Long Distance Trip Today - Pouring Rain?

[Ric]

Pouring rain all day today, can't avoid the trip, it is to have it's first service at the other end, Haven't ridden in the rain for 30 years - worried? No wet weather gear except for a spray suit used for poisons, as wet weather gear ordered 4 weeks ago from Vic. did not arrive - still in Syd( Aust. Post). No wet weather gear in my town ( Inverell at all). Tent camping at other end, raining all day down there as well. Major highway, have no choice but to run at 100kmphr due to heavy transports on the road. Not looking forward to it,, wish me luck! catch up back with you guys in 2 days time.

 

[nmroadrunner]

Rubberized dishwashing gloves inside your riding gloves

Plastic trash bags make an impromptu rain suit

Take something to wipe faceshield

 

[Ric]

Good idea on the gloves, the spray suit is waterproof, I have been soaked in water, when cleaning off, and it is white so will stand out.

 

[Roy Gavin]

No matter how waterproof your gear the little gap at your throat lets in enough that it will eventually trickle down and fill your boots= DAHIK
Sunshine Depot, Melbourne was my mail choke point, often a couple of weeks, but someone seems to have put a rocket under them and it is now same day!

 

[Ric]

I took it for a ride, but had too much weight on the back, I couldn't wear my back pack as the bag on the back was too high, so had to add it to the back as well, made the load a bit too heavy for me. I didn't have good balance on wet roads around the bends, so will be taking it down on the trailer next week. Have just bought a used set of pannier bags, so the load will be lower in future. Just have my tent, and clothing bag in future on the back instead, I need a lot more riding in before I do a big trip with a load, have lost a lot of riding expertise over the last 30 years of not riding.

 

[Woodstock]

I took it for a ride, but had too much weight on the back, I couldn't wear my back pack as the bag on the back was too high, so had to add it to the back as well, made the load a bit too heavy for me. I didn't have good balance on wet roads around the bends, so will be taking it down on the trailer next week. Have just bought a used set of pannier bags, so the load will be lower in future. Just have my tent, and clothing bag in future on the back instead, I need a lot more riding in before I do a big trip with a load, have lost a lot of riding expertise over the last 30 years of not riding.

Smart decision it seems.

 

[Ric]

Thanks mate, sometimes, I jump the gun, and get into difficulties, this time opted out as it was a 400km ride. Major hwy, is no place to learn to ride with a load on, experience is not there yet.

 

[Roy Gavin]

I took it for a ride, but had too much weight on the back, I couldn't wear my back pack as the bag on the back was too high, so had to add it to the back as well, made the load a bit too heavy for me. I didn't have good balance on wet roads around the bends, so will be taking it down on the trailer next week. Have just bought a used set of pannier bags, so the load will be lower in future. Just have my tent, and clothing bag in future on the back instead, I need a lot more riding in before I do a big trip with a load, have lost a lot of riding expertise over the last 30 years of not riding.

Third Gear used to have a $70- Giant Loop copy which sat on the rear seal and helped keep the weight within the wheelbase.
But like their $30- Givi knock off top boxes it has just vanished from their site.
And a Giant loop is a crazy price.
I have a big Ortlieb roll top bag that does the same, and a expandable tank bag with the heavy stuff up front. Keeps the wind off too.
Top box gets light stuff, but my camping gear is only for when I can't find cheap accommodation.

 

[Ric]

Roy I am not going to have hardcases, as when I get used to riding with a load again, my wife will be on the back, and we tested her on a Himi, at the dealer with hard cases, and her feet couldn't touch the pegs, as the hard cases were up against the back of her knees. Would not be comfortable. The bag I have sits on the back rack and pillion seat is a 50lt Carribee roll top rubberised bag, that is waterproof, and ties down quite well, but yesterday, with everything in it and not in panniers it was just too high, and a bit too heavy.

 

[Roy Gavin]

Looks like you will need oversized bags for your tank racks if you are trying to carry a lot of luggage and a passenger!
I have the factory racks and hard cases for my BMW Airheads but never use the cases - like most they are too far back and to far out for my liking.
No easy answer with a compact bike like the Hima and passenger and luggage - you are just going to have to compromise somewhere.

 

[Ric]

Yes I will have bags upfront, and behind, but wont be carrying a top bag, when the missus is with me, no space their really, just big enough for a tent