Thank you. I have camped for many years. At age 55 i am now traveling alone and doing a lot of motorcycle camping. The info you provided is excellent and spot on.
You are going to have an hard enough time on the road. The last time that you want is sleeping somewhere that is not comfortable. Take a good tent with you. Excellent advice (and we know about tents!). You just listed a lot of excellent tips! Thanks
Hi Chris, I don't usually post comments but I want to thank you for taking the time and care to post this up. I've gotten the adventuring itch but life's kept me from doing my research/getting experience with shorter (learner) trips. Your video helped a lot. I hope your trip goes really well!
I’ve never been on a long ride but you sir, have manage to inspire me to give it a go. I most certainly will use your video as my guide. Thank you for an outstanding gift - your insight and honesty is most appreciated!
This video was great man! Really appreciate you taking the time to thoroughly go over in detail and explain to people the reasons to why and why not to take certain gear. Thanks buddy I learnt a lot !
I loved your video, straight forward and to the point. I thank you for making it ignore the idiots that don't do anything…..my favorite quote is " those that say it can't be done, need to get out of the way of the one who is doing it."
Rohinton Todywalla One of these days, i have heaps of videos and will start uploading soon. But always take a stator and regulator, clutch cable and clutch lever with you.
I have an adventure coming up real soon! I've always wanted to travel in this fashion and I'm gearing up to finally do it. Thought since it will be my 1st time I'm planning my trip more from hotel to hotel with some camping in between. Thank you so much for this video.
Thanks Chris, great video and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Planning a Cape to Cairo trip later this year and this video was very valuable to me. Safe travels.
1. Camping (wild or not). You can even sleep next to the Gas Stations (open 24h / has light / has shower sometimes / has a shop) 2. Couchsurfing 3. Meeting people 4. A cute hotel from time to time to enjoy it
Wow, gr8 vdo on pakcing 4 motorcycle tour. My exact thoughts on videos, photos, electronics, sleep & cook equipment. Now that U've done it over few years, I know I can do it over short or long trips. Again, thx again.
Hi i am here in the uk. Loved your video. Plenty of sensible advice. Good you take time to do this for us. I am just starting out here, So many places for me to try out here in the uk, Hopefully once i get the cofidence will try further afeild. Thank you so much
Really informative video from a man who is living an amazing life. Your right about the electronics as well; I was on a bike in india and came back with just a few photos which sadly got lost over time, but the trip.... I'm subbuing you to see how you are getting on.
Really interesting and some great tips. Just realised that I'm gonna need a bigger bike if I want to carry all that stuff with me (loved the idea of the iron skillet - let no man be without his creature comforts) - along with some serious squat workouts for when I drop it.
Great video. Informative. I've done all kinds of riding and racing on & off road, but not moto camping. Can't wait to start small with my WR450F. Rock on & enjoy the world!
When I was a kid, I was in love with big Fours of the 70’s, they were elegant, all metal and they had my heart racing every time I saw one. That probably is the biggest reason I chose the GS but in technical terms, it’s a shaft drive bike so no messing with chains, it’s a freight train, so it hauls all the load I need and as you can see I have a house full, it has a wide seat, so it’s comfortable in long ride unlike dual sport bikes, it has a low center of gravity so it’s stable on dirt with
Basic bike you can get for under $2K, no name brand gear. Not shilling any brand of motorycycle specific stuff. Travels world making videos about it. Beautiful.
thank you for the video ! great ideas , great info for anyone who is considering motorbiking on long trips ... thank you !! you are quite an inspiration !
Hi Chris, excellent adventure your on. Thanks for all the info. And tips. I do not agree with all of your reasoning for bringing certain items, but hey your there and I am stuck here in BOise IDaho for awhile yet until I can do my own adventure. Good luck have fun and keep the rubber down.
Great video. It's amazing how points you have touched on that are already in my kit. I have been refining it for some time now and though I haven't traveled long duration like you (yet) it's good to know I'm on the right track. Rubber side down!
