Jammin Global

Over the course of many motorcycle trips during the past four years, I've learned what to carry and what to leave behind, becoming an efficient packer. The two biggest factors in deciding what to take are weight and space. Weight is always an issue as a heavier bike is harder to handle, tougher to pick up if you drop it and reduces fuel mileage. Space is obviously limited on a motorcycle and items that pack small are preferable. Also, items that are multi-functional are preferable.

I prefer to run hard luggage instead of soft bags due to the increased weather protection and safety of belongings, which is not that much of an issue in developed countries, but will be useful for traveling through some developing countries. Additional benefits of hard luggage include using them as camping stools and the ability to rivet additions features, such as spare tire-carrying mounts, etc. The downside of the aluminum luggage set is the added weight of the metal boxes as opposed to cloth saddle bags. Each box weighs about 10 lbs. However, to me the benefits out-weight these costs.

Along with clothes, tools, spares and food in the side panniers, I'm also taking along minimal camping equipment, a Digital SLR camera and other electronics in the top box.

Geared up and ready to roll!

Riding Gear

Regarding riding gear, I follow the motorcycling ethos of “All The Gear, All The Time” (ATGATT), meaning full protection of the whole body anytime I’m riding, even for a short distance. Sometimes wearing all the protective gear can be cumbersome, but if it helps me in surviving an accident, then it’s worth the effort.

• Motoport Riding Suit
• Teknic Speedstar Summer Glove
• Rev'It Celsius Winter Glove
• Aerostich Triple-Digit Rain Glove Covers
• Silk Glove Liners (x2)
• Champion Insulated Glove Liners (x1)
• Oxtar TCX Comp Boots (with torsional ankle protection)
• Arai XD Dual-Sport Helmet with sun visor

Clothes

In terms of clothes, I'll primarily be wearing my Motoport Kevlar Riding Suit with base layers. For the body to be comfortable, it's all about layering. If it gets colder, I'll throw on the windproof and waterproof liners of the riding suit and if it gets still colder, I have a performance thermal set, which I use for skiing. On the other extreme, for really hot temperatures, I have a cooling vest that works on the principle of evaporative cooling. Besides changing out the base layers, I only require a few other clothes for the evenings and days off from riding.

• Base Layer Tops (synthetic x3, silk x1)
• Base Layer Bottoms (synthetic x3, silk x1)
• Bicycle Shorts (with padding)
• Thermal Top
• Thermal Bottom
• Dry-Fit T-shirts (x1)
• Regular T-shirts (x3)
• Travel Pants (x1) (pants that zip-off into shorts)
• Shorts for sleeping (x1)
• Swim Trunks (for the beach)
• Boxers (x2) for off-bike; on-bike it’s commando under the base layers : )
• Socks: Smart Wool (x1), Motorcycling Padded (x1), Silk (x2)
• Neck Gaiter
• Kidney Belt (to aid lower back support)
• Keen Sandals with toe protection
• Cooling Vest
• Rain Liners
• REI Camp Towel (quick drying)

Everything gets packed in the panniers.

Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
• Wahl Beard and Hair Trimmer
• Anti-Monkey Butt Powder (to reduce soreness of the posterior muscles)
• Toilet Paper (small roll)
• Sunblock
• Eye Allergy Drops
• Insect Repellent
• Mosquito Net with Boonie Hat
• Nail Cutter
• First Aid Kit with Sprain Bandage
• Eye Glasses
• Spare Contacts
• Eye Shades
• Waterproof Document Holder
• Fake Wallet

Camping in Patagonia, Chile.

Camping

• Catoma Twist 1-person Tent
• GearGuide Light-weight Sleeping Bag
• GearGuide Torso Sleeping Pad
• MSR DragonFly Multi-fuel stove, runs off gasoline
• Coleman Pot Set
• LifeSaver Water Filter
• FireSteel Flint for starting fires
• Lexan Cutting Board
• Emergency ready-to-eat meals

Electronics

• Laptop: Gateway ec1803u, a 10.6" netbook
• Western Digital 500GB and 1TB External Hard Drives
• Digital Camera: Canon SD400 5 MP
• Digital SLR Camera: KonicaMinolta 5D 6 MP with zoom lenses, remote, tripod
• Helmet Camera: GoPro HD
• GPS: Garmin 60Cx
• iPod nano with Etymotic ER-6i earphones
• Chargers for all devices
• 3-into-1 Wall Socket Travel Adapter
• iPod Speakers with AA batteries
• LED Head Lamp

Bike Related

Even with all the precautions taken before the trip regarding the bike itself, things can still go wrong and one must be prepared for various situations. I have the tools required to fix a flat tire, change a tire, quick weld any pieces that break and other miscellaneous tools for upkeep and repair.

Pumping up the tires in Guatemala.

Tools

• Motion Pro Chain Breaker and Rivet Tool
• Tire Irons, 15" x3
• Tire Pliers Bead Breaker
• Tire Patch Kit
• Bike Krtuch
• Slime Air Compressor
• Mikuni Carb Jets
• Tool Roll with:
  • Craftsman 3/8" Socket Wrench Flex Head
  • Wrenches: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 mm
  • Socket Set: 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 mm; extensions: 1/4, 3/8
  • Socket Set Hex: 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm
  • Spark Plug Socket
  • Deep Sockets: 12, 14 mm for engine mounts
  • Vice Grips (x2)
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • T-Handles: 4, 5, 6 mm
  • Front and Rear Axle Wrenches (19, 24 mm) with extension
  • Lots of Zip-Ties
  • Safety Wire
  • Epoxy Bond
  • Super Glue
  • JB Weld
  • Leatherman Wave Multi-purpose Tool
  • Cruz Dual-Sport Multi-purpose Tool
  • Electrical Tape
  • Duct Tape on wrench
  • Digital Multimeter
  • Manual Compass
  • Feeler Gauges for valve checks
  • Chain Lube
  • Uni Filter Oil
  • Orange Hand Cleaner
  • Valve Core Remover

Spares

• Tire Tubes (Front and Rear)
• Clutch Cable mounted next to current clutch cable
• Throttle Cable
• Shift, Clutch and Brake Levers
• Clutch Fibre Plates
• Spark Plugs
• H4 Headlight Bulb
• Sprocket Set (Front 14 and Rear 42)
• Fuel Line
• Miscellaneous Nuts and Bolts (M5, M6, etc)
• Electrical connectors, fuses
• Fork Dusk and Oil Seals
• Brake Pads (Front and Rear, EBC)

I'm clearly not traveling light, but hey, I figure I need all these items to live peacefully on the road for 2 years. Could I do with less? Sure, but I'm looking at long-term life on the road and this should keep me sane.

Packed and ready to hit the road!

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