Its always a problem knowing what to pack

It’s always a problem knowing what to pack for a motorcycletour. Fortunately, that feeling of utter freedom we get when we are riding ourbikes far outweighs the problem of limited luggage space. Having said that, theproblem doesn’t go away, but by applying a little thought, it can be overcome.Here are some tips to make life easier on the road. TRAVEL LIGHLTY It’s tempting to throw as much as possible into yourpanniers, but remember, every ounce you pack onto your bike reduces handlingqualities. Add to this a pillion and the needle on the pleasure-ometer beginsto swing to the low side. Of course, there are some things that you can’t dowithout, but the keyword here is need. Take what you need and nothing more. Ifyou are going on an organised guided tour, the company should (if it’s worthits salt) have a back-up vehicle that will carry your luggage. PACK SENSIBLY To optimise the handling of your bike, place heavy items atthe bottom of your panniers. BEFORE YOU GO In the weeks leading up to your planned tour, begin making alist of what you might need to take with you. At this stage, it doesn’t matterif the list is too long; you can always cross things off as the time drawsnearer.

By using this method, you will ensure that the things you take with youare what you really need. You will also reduce the risk of leaving behind anessential item. MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE Unless you like riding for hours with a rucksack strapped toyour back, it’s invariably better to have panniers and back box. Detachablepanniers are great; they can be unhooked as carried like a suitcase. Belt bagsare also popular for carrying things like money, credit cards and mobile phone. TO ROLL OR NOT TO ROLL You’ll have to decide this for yourselves, but personallyspeaking I prefer to roll my clothes before placing them in a bag inside thepanniers. Other riders like to lay things flat, but it doesn’t work for me. Somebikers like to use zippable plastic bags that are sat upon to squeeze out theair before they are sealed. They claim that the vacuum keeps their clothescrease-free, but of course, I’m just not heavy enough (hee-hee). TANK BAGS Tank bags are fine and some of expandable ones can holdquite a lot of luggage, but it does take the fun out of it a little bit for me.If you’re going on a tour with a back-up vehicle, you only have to put up withthe tank bag until you reach your starting point, then someone else carries itfor you; great. PLASTIC SEALABLE BAG It’s always good to keep your smelly socks away from yourgood clothes.

How many times have you gone into your luggage and found that youcan’t decide whether you’ve worn those socks once before or not? SMALL ITEMS Very often small items are forgotten, such as; mobile phonecharger, camera, camera batteries, first-aid kit, toiletries etc. This is whenlist-making comes into its own. If you’re going to a hot country, don’t forgetyour insect bite/sting cream. Something I always carry is a pack of tissues; Iknow it’s just a small item, but it comes under ‘Essentials’ for me. REALLY ESSENTIAL If you get as excited as I do prior to a motorcycle tour,please pay extra attention to making sure that you are carrying your bikedocuments and driving licence. If you are going overseas, don’t forget yourpassport, or you’ll be turning around and going home. . DON’T FORGET Unless you are heading for some remote region, there willalways be a chance to buy things that you forget, but you aren’t really goingon a shopping trip so try to remember as much as you can. No doubt, there willbe something you need, and it can be fun finding these things in a foreigntown, but if the list is long, it can become tiresome. Well, you’ve packed and you’re on your way. Have a greattime and ride safely. May Taizhou Zenghui Vehicle Co., Ltd. the roads be long and winding, and the sky blue.