What are /r/motorcyclesroadtrip's favorite Products & Services?

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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is always my go-to moto book to get me ready for an adventure. Its existential and philosophical and about a couple dudes on a motorcycle trip in the US. Kinda slow but worth a read!

I think A LOT of it is like that. I'm having trouble remembering, but I think there's really only like one "cool" part, and it's in Arizona, and it's also not very big. IIRC, it was just a motel with a dinosaur and a bunch of neon signs.

Sidebar for OP: I've been using "Roadtrippers.com" lately. Pretty nifty alternative to Google Maps that's has users rate destinations and share their journeys. Here's a article with links and stuff for Route 66.

There is a website whose name I can't recall where you can post up your route, but then it can be edited by others. This was great when someone was planning a ride across the US and left it open for "locals" to edit the route to follow interesting roads, etc. I did a search but while I didn't find it, I did find wanderlog.com. Maybe this will work for what you want to do in Europe?

I enjoy using Furkot and Kurviger for my own planning.

Hey there! I don't have a good system at all - pack strapped to the bike is asking for stuff to get stolen. I'm upgrading to US-30 Drypack, and I've decided to use this lockable wire mesh protector to secure it https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Backpack-Protector-Silver-Size/dp/B000FGVFP8. Better than nothing. Hope that helps, and ride safe!

Sounds like you're on the right track. I disagree with most who say you're asking for trouble with an older bike. As long as you've gone through the rubber bits the GS will probably outlast you. I'm with you on the aesthetics of windscreens; I have a quick release one on my Bolt so I only have to look at it on long rides. If you're sticking to 55mph county roads you'll probably be ok. I had one of these on my '81 CX500 and it did a good job taking the wind off my chest https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cafe-Headlight-Fairing-Windscreen/dp/B0081UHCPW

It's totally possible. I'd guess you're choosing this bike for one of two reasons: you're either handy with a wrench (in which you'll be fine), or it was cheeeeaaaap (so you can walk away from it if it shits the bed, in which you'll be fine).

I would recommend a shakedown run or two just to figure out comfort. Over 200 miles I like a windscreen. Gel or sheep skin pads help with crummy seats. Crampbuster is the best $10 you can spend. https://amazon.com/dp/B001L9KI56/

Have fun, be flexible, have an exit plan. Will you be camping, hotels, or a mix of both?

I ended up getting an inflatable seat cushion from Amazon. Cost around $40. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B093WB9L52/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_3DH4NGXPE5JWRRX4AY6R

I saw a more expensive version of something similar at cycle gear and was intruiged but unwilling to pay $100+ on a maybe.

If my current one stops working I'd be willing to try the more expensive model because the concept works for me.

Prior to backpacking or camping you can freeze items solid and use them in place of ice/with a little ice to keep other things chilled as they thaw out. Used to do this with meat and premade omelettes in freezer ziplock bags then go hike. Steak frozen like a rock in a cooler, leave cooler in care, hike 6 miles while steak thaws hen 1st night cook the steak, next morning boil the omelette sous vide.

Other options would be cured meats. Picking up ingredients fresh sometime right before you camp/check in/eat. A collapsible cooler(most definitely would want a water tight bag style one.) I don't know this brand and haven't ever used one but something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Enthusiast-Gear-Insulated-Backpack-Cooler/dp/B07YFF6NM9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3R3BHHIGMNPNI&keywords=collapsible+cooler+watertight&qid=1644993759&sprefix=collapsible+cooler+watertight%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-3

There are microwaveable rice packets. I bet they'd cook sous vide style and then just add some sliced meat and veg.

Haven't tried these on a motorcycle, but I hope to one day.

Other wise get a brand new Vstrom 1000 and put a microwave pannier on one side and an small refrigerator pannier on the other. The only thing holding you back is your mind. Technically this could be done. Just sayin'.

Decent setup that will probably do you good for this trip. It sounds like you've given yourself a relaxed time table too, so if you do start to get cold you can always take a break, grab some food, and warm yourself up before going back out too.

On a longer trip I'd seriously start looking at some of the stuff like heated socks or gloves (fingers and toes are the first to go with high wind exposure and lower circulation). They can turn into a couple hundred dollar setup, but they'll absolutely elevate your enjoyment of tour riding, again hard to express how unfun riding gets once you start to get miserable cold.

Another option I've run for several years is heated grips. They work okay, and it's nice they're always attached to the bike for use, but I do think heated gloves do a slightly better job at warming your whole hand.

https://www.amazon.ca/ATLANTIC-CANADA-ROAD-ATLAS-MapArt/dp/1554861004/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/147-3566476-8295400?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1554861004&pd_rd_r=ec8090dc-a2c9-470b-93a7-842082cc311d&pd_rd_w=S3x0N&pd_rd_wg=jIztk&pf_rd_p=651...

Found this one for you thats specific enough for where you're going. Cell service is fucky fucky here, a 7/11 pay as you go solution would bypass that while in country. 10 bucks for the sim, 25 for some air time.

However, your trip will be NEXT YEAR right? Even locals who work in USA and come home for a bit, with proper quarantine for two weeks, have been getting their cars vandalized, torched, drivers...challenged. (being kind on the word there)
We'd love to have ya!! Not this year though...

https://www.amazon.com/Double-Strung-Wooden-Comfort-Massaging/dp/B01HFIBYPO

Just something like that, pretty cheap. Mine only lasted about 3000 miles of use before it snapped but I wanted to see if I liked it before I bought a higher quality one.

earplugs are one of those things where cheap and simple is often better.

I throw a handful of these in a ziplock bag before any trip. https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=earplugs+macks&qid=1571693169&sr=8-4

They actually reduce noise by more decibels than a lot of fancier ones, and they are entirely in ear so they never slip out when you put your helmet on. Furthermore these are super soft and are comfortable to wear all day long. I often reuse a pair until they are too dirty.

http://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Peninsula-Comprehensive-Guidebook-California/dp/1891275003

That's a book that was written in 1998, but how much can Baja change in 17 years? It'd modtly empty desert...