Touring tips for a sportsbike
Discussion
As per the title, first time touring going the Nurburgring and possibly further into Germany end of June via some WW1 sites in Belgium on the Hull - Rotterdam ferry.
Will be about 2000 miles all in on a ZX10R, without the obvious solution of a different bike what can I do/buy to ease the pain? Bike only does 120 miles to a tank at a push so I'll be stopping regularly, but I'm still preparing myself for a torturous 7 days!
Will be about 2000 miles all in on a ZX10R, without the obvious solution of a different bike what can I do/buy to ease the pain? Bike only does 120 miles to a tank at a push so I'll be stopping regularly, but I'm still preparing myself for a torturous 7 days!
Plan your route in advance (MyRouteApp for the route and BestBikingRoads for ideas) then load it into a navigation device and follow it. It's the best way to ensure you actually get to ride the good roads rather than just the local roads.
Take old clothes with you and bin them after you've worn them. Your luggage load will get lighter as the trip progresses.
Don't spend long at petrol stops. Unless you like hanging out at petrol stations, you are not making progress, not covering miles and not anywhere interesting. All you'll be doing is eating into time you could be using riding or looking at interesting sights..
I really don't like a rucksack when touring. If it's even slightly uncomfortable on day one it'll be hell by the end of the trip. Use good soft luggage (such as Kreiga) and pack it carefully so that you don't need to access every bag at every stop.
Use a tank bag to carry things like documents that you may need to get to at any point in the journey.
Have a great time, relax and enjoy yourself.
PS Get yourself an AirHawk seat cushion and fill it correctly. DO NOT OVERFILL. I really could be the difference between a great trip and "hell on earth".
Take old clothes with you and bin them after you've worn them. Your luggage load will get lighter as the trip progresses.
Don't spend long at petrol stops. Unless you like hanging out at petrol stations, you are not making progress, not covering miles and not anywhere interesting. All you'll be doing is eating into time you could be using riding or looking at interesting sights..
I really don't like a rucksack when touring. If it's even slightly uncomfortable on day one it'll be hell by the end of the trip. Use good soft luggage (such as Kreiga) and pack it carefully so that you don't need to access every bag at every stop.
Use a tank bag to carry things like documents that you may need to get to at any point in the journey.
Have a great time, relax and enjoy yourself.
PS Get yourself an AirHawk seat cushion and fill it correctly. DO NOT OVERFILL. I really could be the difference between a great trip and "hell on earth".
Edited by black-k1 on Thursday 11th May 16:03
Pack as light as possible and with as few bags as possible. Nothing halts progress like having to stop constantly because your bag has shuffled about on the tail of the bike and is slipping down etc.
Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
I do euro trips on a new shape R1 - only issue I have is that the seat is simply excruciating after a while. I did Paris - Manchester once in one hit one the way back from Biarritz and I thought I’d done myself permanent arse damage. Heavy rucksack was the cause.
You can get OE looking gel seats from a place called Top Sellerie in Paris that come recommended.
Luggage - see if you can get a set of Ventura L brackets and then either a rack, Ventura luggage system or (don’t let Black-K1 see this) attach a top box plate. I favour the latter, just so convenient.
Also consider comfort of clothing if you’re going to be stopping, sightseeing etc. I use Rokker jeans with a retro looking leather jacket so I don’t end up looking like a sweaty gimp.
Save arsing about at motorway tolls (if you have any en route) by getting your credit card paired with your smart watch. No faffing with gloves and wallets (major bugbear of mine).
Then you’re good to go.
You can get OE looking gel seats from a place called Top Sellerie in Paris that come recommended.
Luggage - see if you can get a set of Ventura L brackets and then either a rack, Ventura luggage system or (don’t let Black-K1 see this) attach a top box plate. I favour the latter, just so convenient.
Also consider comfort of clothing if you’re going to be stopping, sightseeing etc. I use Rokker jeans with a retro looking leather jacket so I don’t end up looking like a sweaty gimp.
Save arsing about at motorway tolls (if you have any en route) by getting your credit card paired with your smart watch. No faffing with gloves and wallets (major bugbear of mine).
Then you’re good to go.
Already mentioned a Ventura rack system would be the best option for luggage, again pack light, you'll be in your bike gear all day so should need fresh clothes every night.
