Topic: Planning BIG trip, any advice?

[70CB750]

Oh, I would pack a gun. Just me as I go nowhere without one. 

Same here, brother 

[Proto]

+1 on the extra key!  Went on a ride last winter with a buddy through southern NM and AZ.  In Tucson, his key snapped off in his gas cap at a fuel stop.  He was on a ST1300.  Learned real quick that the Honda dealers there don't make keys, referred him to a locksmith.  Three and a half hours later, found one who had the correct blank.

[toytuff]

+1 on the extra key!  Went on a ride last winter with a buddy through southern NM and AZ.  In Tucson, his key snapped off in his gas cap at a fuel stop.  He was on a ST1300.  Learned real quick that the Honda dealers there don't make keys, referred him to a locksmith.  Three and a half hours later, found one who had the correct blank.

Another great idea that I didn't even think about.

Key, levers, cell phone, water, firearm. 

tt

[Don R]

I have a maintainer battery charger with the plug-in cord mounted on the bike. I made up a cigarette lighter adapter that plugs in to that and plugged my 12V cell phone charger into that. The cord went into my tank bag and the phone rode inside the plastic map cover. That keeps the phone charged if you are using the GPS or it is roaming. It does get hot in there, something to consider.
 It's hard to see the screen while riding but it's easy and safer to pull over and check your directions anyway.

[Travis]

Oh, I would pack a gun. Just me as I go nowhere without one. 

Same here, brother 

It's on my list Thinking about picking up a M&P40 when I get back to the states.

[Travis]

Travis,

If time is really no consideration I would take 40 east from Barstow.  At Kingman, swing onto old historic route 66.  Take that to Ash Fork and follow route 89 through Jerome, Sedona then to Flagstaff.   Great roads, great scenery.  Than from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and continue on to Lake Powell.   Continue into Utah and hit the national parks.  IMHO Zion, Bryce and Arches are a must see.  Also if you can find your way to RT 12 in Utah (the section called the Hogsback) that's a cool road too.  At one point the road is on the top of the ridge (Mt?), I don't know what you call it, I'm from NYC.  But it's cool.

I took this ride about 10 yrs ago and loved it.  If I can dig up pictures I will.  Sorry to say I rented a Harley.  Couldn't get my Honda (a 2000 Magna) out there at the time.

And bring extra fuel in a fuel safe bottle.  Think I carried 2 liters???  Although you can plan where gas stations are, you can not plan when they are open!!!  That is one thing I didn't account for.  Being from NYC, I assumed all gas stations in America where open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week!!!

I'd add a luggage rack and sissy bar to your bike.  Buy a T-bag or something similar and put it on backwards, ie where the passenger would sit.  Made a great backrest, I basically lounged back while riding through the straight parts.

Lastly look out for free range animals.  Goats, cows anything really.  Again being from NYC, I thought free range was a gimmick for fancy schmancy restaurants to charge more for a meal.  I get it now, those damn things can be around any corner and the route I outlined has quite a few!!!

Good luck,

Matt

Thanks for the suggestions! Extra fuel is definitely a concern of mine. I think I'm gonna get one of those MSR fuel bottles. Luckily my bike came with a luggage rack so hopefully I'll be able to carry all my gear without much difficulty.