I've got long enough legs but zero flexibility. Fortunately, I have lots of ballast to put the bike on the centre stand. This gives me a nice solid base so then I use the footpeg and mount the beast.
Hi-ho Silver!

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Fred
Ignorance killed the cat. Curiosity was framed.
Sarcasm is not just a right, but a responsibility.
I used to be a people person, but people ruined that.

I use the foot peg but with my gear packed on the pillion, it's too high to swing my leg over. I did try, and made it, then got such a cramp I had to switch the engine off and massage my leg for at least ten minutes before I could even think of moving off.

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"There's nothing I can't do, but there's a lot I won't do."

SUZI - I'm in love with her, but I'm afraid she's taking me for a ride.

I knew I would forget that I did have:
firs aid kit;
strings and compressor;
ziplock bags can be cut to use as facemasks for EAR;
multitool;
Listerine (for both of us if I had to do EAR);
first aid training (but I have to update!).

Haven't needed tape or connectors (can't see a crossed finger smilie).

I didn't carry the kitchen sink (but if I eliminate what I didn't need, I might have room …)

Thanks - I will update my list.

Doug

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"There's nothing I can't do, but there's a lot I won't do."

SUZI - I'm in love with her, but I'm afraid she's taking me for a ride.

Hey Douggie,thanks for the post,I love solo touring and being of 55 vintage I can relate to all of your findings--with Givi cases and top box and the whatever bag on the rear seat the soft shoe shuffle is required for remount--the looks at the servo's after re-fueling are like "should he really be"--Ha--and the hip cramp bloody hell--I stand on the pegs and have a wriggle but if I stay on the seat and put the legs out for a stretch I lock up badly--cheers,Don.

I have to ask.
If you did exactly the same trip in a car or SUV would you feel compelled to carry the same repair and fits aid equipment?

Ah! Good question.

In most cases, yes. I carry a first aid kit and EPIRB with me whenever I travel - except with commercial transport I don't carry the first aid kit. But an EPIRB went all around the world with me in 2008 when I was driving (not riding - didn't have "R" on my licence then - it was the only omission on my IDP) and on commercial tours.

I carry quite a bit of other equipment when I go by car - extra fuel, a lot of water, food and complete tool kits. Usually I end up using them on others, especially water. If I came across an impassable road, I'd be content and self-contained to sit and wait.

However, having come from a service background (father) and self-sufficient occupation (teaching), I always have a plan A, B, C, D, E and F (that's the EPIRB while travelling). Now, as well as noting places with good toilet facilities, I'm noting places which have free showers (so I can change and not be so "on the nose" and keep my feet OK) and will preferentially buy fuel and food from those towns - so far Sea Lake (V) and Capella (Q).

Doug

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"There's nothing I can't do, but there's a lot I won't do."

SUZI - I'm in love with her, but I'm afraid she's taking me for a ride.

Some stuff that I always carry when traveling----
Poo paper & little plastic trowel.
Diarrhea pills,never go on a trip without them.
Mozzie/Fly repellent.
Wet gear that goes over,not inside. Who thought it was good idea to park on the road side to put wet gear under the jacket and pants
A saturated jacket,with all it contains,and wet mud caked pants go where when the tents up.

Stand facing the bike and kick your leg up over the seat can-can dancer style. It's way easier than trying to sweep your leg across the back of the seat like you are mounting a horse when the bike is loaded.
Practice is all you need.

BTW: The only thing that I think is a must on any trip is a credit card. Cards solve all problems (at least until the statement arrives at home).

I grab the cuff of my pants leg to help my leg over..,

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- Voltar

Build your own V-Strom GPI and save, save, save!

I used to take all sorts of "just-in-case" bits but over time have cut down to just wire, zip ties, fuses, couple nuts/bolts, tape, and hex-key for the non-std crashbar bolts - all in small Jetstar toiletries bag, tucked behind std tool kit under the seat, next to puncture repair kit/plugs.

I don't take sunblock or lip-balm but do pack a minimal first aid kit, inc tweezers (used recently for a tick). I've carried 1/2 roll loo paper for years and never used it. Diarrhea tabs? Just goes to show there's no "proper" list for everyone. We add and subtract to suit our own needs over time.

Couple wkends ago, hadn't been on a gravel for a bit, and really noticed the Strom's heavy arse swinging out on the corners. Quickly got used to it but resolved to lose a few kgs off the back end. I was going to take off the carrier last wkend but then you lose the side handles, and they are handy when you're picking up the bike in a creek (which happened twice on that ride). No creek crossings this wkend, so I'll probably remove it. What's it weigh - 5-6 kgs?

@maccaoz - you've got wet gear that goes under your pants? I know the ones that zip into a jacket, but never seen under pants version.

@douggie - easier to do K1W1's can-can move if you stand on the footpeg before hoiking your right leg through the gap between fuel tank and luggage on the back.

@K1W1 - there are a lot of things that can go wrong in the bush far from credit card land, but I know what you're saying: we don't have to cater/carry for all possible emergencies. Even in bush, you can abandon the bike and walk out if necessary.

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Steve C
Gold Coast Riders (Rides & events SE QLD, plus stuff about camping etc)
Gravel Riders Club Old farts off-road
Yer ears & yer teef They're the only ones yer got