I'm thinking of taking a road trip too!!

[MsTek]

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!

[the_Journeyman]

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

[stopintime]

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

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

Pair of padded cycle shorts underneath...

Ear plugs.

 

[Raux]

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

[stopintime]

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

5  (every summer)

[MsTek]

DAMN!

[stopintime]

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

[herm]

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

[ducpainter]

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

Lars should come too.

[MsTek]

DIMBY???


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

[stopintime]

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

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

This: 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.

[MsTek]

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

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

This: 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.

  Thank you!

[Monsterlover]

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.

[S21FOLGORE]

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

Tire plug kit (with tutorial photos)
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/lightweight-merino-wool-base-layer-jersey.html
http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/clothing/socks/light-weight-merino-wool-socks.html

[herm]

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

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.