2 up packing gear!!!

[Polarbear]

Wife and I will share one bike on our way East very soon and its not a normal routine for us, as she rides her own usually. I have mnuch more time off for the PA Rally and she must fly home, one week out. I'll miss her. We're on a GSA1200 and I have not perfected my two up gear packing thing! Any suggestions would be very helpful, as i go over and over my list of stuff for two on a single bike. Its tough, as I am used to solo and packing just about anything I need. We camp too and the GSA lends itself pretty nicely to all this, but I figure many of you are seasoned two up folks. Help? Any tips I may have not thought of may well be appreciated. Randy

 

[marcopolo]

We do a fair bit of long two-up trips, but we only motel it, never camp. I don't know how anyone could do the camping thing two-up. One small point, you do not need to duplicate all toiletries. You can share toothpaste, shave cream, deodorant etc. I would not, however, try that with the underwear. We ride an R12RT and have done trips up to five weeks. Biggest issue is packing shoes. As in most things, compromise is key. As much as we like jeans, we never pack them for two-up trips; they're just too bulky when compared to other fabrics. Also, we wear a lot of synthetics (pack more compactly and wash easily).

 

[26667]

can do

you'll probably get far better advice than mine, but my wife and I went Chgo, Rocky MT NP, SLC, Zion, Bryce, GCNP and home again two-up on my li'l old R100. We had a ball. Granted, we sent a lot of useless crap, cassette tapes and blue jeans, home in a box from Granby, CO. But we kept my camp chairs and loads of cooking gear. I've been thinking about it again since our plan later this summer includes a two-up trip.

Blah blah. I'm convinced that the key to our success was packing our big old sleeping bags on top of the saddlebags. And that's my plan this time too. I'm likely going to buy Helen Twowheels' bags for the top of each pannier, stuff them full of stuff, and also tuck something long round and fairly narrow in the space btw the bike and the outside hard and soft bags. Like chairs or tent poles. makes nice arm rests for the passenger, too. Collapsable water bag and cooler.

 

[20975]

My wife and I have done two up camping for years. We have crossed Canada twice and flown the bike to Europe and camped for 8 weeks. This was all on a good old R90. We had two saddlebags a tank bag and the rear rack.

We allowed 1/2 saddlebag each for our clothes, rolled tightly. The other side was dishes, camping gear, toiletries, air mattresses, etc.

On the rack we had the tent, and ONE sleeping bag. We took one rectangular bag and sewed a liner with zipper. Then we used the one bag as a double. If it was hot we put the liner up, if it was cool we put the sleeping bag sde up. No pillows, we used jackets fot that. We also carried a two burner stove on the rack, with the propane in the saddlebag, carried one bottle and bought new ones as required.

In the tankbag went cameras, books, flashlight, a bit of food for snacks and misc.

When we were near our destination we would stop for groceries for the evening meal and breakfast.

It was frugal but it was always fun!

I have to confess that now with age, I tow a trailer and bring the extras.

Have fun!

 

[visian]

I'm convinced that the key to our success was packing our big old sleeping bags on top of the saddlebags.

yup. and a u-bag helps keep everything sorted, too.

many moons ago, i helped a few couples collect their thoughts about two-up riding and camping. the information is still pretty valid.

sorry for the small pics... this was done when the interwebs were small. 26667 - Check out the K-bike at the bottom of the article to see sleeping bags on top of the saddlebags.

interesting note: the owners of that K-bike, Dave and Cindy Grider, just wrote another story about 2-up riding in this month's issue of BMW ON. Interestingly, they have gone from camping to B&B's. I will have to write Dave and razz him.

ian

 

[josh00]

I have a 02R1150RT and me and my wife have took a few long trips.I live in nortern Ohio and last year we rode to Yellowstone with just the normal cases and it was very tight for the luggage.Well this year I bought a Jo's Upac and we are getting ready to leave in a few hours to northern Maine,we have room left over and we have packed more then last year. If you google Jo's upac it will bring it up where you can order them.Well thats my two cents worth of advice.

 

[pffog]

Put the minimum stuff you think you travel with in a box, then split it in half.

