My Father in law strapped a Honda VTX 1800 motor to the back seat and rode from Maine to Ontario Canada. No joke. May he rest in peace. Great guy die hard biker.
Quick tip I learned last year packing my 115th Anniversary Heritage for my trip to Milwaukee: YES, use the saddlebag liners BUT put them inside your bag first!! I found the liners way easy to stuff with all sorts of clothing but when I went to put them in my saddlebags they were too big, forcing me to take a bunch of stuff out and repacking it in all.
Even though I use tour pak and saddlebag liners, for long trips I still use huge ziplock bags and one-gallon ziplock bags. Two reasons. I put clothes in huge bags, just in case I hit a heavy downpour and some water still sneaks in to the saddlebag. I also put toiletry, sunscreen, drinks and other liquid-ish things in ziplock bags so they don't soak or mess with other things in my liners.
I carried a full set of baseball catcher's gear plus a batting helmet and 2 bats in a duffle bag on my seat in addition to a weekend's worth of clothes in a t-bag on the backrest/luggage rack. On the return trip I had all the above plus I had a set of crutches. I zip tied the rubber stomper end to each passenger footpeg and the tops were tied to the backrest for a 2 1/2 hour ride home. I wore an electric guitar in a backpack case that I picked up at a flea market. I strapped a 3 foot tall beer can shaped cooler (Pete's Wicked Ale) on my backrest from a flea market. The best one though was a .44 caliber Marlin lever rifle in a soft case.
Subscribed. A buddy recommended your videos because I'm learning how to maintain my Ultra Limited. I was not disappointed... entertaining and informative.
Used T-Bag brand for over 20 years. Started with a simple backpack to the backrest, to a large tour pack and roll combo for the backrest/passenger seat. Was actually ready to get a new set this year....and found out they no longer exist. Time to research a new brand. Maybe that Kuryakan like you showed 🤷♂️. Great video and tips.
I love my Harley bag that sits on the passenger seat and velcro‘s to the back rest. My buddy and I ride across country. Thanks for the information, I learn something new every time I watch your videos.
Dude, you are becoming an editing Mavin! I have been watching your videos for over a year and thought it was good before, but your last couple have gone to a different level!
John, you've convinced me to get Saddle Bag Liners for my Road King...You've shown me how convenient they can be! Great content and I love how you take a simple topic like "Packing your motorcycle" and make it interesting, and entertaining....and we actually learn something that we can use!....Priceless! Thanks John!
I use the soft Harley bag that sits on a rear rack and goes over the passenger back rest. I put all my clothes in there and since I never fill it up.. I’ve got space for stuff I buy! Keep these awesome videos coming brother!!
I was on my Electra Glide Sport in about 94 traveling (solo) home from Penticton BC to Lodi CA. Somewhere in Oregon there was a yard art place by the road and I bought 2 plastic pink flamingos with the metal rod legs that you stab in the ground. Wrapped them in a garbage bag and bungeed them to my back seat. About half way home the bag disintegrated and my cargo was in plain view. Looked pretty goofy but my wife was delighted with the gift.
Wish I could add pictures to my comments! First trip to Sturgis from Las Vegas on my 2010 V-Rod Muscle I had no saddlebags & no sissy bar! I had a Biker’s Friend round bag, a Kriega backpack, & two water proof bags with my camping gear. All strapped to the fender with ROK straps, a cargo net, & a couple of bungee cords! Second trip in 2018 with the same bike, but now with a sissy bar! Got an awesome Bitwell Exfil-80 sissy bar bag (80 is how many cans of beers it holds), a Kuryakn Momentum bag, & one waterproof bag for my tent & air mat. Used some Perfect Bungees as well & had the ROK straps just in case. I tell everyone to invest in quality bungee cords & nets, and I swear by ROK straps. Safe travels!
I did a 3000 mile trip on my 2014 883 Iron. Half way through the trip I was given a cargo net and that thing is the best! Ive bough a few more since then.
The saddlebag liners are a game changer. I prefer a bag on a luggage rack vs a tourpack. Lower and not as much weight. But that’s just me. The tourpack is definitely handy.
When I travel on a long haul, vacuum bags are a must! Five days of cloths (two jeans, three shirts and five sets of socks and undies) lay flat and store nicely in the tour pack or saddle bag. Always a full leathers (chaps and jacket) and a hoodie. Small bag for the grooming and cleaning essentials. Hidden supply of cash and emergency plastic, usually a reloadable card, is something most I talk to overlook and I highly recommend. The every ride gear I carry are a set of rain gear, tool kit, elastic cords, map (usually the HOG atlas), extra bulbs and fuses, loose change for tolls, charging cords and battery packs, flashlight, sunscreen, two handkerchiefs and a change of socks. All these fit nicely in the top of the saddlebag/tourpak organizers, lower fairing storage and the windshield bags. Now mid you I ride an FLHTK and can vary all this with plenty of room and weight to spare, if you ride a smaller bike like the 2000 sportster I had prior, all these EDC items Fit nicely on that bike too with room to spare. All trial and error for me bit the ideas are endless for each rider. That’s my two cents. Dirty side down brothers.
I’ve strapped all kinds of stuff to my bikes over the years. New tire sets, bags of baseball equipment for the boys, cubes of beer, and probably the largest load was three duffel bags of Army stuff after a deployment. It’s all about how you load it. John, you hit it pretty well but kinda missed the load triangle piece. MSF has a good graphic for what I’m talking about. This video kinda gave me an idea for a winter workshop at the dealership! Thanks!!
Used to back pack it light, then I bought a Biltwell Exfil 80 for the sissy bar. You can fit a crap load in there plus it has molle straps for add on capability. That bag got me through 15 states and part of Canada in one trip.
In addition to an extra jacket, rain gear, and gloves: I also throw in the bike cover when I'm going to be gone for multiple days. (out of site out of mind) However that trike cover takes up about 25% of my trunk space, it's huge. Good video, very informative.
