| Author | Message | ||
     Fltwistygirl |
Counting down for our epic adventure known as "Summer in Minnesota 2010". We are strongly considering trying our hand at motorcycle camping on the XB12XT. We've not done any "unsupported" camping to this point, it's all been structured with the scouts and primarily with the car. What I am envisioning is still at a designated campground, or maybe even friends or relatives yards. This will open up options to us in the event of guest cabins being occupied by other visiting family members, etc. My riding/camping partner is a Webelo, so this could be another oppty for him to hone some skills, and move the focus away from every day creature comforts. I think camping builds character. I picked up a copy of "Lightweight Unsupported Motorcycle Travel for Terminal Cases" from our fine friends at Aerostitch, and that seems to be an invaluable resource. As far as packing gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc.) I'm thinking about removing the top case and throwing the duffel bag with the tent on there. I was already noting where I did/did not have cell service, and am looking at getting bear spray "just in case". Has anyone done this type of camping successfully and if so, any advice? Thanks, BeLinda. | ||
| Slowride |
Yep, almost every year... Lay out all the stuff you think you need to take with you on your trip. Put it on your table in the kitchen or on the floor in the living room. Once you have everything laid out..... Cut it in half and you should be good to go. Cheers, Slowride | ||
| Ratbuell |
Are you riding solo, or 2-up? When I camp solo, one Journey bag holds the sleeping bag (in a Hefty bag - put EVERYthing in hefty bags "just in case"). The other saddlebag holds clothing, toiletries, and spare footwear. Topcase holds the "I need it" items like spare gloves, rain gear - stuff you might need while en route. I strap my tent fore and aft between the seat and a saddlebag, kinda under the handrail at the rear and going no further forward than the bag itself. It sits in the little valley just fine and you can still get into the bag (3-person Coleman dome). On the other side I strap down a bedroll/mattress pad, same direction (fore and aft). At this point, you can carry a passenger, just tailor the tent/bedroll positioning so their knees have somewhere to go. I also have a Hepco-Becker 50L topcase, not the stock 42L (I cheat). HB makes a luggage rack for the topcase lid - I have one of those too. I think you can put it on the 42, so technically you could strap your tent and bedroll(s) to the rack behind the passenger. I also have operators tubes under each bag - left side is first aid kit with waterproof matches and flashlight; right side is spare fuel. Underarmor. Packs down to nearly nothing, you can sink-wash it and hang-dry overnight. Layer it under a fleece and riding gear, you'll be good in any weather. Sounds like you're off to a great start. I'm jealous! | ||
| Dr_greg |
Been camping with the Uly many, many times. In fact, it's pretty much my favorite activity. Below is a photo from Grand Canyon North Rim; 15 miles of dirt road down to a completely unsupported area (no water, no nothing). Great views from there.   --Doc P.S. I don't cut my list in half; been refining it over the years... | ||
| Andymnelson |
Sam and I have done it on the XB9S and X1....it will be MUCH easier with the 12X!!  Good advice above. We used to do 2 weeks every summer in the Boundary Waters with my brothers, dad and grandpa. (www.bwca.com...it's a LARGE park in the northern part of MN with no facilities, no cell service, nothing. Pack everything in canoes, and light enough to be able to handle it on mile long portages....food and all. BEAUTIFUL wilderness, no motor boats allowed, water that is naturally filtered lake-to-lake and is clean enough to drink right from the lake. Awesome experiences, and a tradition I will def continue when I have kids!!) We would pack everything into gallon ziplocks, then in hefty bags then into the packs. There are a few benefits to this: 1) keeping clean and dirty stuff separate, and 2) you can squeeze all the air out of the ziplocks, and you really reduce your packing volume, and of course 3) water tightness. Have fun! | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I'm camping for the first time (off a motorcycle) in June. Going solo. I'll take a few pics once it's loaded up, I've been fooling around with different set ups, anyone want to post up pics of the Uly fully loaded? | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"Cut it in half and you should be good to go" Micah, lol, that sounds about right! In comparison to some of my friends, I've always been sorta low maintenance, but I still tend to over pack. This m/c camping thing is gonna force me to cull my stuff b/c each item HAS to count. Eventually I want to have this camping thing down so the mister n me can ride and camp when the boy is safely tucked away at college or the AF Academy. Joe-That is some fine advice, thank you. We may have the luxury of riding one up if the destination is friends/relatives yards, or local campground, but I want to be proficient of the two up + camping scenario if we venture out on our own. There are many beautiful spots in that part of the country in the summer and I want to keep every option open. BeLinda. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Here's Buelltoberfest '09. 5 days/4 nights. The side-to-side bag is a folding camping chair I had with me which now lives on the luggage rack if I take it along (photo is pre-rack); the fuel can is because this was pre-operator tubes. Tank bag had electronics - cell phone, chargers, iPod/chargers, camera/charger.  | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Dr Greg-Your type of camping is what we eventually aspire to do. Good excuse for a couple of XB12 X's, or maybe an X and a Ural. Not sure how I would do on an XT for that far in the dirt. Andy-Despite growing up about an hour away from the BWCA, and finishing my AA degree in Ely, I never did that type of camping. Always admired those that did, though. My friend from Milwaukee used to camp there every year, and shared too many bear encounter stories with me. Irrational fear of mine, perhaps, but bears tend to freak me out, even if it's "just" a black bear. B. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Uly's are great camping bikes. It is one rugged bike, sort of military rugged in my estimation. Just make darn sure that you park on flat ground when you have that baby packed like a mule. One of the real nice things about the ULY is the low end torquey grunt that the 1200 v-twin gives you when you need it. Can't say enough about good ole fuel injection. When you get up in the morning it just starts and idles so nice. | ||