If you can manage a tank bag, one that locks onto the petrol caps are my favoured option (SW Motech spring to mind), you can also get powered options so can keep your phone charged if you're using at a mapping device. You can keep items in this tank bag that you will need on a regular basis, cash, cards, driving license, V5, passport, visor cleaner and cloth etc.
No idea if you will be wearing leathers, goretex, oversuit etc, if you're looking at an oversuit, keep that at the top of your luggage, spare gloves if you do get caught out.
Can you adjust the screen on the 10, or get a higher screen so you can sit up a bit, can you adjust rearsets to a more relaxed position?
Also worth taking a small can of chain lube given the mileage.
If you can manage a tank bag, one that locks onto the petrol caps are my favoured option (SW Motech spring to mind), you can also get powered options so can keep your phone charged if you're using at a mapping device. You can keep items in this tank bag that you will need on a regular basis, cash, cards, driving license, V5, passport, visor cleaner and cloth etc.
No idea if you will be wearing leathers, goretex, oversuit etc, if you're looking at an oversuit, keep that at the top of your luggage, spare gloves if you do get caught out.
Can you adjust the screen on the 10, or get a higher screen so you can sit up a bit, can you adjust rearsets to a more relaxed position?
Also worth taking a small can of chain lube given the mileage.
Crudeoink said:
Pack as light as possible and with as few bags as possible. Nothing halts progress like having to stop constantly because your bag has shuffled about on the tail of the bike and is slipping down etc.
Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
100% my thinking. Pack light...very light... and have a ball.Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
Kawasicki said:
Crudeoink said:
Pack as light as possible and with as few bags as possible. Nothing halts progress like having to stop constantly because your bag has shuffled about on the tail of the bike and is slipping down etc.
Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
100% my thinking. Pack light...very light... and have a ball.Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
Make sure your tyres / chain etc have plenty of life in them.
Kawasicki said:
Crudeoink said:
Pack as light as possible and with as few bags as possible. Nothing halts progress like having to stop constantly because your bag has shuffled about on the tail of the bike and is slipping down etc.
Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
100% my thinking. Pack light...very light... and have a ball.Get some bike to bike intercoms if you dont already have them.
Wear whatever kit you're most comfortable in, if its not rain proof, take a condom suit. Just dont pack it at the bottom of your bag!
Take a spare t-shirt, pants and socks in a zip lock bag. If you get drenched, a dry pair of clothes is a life saver.
You can always wash pants and t-shirts at a hotel if you take a bit of detergent. This means you only really need a few of each and keeps the bulk down.
Avoid wearing a backpack if possible. If you must, just make sure its very small or very light. A heavy backpack sucks after the first few 100 miles.
Remember to drink some water every time you stop for fuel
Have fun and take loads of pics!
I take the lightest Vans I have and zip-off lightweight walking trousers that convert to shorts. Take 2 spare pants/socks/shirts and wash them in the sink at your hotel.
If you can, plan a route that avoids motorways. The arse-ache is much less as you'll be moving around a bit and as a bonus you won't be bored as it will be much more interesting riding and scenery. I find all motorways basically look the same, so it could be anywhere.
https://www.superdrug.com/toiletries/travel-access...
This stuff is very useful and if you're staying at a particular base you can dry things out. It also actually works. Soft shoes like Vans or Converse that pack down are handy, as are zip off trousers that convert to shorts (Decathlon do a number of good pairs).
Get an Airhawk, they are a life, or at least botty, saver on long trips. I recently did Sheffield to Glasgow on a FireBlade - as my phone broke I had to stick to dual carriageways and I was sore the next day.
Rearsets might be a good idea, or the TRW / Puig adjustable footpegs.
I personally favour a topbox to keep all your gear dry
Dual carriageways have their place to get you away from the ports quickly, but as you're going to Belgium, you may also find this useful:
https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/3/i-love/sports-ac... - I'm sure they have World War itineries.
This stuff is very useful and if you're staying at a particular base you can dry things out. It also actually works. Soft shoes like Vans or Converse that pack down are handy, as are zip off trousers that convert to shorts (Decathlon do a number of good pairs).
Get an Airhawk, they are a life, or at least botty, saver on long trips. I recently did Sheffield to Glasgow on a FireBlade - as my phone broke I had to stick to dual carriageways and I was sore the next day.
Rearsets might be a good idea, or the TRW / Puig adjustable footpegs.