I've got the same Kuryakyn bag and it was a perfect fit for the passenger seat on my 04 softail on our trip to Sturgis. Also worked great on luggage rack on 12 roadglide on Milwaukee rally trip. Rode home with my wife holding tomato cages and some 5' pieces of PEX tubing
I KNEW we had multiple sun's. No one believed me till you came along. I strapped alot of beer to sissy bars, and alot of McDonald's to a rigid chop. Awesome video John !!
Great vid. The tips are very helpful for people learning to tour. Thanks for caring about the people, not just selling products. Much Love and Respect Sir!
John, One thing I Always carry on long trips is a couple of cheap blue 9X12 tarps along with some paracord.. They pack small and can make a nice dry shelter, tent, ground cover ect when ya pull off and spend the night in the woods.. Of course I tend to find back roads and spend my nights in the woods instead of motels even at my age but I like trips that can take weeks of back roads and national forest camping...
John, back in the 70's crossed country several times on a CB750 while in the Army with a duffel bag strapped to the sissy bar. It also acted as a good backrest. Now I "Tour" the country on a Goldwing and pull a small trailer, my how times have changed. But the wife loves it. We know "happy Wife, happy "Life". When just myself, I use the bag liners and rack bag and can travel for weeks. Oh by the way Mesh jackets are great for ventilation and protection, I cannot wear the Leather too hot!
I have used the Lazy Rider cycle bag for years. Love it. makes a great backrest for the rider when used in the passenger seat and if you have a passenger it rides behind the backrest very well and has outside pockets and d rings! and I like both bungee cords and bungee nets
I just hooked saddlebags on, and a $200 Harbor freight trailer behind my 883 Sportster and rode it from Philly to Texas then to Key West and back. No problems. The extra axle handled the extra weight at 70mph just fine.
I used my 13 Deluxe as my only vehicle for about 2 months when my truck was in the body shop. Had to grocery shop several times during that span. So I bought surplus army laundry bags and filled them up with my groceries and strapped them to the bike. One of those times I had a 50lb bag of dog food along with the two army bags strapped to the bike. Still managed to hit 80+ on the highway on my way home. Dumb move, yes but it was fun. Edit: this was mid-winter in Denver at the time.
I use a large dry bag across my rear seat, held in place with ROK straps, which are one of the best things ever. WAAAYYY better than bungee cords. In the dry bag goes my tent, sleeping bag and pad, little camping pillow, lightweight tarp for rain cover if needed so I can eat outside, and whatever odds and ends won't fit in my saddle bags, like water sandals that I can wear hiking, around camp, and in the water, surprisingly enough. In one saddle bag goes clothes, reading material and electronics (camera, tablet), the other is my kitchen. Ends up being pretty even. And the dry bag on the back seat doesn't throw off the handling and it makes a perfect backrest. Don't forget to increase your rear pre-load some! I can stay on the road for a couple weeks easy with that set-up, just have to hit the laundromat every 3 or 4 days 'cause I only pack 3 days worth of clothes, plus a warm layer or two. And a hat, couple gallons of water (for camping wild), chargers, Cliff bars, bear spray, and sunscreen. Oh man, now I want to go camping. And the Heritage has got me down some rough forest service roads and whatnot looking for free camping. Awesome bike.
Bungee cords or nets, I have and have used both. Short cords are great for keeping a roll up on top of saddle bags if you're going camping 🏕 and a net to hold your rain gear bag on the pillion.
That little backpack is pretty dang cool. Worst thing I 'strapped' on my bike was hauling my target bow to the archery range. I actually strapped it into my internal frame hunting backpack and wore it. Felt like a damn parachute pulling on me at 80mph. I ended up taking all the back roads and keeping it under 50mph.
I love my 2020 HD Tri-glide for all the frickin' space! Went to Costco and got stares pulling into the parking lot and even more packing it up and leaving. I'm a little gal too, and no one expects the ... reverse on that thang! Boo Yaa!
I wish I could share the photo, but definitely rode with a new rear tire to the HD dealership to have installed. (They wouldn’t price match 🤷♂️) it was slipped over my sissy bar. Got some looks at that one. I ride a Dyna Fat Bob and love the Kuryakyn Freeloader duffle for a sissy bar bag. Ton of space and great rain system too. Was perfect for a 11 day trip.
Spread the load. "Heavy" stuff low down. Pack light. Wear layers. ratchet strap or cargo net is safer than bungee. I usually make up a little list of what's in each compartment (tour pack, saddlebags etc.) so I can find stuff quickly. After a couple of days on the road, you just get familiar. BTW: Check to make sure your saddlebags are strapped closed BEFORE you head out. A buddy of mine lost an apple computer somewhere between Reno and Las Vegas. Great trip. Ride safe everyone.
Nice info, so many ways to pack. But one thing I've learned in over 50 years of motorcycle traveling is you anyways pack too much! Don't pack extra crap just because you have a little extra room. Leave some room to pack up your jacket also makes it easier to get stuff out. Put the stuff you'll grab a lot in the right bag (easier to get to) and rain suit, cover, warmer gloves etc in the slightly harder to use left bag. Joe Z.
Hey John I have the exact same Kuryakyn luggage that you showed, I strap it to the sissy bar and made a couple of attachment points on my 2018 sport glide and it works just fine also it’s close enough it acts as a back rest. Great bag, great bike, great video.
Great job, good topic. I love those little nets that the rice rockets guys once used. I currently have a road glide with backrest. I typically put sleeping bag and tent between me and the backrest Tie them down and put a net over the top. Then you can tuck quick stuff in the net or if you take off your jacket. You can also move the bag around for some back support.
