Hi Guys,

I was wondering if anyone could offer me any touring advice.

I'm thinking about taking my X10 on a 2500 mile run over the summer and was wondering if anyone had any long distance tips they could share.

My bike is an 330 X10 with Givi Airflow and topbox. I also have the PMP fitted.

Thanks

Chevysoul has just done big trip on one

2500 miles is a long way - Put new tyres on before you leave, rather than trying to faff around buying new ones in some remote place!

Just the obvious really on maintenance, make sure oil & filter change done before the off, check that tyres and pads will cover that distance. Carry puncture repair kit and duck tape/cable ties, plus have decent recovery cover.

Make a pile of what you plan to take clothing wise, then half it, everyone always takes too much. You just need 4/5 days worth and then wash it on a rest day. Limit daily mileage to 200/250 miles (so you can actually see stuff) and either take a day off or a light day every 4/5 days (to do your washing!).

Don't book hotels ahead (assuming France/Spain) as you put pressure on getting to a certain place, plenty of decent (cheapish) hotel chains in Europe so you just turn up each day - except perhaps the first night.

Keep hydrated, so have water bottle (or camelpak) at hand while riding, use a crampbuster or go cruise device to save your right hand/wrist if riding faster roads. Wear layers so you can add or remove as daily temps may vary. Pack heavy stuff low down and keep some spare available space for your daily food/drink purchases.

ideally don't travel alone, take 1 or 2 other bikes.

Sure there's loads more .................

Meldrew wrote:

poldark wrote:ideally don't travel alone, take 1 or 2 other bikes.

I think otisaardvark will gain a lot more experience travelling alone than with other riders, this will give him the confidence to tackle his next trip without asking for advice on here.

+1

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful.

Poldark the Crampbuster and Camelbak are really good ideas, thank you.

If I do do this, I'll make the trip just after the X10's 6000 mile service. I'll try to make sure that we cover everything that could wear out before 8500 miles.

I used to do similar runs on a bigger bike but this is my first 'big' trip on a scoot. 500 mile trips to the North East have been a dream on the X10 and they made me think a trip of this kind shouldn't be a problem. I'm just very aware that I have only had my machine since January and have run up most of the mileage running in and out of work. I'm very aware of how little I probably know!

Thanks again and do let me know if there are any other things I should be thinking about.

Cheers!

Globs's Touring tips:

* The big topbox is a good idea, I can almost fit inside mine myself. Don't get a soft case unless you enjoy taking it with you every time you stop.
* Get a decent Givi screen - it's a godsend and also gives you a dashboard to store coats etc.
* DO the fusebox mod to stop water getting into the fusebox before you set off - it's a special X10 'feature'
* Take a small bicycle pump + puncture 'string' kit so you can fix your own punctures.
* Take a rag for when the seat is wet.
* Take a plate for the side-stand for soft ground.

Thanks Globs. Sounds like good advice to me!

I've got the topbox and Givi screen and they are great. I will do the fuse box mod and wil take your 'special kit'!

Thanks again!

This is the pump I bought:

http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Works like a treat, reversible bit in the end to adapt to car/bike valves.

Wow! That looks pretty cool.

Thanks globs.