I personally favour a topbox to keep all your gear dry
Dual carriageways have their place to get you away from the ports quickly, but as you're going to Belgium, you may also find this useful:
https://visitwallonia.com/en-gb/3/i-love/sports-ac... - I'm sure they have World War itineries.
If you're taking a tank bag, test it beforehand for how it fits - I took only a little Givi clip-on jobbie to the TT last year on the Fireblade and it was a right royal pain in the arse (well, not literally) because it clips on to a mount you put around the fuel filler cap/ring, which on my bike was right where my chest should have been while riding on the motorway. Result - having to ride with my chest/head up in the airflow for hundreds of miles on the motorway, which wasn't that much fun.
Second those who say to take a tail pack rather than a rucksack - Kriega's fit basically everything and will keep it's innards nice and dry.
And wear whatever gear you are most comfortable in on that bike - if that is leathers, wear leathers. Yes, jeans and a jacket, or a touring suit and boots might be more comfortable off the bike, but if they ride up/chafe/flap around/don't sit where you want them to when your legs are bent up around your ears (standard sportsbike pose) then it will get very boring very quickly.
Second those who say to take a tail pack rather than a rucksack - Kriega's fit basically everything and will keep it's innards nice and dry.
And wear whatever gear you are most comfortable in on that bike - if that is leathers, wear leathers. Yes, jeans and a jacket, or a touring suit and boots might be more comfortable off the bike, but if they ride up/chafe/flap around/don't sit where you want them to when your legs are bent up around your ears (standard sportsbike pose) then it will get very boring very quickly.
Claptrap on the rucksack. In 2013 at age of 55 and fat I set of on 8 days through The Pyrenees on an MV Agusta F4 312RR monoposto. Probably the most ergonomically challenging sports bike ever built.
I bought a Kriega R30 as its shorter than the 35 and it is waterproof. 'Also it comes with the 4 point harness which removes any feeling of being laden. Shorter so it did not rub on the tail piece as the MV was a single seater.
We don't use motorways at all if possible. We had 8 days 2285 miles of fast twisting and we were tired due to riding like that's. Backpack was never an issue didn't know I had it on.
Did a similar trip to Portugal 2yrs later. Went on my newer but equally uncomfortable F4RR used the kriega and a small fuel cap mounted tank bag. 14 days of pure fun.
Only buy a Kriega R30 no other. Pack light you need less than you think. Tyre foam and or puncture plug kit essential all else use Mastercard.
Get a Monzo card too as they don't charge fees in Europe and they use a decent exchange rate.
Mostly have fun ride safe and enjoy.
I bought a Kriega R30 as its shorter than the 35 and it is waterproof. 'Also it comes with the 4 point harness which removes any feeling of being laden. Shorter so it did not rub on the tail piece as the MV was a single seater.
We don't use motorways at all if possible. We had 8 days 2285 miles of fast twisting and we were tired due to riding like that's. Backpack was never an issue didn't know I had it on.
Did a similar trip to Portugal 2yrs later. Went on my newer but equally uncomfortable F4RR used the kriega and a small fuel cap mounted tank bag. 14 days of pure fun.
Only buy a Kriega R30 no other. Pack light you need less than you think. Tyre foam and or puncture plug kit essential all else use Mastercard.
Get a Monzo card too as they don't charge fees in Europe and they use a decent exchange rate.
Mostly have fun ride safe and enjoy.
Edited by Chipchap on Thursday 11th May 21:25
Well fitting earplugs, preferably custom made to fit your ear canals. You WILL damage your hearing riding extensively on motorways on your ZX-10R if your earplugs do not fit correctly, ask me how I know..
Heavy stuff in the tank bag, lighter stuff in the backpack.
MCN did a pretty good guide on this sort of thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNlVuZF0CE
Heavy stuff in the tank bag, lighter stuff in the backpack.
MCN did a pretty good guide on this sort of thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNlVuZF0CE
I toured all over SE Asia on my Zx10, I was in my late 50s at the time, no problem, Oxford soft bags, stop when you need a rest.
Do your thing not what other people think is right. I never booked ahead, because the weather could change so quickly, so never had a target. But I did do Phucket to Kuala lumpur in a day.
Do your thing not what other people think is right. I never booked ahead, because the weather could change so quickly, so never had a target. But I did do Phucket to Kuala lumpur in a day.