I don't have any type of storage on my '18 Breakout but I like the clean look of that! So I resort to my Maxpedition back pack! It leans with me, I can change the center of gravity with just my riding position... my bag has shoulder straps but also has a waist strap so it's really secure and doesn't move around at all. Works pretty damn good and doubles as my man-purse LOL!!
Great video John lots of helpful tips also gearing up for Daytona in March hopefully I can meet up with while you’re there. Oh yeah in the early 80’s I worked on a carnival and would strap down 2 to 4 cases of beer on the back of a mini bike where there’s a need there’s away.
I had a tank bag, which I never used on the tank afraid of scratching my pain, but it had built in bungee chords and I strap it on my luggage rack and took a surplus army duffel bag and filled with sleeping bag and other extras and bungee chord it to my sissy bar on the passenger seat and it acted as nice back rest for the long ride. Note 180 miles on a 450 was not a whole lot of fun with no touring pegs, so lots of stops to stretch legs and feed it since only had like 2 gallon tank.
I've got a Street Glide with a sissy bar and rack, when riding 2up I put the HD touring bag on the rack, and solo I turn it around on the passenger seat. Works great so far but I do wish I had a locking tour pack for when leaving the bike unattended with the luggage on.
Back in the early 1980's, riding my 1982 Suzuki GS450T, I bungeed a Milk Crate back on my luggage rack, and packed my lunch and tools to the job site everyday for 3 years, rain or shine, summer and winter. My Suzuki was all I had for transportation back then. Now that I think about it, I never considered weight-and-balance, nor installing a windscreen.
Great video John! I have the 18 RG Ultra and have a HD weekender luggage which goes on the pax pillion, perfect size. The craziest thing I carried was a HD seat that was a test loaner from the dealership.., looked screwy bungied on my old Roadking.
I have cargo netted a lawnmower on the back of a bike (boxed) and in the past wheels and a 250cc engine if you can get them inside the axels and tight all is well. Problems start when tour packs (topboxes) are loaded with heavy stuff as they will adversely affect the centre of gravity think about carrying a sledgehammer horizontally with the head furthest from your body.
Giant Loop Columbia dry bag on the Ultra Classic's passenger seat.It rolls from both sides which enables me to adjust the size to fit... and I can leave the sides open and let stuff air out or longer items can hang out a bit. I ride from Far-Nor-Cal to So-Cal frequently. My other bike with Givi side cases will hold my Aerostitch Roadcrafter suit but the bagger's side cases are too small and I need to peel that suit off when I go from the rainy 40's to the sunny 80's in one ride. The Giant Loop Pronghorn straps secure them well or ROK Straps. I still think companies are missing out by not designing Harley friendly tank bags with a channel for the raised panel/console on the tanks. If I were crafty with foams, fabrics, and magnets I'd give it a go.
Although I haven't gotten into long travel just yet maybe in a year or so I want to thank you for this video John Maxwell it's a very helpful and very informational rock on and ride safe
Thanks for video. You gave me some ideas. My son bought me a small soft cooler that holds four bottles of water and a couple ice packs. It fits great in the bag liners for my RG. Since you mentioned it how about doing a review of Rick Rack and a couple others.
That fridge is sick! Those removable bags look amazing! I love your voice and attitude man. Could watch forever! Hope you do more sportster videos! My wife and I just got sportsters. :D thanks man!
Thanks John, some great tips on packing the beer box and saddle bags. Never really had a problem traveling since the wife rides a Spyder RT and tows a trailer, we even put a small 12v cooler in the trailer with loads of room to spare. I discussed packing and towing a trailer with my brother from another mother and hes dead set against towing a trailer on his ultra classic, I could not get a straight answer as to why he wouldn't tow a trailer as he threw out comments like stability and braking ect. I'm looking at putting a tow package on my ultra and I was thinking you could do a vlog on towing trailers. Just food for thought. Cheers.
Hey, John, last year i bought a 2017 street glide, first harley, and had a hard time with the clutch lever, so replaced it with a Oberon adjustable lever and it made a night and day difference for me! I'm using the #2 setting. I'd really like to hear your opinion on adjustable clutch levers. Thanks, I never miss your weekly videos, keep up the great work!
i had the same problem with my 2018 HD tri glide ultra; also the beginning of the friction zone STARTED at my fingertips, forcing me to let go of the handle. changed out to adjustable (closest setting) and that was a life saver. or maybe a bike saver... i was ready to return the bike. for the price we pay, HD bikes should come with adjustable levers... just sayin'.
I brought a rather large library table with 3 cannonball legs on my harley 883 sporty years ago. Tipped it upside down on a plastic milk crate with two bungee cords. Still got the table too. Table was a freebie from a flea market.
I'll be in Daytona the first weekend. As far as packing the bike (limited). I use the saddle bags for tools, and other similar items that do not need to brought into house/hotel. The trunk I use for my laptop bag. I pack my clothes in a rear seat bag, and jackets go into a top trunk bag from T-Bags.
Hey John, Just wanted to say love the channel and had a question for you. I’m a newly Harley-Davidson owner. (Just bought my bike Monday the 21st of January) 2019 Midnight-Blue Street glide. I was wondering if you could do a video talking about Harley-Davidson traditions and why they do each one. Thanks man keep up the good work.
Great video! Have the have the bags for saddlebags great purchase plus travel bags for longer or shopping trips love the collapsible back pack I’m gonna check out the fridge looks nice peace brother great video
I like your new logo! He looks just like you lol... I’m excited for my first trip even tho it isn’t planned yet. I just know it will happen. I haven’t carried nothing yet but I will think about weight distribution... Thanks for another great video and I will be checking on that fridge. I drink more Pepsi than 1 person should in a day. We call soda beverages pop here mostly.... kinda funny to hear.. Thanks again!
I traveled from nys down to Macon Georgia and over to Mississippi on my roadkng has to have my cpap machine strapped to the top of my travel bag. We hauled ass the first day 715 miles from Albany ny to Virginia. I rode myself from Virginia to Macon. Now I have the new heritage so adding a luggage rack for my pack.
