IronMike

:rotf::rotf:

And thats what I liked about the Bunkhouse, the weight was carried real low in the trailer. Got to give it to him though making a trip like that two up and loaded like that. Heck I barely got all my gear on the bike for a camping trip. I weighed it all when I got home and it was 119 Lbs. Good thing 42 Lbs of it was on the seat and I was wearing 17 Lbs of it. I had all the bags loaded to capacity of 20 Lbs each.

Draggin are good for womens Cut but there are so many others that provide more protection. I've never looked into womens cut other than Draggin I wonder whats out there. Something with optional armor like these maybe. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/65760/i/agv-sport-alloy-kevlar-jeans?SiteID=SLI|Armored%20Jeans&WT.MC_ID=10010

Man I wish you could see my closet of mistakes. Im going to say it is true depending on where you live and what you will ride through. But be wise or have a large selection of stuff you don't use like me. I just got back into riding in 08. So I was not up on the gear. After a lot of what people here are saying. Here is what I would take on a four season trip. And if you have any doubt I go Four seasons, here is a pic of my Winter bike, A roadstar I run all winter long. In any weather, ICE snow Sleet Hail, Rain, its been in it all and everyone I work with knows it. I have caught Lake effect snow so many times it's crazy. And I ride home in it. HEAT is the same. NOTHING STOPS me from riding! I have ridden from below zero to above 110. And I am talking long rides, not a bar hop I mean at least half a day. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/MS1700/Dec08034.jpg I wear socks that wick and come up to the bottom of my Knee, These have a cooling effect and will not cut off your circulation. Diabetics wear them. You can put wool over them for cooler weather. They go into real riding specific boots. My pick is same as Iron Butt, Tour Master Solution II's. over 70K on mine like new, you can walk out a flea market in them. My Armor riding Jeans. And I have seen some better ones recently, Your looking for lots of Kevlar, a big watch pocket, and a way to close the leg so it does not flap. Order them a little long so they don't ride up. I get loose fit so they are comfortable. BUT remember I am wearing Bon Armor under them. Bon Armor, I can't say enough about that stuff, look it up, read the reviews and testimonials. They cover what your other stuff won't and they come in a Solid or a cooling effect netting. If you are going for one or the other get the netting, set. They wash up easily in the sink or shower with Woolite. Hang dry, they will make the trip and camping. Now I will mention that I ALWAYS carry the Wool blend ski style Long Underwear I swear some summer nights feel colder than winter. And trust me when I say I ride all year, and have ridden down below zero with only heated gloves. And I have proof! I have a few sets, some came from Wal MArt and one came from Sams club. It packs down small and I ALWAYS carry it. If you wear the Bon Armor at night that is netted, you will freeze! You will need the Long underwear! BUT! It will save you from buying two sets of Bon Armor. Bon Armor is COOL I have worn it under leather on a trip in mostly over 90 degree weather I was COOL I said I was COOL at least while moving. It is cooler than riding naked! Trust me! (No pictures but I do have a female witness) The latest addition to my Arsenal is this! [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFWK4WG/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1]Amazon.com: CE Approved Full Body Armor Motorcycle Jacket-3XL: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51lhwIEVGlL.@@AMEPARAM@@51lhwIEVGlL[/ame] That is also COOL So COOL you better have your long underwear with you and a jacket that closes around the sleeves or you will freeze at night! I had to stop and beg some rubber bands once! It's cool! it flows a LOT of air! You can wear it in 120 degree weather and be cooler than Anything else! Even Bon Armor! It washes same way, in the shower with woolite. I started at the toes and worked my way up, but to be serious, when you are off the bike sliding down the road you hands are doing a lot of things and taking a real beating. You need real live motorcycle gloves on. They should have some kevlar in them, they should have extra layers in key points and most of all a velcro strap across the wrist to remain on your hands in a slide. ANyone who has went blacktop surfing will second me! Just a glove will slide off first ten feet! This is what i wear when i am getting serious. Although I do have lighter stuff. This is what I would wish I had on when I do crash. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096D4IYG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1]Amazon.com: EXCALIBUR BLACK LEATHER CARBON & STEEL ARMOR MOTORCYCLE GLOVES SIZE L: Clothing@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SkbeDcKSL.@@AMEPARAM@@51SkbeDcKSL[/ame] As it gets cooler you would need heated gloves, Gerbing or Tour master is good stuff. My TM have not worn out in 70K miles. But I would go Gerbing next time. I am using their controler with my TM gloves. Its just better stuff. ALl my stuff is good locally or on a really long trip. Leather is actually better than Nylon for protection but it is not for trips. Once it is wet it is a large liability. And unlike what I mention there is about zero chance of cleaning it overnight on a trip. So I pass. Chaps are out because they provide no protection on your rear. They are just something to wear that looks cool. It's not giving you much in return. Also I will carry a set of fleece headgear, neck wrap, Balaclava, and a Neoprene face mask. And in winter I carry (Even in summer) the Hand warmers. If it gets real cold you just toss some in your pant legs and Jacket and you will toast! I'll let you pick the Helmet. I wear a Shoei in the winter full face, I should wear it all year but I fade into a Half Helmet Carbon Fiber Kevlar mix in the summer. Ill hate it if I crash in it. Anyways I spent all this time telling you this so you can realize that layering goes for Motorcycles too. If you buy the right gear once, I think you will be about $4000.00 ahead of me. After all I have bought this is what goes on almost every trip! I am ready for anything with just this small selection of gear that packs down and cleans up at the shower or sink with woolite. And dries fast. With the exception of the Riding Jeans, and if you wear the Under armor or Bon Armor, they will not need washed on a one week trip. You can spot clean them or visit a laundry once if you want. I have tossed it out there on several forums that any takers on a contest run from NY city to San Diego in Mid January I'm game for 5 Grand. No one has jumped on it. I may just do it myself. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/MS1700/Mudflap013-1.jpg This Pic was taken after a particularly challenging run on the Ohio Turnpike In Feb, the wind was hitting me so hard on one side of the bike, only that side got snow on it. It was Ice with snow and slush on top. 30 MPH south winds going East, It was a thriller. I didn't volunteer for this, I rode to work and it came in while I was gone. When I came back I rode home. Don't follow me..... you won't make it! http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/MS1700/1b6db49a.jpg See it right there? Zoom in. That's my Tag line.

