Topic: From all the responses, I've concluded that I'm ready for some looooong cruisin!

[liaudio]

My K5 750 with 25k miles on the clock is in tip-top.  It's been thoroughly serviced, I've added an electronic ignition, and have new tires/chain/sprocket/cables.

I'm gonna replace the clubman bars with the stock ones and maybe get like a sheepfur cover for the seat.  I have from the original owner a throttle lock which I will put back on too.

My next series of questions:

What else should I get to make the ride more comfortable?

What kind of luggage works best for touring?

How will the bike handle a longer trip if I decide to take the old lady along?

Also, what replacement parts and tools should a carry along in case of roadside repair?

Thank you guys!

[rhinoracer]

I don't like them but a windscreen will help in the comfort area.

Also yours and your ladys butt will thank you for a Corbin saddle.

With luggage and passenger I would stiffen the rear suspension or get heavier springs.

As for tools, the following come to mind: tire repair kit with irons, an extra tube, as many size sockets and wrenches as possible or at least 10mm, screwdrivers or at least the #2 phillips, crescent wrench, vise grips, needle nose pliers, flashlight, testlight, electrical and duct tape, fuses, bulbs, a sparkplug, a plug wire, chain master link, oil, whatever chain lube you use.

[nickjtc]

A Crampbuster on the twistgrip will help relieve potential fatigue on long trips.

http://www.scottoiler.com/thecrampbuster.asp

And of course a Scottoiler to relieve you of the monotony of having to adjust the chain on a regular basis.

[kettlesd]

On very long trips i always use earplugs to cut down on aural fatigue from wind noise. Its amazing how much of a difference it makes in how long you can stay comfortable and focused in the saddle.

Many riders will jump in now, and talk about how dangerous it is to use earplugs. Choice is yours, but earplugs do a great job of blocking low-frequency wind roar, while still allowing me to hear other vehicles, sirens etc. Im not advocating using them in city driving - but for open highway trips I always use them.

[doug_id]

On very long trips i always use earplugs to cut down on aural fatigue from wind noise. Its amazing how much of a difference it makes in how long you can stay comfortable and focused in the saddle.

Many riders will jump in now, and talk about how dangerous it is to use earplugs. Choice is yours, but earplugs do a great job of blocking low-frequency wind roar, while still allowing me to hear other vehicles, sirens etc. Im not advocating using them in city driving - but for open highway trips I always use them.

+1 on the earplugs....I can actually hear better with them in...without mostly just wind.

Also a couple of ibuprofin before a long ride really helps with helmet head and monkey butt. 

[merc2dogs]

+2 on the earplugs! safer in my opinion, if you don't have the wind roar you can hear the cars next to you easier.

 on the luggage, best recommendation I can make,  gather everything you think you'll want to bring and pack it up in cardboard boxes, then measure and weigh it. then look for bags that have the right capacity.

 I've done 6000 mile trips with small duffle bags, (only reason I ever liked a b-bar put your crap on the seat, tie to the bar and go) I've also made 2 and 3000 mile trips with a sleeping bag and change of clothes, other people seem to require a trailer and full dresser for a 500 mile round trip. Depends entirely on what you consider critical to bring.

  Also, for a few 2-up cruises to some hiking trails, I made a set of carriers that held a pair of inner-frame backpacks just like saddlebags, was real sweet, get where I was going, grab a bag and the bike's unpacked.

ken

[rhinoracer]

On very long trips i always use earplugs to cut down on aural fatigue from wind noise. Its amazing how much of a difference it makes in how long you can stay comfortable and focused in the saddle.

Many riders will jump in now, and talk about how dangerous it is to use earplugs. Choice is yours, but earplugs do a great job of blocking low-frequency wind roar, while still allowing me to hear other vehicles, sirens etc. Im not advocating using them in city driving - but for open highway trips I always use them.

+1 on the earplugs....I can actually hear better with them in...without mostly just wind.

Also a couple of ibuprofin before a long ride really helps with helmet head and monkey butt. 

Definitely earplugs. You'll experience some degree of hearing loss after a lot of riding without them.

I always thought helmet head was about your hair taking the shape of the helmet padding, something ibuprofin won't cure. Please correct me if I'm wrong

[doug_id]

dunno, I don't have hair