During the summer here I try to not drive my car at all, these are just some of the things I've carried on my bike. 2 gallons of windshield washer fluid, they made for a very funny handling bike because the weight moved around a lot, 2.5 gallons of gas, 2 weeks worth of food and fast food in my jacket, I've gone through the drive-thru with my bike too.
For me, it's not a question of bungee cord vs. cargo net... They both have their purposes. If I have larger items (sleeping bag, tent) bungee cords work great to hold those down. If I have multiple smaller items that can't fit in my saddle bags or T-Bag, a cargo net works well. For my long distance rides I use a combination of bungee cords and cargo nets . For day to day travel, I usually only use bungee cords. I keep two bungee cords and a cargo net in my saddle bags at all times.
Good to see you talkin about some handy gear. Good tips to help rack up the miles with less hassle. Speaking of gear, I just saw HD jumped on the Lithium battery bandwagon. Could you do an overview and bring us up to day on the MoCo's latest and greatest batteries?
Your getting awesome at editing! This was one of my favourite vids. I’m going away with the guys this Australia Day weekend and bungie cord is my method. It was like 46 degrees here today, so too hot for a backpack.
When I used my Fat boy for trips I used both bungee cords and the bungee cargo nets but the nets definitely are awesome you can really stuff a lot of crap under them. Now I am on a road glide and I still carry a bungee cord just in case, but I use the net on the rack on the tour pack for my go to...
I work in oilfield, travel a bit... I’m a pack rat... liked the advise about balanced packing and loose straps. How did you mount your GoPro on helmet?
I rode a 48 and now an FXDR, so I have no space for luggage and I don't like the look of bags (I'm young and dumb). So I ride with a backpack every time I go out. I keep some emergency items and a change of clothes in there just in case. It works well for me.
Bass guitar and amp. Truck wouldn’t start and ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Awesome videos man keep up the great work and get us some stickers we can buy to help support your channel.
Hey john, thanks for all the great videos. Very helpful. I’ll be in Daytona from 3/10 to 3/15. Staying in Edgewater and have around 600 miles of riding planned so far. Let us know where u are going to be.
I will be in Daytona that last Saturday. I live in Jacksonville so just a quick hop and I am there. ride down A1A for the best scenic ride. hope to see you. let us know where you might be. I got the exact same bike as you so I enjoy hearing and seeing it. I did get rid of the chrome gas caps and went with gloss black. looks so good.
Forget that fancy tour pack. Go for the four point docking system and click a sissy bar and a luggage rack on your bike. Then put the Kuryakyn tour bag on the luggage rack and a second bag on the passenger seat. And also a adjustable backrest to finish it off. And finally put the two crasbar bags on your bike and you're set for a ten day trip. Use no bungee cords, but buy some cheap cargo straps at your local car part dealer. Did ride like this for the last 15 years.
I would like to hear and see, your take on tire pressure monitoring systems? I cant find much of importance on the subject. And what i can find is lacking. Do these things affect tire balance? Etc... thanks for all the good info!
Two things that always occur on a bike trip: Being too hot, being too cold. I ride an FLSTN with a solo seat, I routinely strap used MC parts on the little rack. Once I had to use my belt to keep rim a tied down.
Hey John, The strangest thing I had tied to my sissy bar was a 1/4 keg of Bud. I used to carry cases all the time (on the tank not strapped down) but a 1/4 keg is a little harder. But when you're thirsty and there's a dozen or so guys counting on you, you must come thru. THE GOOD OLD DAYS - Can't do that today without ending up behind bars. lol - later
For the past year or so I've been using 'ROK Motorcycle Adjustable Strap' (got them off amazon): they're much better than bungee cords, cos you can release the tension before you unhook them. Ever been caught by a sharp bungee hook on a colde morning? Ouuch.
John, what windshield bag do you have attached? I bought the same year and model bike and wanted a windshield bag but didn't want to damage the blackened lower part of the shield. Also like your videos on DIY on your bike.
I've strapped a weed whacker to my luggage tack and filled my hard bags with repair tools. (Drills, bolts, extra drill batteries, etc) I used to use my bike more often for repair/weed trimming when the houses were 2 hrs away.
My Father in law strapped a Honda VTX 1800 motor to the back seat and rode from Maine to Ontario Canada. No joke. May he rest in peace. Great guy die hard biker.
Quick tip I learned last year packing my 115th Anniversary Heritage for my trip to Milwaukee: YES, use the saddlebag liners BUT put them inside your bag first!! I found the liners way easy to stuff with all sorts of clothing but when I went to put them in my saddlebags they were too big, forcing me to take a bunch of stuff out and repacking it in all.
Even though I use tour pak and saddlebag liners, for long trips I still use huge ziplock bags and one-gallon ziplock bags. Two reasons. I put clothes in huge bags, just in case I hit a heavy downpour and some water still sneaks in to the saddlebag. I also put toiletry, sunscreen, drinks and other liquid-ish things in ziplock bags so they don't soak or mess with other things in my liners.
Great tip
Same here love those ziplock bags
Yep love the big zip lock bags, roll'em up from the bottom works like a vacuum bag and keeps everything dry, and you can pack a lot more clothes
Matt Page thanks for the tip. That’s a great idea.
I carried a full set of baseball catcher's gear plus a batting helmet and 2 bats in a duffle bag on my seat in addition to a weekend's worth of clothes in a t-bag on the backrest/luggage rack. On the return trip I had all the above plus I had a set of crutches. I zip tied the rubber stomper end to each passenger footpeg and the tops were tied to the backrest for a 2 1/2 hour ride home. I wore an electric guitar in a backpack case that I picked up at a flea market. I strapped a 3 foot tall beer can shaped cooler (Pete's Wicked Ale) on my backrest from a flea market. The best one though was a .44 caliber Marlin lever rifle in a soft case.