Must be something with the name Scott! Love that Video! Same reason why I don't have a trailer, but I am thinking of one for Regionals and Really long trips to stage up gear and get lighter for so twisties. I'm still trying to drag a knee on the Venture. They do make one wheel trailers, seen one at the bike night in Austintown, ohio. It was really nice, I wished I looked closer. The best and most admired thing about the video is Your Venture Lady so cheerful and willing to go along braving the Pillion to take in the same sights as you. You go Girl! (I always said it takes more gonads to ride the rear, I don;t think I could do it! LOL) Nice video work! Does that have a darkside tire?

I can probably wait. But will get the other one in the meantime. I'm on the hunt. I really liked the bunkhouse. If I knew I woukd like the trailer thing I would buy a new one. But my method of travel is mostly go go go stop when I land and go go go. If I get a trailer I will have to change my riding to riding loops back to the trailer drop point. I've been so got loose and fancy free up to now. Not sure I'll like towing. I love hitting curves hard and fast. That will be over towing.

I have a few leather armor jackets. Not one it's CE rated and I've never seen one that has the proper fit or adjustment to keep the protection where it needs to be as you surf down the road. I just wear the Bon Armor under them. But better yet the Parini Armor jacket is CE rated flows a ton of air and fits under any jacket you want to wear. Best $100 I ever spent. It's too hard to pack so if you leave with it. You'll always have it on. That's a plus. It washes in the shower. The sizes run small. Order two up. It fits perfectly. No chance any armor is going to slide off the intended protected area. Once leather gets wet. It's done. Not only that you have to wear it under your rain gear unless you have room to pack it. If you pack it what's protecting you while you ride in the rain? A safety issue because your more likely to need armor when it's raining.

On the riding jeans that's also a go over leather. On a long trip water won't ruin your ride....you would be just a pay dryer away from getting dry. You can never dry leather on a trip and wet it's a lot of weight to carry and impossible to pack. Again I use Bon Armor under my riding jeans. Little bit of Kevilar aint enough in my book. I only bring one pair on a ten day ride. You can wash the Bon Armor or under Armor in a sink or shower and line dry by take off. I wish I had a picture of ALL the money I've wasted on the wrong gear. At about 100k miles of touring and i wear Riding jeans and Bon Armor. It washes up quick and is CE rated protection. Had to double post. My droid is acting crazy.

I weigh in heavy here. My chaps are for vanity there is about no protection at all should you take a dump. Although if you do need to take a dump after a fall with the chaps you will be able to do so without taking them off! I'm not a leathers fan. Compared to what's available now You can get a lot more CE rated armor on the cheap that packs well and survives rain. So I did buy leather overpants. Absolutely loved them compared to the chaps. I did a trip ten days long last July temps were over 95 each day.... and wore them everyday comfortably they breath. I didn't like they have no CE armor so I wore Bon Armor under them. The chaps sit on a hangar. Seldom worn. Maybe to a bike night on my fake Harley (07 Roadstar Midnight) IMHO chaps are idiotic and are a waste of cowhide. And you can hardly get into your front pockets with them on. Go for the overpants. Your azz will love you for it if you crash!

I'm looking hard at this trailer. But I notice they also sell other ones with no car top carrier. Was kinda thinking of getting one of the others and buying a sepoerate car too carrier maybe a little more heavy duty and leaving room on the trailer for the cooler instead of on the tounge? Maybe get larger tires with it too. Really like the Bunkhouse camper but can't find one used.

And they went free shipping!

I don't see the attraction to Geneva? A 1950 style boardwalk? High lodging prices for a 50s room? Looking at boats your not on? Lack of public beach access? High priced food? Overpriced Gear? I have not been in the bars maybe they have deals in there and thats why so many HD's go there? I can't think of one road up there I would do 100 on. They all have intersecting driveways and roads.