Nice to see someone doing a motorbike tour on a motorbike, and not something that is more like a small car. If your bike costs as much as a small car, and uses more petrol (once you've covered it in your gear) you may as well take a small car and never get wet! The best thing I can think to add is to fit two or three 12 volt sockets to your bike and charge your stuff on the go. I also charged power banks on the go, so I had plenty to charge cameras, video cameras and my phone whilst camping somewhere without power. O and do not use a 12v to USB converter on a 12v socket mounted to your bars, they won't last a day! use an extension and put it somewhere cushioned.
+Chuck “Charlie” Tate And the flare gun too! Never thought of that, great fucking idea. Always worried that when I'm camping a bear is gonna sneak up on me and all I got is a knife for defense, not any more.
I've been planning a trip to start in a months time, this video has been very helpful. Although it does seem like a lot of stuff, however your trip is a lot longer than my planned one. I'm glad and surprised how fast technology has advanced though, as I only need my one compact dslr with 2 lenses, ultralight laptop and external drive which takes up hardly any space in comparison to the older tech. got an action cam on the helmet too.
Very cool video. You must get to see so many great sites doing this. I appreciate the good tips also as I may take an adventure with my dual sport bike soon but not 5 years hehe.
He is a wild man indeed :) I do have a hammock with me but I only use it in very humid and hot weather. When it's windy and and when you're in a desert with no trees, hammock is useless. Another bad thing about it is that i have to leave my stuff (riding gear, tank bag,...) outside or hang them up high. Tent is a must, no matter what.
Excellent video, very informative. 5year trip !!?? Dude !! Sticky side down buddy, stay safe !I've got a 23 day tour of the Spanish Pyrennes in May'Jun this year which will be fun!
i envy you so.. i live in a very technical world and have a very technological job and often i fantasize about hopping on my bike and getting away if even for a week or two. keep riding and keep it between the ditches my friend.
Chris very good video and very helpful, in Chile almost everywhere there is WiFi that as information for you next trip, we will be waiting in Chile. slds., Fernando
damn!!! boy... I loved your video! to the point and practical well done,and very informative.I showed this video to my wife, we travel a lot by bike and she just loves to pack! I mean, really.. shit that we don't really need. this video solidifies what I've been telling her like for ever! we always argue during the packing stage.. I was always right! thank you!!
pretty awesome tour he did. these days my phone will cover pretty much everything electronic he has plus a otg cable and some 128gb memory sticks and a online storage. put it in a case put in a 12v bike lead and use it as your satnav as well but a second satnav would be better
Hey Chris , great video! But to help others here: I think tubeless are the way to go, but carry the extra tubes as a back up or at list the rear one. Fixing a tire on a bad or unsafe location it's an unpleasure experience. Today battery packs can charge everything (also works like a jump starter), new Iphones are great, but low light condition they suck, go pros are ok, but wont substitute the DSL cameras yet, plus the quality of the lenses, (new ones are mirror less and more compact) sleeping air pads are personal preference, I use, got couple holds, repair and are they are space saver, but making a lot noise, Camelbacks are awesome specially when you ride on warm/hot weathers, and you keep drinking riding, by the time you are thirsty, you all ready are or start to get dehydrated. I hate the weight in my shoulder and 2/3 liters gets heavy, I have a small 1.5l inside the tank bag or strap the cameleback in the rear seat, make an extension for the hose and you all set. In this case drink and drive it's allowed : ) This is my 2 cents. Happy travels everyone.
Hey Chris - Great video- very informative. KISS [keep it simple etc] is the answer eh One thing I do thats saved me a lot of hassle is get a good size needle and sharpen it to scalpel edge - carry it in your wallet so its always with you. You can dig out thorns , drain a small wound, quick patch with dental floss or... Also I carry a good folding jack knife and butane lighter- handy. I used to carry bear [ goon] spray small in my pocket but it went off! Felt that for a couple days- ride safe
Good travelling video. Your advice actually works for commuters as well when travelling locally. You should make the title more easier to find so other travelers can find this video and not just motorcycle riders. But still I love the video. Thanks for sharing
Well done sir. I liked it. Makes you stop and think about what you really need, or consider a luxury item or a "must have". Everyone will have their own opinion, for those that don't get that, well.... anyway, I liked it.
Nice vid! Generally I agree on everything you said but the fact that you are carrying only one pair of shoes. You said it yourself, redundancy is the key. I carry a pair of sports shoes with me also. Great for hiking, walking etc. I got riding boots from Daytona. The Trans Open GTX, it's water proof and it's also nice to walk in it. This boot is the best I ever had.