Subscribed. A buddy recommended your videos because I'm learning how to maintain my Ultra Limited. I was not disappointed... entertaining and informative.
Used T-Bag brand for over 20 years. Started with a simple backpack to the backrest, to a large tour pack and roll combo for the backrest/passenger seat. Was actually ready to get a new set this year....and found out they no longer exist. Time to research a new brand. Maybe that Kuryakan like you showed 🤷♂️. Great video and tips.
I just rode from the east coast of Florida to the west coast on my sportster. I bungee corded a backpack to the sissy bar. Fun times!!
BEACHBIKER treasure coast to around the Bradenton area.
I love my Harley bag that sits on the passenger seat and velcro‘s to the back rest. My buddy and I ride across country. Thanks for the information, I learn something new every time I watch your videos.
Dude, you are becoming an editing Mavin! I have been watching your videos for over a year and thought it was good before,
but your last couple have gone to a different level!
Thanks man!
John, you've convinced me to get Saddle Bag Liners for my Road King...You've shown me how convenient they can be! Great content and I love how you take a simple topic like "Packing your motorcycle" and make it interesting, and entertaining....and we actually learn something that we can use!....Priceless! Thanks John!
I use the soft Harley bag that sits on a rear rack and goes over the passenger back rest. I put all my clothes in there and since I never fill it up.. I’ve got space for stuff I buy!
Keep these awesome videos coming brother!!
I was on my Electra Glide Sport in about 94 traveling (solo) home from Penticton BC to Lodi CA. Somewhere in Oregon there was a yard art place by the road and I bought 2 plastic pink flamingos with the metal rod legs that you stab in the ground. Wrapped them in a garbage bag and bungeed them to my back seat. About half way home the bag disintegrated and my cargo was in plain view. Looked pretty goofy but my wife was delighted with the gift.
Wish I could add pictures to my comments! First trip to Sturgis from Las Vegas on my 2010 V-Rod Muscle I had no saddlebags & no sissy bar! I had a Biker’s Friend round bag, a Kriega backpack, & two water proof bags with my camping gear. All strapped to the fender with ROK straps, a cargo net, & a couple of bungee cords! Second trip in 2018 with the same bike, but now with a sissy bar! Got an awesome Bitwell Exfil-80 sissy bar bag (80 is how many cans of beers it holds), a Kuryakn Momentum bag, & one waterproof bag for my tent & air mat. Used some Perfect Bungees as well & had the ROK straps just in case. I tell everyone to invest in quality bungee cords & nets, and I swear by ROK straps. Safe travels!
I did a 3000 mile trip on my 2014 883 Iron. Half way through the trip I was given a cargo net and that thing is the best! Ive bough a few more since then.
The saddlebag liners are a game changer. I prefer a bag on a luggage rack vs a tourpack. Lower and not as much weight. But that’s just me. The tourpack is definitely handy.
When I travel on a long haul, vacuum bags are a must! Five days of cloths (two jeans, three shirts and five sets of socks and undies) lay flat and store nicely in the tour pack or saddle bag. Always a full leathers (chaps and jacket) and a hoodie. Small bag for the grooming and cleaning essentials. Hidden supply of cash and emergency plastic, usually a reloadable card, is something most I talk to overlook and I highly recommend.
The every ride gear I carry are a set of rain gear, tool kit, elastic cords, map (usually the HOG atlas), extra bulbs and fuses, loose change for tolls, charging cords and battery packs, flashlight, sunscreen, two handkerchiefs and a change of socks. All these fit nicely in the top of the saddlebag/tourpak organizers, lower fairing storage and the windshield bags. Now mid you I ride an FLHTK and can vary all this with plenty of room and weight to spare, if you ride a smaller bike like the 2000 sportster I had prior, all these EDC items Fit nicely on that bike too with room to spare. All trial and error for me bit the ideas are endless for each rider. That’s my two cents. Dirty side down brothers.
I’ve strapped all kinds of stuff to my bikes over the years. New tire sets, bags of baseball equipment for the boys, cubes of beer, and probably the largest load was three duffel bags of Army stuff after a deployment.
It’s all about how you load it. John, you hit it pretty well but kinda missed the load triangle piece. MSF has a good graphic for what I’m talking about. This video kinda gave me an idea for a winter workshop at the dealership! Thanks!!
Used to back pack it light, then I bought a Biltwell Exfil 80 for the sissy bar. You can fit a crap load in there plus it has molle straps for add on capability. That bag got me through 15 states and part of Canada in one trip.
In addition to an extra jacket, rain gear, and gloves: I also throw in the bike cover when I'm going to be gone for multiple days. (out of site out of mind) However that trike cover takes up about 25% of my trunk space, it's huge. Good video, very informative.
I've got the same Kuryakyn bag and it was a perfect fit for the passenger seat on my 04 softail on our trip to Sturgis. Also worked great on luggage rack on 12 roadglide on Milwaukee rally trip.
Rode home with my wife holding tomato cages and some 5' pieces of PEX tubing
I really miss your videos, but glad Maxwell Motorcycles'' is doing so amazing!!!!
I KNEW we had multiple sun's. No one believed me till you came along. I strapped alot of beer to sissy bars, and alot of McDonald's to a rigid chop. Awesome video John !!
Great vid. The tips are very helpful for people learning to tour. Thanks for caring about the people, not just selling products. Much Love and Respect Sir!
John, One thing I Always carry on long trips is a couple of cheap blue 9X12 tarps along with some paracord.. They pack small and can make a nice dry shelter, tent, ground cover ect when ya pull off and spend the night in the woods.. Of course I tend to find back roads and spend my nights in the woods instead of motels even at my age but I like trips that can take weeks of back roads and national forest camping...
