Tips for motorcycle camping?

Question

I've been motorcycle camping for about 5 years. I leave for about a week each summer and travel a bit over 1000 miles camping each night. Even though I'm comfortable doing this I'm sure some of you have tips that will be useful. I ride an '03 VStar 650 and carry everything I need except food (and beer). I usually pick it up in the nearest town before setting up camp for the night.

Answer 1

Have you browsed through the Adventure Rider forum?

Lots of information on motorcycle camping.

Enjoy!!

Answer 2

Before you go, buy very cheap socks, T shirt & underpants. One set for each day. When they have been worn once, throw them away. Makes it easier to pack every day you are away.

If you have a satnav, make sure you leave it at home, take a map instead. Pick a rough destination and head in that direction. If you miss a turning, go somewhere else. If you wanted an easy life you should have stayed at home & you shouldn't have bought a motorcycle. Go on have an adventure, you know you want to.

Answer 3

Get yourself (if you weren't one) a Boy Scout Field Book. Lots of Great info in there with things you never thought of.

Keep the Rubber side Down!

You meet the Nicest people on Motorcycles!

Answer 4

It sounds like a fun time. I don't have anything to add, except that I wore my ipod for the first time on a fairly long trip last weekend. I have argued against it to a lot of people over the last few years, but I thought I would give it a try. It was a really nice change to have some music. I know it cuts down on hearing, but it'ts no worse than in my car. I didn't use it the whole time, but it was a really nice addition to the trip. There are times in long trips where just the joy of being out on the road loses its cool factor. I get bored and tired, and I feel like renting a truck to drive me and the bike home. It always passes, but it's still a bummer. The ipod really helped with that.

Answer 5

Don't eat yellow snow.

Answer 6

It sounds like you have a handle on things.  My wife and I are motorcycle campers, but she's a camp cook,

Pissing  near your bike to keep javalinas from trying to open the bags might be something you're not familiar with.

ride safe.

Answer 7

Watch out for bears.

Answer 8

Don't smile when you sleep.