Well, if you're going to live away from home for a long time you might as well bring the whole house with you haha. Very nice video and it's good to see what someone with the experience carries. There are so many guys on you tube making some "survival kits" in case you get lost in the middle of Zanzibar but they never leave the house. It's good to know that all of this shit fits on a bike, even the tool box... My favorites: Tent, sleeping bag and pad, ax, mosquito net and of course the skillet - i love the skillet =) Get one of those folding saws too!
I agree with camera get a good camera if you spending 150 dollar you get what you pay for. No cell camera takes good pictures. Love this video so pumped to pack my stuff and see this country.
Nice vid, man, your travel redefines what most of us understand as a "big trip" on a bike. I´m planning one myself, and I almost feel embarrassed about my "problems" after seeing a guy who carries a flare gun, just in case he has to shoot someone... :D It only inspires me to move forward, though. Anyway, thanks a lot for this vid, and I will be definitely checking your website, maybe pestering you a bit with my own project, if that doesn´t bust your balls too much. Best of lucks, mate.
Part 2: good tires and most of all, it’s a time proven machine. You can always find a part and modify it to your need with a bike like this, but you break a shock on a BMW and you are stock until you get your part in from US or Europe. And if it ever goes missing, you’ll be out of a couple of thousand dollars rather than 20 grand. It has shortcomings but it’s been doing one hell of a job for its age and its class. Cheers, Chris
chris may god watch over you and bless you in youre travels. i also own an old gs850l.bullet proof bike with its 6 race roller bearing bottom end.lots of useful info. consider getting a 2meter and 40 meter ham radio.qrp rigs,simple to use,low power and world wide comunication on 40 w/bike battery and 33 feet of wire.
Thank you. I have camped for many years. At age 55 i am now traveling alone and doing a lot of motorcycle camping. The info you provided is excellent and spot on.
Seeing this seven years later and still many good tips. Thanks.
You are going to have an hard enough time on the road. The last time that you want is sleeping somewhere that is not comfortable. Take a good tent with you.
Excellent advice (and we know about tents!).
You just listed a lot of excellent tips!
Thanks
It's amazing how far camera phones have come since 2011. All good info though. Thanks for sharing with us your techniques!
Excellemt video. I travelled across Europe a couple of times and you have taught me about cooking staff and security! Congratulations!
I am so stoked to see a Suzuki GS850G still running strong! Great bike!
Hi Chris, I don't usually post comments but I want to thank you for taking the time and care to post this up. I've gotten the adventuring itch but life's kept me from doing my research/getting experience with shorter (learner) trips. Your video helped a lot. I hope your trip goes really well!
I’ve never been on a long ride but you sir, have manage to inspire me to give it a go. I most certainly will use your video as my guide. Thank you for an outstanding gift - your insight and honesty is most appreciated!
This video was great man! Really appreciate you taking the time to thoroughly go over in detail and explain to people the reasons to why and why not to take certain gear. Thanks buddy I learnt a lot !
Honestly, one of the most helpful videos out there on youtube for this subject. Thanks for sharing !!!
I loved your video, straight forward and to the point. I thank you for making it
ignore the idiots that don't do anything…..my favorite quote is " those that say it can't be done, need to get out of the way of the one who is doing it."
Chris, Bloody great information and advice for any big trip....Thanks a Million for taking the time! Kind regards, Jan
+Jan Scott You're welcome. Safe travels.
Too Good & very practical. Hope he continues with some tips on most vulnerable spare parts to carry.
Rohinton Todywalla One of these days, i have heaps of videos and will start uploading soon. But always take a stator and regulator, clutch cable and clutch lever with you.
The best thing i've heard in electronic gadgets so far 'If you need a good camera, get a good camera and don't use a phone camera' Totally true facts!
I have an adventure coming up real soon! I've always wanted to travel in this fashion and I'm gearing up to finally do it. Thought since it will be my 1st time I'm planning my trip more from hotel to hotel with some camping in between. Thank you so much for this video.
Thanks Chris, excellent information and saves people like me reinventing the wheel.
