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

[Dirty Duc]

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.

[MsTek]

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!   )

[MsTek]

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

Isn't that cold weather stuff?  It will be july in the US.

[S21FOLGORE]

Isn't that cold weather stuff?

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|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-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.

[DesmoDiva]

Icebreaker is a gift from the sheep gods!   

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.

[Jumptship]

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.

[Raux]

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

[jduke]

Best motorcycle cruise control - http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html
Best motorcycle tire repair kit - 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

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.

[S21FOLGORE]

 

Forget the tools, carry a credit card and the phone numbers

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 ...

I cancelled my AMA roadside after getting stuck in Manhattan and waited 4 hours only to be called back and told tough luck.

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

[jduke]

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

[eric]

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  

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.

[SpikeC]

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!

[MsTek]

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?

[stopintime]

Better job 

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 

[Raux]

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