Ducati Monster Forum

But on my Tangerine Dream-  S2R 800.  Planning to go from Chicago to Niagra Falls and back.  Reading that someone else didn't want to do a trip on their S4r.  Now I know this isn't the most comfy bike in the world to do this on but its the only bike I have (can afford).  Already ordered some Kriega tail bags.  Single female alone so I will be hotelnig it at night since it slightly safer than camping if I can't bring a dog with me. Going up via Michigan/Canada... returning via US.  Thoughts?  Advice?

Thanks! :)

I like the tangerine color scheme!

I put risers and an ATV bar on my M750, and it's pretty comfy for all day riding.

JM

Good tires, good chain, enough oil and all else you can check.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-screamer-disc-lock-for-motorcycles (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-screamer-disc-lock-for-motorcycles)

Pair of padded cycle shorts underneath...

Ear plugs.

 [Dolph]

Stopintime is an expert on this. How many norway to italy trips do you have now?

5  [Dolph] (every summer)

DAMN!

, but never mind me - do your own S2R road trip - you'll most likely not regret it  [thumbsup]

You should come to DIMBY. You're going to be half way there.. [Dolph]

Lars should come too. ;D

DIMBY???


Also, anything that I should make sure I pack?  I picked up some frog trogs but what else?  For bike?  For me?

To cooperate with karma, I always bring a tire plug kit - best way to make sure I won't need it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIRE-REPAIR-KIT-Set-Kit-Flat-Motorcycle-Car-Wheel-Plug-Tool-Small-Pocket-Plugger-/370622015645 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIRE-REPAIR-KIT-Set-Kit-Flat-Motorcycle-Car-Wheel-Plug-Tool-Small-Pocket-Plugger-/370622015645)

Again, to be humble, I bring a small first aid kit and mount/strap it visible to potential helpers.

This: http://www.roadid.com/ (http://www.roadid.com/)

Two of each important things packed separately, like credit card, key a.s.o. Also a copy of the Owner's Manual Immobilizer Override instructions.

Mini chain lube cannister.

Unbraco set, maybe a Leatherman, a spark plug - more tools if you want.

Detailed road map to plan before you program a GPS (if you plan to use a GPS)

Less casual clothes than you think...

Travelling alone on a bike will make you busy talking to people, so no books required.

:D  Thank you!

I wrap everything in garbage bags now. Luggage wise.

No matter how waterproof the bags are supposed to be, your stuff seemingly always will be soaked. Bags are another layer of protection.

I, too, carry a tire plug kit and a few of those little co2 tanks to reinflate enough to make it to a proper filling station. The plug does you no good if you can't keep riding.

Ear plugs yes. Or foam in ear headphones with music at a reasonable volume. I find the foam headphones block as much noise as a pair of actual earplugs and you don't go insane since you can listen to tunes or a podcast.

Waterproof your boots.

Get comfortable standing on the pegs and/or stretching while riding.

Invest in a crampbuster. $8 plastic paddle that clips onto your throttle grip and let's you maintain throttle using only your palm.

I like a throttle lock as well. Let's you let go with your right hand, or both as I do it, and sit up to give your back a rest and some blood flow. Something like this would fit your bike -http://m.ebay.com/itm/291473970758

I put my phone in air plane mode to save battery, but in an emergency I have a 12v car plug adapter that plugs into my battery tender plug. Allows me to power anything that will plug into a cigarette lighter (USB charger)

Stay hydrated. Snack on things that are high in protein and things that have a little salt. Your body needs things like that to maintain focus.

Tinted and clear visors and a small bottle of cleaner to debug with some decent shop towels.

An ez pass is awesome if you're on a tollway. Totally worth it.

I don't know what your schedule is like but if you're passing through when we're around my wife and I would certainly offer up a room for you if you wanted. So long as your cool with cats. We're in Meadville PA.

Emergency tool kit thread
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.0)

Tire plug kit (with tutorial photos)
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57744.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57744.0)

Also, I'd suggest investing in socks & base layer if you haven't already done.

http://www.aerostich.com/merino-wool-l-sleeve-top-base-layer.html (http://www.aerostich.com/merino-wool-l-sleeve-top-base-layer.html)
http://www.aerostich.com/lightweight-merino-wool-base-layer-jersey.html (http://www.aerostich.com/lightweight-merino-wool-base-layer-jersey.html)
http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/clothing/socks/light-weight-merino-wool-socks.html (http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/clothing/socks/light-weight-merino-wool-socks.html)

DIMBY- Acronym for Ducatis In My Back Yard. An annual weekend gathering at the board founders home in central New Hampshire, dating back to 2008. There seems to be a core group who make it regularly, but every year there are some new, welcome additions. Activities usually include a group ride, fixing someone's bike, blowing up a huge can of baked beans, and a little drinking. Other past activities have included burning a boat, burning a shed, shooting a toaster, a wedding, and a little more drinking....

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=70367.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=70367.0)

As for your road trip, everyone has provided some great ideas. I would include rain gear, some kind of puck for your kick stand, and a camera. I also carry a package of windex wipes to clean off my visor as needed.