John, back in the 70's crossed country several times on a CB750 while in the Army with a duffel bag strapped to the sissy bar. It also acted as a good backrest. Now I "Tour" the country on a Goldwing and pull a small trailer, my how times have changed. But the wife loves it. We know "happy Wife, happy "Life". When just myself, I use the bag liners and rack bag and can travel for weeks. Oh by the way Mesh jackets are great for ventilation and protection, I cannot wear the Leather too hot!
I have used the Lazy Rider cycle bag for years. Love it. makes a great backrest for the rider when used in the passenger seat and if you have a passenger it rides behind the backrest very well and has outside pockets and d rings! and I like both bungee cords and bungee nets
I just hooked saddlebags on, and a $200 Harbor freight trailer behind my 883 Sportster and rode it from Philly to Texas then to Key West and back. No problems. The extra axle handled the extra weight at 70mph just fine.
I used my 13 Deluxe as my only vehicle for about 2 months when my truck was in the body shop. Had to grocery shop several times during that span. So I bought surplus army laundry bags and filled them up with my groceries and strapped them to the bike. One of those times I had a 50lb bag of dog food along with the two army bags strapped to the bike. Still managed to hit 80+ on the highway on my way home. Dumb move, yes but it was fun.
Edit: this was mid-winter in Denver at the time.
I use a large dry bag across my rear seat, held in place with ROK straps, which are one of the best things ever. WAAAYYY better than bungee cords. In the dry bag goes my tent, sleeping bag and pad, little camping pillow, lightweight tarp for rain cover if needed so I can eat outside, and whatever odds and ends won't fit in my saddle bags, like water sandals that I can wear hiking, around camp, and in the water, surprisingly enough. In one saddle bag goes clothes, reading material and electronics (camera, tablet), the other is my kitchen. Ends up being pretty even. And the dry bag on the back seat doesn't throw off the handling and it makes a perfect backrest. Don't forget to increase your rear pre-load some! I can stay on the road for a couple weeks easy with that set-up, just have to hit the laundromat every 3 or 4 days 'cause I only pack 3 days worth of clothes, plus a warm layer or two. And a hat, couple gallons of water (for camping wild), chargers, Cliff bars, bear spray, and sunscreen. Oh man, now I want to go camping. And the Heritage has got me down some rough forest service roads and whatnot looking for free camping. Awesome bike.
Bungee cords or nets, I have and have used both. Short cords are great for keeping a roll up on top of saddle bags if you're going camping 🏕 and a net to hold your rain gear bag on the pillion.
I don't do a lot of long rides but your advise seems solid based on the few trips I have made...thanks!
I'm going, we are staying at the Kriver. I can't wait. Looking foreward to meeting you.
That little backpack is pretty dang cool.
Worst thing I 'strapped' on my bike was hauling my target bow to the archery range. I actually strapped it into my internal frame hunting backpack and wore it. Felt like a damn parachute pulling on me at 80mph. I ended up taking all the back roads and keeping it under 50mph.
I love my 2020 HD Tri-glide for all the frickin' space! Went to Costco and got stares pulling into the parking lot and even more packing it up and leaving. I'm a little gal too, and no one expects the ... reverse on that thang! Boo Yaa!
that fold up backpack is brilliant !
I wish I could share the photo, but definitely rode with a new rear tire to the HD dealership to have installed. (They wouldn’t price match 🤷♂️) it was slipped over my sissy bar. Got some looks at that one.
I ride a Dyna Fat Bob and love the Kuryakyn Freeloader duffle for a sissy bar bag. Ton of space and great rain system too. Was perfect for a 11 day trip.
Love your videos. I strapped a Fishing pole, and tackle bag to the top of my saddle bag with straps.
I used the same kuriakyn bag on my 97 dyna low rider. It worked great as a back rest when by myself.
When I had my XVS650A I strapped a 5 foot tall STANLEY brand sack truck/hand trolley to my cargo rack.
Spread the load. "Heavy" stuff low down. Pack light. Wear layers. ratchet strap or cargo net is safer than bungee. I usually make up a little list of what's in each compartment (tour pack, saddlebags etc.) so I can find stuff quickly. After a couple of days on the road, you just get familiar. BTW: Check to make sure your saddlebags are strapped closed BEFORE you head out. A buddy of mine lost an apple computer somewhere between Reno and Las Vegas. Great trip. Ride safe everyone.
Oh, I brought an 8ft Ground Rod home from Lowe's once too! From Engine guard across the bags gap and tied a Red bandana on the end! OORAH
That tiny back pack is cool!
That little foldable bag is cool, will have to invest in one. I have a kegerator in game room, but was thinking about a mini fridge for garage.
Nice info, so many ways to pack. But one thing I've learned in over 50 years of motorcycle traveling is you anyways pack too much! Don't pack extra crap just because you have a little extra room. Leave some room to pack up your jacket also makes it easier to get stuff out. Put the stuff you'll grab a lot in the right bag (easier to get to) and rain suit, cover, warmer gloves etc in the slightly harder to use left bag. Joe Z.
Hey John I have the exact same Kuryakyn luggage that you showed, I strap it to the sissy bar and made a couple of attachment points on my 2018 sport glide and it works just fine also it’s close enough it acts as a back rest. Great bag, great bike, great video.
Great job, good topic. I love those little nets that the rice rockets guys once used. I currently have a road glide with backrest. I typically put sleeping bag and tent between me and the backrest Tie them down and put a net over the top. Then you can tuck quick stuff in the net or if you take off your jacket. You can also move the bag around for some back support.
I don't have any type of storage on my '18 Breakout but I like the clean look of that! So I resort to my Maxpedition back pack! It leans with me, I can change the center of gravity with just my riding position... my bag has shoulder straps but also has a waist strap so it's really secure and doesn't move around at all. Works pretty damn good and doubles as my man-purse LOL!!