I usually get 3 days or more out of a shirt, First time, maybe 2nd is at night while it is clean. Then under the riding gear for another day or two, if it smells who cares, you are in the wind anyway. Also time spent in Jeans is only a couple hours a night, so really only need one pair.

Also I have switched most of my riding gear to the polyprop stuff, doesn't smell, washes out in a sink easy and dries in a very short time. so I just wash as I go.

 

[stanley83]

Shipping

Have you considered shipping some of your gear to the rally? I would pack for minimalist camping on the way out with the luxury stuff you usually carry waiting for you in PA.

 

[wzellwzell@yahoo.com]

Visian

Great article. I only camp one up (my wife does not ride) and there were a few things I could take with me.

 

[alabeemer]

ha ha great thread Polarbear....
as Visian points out, about the only way I have been able to do this (on my GS' and now Adventure) is with the use of a U-Bag. Those things are big and you can get whatever you need in there for most trips, even if you are camping. It is a challenge though each time for me and I can't say I have a perfect plan. I do know this though, if one pannier is larger than the other one...GIVE IT TO HER! at least then she will (or maybe will) think you are giving up something for her. My wife always seems to think the tool kit is excess and could be left at home. Fortunately for the both of us I can't recall a break down or flat while she has been along! Sure can't say that for me by myself...so the tool kit stays no matter what!

On previous bikes I have always taken pride in my packing plan...this goes here...and this goes in here. However I must admit I seem to try it differently everytime on the two up camping trips!

Good luck and thank God for Rok Straps! I hope you have a safe ride across and we look forward to seeing you at the rally!

 

[peterbonly]

2-up packing

I have way many solo miles but will be traveling with my teenage son this summer and even doing some LD rallies 2-up. I have just spoken w/ Jo at http://www.josupac.com/main1.html and her bags sound very good for this type of riding.

I would encourage all to also look into LD Comfort which will add much to the ride and help minimize the need for packing riding under clothes. I wear the long top and long pants and find them very good - cool in summer and warmer in the winter. They are also good to sleep in. No affiliation butt a very satisfied customer. http://www.ldcomfort.com/

Safe riding and a good summer to all.

 

[motocamper]

Greetings
We would have tried the Jo's UPAC. The Jo's look easy and fast to pack. The price is right. How well do they keep out the rain?
We started with 50 liter dry bag on a rack with a backrest for Jet. With the bag off she still has a backrest.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62730586@N07/5819569453/" title="touring gear2 by motocamperpa, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/5819569453_40caff67fc_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="touring gear2"></a>
We hotel on rain nights and camp dry evenings.

Now we use a 115 dry bag same gear but seem to be smaller but packs fast but getting in it at lunch time is a pita. The upac look great for easy access.
We were going for a trailer this summer but that will not be happing this year.
Plan for your solo return no need to carry usless stuff back.
The best tip I got is to pratice packing just to make sure you got everthing.
Looking forward to seeing your rig
Tony

 

[Polarbear]

LOTs of GOOD

Ya'll folks are indeed great at this, with a ton of advice, all great . The U Packs are out, for our Pizza Trunk, by Jesse is in place and I have trailer interest, from previous towing behind my KLT1200, but the GSA1200 has few options to none so far for trailering. I look still. Those Bushtecs are everywhere and I wish somebody would build a cool GSA1200 trailer, for multi purpose on/off road use. It would have to be a tough unit, behind my GSA. Well, we have the large Jesse Bags and have small sized ours sleeping bags to down filling, which packs real small. Sleeping matresses are still an arguement, air type or roll out REI, self infaltors? I have both and packing is so different, regarding both. TOPS of the bags will get used, as brought up by my Airhead friends. I still have the R100/7 too. Living out of a m/c for two for camping is a challenge and I would not change it for anything, as its always an adventure, two ot one. THX, Randy

 

[motocamper]

Greeting Polar
Our latest and greatest buy for camping gear is a Aerobed?« EcoLite Airbed from Gander Mountain. The Queen size weights 5 lb including the air pump. When rolled one would never think that it is a queen. Never use it with out a ground sheet, has it is light weight pvc.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=437338&pdesc=Aerobed_EcoLite_Airbed_Twin&aID=505B4&merchID=4006
Tony

