you stored your bike at home. 

Then there's you- the rider. You've also had four+ months off your bike- and the old adage "if you don't use it, you lose it" is true. Take some time to get to know your bike again. Head to a large, empty parking lot (like at a school on a weekend) and practice, practice, practice!!

You might even consider taking a Advanced/Experienced Rider Course -now known as the Basic Rider Course 2 -Skills Practice. Using your own bike you get to practice emergency stopping, cornering, counter-balancing and more. It's a great way to get rid of those cobwebs.

And if you're a H.O.G. Member, you'll get $50 bucks for taking the course. It's called the H.O.G. Safe Rider Skills Recognition -you'll find it under the benefits tab online at HOG.com. 

Another added bonus: you'll probably get a discount on your insurance as well.

3. Get outside!!

That's the whole reason you got a motorcycle to begin with, right?? 

Traveling by Motorcycle is 10x better than traveling by car, and 100x better than by plane (no TSA!). But before you leave for your week long trip, you're gonna want to do some research.

If you're camping with your bike, check the camp site you want to visit -some can book six months in advance. If you're camping at a "first come-first serve" site, then your best bet is to get there mid-week to avoid the weekend rush.

Prefer more modern accommodations? Then I highly suggest booking your hotel reservation at your destination only. Because on the way there you don't know when you'll want to stop, or what will make you have to stop (i.e.- sudden migraine, bike breaks down, etc.). Either way, you should review the hotel's cancellation policy and be comfortable with that. 

Use a checklist of what to pack- here's my recent blog on what packing mistakes to avoid. 

You'll also want to check the weather- up in the mountains you might be wanting your leather jacket instead of your nylon one.

Last but not least...

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer. However, there is a time-limit on the summer fun -Autumn (better known as "Almost Winter"). Take advantage of it while you can!!

Ride Safe & Have Fun 

°Biker Wave

How Bikers Save Money for their Road Trip(s)

Admittedly, when most people see a Biker, they think that they have little to no money. And in most cases they'd be wrong. (Unless you see us right after a trip to a Bike Rally or long road trip.)

On my way back from Laconia, NH

Truth be told the average Biker has a decent bank roll. There's their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, about $12K+. Then there's all the Riding Gear- leather and/or nylon jackets, leather chaps, usually two or more helmets, rain gear, boots and gloves- probably $2500 all together. Plus there's bike parts and maintenance, another $1000-$2000 annually, depending on the bike's mileage. 

And then we have money for our long road trips, probably to Laconia or Sturgis, or over several (or longer) days. That's fuel (although it only takes $20 or so to fill up on high octane), food, lodging, entertainment and souvenirs. 

Our bikes (I'm in the middle) on the Cape May - Lewis Ferry

But how do Bikers afford it all? How can we afford to take our long road trips across states, or maybe even across the country? 

We save for it. And this is how we do it:

1) We don't spend excessively when we're home. We don't get Starbucks every morning, we drink the coffee at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. We don't eat out every lunch time, we bring our lunches with us to work. Cable and streaming services are at a minimum, we look to save on groceries, and we do our drinking at home (which also saves on DUI charges!). We know that while we're on our Road Trips we'll be having coffee, eating out and having loads of entertainment while having our adventures, so waiting for that is worth it.

2) We use dedicated savings accounts. By cutting our expenses at home we're able to put that money immediately into a savings account where we can't touch it. We take $25 a week out of our paycheck, so at the end of the month that's $100, and at the end of six months that's $600. See how fast that adds up?

My boots in the sand at Lake Winnipesaukee

3) Have spare change will travel. I'm talking about apps that take the spare change from purchases on your debit card and invest them (Acorns, Digit and Chime). You spend $29.32 filling up your car, they'll take the remaining $0.68 cents and put that into an investment account. You'll be surprised at just how fast that adds up!! With Acorns (that's what I have and I love them!!) you can even have them invest another $10 -or which ever amount you wish -every week and it'll add up even faster. The only caveat: it takes about a week to ten days to withdraw your money.

Then there's apps like Ibotta, EBates and other cash back sites that will put money in your account for making certain purchases. It's a little, but it's still money that adds up over time.

4) We are H.O.G.s! That stands for the Harley Owners Group and you can be a member as long as you own at least one Harley motorcycle. By being a member you'll get pins & patches for mileage accumulated, HOG Magazine, Touring Handbook and more. While at home you can save on your AT&T wireless services, motorcycle insurance & shipping. While your traveling on the road, even if you're in your car, you can save on lodging with Best Western Ride Rewards. See all the H.O.G. membership benefits for yourself by clicking here.

5) Of course you can't travel by motorcycle if you don't have one! We at FXCHD have that covered: until the end of January 2018 we at FXCHD have a "No Money Down, No Payments 90 Days" with AmeriCU. Get the new bike now and be ready to ride come spring-time.

As with any travel, things rarely go exactly according to plan. So you'll want a little money cushion and be open to adjusting your plans as needed. And remember what all Bikers know to be true: 

It's the journey, not the destination, 

that makes all the difference.

Me stuck in the middle again!

Go Fourth & Ride • Top 5 Tips for a Better Trip

'Tis the Season!! And if you're lucky enough to have a motorcycle to ride (a Harley-Davidson 😎 we hope), then you're lucky enough. 

When you get time to go ride, no matter if it's just to work & back, over the next mountain or off to another state, here's what you need to know to make your ride that much better:

1. Get the right gear: The most important thing to
   
   know is your riding gear can make or break your trip. You should have gear that's made by riders for riders: tough, reliable & able to hold up. The essentials are a versatile riding jacket, over-the-ankle boots, jeans or riding pants, a good quality rain suit with heat shields (that won't melt on your hot exhaust), and a DOT approved helmet.
2. Embrace the challenge: Starting out on your motorcycle, even on a short trip to work, might not seem that challenging... but don't ever underestimate the physicality of any trip. Recently I started off for work knowing I'd encounter rain (so had my rain suit on) but halfway there the rain turned into a deluge. The idea of pulling over to wait it out was attractive, but instead I pushed through and when I arrived I felt even more accomplished.
3. Bring your charger: My life is on my phone!
   Checking my work email, looking up a route on Google Maps, listening to Pandora, and taking pictures to post to Instagram. Even taking a lunch break on the road I'll charge my batteries so I won't miss taking as many pictures as I want.
4. Stay comfortable: Nearly as important as the right
   
   gear, getting out of your riding gear - especially on the longer road trips - is a must do. Flip-flops and/or slippers, shorts and a t-shirt, and a hoodie are easy to pack (and feel really good at the end of a long day!).
5. Go Slow: I'll be the first to admit - I like to go fast! The thrill of speeding down the road, feeling the wind, maneuvering my bike through the twisties is a lot of fun. But I have to remember that when I go too fast I'll miss the scenery (no matter how fast I'm going I always take time to see what other riders/drivers are doing!). Remember that on a bike you're seeing much more than you do in a car, so take the time and enjoy the view.

Your motorcycle trip should always start by planning ahead. What's the weather going to be like? What gear should I have with me? Thinking it through in advance will help you to have a great experience instead of being preoccupied with the other stuff.