Great video John lots of helpful tips also gearing up for Daytona in March hopefully I can meet up with while you’re there. Oh yeah in the early 80’s I worked on a carnival and would strap down 2 to 4 cases of beer on the back of a mini bike where there’s a need there’s away.
I had a tank bag, which I never used on the tank afraid of scratching my pain, but it had built in bungee chords and I strap it on my luggage rack and took a surplus army duffel bag and filled with sleeping bag and other extras and bungee chord it to my sissy bar on the passenger seat and it acted as nice back rest for the long ride. Note 180 miles on a 450 was not a whole lot of fun with no touring pegs, so lots of stops to stretch legs and feed it since only had like 2 gallon tank.
I've got a Street Glide with a sissy bar and rack, when riding 2up I put the HD touring bag on the rack, and solo I turn it around on the passenger seat. Works great so far but I do wish I had a locking tour pack for when leaving the bike unattended with the luggage on.
Back in the early 1980's, riding my 1982 Suzuki GS450T, I bungeed a Milk Crate back on my luggage rack, and packed my lunch and tools to the job site everyday for 3 years, rain or shine, summer and winter. My Suzuki was all I had for transportation back then. Now that I think about it, I never considered weight-and-balance, nor installing a windscreen.
Great video John! I have the 18 RG Ultra and have a HD weekender luggage which goes on the pax pillion, perfect size. The craziest thing I carried was a HD seat that was a test loaner from the dealership.., looked screwy bungied on my old Roadking.
I did carry a new seat home on the back of an old seat once, too. Haha
I have cargo netted a lawnmower on the back of a bike (boxed) and in the past wheels and a 250cc engine if you can get them inside the axels and tight all is well. Problems start when tour packs (topboxes) are loaded with heavy stuff as they will adversely affect the centre of gravity think about carrying a sledgehammer horizontally with the head furthest from your body.
Giant Loop Columbia dry bag on the Ultra Classic's passenger seat.It rolls from both sides which enables me to adjust the size to fit... and I can leave the sides open and let stuff air out or longer items can hang out a bit. I ride from Far-Nor-Cal to So-Cal frequently. My other bike with Givi side cases will hold my Aerostitch Roadcrafter suit but the bagger's side cases are too small and I need to peel that suit off when I go from the rainy 40's to the sunny 80's in one ride. The Giant Loop Pronghorn straps secure them well or ROK Straps.
I still think companies are missing out by not designing Harley friendly tank bags with a channel for the raised panel/console on the tanks. If I were crafty with foams, fabrics, and magnets I'd give it a go.
Although I haven't gotten into long travel just yet maybe in a year or so I want to thank you for this video John Maxwell it's a very helpful and very informational rock on and ride safe
Thank you! This was great. I’m going to take my sportster tent camping this summer and those were some helpful tips!
Wife & I are riding up to DC in May for Rolling🏍Thunder this year,🤘🏻
I have been in the past but have made the choice to never ride into or through any place that I can't carry my concealed sidearm legally..
Thanks for video. You gave me some ideas. My son bought me a small soft cooler that holds four bottles of water and a couple ice packs. It fits great in the bag liners for my RG. Since you mentioned it how about doing a review of Rick Rack and a couple others.
That fridge is sick! Those removable bags look amazing! I love your voice and attitude man. Could watch forever! Hope you do more sportster videos! My wife and I just got sportsters. :D thanks man!
Thanks John, some great tips on packing the beer box and saddle bags. Never really had a problem traveling since the wife rides a Spyder RT and tows a trailer, we even put a small 12v cooler in the trailer with loads of room to spare. I discussed packing and towing a trailer with my brother from another mother and hes dead set against towing a trailer on his ultra classic, I could not get a straight answer as to why he wouldn't tow a trailer as he threw out comments like stability and braking ect. I'm looking at putting a tow package on my ultra and I was thinking you could do a vlog on towing trailers. Just food for thought. Cheers.
Hey, John, last year i bought a 2017 street glide, first harley, and had a hard time with the clutch lever, so replaced it with a Oberon adjustable lever and it made a night and day difference for me! I'm using the #2 setting. I'd really like to hear your opinion on adjustable clutch levers. Thanks, I never miss your weekly videos, keep up the great work!
i had the same problem with my 2018 HD tri glide ultra; also the beginning of the friction zone STARTED at my fingertips, forcing me to let go of the handle. changed out to adjustable (closest setting) and that was a life saver. or maybe a bike saver... i was ready to return the bike. for the price we pay, HD bikes should come with adjustable levers... just sayin'.
I brought a rather large library table with 3 cannonball legs on my harley 883 sporty years ago. Tipped it upside down on a plastic milk crate with two bungee cords. Still got the table too. Table was a freebie from a flea market.
I'll be in Daytona the first weekend. As far as packing the bike (limited). I use the saddle bags for tools, and other similar items that do not need to brought into house/hotel. The trunk I use for my laptop bag. I pack my clothes in a rear seat bag, and jackets go into a top trunk bag from T-Bags.
Hey John, Just wanted to say love the channel and had a question for you. I’m a newly Harley-Davidson owner. (Just bought my bike Monday the 21st of January) 2019 Midnight-Blue Street glide. I was wondering if you could do a video talking about Harley-Davidson traditions and why they do each one. Thanks man keep up the good work.
Great video! Have the have the bags for saddlebags great purchase plus travel bags for longer or shopping trips love the collapsible back pack I’m gonna check out the fridge looks nice peace brother great video
I like your new logo! He looks just like you lol... I’m excited for my first trip even tho it isn’t planned yet. I just know it will happen. I haven’t carried nothing yet but I will think about weight distribution... Thanks for another great video and I will be checking on that fridge. I drink more Pepsi than 1 person should in a day. We call soda beverages pop here mostly.... kinda funny to hear.. Thanks again!