Thanks Chris, great video and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Planning a Cape to Cairo trip later this year and this video was very valuable to me. Safe travels.
1. Camping (wild or not). You can even sleep next to the Gas Stations (open 24h / has light / has shower sometimes / has a shop)
2. Couchsurfing
3. Meeting people
4. A cute hotel from time to time to enjoy it
Excellent video young man, you taught an old man something. Bike gods be with you.
Wow, gr8 vdo on pakcing 4 motorcycle tour. My exact thoughts on videos, photos, electronics, sleep & cook equipment. Now that U've done it over few years, I know I can do it over short or long trips. Again, thx again.
Glad I could help. Thanks for tuning in buddy.
I'm just amazed you fit all that on your cycle. I have that Coleman Helios also and like it as well. Bombproof. Great video
This is a great video as i am in the planning stages of a European motorcycle trip from Canada, very informative...thanks
Man I have been traveling on a bike for many many years and you have taught me a few things, thanks for the informative video!
Tim Wood Has traveling taught you anything? I'm thinking about doing this.
Tim Wood You are very welcome Tim, glad you like it :) Ride safe.
Hi i am here in the uk. Loved your video. Plenty of sensible advice. Good you take time to do this for us. I am just starting out here, So many places for me to try out here in the uk, Hopefully once i get the cofidence will try further afeild. Thank you so much
Brilliant video, can't believe how much stuff you can carry on one bike. Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Thank you for the video, it is very useful... I want buying an enduro in the next year, and you gave me a lot of good tips. Greetings from Hungary:)
Really informative video from a man who is living an amazing life. Your right about the electronics as well; I was on a bike in india and came back with just a few photos which sadly got lost over time, but the trip.... I'm subbuing you to see how you are getting on.
Really interesting and some great tips. Just realised that I'm gonna need a bigger bike if I want to carry all that stuff with me (loved the idea of the iron skillet - let no man be without his creature comforts) - along with some serious squat workouts for when I drop it.
What an incredible informative video.... I would honestly say it is the most sincere and practical. Thank you.
Great video. Informative. I've done all kinds of riding and racing on & off road, but not moto camping. Can't wait to start small with my WR450F. Rock on & enjoy the world!
When I was a kid, I was in love with big Fours of the 70’s, they were elegant, all metal and they had my heart racing every time I saw one. That probably is the biggest reason I chose the GS but in technical terms, it’s a shaft drive bike so no messing with chains, it’s a freight train, so it hauls all the load I need and as you can see I have a house full, it has a wide seat, so it’s comfortable in long ride unlike dual sport bikes, it has a low center of gravity so it’s stable on dirt with
A lot of good points! Thanks for making the video- I really got a chuckle out of the flare gun, stay safe and keep making videos! :)
a big RESPECT for this video and for your experience
I really like this video.
I'm getting ready to travel with motorcycle and this video really works for me.
Thank you.
Thanks Steve, have a blast buddy. Pyrennes is an spectacular place.
Basic bike you can get for under $2K, no name brand gear. Not shilling any brand of motorycycle specific stuff. Travels world making videos about it. Beautiful.
In June I am riding to Leh Ladakh and u was just making list of stuff. Luckily I saw this and helped me a lot.
Thanks Chris for sharing!! awesome video dude!
The best vid of it's kind I have found and free from the usual BS. Thanks man
thank you for the video ! great ideas , great info for anyone who is considering motorbiking on long trips ... thank you !!
you are quite an inspiration !
Hi Chris, excellent adventure your on. Thanks for all the info. And tips. I do not agree with all of your reasoning for bringing certain items, but hey your there and I am stuck here in BOise IDaho for awhile yet until I can do my own adventure. Good luck have fun and keep the rubber down.
Nicely done with a lot of good information. The flare gun is a good idea.
Great video. It's amazing how points you have touched on that are already in my kit. I have been refining it for some time now and though I haven't traveled long duration like you (yet) it's good to know I'm on the right track.
Rubber side down!
love your 850 it looks in great condition
there bulletproof motorcycles
enjoy your journey
rev
really nice info, short and simple but still very useful
Great video, thanks for taking the time and effort to make it. Safe travels.