I use ziploc or equivalent instead of garbage bags... gallon ones will hold a change of clothes (at least underwear, socks and t-shirt... men's jeans appear to be bulkier than women's).

I don't carry a tire plug kit, because the 3 times I have used one they didn't last long enough to matter, YMMV.

Nothing wrong with a tangerine S2R800... 700+ miles in a day wasn't too bad... but I didn't do back-to-backs like that. :D

Oh wow.. so many great tips!  I need really look at my route to see if I will need that EZPass.  I hate when I am on a toll road- I feel like I hold everyone up digging for my money out of my pocket.

I have rain gear... and I have a waterproof sleeve for my galaxy which is also my GPS... wondering if I should just the leads from my batter to power it?  But I do carry spare batteries...

And my pants are pretty tight.  I have a pair of kevlar cargo pants that are being delivered today to see if I like them.  I don't have riding leathers (someday) but I also think July is too hot for that anyway).

DIMBY sounds like fun!  But I think I am too far... I need to get back to work unless I get a better job between now and then (Everyone cross your fingers for me, please!! I need a nicer job! :)  )

Not really.
Light weight merino wool underwear is not “HOT”, it is a breathable layer (moisture wicking, so inside of the shirt that’s touching on your skin is always feel dry).
It is great for traveling because it won’t hold stink like synthetic stuff do, meaning you can wear it for two-three days straight without stinking, and then, you can wash in the hotel sink. It will be dry by next morning.

You don’t have to buy it from Aerostich. Anything that says weight around 150 should work fine for summer time motorcycle traveling base layer. Take a look at these.

http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens/cool-lite-sphere-long-sleeve/102209.html?dwvar_102209_color=501&cts=002 (http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens/cool-lite-sphere-long-sleeve/102209.html?dwvar_102209_color=501&cts=002)|401|501

http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens-baselayers/bolt-long-sleeve-crewe/100860.html?dwvar_100860_color=D87&cts=D87 (http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens-baselayers/bolt-long-sleeve-crewe/100860.html?dwvar_100860_color=D87&cts=D87)

http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens-baselayers/bolt-short-sleeve-crewe/100859.html?dwvar_100859_color=D87&cts=D87 (http://eu.icebreaker.com/en/womens-baselayers/bolt-short-sleeve-crewe/100859.html?dwvar_100859_color=D87&cts=D87)



Cotton T-shirts & cotton crew socks are the worst thing you can pick up for MC traveling.

Icebreaker is a gift from the sheep gods!   [bow_down]

I wear it year round and it makes up the majority of my riding base layers.

It's warm in the winter and cool in the summer.   No matter how sweaty you get it never gets clammy.

Yes, it's expensive, but worth every penny.   Sierra Trading Post usually has a good selection of past seasons styles at decent prices.

We are in North Tonawanda, south of Niagara Falls.  Let me know if you want lodging suggestions.

Dry hands and feet make the riding a lot more comfortable.

Pack extra pair of gloves - Always a nice feeling to put on dry gloves the day after an all day rain ride.
Walmart bags - again, if the day before was rainy your boots will not be dry so put your foot in the bag then into the boot.  Even waterproof boots can get soaked to the point of discomfort.

I'm sure you know but just incase. Newspaper isgreat for drying rainsoaked boots and gloves

Best motorcycle cruise control - http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html)
Best motorcycle tire repair kit - http://www.dynaplug.com/ (http://www.dynaplug.com/)
Very good motorcycle tire compressor - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slime-40022-12-Volt-Digital-Tire-Inflator-New-Free-Shipping-/251796450643 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slime-40022-12-Volt-Digital-Tire-Inflator-New-Free-Shipping-/251796450643)

Forget the tools, carry a credit card and the phone numbers of any Ducati dealers along the way.
Call your credit card company and tell them your trip plans so they don't think it's unusual activity and put a hold on your account.

 If you find some bolts / nuts getting loose while you are on the road, you will not be able to tighten them with cell phone and credit card, so they will fall off

Also, one of our member's experience ...

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.msg1260821#msg1260821 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.msg1260821#msg1260821)

A good check over before an 8 hour trip should eliminate any loose nuts, well except the loose nut holding the throttle...
It never hurts to have a roll of duck tape and WD40 handy.

Seriously, this looks like a pretty cheap tool kit to keep on a bike
http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tools/tool-kits/econokit-m2.html (http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tools/tool-kits/econokit-m2.html)

My #1 rule is avoiding interstates (except going into/out of cities) and going instead for state, or better yet, county roads. Better scenery, less traffic, random cool towns and places, more fun. If you have the time, split the trip there into two days and don't rush yourself  [Dolph]

The only "comfort" mod I put on my S2R 800 was bar risers (and Barkbusters hand guards for chilly climes). For Chicago to Niagara I think you'll be good even without anything "comfort" related in the way of mods.

Add on rain gear and sunglasses (and/or dark tinted visor) plus the usual pre-flight checks and you're good to go!

Oh and a camera too to share pictures with the rest of us wouldn't be a bad idea.

Some fast cure JB Weld and some cloth will repair an amazing number of problems, the cloth helps hold the goop in place. I used this to patch a hole in. BMW K1200 valve cover once, it held for over 5K miles!