For me on my S1000RR
Kreiga R35
Wunderlich Tank Bag for quick to access stuff
Pacsafe Exomesh (way to secure helmet and backpack to bike when off for a wander)
iPhone holder.
And pack light.
Have tried Ventura luggage but it’s noticeably on the back of the bike when using a sportsbike properly. And I’m always checking it’s still there, prefer a backpack. The Ventura did give me something to lean back on though!
IMO If you have to buy bar raisers and rear sets to be comfortable you’ve probably got the wrong bike. Im 6’2 and apart from the first couple of rides of the season still find it fine for comfort. Am sure I’ll be moaning one day, fortunately not yet.
Have a great trip.
Kreiga R35
Wunderlich Tank Bag for quick to access stuff
Pacsafe Exomesh (way to secure helmet and backpack to bike when off for a wander)
iPhone holder.
And pack light.
Have tried Ventura luggage but it’s noticeably on the back of the bike when using a sportsbike properly. And I’m always checking it’s still there, prefer a backpack. The Ventura did give me something to lean back on though!
IMO If you have to buy bar raisers and rear sets to be comfortable you’ve probably got the wrong bike. Im 6’2 and apart from the first couple of rides of the season still find it fine for comfort. Am sure I’ll be moaning one day, fortunately not yet.
Have a great trip.
Chipchap said:
Claptrap on the rucksack. In 2013 at age of 55 and fat I set of on 8 days through The Pyrenees on an MV Agusta F4 312RR monoposto. Probably the most ergonomically challenging sports bike ever built.
I bought a Kriega R30 as its shorter than the 35 and it is waterproof. 'Also it comes with the 4 point harness which removes any feeling of being laden. Shorter so it did not rub on the tail piece as the MV was a single seater.
We don't use motorways at all if possible. We had 8 days 2285 miles of fast twisting and we were tired due to riding like that's. Backpack was never an issue didn't know I had it on.
Did a similar trip to Portugal 2yrs later. Went on my newer but equally uncomfortable F4RR used the kriega and a small fuel cap mounted tank bag. 14 days of pure fun.
Only buy a Kriega R30 no other. Pack light you need less than you think. Tyre foam and or puncture plug kit essential all else use Mastercard.
Get a Monzo card too as they don't charge fees in Europe and they use a decent exchange rate.
Mostly have fun ride safe and enjoy.
I think this highlights that people are very different. Most riders over 45 would find the MV excruciatingly uncomfortable for anything over an hour,never mind 8 days. Most riders would really struggle with an average of over 285 miles per day without a motorway, even on "comfortable" bikes. Most people don't like wearing a rucksack, especially when it's full of a weeks worth of luggage. I bought a Kriega R30 as its shorter than the 35 and it is waterproof. 'Also it comes with the 4 point harness which removes any feeling of being laden. Shorter so it did not rub on the tail piece as the MV was a single seater.
We don't use motorways at all if possible. We had 8 days 2285 miles of fast twisting and we were tired due to riding like that's. Backpack was never an issue didn't know I had it on.
Did a similar trip to Portugal 2yrs later. Went on my newer but equally uncomfortable F4RR used the kriega and a small fuel cap mounted tank bag. 14 days of pure fun.
Only buy a Kriega R30 no other. Pack light you need less than you think. Tyre foam and or puncture plug kit essential all else use Mastercard.
Get a Monzo card too as they don't charge fees in Europe and they use a decent exchange rate.
Mostly have fun ride safe and enjoy.
Edited by Chipchap on Thursday 11th May 21:25
From running the Old Gits trips over nearly 25 years I can comfortably say that you are very much at the upper end of "endurance" when it comes to touring on a bike. Most people who go on the Old Gits trips, and these are all bikers, many of whom have toured before, would not enjoy what you have described.
Advising (and the OP was definitely asking for advice) someone doing something for the first time to adopt the approaches of one who is at the upper end of "endurance" is likely, I would suggest, to put them off rather than encourage them. They may find that after a few trips the 300 mile days with a rucksack on a sports bike works for them but I really don't think it's the place to start.
Ignore the Sports bikes can't tour approach they make superb long distance machines. It will get more comfortable the further you get into the trip. Luggage? I would highly reccomend Hepco and Becker sports rack with Kriga soft luggage. You will not know its there handling wise it is secure and can take lots of clothes and other stuff
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