 

[jogitu]

Just did 2 weeks in Canada 2 up with the wife on the 1200RT. Packed both saddlebags, top box and a must is Helen Two Wheels bags. Strap them to the saddle bags. You could even strap some to the top box if so inclined. Racers Parts Wholesale is the distributor. We have had these bags for two years. They have held up well and are very rain tested. Never a hint of a leak. http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/

 

[advenbob]

I have a 07 GSA with the Jesse Safari Bags. No top box. I do believe you can pack your house in these bags and still have room for more. When we travel and camp, I have a Big Angnes 4 person tent in a Helen's bag, along with the poles and Kermit chair on top of one side bag, and another Helen's bag on top of the other side bag. I found I can carry clothes for a very long (2-3wk) trip in one bag. Carry small ice chest and a bunch of stuff not related to camping in the other. If I had to ride 2 up for a week or so, would not expect to have any problem packing. Just lay out what you both think you require, then skinny down from there as needed. I know everyone has seen photos of GS's packed to the stars by world travelers. It really is a work horse.

Helen bags provide you a number of options that can add to the enjoyment of traveling 2 up.

Good Luck

bob

 

[Polarbear]

Same year '07, same bags

Love my Jesse's. Only issue, their size makes carrying everything too easy and HEAVY! That big air matress has come up, but have done this at friends homes and I am 240, wife is 140 and I turn over in my sleep, shes goes flying! LOL. Yeah, that happened. Those things need baffles, laugh again. Well, I have been packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking and have just about got r figured out for 2up camping travel. Lots of years on the road by bike for me, so everything stays dry for a very long time now and got wise to that in my early biking life. Thanks for all the great help so far, because I have been slightly perplexed with this task, 2up thing. The GSA is indeed one of the best "working mules" out there. Still love camping. See ya'll on the road East soon. Red/White GSA1200'07, FULLY loaded for bear! My fishing pole, almost forgot. Serious, I have a very nice breakdown, aluminum cased fishing rig, but to avoid all those out of state license fees. ! Randy

 

[SilverSurfer]

My 77 R100/7 looked similar to there 2-up camping. Now that I discovered trailering which I like better. Much more space,and trailers like bikes have come a long way in design and lower weight.I like the idea of touring ,camping then leaving the trailer at the campground to go touring around the area you find yourself in. Then packing up and touring to another area to camp(sort of a base camp)and then tour another area with only the bike and minimal gear on the bike then so on and so forth.But trailering is not for everyone!

I think you have the right idea here. I was considering getting a UniGo single wheel trailer for my VFR for travel before I sold the bike. They look like a sport bike from the back, can be matched to your stock paint, and can carry about 85 pounds of stuff. The hitch wasn't big and gaudy, either. I could have left the trailer in my hotel room with my bags and stuff, then go ride the twisties.

Now I have the RT, which carries more stuff. But if my wife decides to ride with me again, then I will have to consider either a trailer or a bigger top box. I would lean towards getting the trailer, which wouldn't upset the balance of the bike.

 

[visian]

My 77 R100/7 looked similar to there 2-up camping. Now that I discovered trailering which I like better. Much more space,and trailers like bikes have come a long way in design and lower weight.I like the idea of touring ,camping then leaving the trailer at the campground to go touring around the area you find yourself in. Then packing up and touring to another area to camp(sort of a base camp)and then tour another area with only the bike and minimal gear on the bike then so on and so forth.But trailering is not for everyone!

that is one sweet looking setup. Those Bushtecs are a beautiful design.

Helen TwoWheels also helped write an article many moons ago....

 

[snookers]

Last September, my bride and I travelled the BRP after the Finger Lakes Ralley. We used kayak/canoeing drybags to stow most of our camp gear. The twenty litre bags held our 3 person tent,ground sheet,sleeping bag,pillows and 3/4 length ultralight thermarest air mattreses as well as other items. The bags were attached to the side cases making a comfortable "throne" for my bride. We have since however purchased a used Bushtec trailer which will make future rides even better with the available space for a few luxury items.