So I got a few things (PLUS JUST GOT A NEW BETTER JOB!! YAY!)

Puck
iPass (never got one before because I thought it was super expensive... wasn't too bad and I can use it in my car too)
Raingear
Full tankbags
Crampbuster
Found a batterytender/usb connector (yay!)

Curious about the earplug thing-  I've gone on like 300 mile trips before and haven't used.  And what do you think about helmets that have bluetooth in them and if you think about them, which one do you think is the best?

Better job  [thumbsup]

Ear plugs, yes. They'll protect your hearing, which in any case is a good idea long term, and reduce fatigue.

Some people answer calls, listen to music and talk bike to bike via blue tooth/helmet communication systems. I don't like anything to disturb me, but that's me.

You're closer to your trip now - have fun  8)

Travell7ng alone, bluetooth for emergency calls is a good idea, but avoid random talking music due to lack of focus

I really like to listen to music.  I see people riding with their iPhone cords... Always wondered about that.  I had a helmet with bluetooth in it but over 70 it was hard to hear music and and forget about phone calls- I can drive and do phone calls, but not ride and do phone calls... Would be nice to have a mic in my helmet though- the commentary that is coming out of my mouth sometimes at people can be pretty colorful when I'm on a roll.

Which.. by the way, I have a girlie boner over this:

http://www.skully.com/#smartest-helmet (http://www.skully.com/#smartest-helmet)

So happy I quit my old job... less than 24 hours and I have felt like a new person and so much more excited about things!

I do need to replace my helmet before I go.

And the kevlar cargo pants were a bust... they don't fit and feel like they would be uncomfortable.  I think I'm better off in jeans- I've done that before. I've worn armor over my jeans before but... meh.

It is because at that speed (above 65 MPH), the wind noise is over 103 db (which is “chainsaw, pneumatic drill” level), which is loud enough to cause TTS (Temporary Threshold Shift) in your hearing, tinnitus, and permanent hearing damage.
Maximum allowable exposure time for such noise level is 1.25 HR PER WEEK. Less than 11 minutes per day.
If you wear earbuds and crank up the volume in order to overcome the windblast, you will damage your hearing.
The scary part is, that you don’t notice the damage to your ear(s) until it’s too late.

I always wear ear plugs. I’m with Stopintime. I don’t listen Music while riding but occasionally I’d sing inside of my helmet. (I am banned from singing in the public because I’m a certified tone-deaf. The only place I can do without harming amyone (including myself) is inside of my helmet, with ear plugs.)
 
You can Install helmet speaker and wear earplugs, if you really need to listen to something.

Wear Kevlar jeans with armour, that's the advice nurses I know tell female riders. Perforated leather pants or textile pants with shin/knee armour are options too. I've crashed with knee  armour and without it and felt the difference. :P  With knee armour, you can save the bike with your knee like at the track when you have a close call.

Passport (:P)

If your cell phone has location feature (like "Find my iPhone"), make sure someone important at home can use your account to see where you (your phone) are located at all times, just in case.

I've found that the silicon wax type earplugs are the best at sealing out sound. Sometimes too good. But I'd probably be deaf at age 29 without them. You can get them at CVS or any equivalent.

I use an older version of these  http://www.leeparksdesign.com/s-plug (http://www.leeparksdesign.com/s-plug)  on road trips.  Good sound reduction and you can listen to your GPS and music if you want to.  Always use plugs when riding.  Wish I did.

+1

Here's a great thread started by Slide Panda.
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=60190.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=60190.0)

Kevlar reinforced jeans with armored underpants (at least). Dedicated leather or textile pants with armor would be better.

That helmet is pretty cool.

The price, however, :o

I also enjoy riding with music, and even if i'm not listening, i've got my headphones in - i set up a "custom" headphone setup with a set of shure sound isolating earbuds paired with a set of memoryfoam type cushions i found on amazon that work really well - i can hear music from my iphone at ~60% volume over my bike at speed - and my bike is loud...i can't hear wind over the exhaust on the highway without ear plugs in, so i don't do that.

Last year, at the Toronto motorcycle show, I saw a booth that makes custom ear buds. I'm usually very cheap, but I sprung for them ($200 ish) and they were worth every penny. I find my Arai signet helmet lets through a lot of wind noise. I usually wear ear plugs, but on long trips I like music, but have to jack the volume up with conventional ear buds.

With the custom ear buds, I can lower the volume significantly and listen to music at a pleasant volume. If I don't want to listen to music they make better ear plugs than any you can buy.

My only complaint is that they are a pain to get out. Once they're in, they create a bit of a suction and you have to pry them out of your ears.

Ear plugs are a must. Makes a huge difference in fatigue and focus while riding long distance.
I block out everything but my sight.
There is nothing like seeing the world from on top a motorcycle.
Also read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" if you can,  just the first few chapters if you want.

Great tips.

And yeah, that helmet is pricey... but I kinda want to save up my pennies- but I think I need to buy the alum tank first.

Plus I want to add an S4r to my collection if I can find one.

DECISIONS!!!   [bang]

Great tips everyone.

So did you take the trip?