I'm planning on doing a few rallies this year.Normally I camp solo as my wife isn't into bikes.I like my Rob Saunders tents,there very strong & light.I could probably fit my jetpcker plus,& everything else into a tankbag or tail pack.I like cycle camping too.So the equipment that I use tends to be dual purpose.But personally I like the lightweight minimalist approach myself.It's quicker to set/pack up that way,&the bike isn't ladened down.So it's still fun to ride.
------------- A balanced diet is a pie in each hand. :)
I used to take a tiny tent, sleeping bag and a roll mat. A few changes of undies and that was it LOL
Older now, and I like my comforts :-) I draw the line at TV's etc, those will never be part of camping for me. I love sitting outside chatting with mates on a Summer night. I have another bike an XJ900F which I am planning to trike one of these days. That would be an ideal bike to have a trailer with.
if anyone is unsure about towing a trailer with a bike , i can asure you that once you get used to it you kinda forget its there ,i've traveled thousands of miles towing mine (which is a squire d 18) the ones shown in "maryinoxfords" link are also squires .
mine gets packed like a sardine can with everything from montana 6 to gas barbie ,cookerstand with 2 ring burner, electric cool box wardrobe, windbreak ,2 chairs & table , 8" telly, blowup matreses, and much more,
yes there are weight restrictions 150 kg max by law or half the weight of the bike. whichever is smallest.
but i do tow with a 1500 goldwing which is efortless
Nice pic. It would also make me feel a lot more secure about leaving my bike parked up for 5 while I avail myself of the facilities in services.
The Virago weighs about 200kg and is pretty torquey so I think would handle a trailer really well. Let's face it, youv'e seen the piccie in my gallery and know what size tent I have carried before now so a wee trailer should make the bike even easier to handle.
Is the weight restriction for the trailer laden or unladen? Mary in Oxford's link says that my bike can have any of the trailers there.
I am really liking this idea. No more soggy clothes if I get caught in a downpour. No matter how well I wrap the gear in my panniers if I get caught in a major downpour things will get wet. Hard cases look silly on my bike, it just doesnt suit them :-)
Quote: Originally posted by celtic_gothette on 05/3/2007
Nice pic. It would also make me feel a lot more secure about leaving my bike parked up for 5 while I avail myself of the facilities in services.
The Virago weighs about 200kg and is pretty torquey so I think would handle a trailer really well. Let's face it, youv'e seen the piccie in my gallery and know what size tent I have carried before now so a wee trailer should make the bike even easier to handle.
Is the weight restriction for the trailer laden or unladen? Mary in Oxford's link says that my bike can have any of the trailers there.
I am really liking this idea. No more soggy clothes if I get caught in a downpour. No matter how well I wrap the gear in my panniers if I get caught in a major downpour things will get wet. Hard cases look silly on my bike, it just doesnt suit them :-)
I say if you think it's better for using trailer for camping then go for it. I never regretted one little bit. It never bothered me at all,just look for a drive through space in the motorway service Makes it more easy to drive away instead of pushing it back.
Ok I am on my 3rd mid life crisis, so the new cruiser is being ordered next month. Just putting together a small kit that I can pack on the bike rather than the kitchen sink affair I throw into the 4x4. There wont be any room for a pillion but I like the idea of getting away on my own though it would be nice to meet up with any other like minded souls. I picked up a Sunncamp Voyager XL 3 in the winter sales for half price, and that seems to be the bikers choice. I purchased of copy of "Motorcycle Camping made Easy" by Bob Woofter. Its an American book but its got some good points about preparing and loading ones bike. The pictures of huge American cruisers towing trailer tents are mind blowing. £17 from WH Smiths or £7.50 from Amazon (quite), ok leathers at the ready see you in the woods
I go camping on my bike mainly to bike rallies. I do have the luxury of a 4 man tent, but apart from that, i like to keep it as minimalist as possible. Single micro stove, chair, self inflate mat, sleep bag, and the usual odds & sods. I really enjoy the back to basics approch, because its a total contrast to when i go away in my camper, which is kitted out as well as my flat. But nothing compares to the freedom of a motorcycle.
I'll be at the MAG Ded Duk Rally next weekend in the Forest Of Dean if any of you will be there.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Motorcycle touring and tents