I traveled from nys down to Macon Georgia and over to Mississippi on my roadkng has to have my cpap machine strapped to the top of my travel bag. We hauled ass the first day 715 miles from Albany ny to Virginia. I rode myself from Virginia to Macon. Now I have the new heritage so adding a luggage rack for my pack.
Lovin the foldup backpack idea John! Havent noticed one of those in the catalog...gonna have to inquire. Great tips!
During the summer here I try to not drive my car at all, these are just some of the things I've carried on my bike. 2 gallons of windshield washer fluid, they made for a very funny handling bike because the weight moved around a lot, 2.5 gallons of gas, 2 weeks worth of food and fast food in my jacket, I've gone through the drive-thru with my bike too.
For me, it's not a question of bungee cord vs. cargo net... They both have their purposes. If I have larger items (sleeping bag, tent) bungee cords work great to hold those down. If I have multiple smaller items that can't fit in my saddle bags or T-Bag, a cargo net works well. For my long distance rides I use a combination of bungee cords and cargo nets . For day to day travel, I usually only use bungee cords. I keep two bungee cords and a cargo net in my saddle bags at all times.
Good to see you talkin about some handy gear. Good tips to help rack up the miles with less hassle. Speaking of gear, I just saw HD jumped on the Lithium battery bandwagon. Could you do an overview and bring us up to day on the MoCo's latest and greatest batteries?
What kind of RUclipsr would I be if I didn’t? I’m working on it soon!
@@TheHarleyTech you the man!
Thanks for the great tips John. I need to look into some different bags for my bike.
Your getting awesome at editing! This was one of my favourite vids. I’m going away with the guys this Australia Day weekend and bungie cord is my method. It was like 46 degrees here today, so too hot for a backpack.
I will be at Bike Week 2019 for the first weekend. Hope to see you there!
When I used my Fat boy for trips I used both bungee cords and the bungee cargo nets but the nets definitely are awesome you can really stuff a lot of crap under them. Now I am on a road glide and I still carry a bungee cord just in case, but I use the net on the rack on the tour pack for my go to...
As always, great video and thank you for what you do for us!
I work in oilfield, travel a bit... I’m a pack rat... liked the advise about balanced packing and loose straps.
How did you mount your GoPro on helmet?
I rode a 48 and now an FXDR, so I have no space for luggage and I don't like the look of bags (I'm young and dumb). So I ride with a backpack every time I go out. I keep some emergency items and a change of clothes in there just in case. It works well for me.
Bass guitar and amp. Truck wouldn’t start and ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Awesome videos man keep up the great work and get us some stickers we can buy to help support your channel.
Hey john, thanks for all the great videos. Very helpful. I’ll be in Daytona from 3/10 to 3/15. Staying in Edgewater and have around 600 miles of riding planned so far. Let us know where u are going to be.
Watermelon in my shirt. Looked like I was 8 months along.
ROK straps alway come in handy.
A great fan of your videos, John. I have a 2012 Heritage Softail over here in Australia. Am looking forward to future videos.
Hey John speaking of your Paris trip what audio device were you using to listen to music, was it your helmet or portable speakers?
I like ROK straps. They work great for securing items.
I will be in Daytona that last Saturday. I live in Jacksonville so just a quick hop and I am there. ride down A1A for the best scenic ride. hope to see you. let us know where you might be. I got the exact same bike as you so I enjoy hearing and seeing it. I did get rid of the chrome gas caps and went with gloss black. looks so good.
After handlebars there is definitely a handful of “trim” pieces that need some work on mine!
Forget that fancy tour pack. Go for the four point docking system and click a sissy bar and a luggage rack on your bike. Then put the Kuryakyn tour bag on the luggage rack and a second bag on the passenger seat. And also a adjustable backrest to finish it off. And finally put the two crasbar bags on your bike and you're set for a ten day trip. Use no bungee cords, but buy some cheap cargo straps at your local car part dealer. Did ride like this for the last 15 years.
We're flying in fro the UK to go to bike week, Hope to see you there.
Cargo net and some bungees always in my bags. Bungee can be more handy and quicker depending on situation. 2009 FXSTC Ride safe
I would like to hear and see, your take on tire pressure monitoring systems? I cant find much of importance on the subject. And what i can find is lacking. Do these things affect tire balance? Etc... thanks for all the good info!
Two things that always occur on a bike trip: Being too hot, being too cold. I ride an FLSTN with a solo seat, I routinely strap used MC parts on the little rack. Once I had to use my belt to keep rim a tied down.
I'm really digging your ride brother
Looks great with the bags and trunk
Hey John, The strangest thing I had tied to my sissy bar was a 1/4 keg of Bud. I used to carry cases all the time (on the tank not strapped down) but a 1/4 keg is a little harder. But when you're thirsty and there's a dozen or so guys counting on you, you must come thru. THE GOOD OLD DAYS - Can't do that today without ending up behind bars. lol - later
Good video John with lots of great information. I’m going to check out the Fridge link.
Strapped my wife to the sissy bar👍😅
For the past year or so I've been using 'ROK Motorcycle Adjustable Strap' (got them off amazon): they're much better than bungee cords, cos you can release the tension before you unhook them. Ever been caught by a sharp bungee hook on a colde morning? Ouuch.
John, what windshield bag do you have attached? I bought the same year and model bike and wanted a windshield bag but didn't want to damage the blackened lower part of the shield. Also like your videos on DIY on your bike.
Hi John I once took my divers air tank to get re filled on the back seat of my sportster.
I am going to Daytona bike week hope to see you there and great video thanks for sharing keep up the good work
I've strapped a weed whacker to my luggage tack and filled my hard bags with repair tools. (Drills, bolts, extra drill batteries, etc) I used to use my bike more often for repair/weed trimming when the houses were 2 hrs away.
July 4th beer run, decided I also needed a watermelon! Lot boy assisted with shrink wrapping it to rear of bike LOL