The Strats BURN through tires, It would not make a complete tour without a tire change. Lot of guys going darkside on that one. Don't see a tour pack on either.

I recently read an article in a magazine that urged a crack down on people not using chains. It showed some cases where the chains would have prevented injury. I will second the short crossed properly fit chains. There should also be a steel plate on the bottom of the tounge that looks like a ramp. What that does is slow it down and prevent the front from gouging into the ground and suddenly jerking you. This part must also be placed so that while tiwed by your bike with your chains it slightly drags at lowest possible point. It looks like a slanted V under the tounge.

Well. I'm about to put a REAR 130 90 M comander on the front. I'll let ya know. I have a skinny Metz on the front now. It's bald. It didn't last 9k miles. Going with the rear up front because as soon as I get this new test wore out a darkside tire is waiting. But dealer told me a 130 is usually the cure. When I went from stock tire to skinny metz. Marked improvement. By skinny metz I mean mine is one inch less wide than others I have seen of the same size.

I've bought both. Neither got installed. The one that uses the bolts on the clutch or brake side. Comes with weong size bolts. Imagine that. They give you three sizes and none work. So I took the ball out and put it on the passenger floorboard for a GoPro mount. The one that goes over the resivor don't work either in my case something was in the way. So that got filed into the extra parts box. What did work were the standard U bolt ones on the handlebars. Another tip is that the arms that connect come in different lengths so you can get the unit where you want. I found the 3 and 4 inch most useful. I like having the phone and GPS mounted do no wind gets forced into them . (Behind the windscreen) I have a lot of mounts. You would have to see it to believe it.

I removed that stupid thing and put some parachute chord as a support niw my lid leans back rightvand I dont.worry about it catching all the.time. I tossed that part in the bin.

upload it to a third party site like You Tube or photobucket and put a link in a post.

I am needing the plug end of a bad fuel pump to do my Aircraft Pump Mod. If you or anyone has one, I'll take care of ya if you send it to me. I just need the wires and the plug of a Bad expired Pump! I am working on a plug and play spare parts list. Where everyone can buy the Aircraft Spruce pump put it together and have it at the ready.

Well I have spent a lot of money on stuff that dont work, I should do a Hot to on what does. I say I have $200 worth of crap that did not fit as far as Ram mounts and Some I actually made of scraps.

They make a special drop bit for that. But not me.

This guy uses a Camera on a bike almost daily, in Ohio winter included. He does Motivlogs Anyways here is a link to one of his reviews on Cameras, he has done several, he has lots of money and had bought lots of cameras and he also favors the Hero 2. No matter what you buy, watching hie review will give you some thinking points. He also Runs a Sony review. Professional production studios actually use Go Pro Cameras in shooting HD for movies and TV. Don't think you can beat Go Pro for what all it has to offer. The others just don't have the accessories available. And Go Pro stuff is at your nearest Big box. If you Amazon Go Pro accessories and then the other you will see the difference. Ive got mine adapted over to Ram mounting as well as tripod mounting and still have the Go Pro Clip mounting. It's versatility and adaptability can't be beat. I will caution you though, once you buy one, it's an endless thirst for new accessories just like the Venture LOL! It will run you broke as you let it. I have about 3K wrapped up in mine so far. Backs, Wireless stuff, mounts, cases, Mics, Cards, and even a computer specifically for video editing.

You might try Reckless Fairings, They make a bunch. But I have to say I put an HD style one on my Roadstar and so Far I have broke 4 sets of mounts. They push a LOT of air! I still have it, with the Fairing on it, But I use the Venture for any road trips because the HD style Fairing just pushes too much air.

I just got a new one. Its shaped much different than the ten year old box one I had. This one is shorter, just as long slightly thicker and shaped like a V sorta perfect for the dash! I just use some of that Poster tack up Stuff on either side to prevent scratching and it worked like a champ! I think any EZ pass works in any state except Maybe the FL and OK. At least mine from PA does. I have a Car pass I use on the bike, the toll is Car rate but who cares Im not buying two. As far as the truck thing goes, If you get into the rules, it must be on the windshield unless its they other kind of EZ pass like for a Bike specifically Or Auto Haulers use the same one because the car on top blocks the signal. So, try to use the dash. I loaned mine out once and got a ticket with a picture of it improperly mounted. Talked my way back out of it by telling them it was a new user. Sure is nice to have it though thats foor sure.

I have a Few, I seem to like the Hero 3 over the three especially for whay you get. I may not be so used to the Hereo 3. Its nice but i hear and I also agree the Hero 2 is the way to go. I just got back from Tail and 219 WV and BOD and SMNP and all that and the Hero 2 was the one I wanted to use. It seems to me they made the hero 3 to sell batteries. On the Hero two I can run a separate Mic and use the bike to power the camera all day long never changing a battery. On the hero 3 The mic plugs into the charge port and There you go. You are limited on what length you can shoot. So that right there kind of keeps its use with me minimal. I have a hero three I would buy another two but not another three. The other cameras are too specialized to mention. Not only that, but I would not mount my Hero 3 like this LOL https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10204101855645565