Great video, very useful. Can't imagine why people would thumbs down to this video. Safe Travels !
Nice to see someone doing a motorbike tour on a motorbike, and not something that is more like a small car.
If your bike costs as much as a small car, and uses more petrol (once you've covered it in your gear) you may as well take a small car and never get wet!
The best thing I can think to add is to fit two or three 12 volt sockets to your bike and charge your stuff on the go. I also charged power banks on the go, so I had plenty to charge cameras, video cameras and my phone whilst camping somewhere without power. O and do not use a 12v to USB converter on a 12v socket mounted to your bars, they won't last a day! use an extension and put it somewhere cushioned.
I have to admit I wanna see a "how to" vid on pack-up techniques as well, but AWESOME video have a great ride brother!
Good tip on the closed cell foam!
+Chuck “Charlie” Tate And the flare gun too! Never thought of that, great fucking idea. Always worried that when I'm camping a bear is gonna sneak up on me and all I got is a knife for defense, not any more.
I've been planning a trip to start in a months time, this video has been very helpful. Although it does seem like a lot of stuff, however your trip is a lot longer than my planned one. I'm glad and surprised how fast technology has advanced though, as I only need my one compact dslr with 2 lenses, ultralight laptop and external drive which takes up hardly any space in comparison to the older tech. got an action cam on the helmet too.
Very cool video. You must get to see so many great sites doing this. I appreciate the good tips also as I may take an adventure with my dual sport bike soon but not 5 years hehe.
He is a wild man indeed :) I do have a hammock with me but I only use it in very humid and hot weather. When it's windy and and when you're in a desert with no trees, hammock is useless. Another bad thing about it is that i have to leave my stuff (riding gear, tank bag,...) outside or hang them up high. Tent is a must, no matter what.
Thanks for this video. I am looking forward to checking out your website and the other videos.
Excellent video, very informative. 5year trip !!?? Dude !! Sticky side down buddy, stay safe !I've got a 23 day tour of the Spanish Pyrennes in May'Jun this year which will be fun!
Thanks for all share ideas! U help others,that is 1,but the best plan! !!!THANKS!!! From LV.
i envy you so.. i live in a very technical world and have a very technological job and often i fantasize about hopping on my bike and getting away if even for a week or two. keep riding and keep it between the ditches my friend.
Chris very good video and very helpful, in Chile almost everywhere there is WiFi that as information for you next trip, we will be waiting in Chile.
slds.,
Fernando
Great video and very informative. You have a lot of common sense, Thanks for the video.
damn!!! boy... I loved your video! to the point and practical well done,and very informative.I showed this video to my wife, we travel a lot by bike and she just loves to pack! I mean, really.. shit that we don't really need. this video solidifies what I've been telling her like for ever! we always argue during the packing stage.. I was always right! thank you!!
Will do mate, cheers & safe traveling!
pretty awesome tour he did. these days my phone will cover pretty much everything electronic he has plus a otg cable and some 128gb memory sticks and a online storage. put it in a case put in a 12v bike lead and use it as your satnav as well but a second satnav would be better
Really liked this video and the editing is awesome.
Thanks for taking your time to do this video very good and very practical tips thanks again
Hey Chris , great video! But to help others here: I think tubeless are the way to go, but carry the extra tubes as a back up or at list the rear one. Fixing a tire on a bad or unsafe location it's an unpleasure experience. Today battery packs can charge everything (also works like a jump starter), new Iphones are great, but low light condition they suck, go pros are ok, but wont substitute the DSL cameras yet, plus the quality of the lenses, (new ones are mirror less and more compact) sleeping air pads are personal preference, I use, got couple holds, repair and are they are space saver, but making a lot noise, Camelbacks are awesome specially when you ride on warm/hot weathers, and you keep drinking riding, by the time you are thirsty, you all ready are or start to get dehydrated. I hate the weight in my shoulder and 2/3 liters gets heavy, I have a small 1.5l inside the tank bag or strap the cameleback in the rear seat, make an extension for the hose and you all set. In this case drink and drive it's allowed
: ) This is my 2 cents. Happy travels everyone.
thanks Chris !!! I appreciate all your efforts. Peace my friend
l love the thoughtful detail of this video. Well done.
