Inspect your motorcycle.
- Make sure both tires are properly inflated.
- If suspect a tire will not last long enough for a ride, have it replaced.
- Check if your cables (clutch and brakes) and controls intact and working.
- Make sure your headlights (high & low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work.
- Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid.
- Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact.
- Make sure the center stand and/or side stand isn't cracked or bent, and that springs properly hold the assembly away from the pavement when stowed.
- Check if shocks and fork springs and fork seals are in good condition.
Motorcycle Equipment to Take
- BMW Tool kit and BMW or VDO tire gauge: use it every day.
- Extra wrenches and pliers (optional).
- Duct tape & electric tape (partial rolls take less space).
- Wire, hose clamps, fuses, silicone seal, misc. nuts & bolts.
- Bulb kit (BMW) or spare front, taillight & turn signal bulb.
- Spare spark plugs (also points and condenser for pre-'81 twins).
- Spare fuel filter (for K models only).
- Spare float bowl gaskets or carb rebuild kit (for twins only).
- Spare clutch cable (optional-inspect or change before leaving).
- Shop rag and handiwipes.
- Cargo straps & bungee cables.
- BMW tire repair kit.
Clothes and Soft Goods to Take
- Cash and credit card, auto club card if you have one.
- Current dealer list, insurance and registration cards, driver's license.
- First Aid kit.
- Several sets of earplugs for less fatigue.
- Sunglasses, extra visor, visor cleaner and rag.
- Sunscreen (For nose and arms, especially), aspirin, vitamins, bug repellent antihistamines it you suffer from allergies.
- Swimsuit.
- Towel (the"packable" travel towels take a lot less space), washcloth.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletries, toilet paper, soap & shampoo.
- Shoes & extra socks.
- Underwear, T-shirts (not too many--you can wash them).
- Sweatshirt, heavy wool shirt or sweater for warmth (or electric vest).
- Polartec or similar fabric vest, jacket, pants (excellent under a riding suit).
- Silk or polyester balaclava.
- Rain suit (not necessary if you have Gore?Tex suit).
- Rain mitts and rain boots/boot covers.
- Various gloves appropriate for the ranges of weather expected.
- Extra stuff sacks for organizing your gear.
- Light reading book, guidebooks.
- Maps and information about points of interest along your route.
Camping Gear
- Tent - as small and light as possible.
- Tarp or ground cloth option.
- Sleeping pad.
- Inflatable pillow (optional but nice).
- Sleeping bag.
- Water bottle.
- Small flashlight and extra batteries.
- Extra candles and matches or lighter.