Very good tips for would be adventurers. I really like the flare gun thing that will really save your life in a hostile environment.
Hey Chris - Great video- very informative. KISS [keep it simple etc] is the answer eh One thing I do thats saved me a lot of hassle is get a good size needle and sharpen it to scalpel edge - carry it in your wallet so its always with you. You can dig out thorns , drain a small wound, quick patch with dental floss or... Also I carry a good folding jack knife and butane lighter- handy. I used to carry bear [ goon] spray small in my pocket but it went off! Felt that for a couple days- ride safe
Chris, most informative. Great narration as well
Truly excellent video, you make very good points, thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for a great video, will be going away in Balkans this summer I hope, cheers Nick
Great video. A lot of good information and tips. Thank you for sharing.
very good advices, thanks a lot. Good riding, take care!
Love the bike. I still have one I bought new in 1980, it now has over 200 000 kms.
I admire you Chris. Great job.
Thanks plasta, I took some time off riding but should be back on the road in a month or two. Had to make some money to keep it going :)
Great video. I hope someday to go on a adventure like yours
Best ax in the world indeed. Good luck on your trip.
Good travelling video. Your advice actually works for commuters as well when travelling locally. You should make the title more easier to find so other travelers can find this video and not just motorcycle riders. But still I love the video. Thanks for sharing
Right to the point. I really liked the video Chris
Thanks
Manny
Well done sir. I liked it. Makes you stop and think about what you really need, or consider a luxury item or a "must have". Everyone will have their own opinion, for those that don't get that, well.... anyway, I liked it.
really good video, alot of helpfull information in here have a great time riding, from wales (UK)
very informative...thanks for this video....
Nice vid! Generally I agree on everything you said but the fact that you are carrying only one pair of shoes. You said it yourself, redundancy is the key. I carry a pair of sports shoes with me also. Great for hiking, walking etc. I got riding boots from Daytona. The Trans Open GTX, it's water proof and it's also nice to walk in it. This boot is the best I ever had.
Very informative, loved the video, stay safe..and good travels
Great video! Thanks for posting.
Well, if you're going to live away from home for a long time you might as well bring the whole house with you haha.
Very nice video and it's good to see what someone with the experience carries. There are so many guys on you tube making some "survival kits" in case you get lost in the middle of Zanzibar but they never leave the house.
It's good to know that all of this shit fits on a bike, even the tool box...
My favorites: Tent, sleeping bag and pad, ax, mosquito net and of course the skillet - i love the skillet =)
Get one of those folding saws too!
Great video Chris, very informative, helped a lot, thanks for sharing..
love your videos man!! Im planing my adventure and this helps lots!!
Thanx for the very useful video and have a good trip!
Very interesting watch btw ;). Thanks and have a good trip!
Hi Chris,
Great video Greetings from UK, Hope your trip is going well. Makes me wish i could do something similar.
Best Wishes
Paul
I agree with camera get a good camera if you spending 150 dollar you get what you pay for. No cell camera takes good pictures. Love this video so pumped to pack my stuff and see this country.
Nice vid, man, your travel redefines what most of us understand as a "big trip" on a bike. I´m planning one myself, and I almost feel embarrassed about my "problems" after seeing a guy who carries a flare gun, just in case he has to shoot someone... :D It only inspires me to move forward, though.
Anyway, thanks a lot for this vid, and I will be definitely checking your website, maybe pestering you a bit with my own project, if that doesn´t bust your balls too much.
Best of lucks, mate.
your bike is very ingenious and useful
Part 2:
good tires and most of all, it’s a time proven machine. You can always find a part and modify it to your need with a bike like this, but you break a shock on a BMW and you are stock until you get your part in from US or Europe. And if it ever goes missing, you’ll be out of a couple of thousand dollars rather than 20 grand. It has shortcomings but it’s been doing one hell of a job for its age and its class.
Cheers,
Chris
please post more 30 min videos u are living the dream and people want to know more
chris may god watch over you and bless you in youre travels. i also own an old gs850l.bullet proof bike with its 6 race roller bearing bottom end.lots of useful info. consider getting a 2meter and 40 meter ham radio.qrp rigs,simple to use,low power and world wide comunication on 40 w/bike battery and 33 feet of wire.