| Ourdee |
One up makes for luxurious camping. I'm planning a 10x12 tent this time. Twin air mattress, 110 lamp, heater, blanket, a folding chair, 3 changes of clothes, toiletries, couple of towels, 1 gallon frozen tea, frying pan, cooler, pillow, laptop, cameras, may even bring a projector and DVDs. Food, drinks, and ice. And rain gear. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
This one time, at Daytona, I rode my Uly and camped with the two cats in Rat Buell's pic above. I haven't been camping since... LMAO (Message edited by Paint_shaker on May 30, 2010) | ||
| 7873jake |
The one thing I've noticed about the Buell is that even when its loaded down with luggage and camping gear, it still handles very, very well. It handles differently than when its unladen but unlike many of the previous bikes I've owned, my Uly still has a crispness and responsive nature when loaded that other bikes must quietly envy. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel unwieldy or unsafe. It was more top heavy than usual but it still stopped with a surefooted predictability and answered up when pressed into corners and evasive maneuvers. It didn't seem to shy away from spirited riding just because it had some additional weight out back. QUITE the contrary. I did notice that wheelies came easier too! Just thought I'd throw that in there so that when you do finally stuff, cram and strap everything on, there is still something fun to look forward to besides a wagging, noodle-like subframe or weak brakes. My KLR, as much as I liked that bike, could feel a little soft and vague when loaded with a few days gear and me in my riding garb (I'm 6'3" 225+ #s for some reference). | ||
| Dr_greg |
The one thing I've noticed about the Buell is that even when its loaded down with luggage and camping gear, it still handles very, very well... That is VERY true. Last summer on my trip to Seattle I let a couple of sportbikes pass me on CA 299, then proceeded to stick with them through the twisties. On this:  I'm sure they were impressed (or frustrated). --Doc | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Campers at the WV Buell Rally    | ||
| F_skinner |
I bring a lot of crap with me such as coffee pot and portable stove. Of course if you have someone deliver coffee it is that much better..    (Message edited by f_skinner on May 31, 2010) | ||
| F_skinner |
When I was younger I used a tarp instead of a tent. I picked up a one man tent for those solo camping trips and it really saves space. I put it in the tank bag.  | ||
| Ourdee |
Of course if you have someone deliver coffee it is that much better.. COURT, HEY COURT, hint hint | ||
| Marks3tbillet |
Here's mine on the way to Alaska last year. See next post. (Message edited by marks3tbillet on May 31, 2010) | ||
| Marks3tbillet |
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| Itileman |
Bear spray ?????? Bears like music.  | ||
| Skinstains |
Here's my Muell somewhere in between Maine, Jersey, and Wisconsin. | ||
| Skinstains |
Well so much for the pictures. So far as motorbike camping...it's the best. I will be heading for Colorado and the Pikes Peak Hillclimb in a couple of weeks. Over the years I have streamlined my kit and realized what to waste space on and what not to waste space on. The big thing for me is rain days. If you get stuck in the tent for a whole day or two you are going to wish you had; 1) a waterproof tent, I use a Nemo-Morpho and think it's the bee's Knees. 2) a source of light that doesn't run on batteries, I use a candle lantern. 3) someone or something to keep you entertained, magazines, books, laptop etc. 4) a warmer than you need sleeping bag as you may end up setting up in the rain and this will make you colder than if you were dry. | ||
| F_skinner |
Skinstains, make sure you drop me a note when you get here. I do not know your plans but if you need a place to stay or a hot shower just pm me or give me a call (number is in the BRAN). And, if you plan on camping on Pikes Peak the night before the race I may join you. Frank | ||
| Cityxslicker |
camping?!?!!??! it is what I bought it for!  | ||
| Bzrider |
the buell is a pac mule tghten the suspension load her up  | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I just did my initial test setup for Homecoming. Found out I can fit my fleece sleeping bag (50 degree), my sleeping pad (self-inflating), as well as my complete tent (minus the poles) in the Journey top box. The poles fit directly beneath the box in the holes through the top box bracketry, with a velcro strap keeping it in place. This keeps the weight low up there, which is good considering the weight of my Aux fuel tank on the passenger seat. It also leaves both side cases completely empty for clothes, food, and cooking/camping necessities. | ||
| Blasterd |
I do it all the time. The Uly makes it easy to take off for a camping trip, it will hold a ton of gear- even with a passenger! | ||
| Tootal |
Spent two weeks in Colorado and camped several nights. Here is my set up on top of Pike's Peak. Go real early before anybody gets there, it's a hoot with no traffic or traffic enforcement!  I use Helen2wheels bags. Very waterproof and easy to strap on. One bag for sleeping bag, pillow, thermarest and 357 bear spray! Second bag is for my three man tent. Right saddlebag is cold/rainy weather gear. Right side makes easy access while on the side of the road away from traffic. Left bag is clothes. Tour pack is toiletries, shoes, maps etc. Under the seat is tire plugger, owners manual, spare belt and tool kit. Load her up and go have fun! | ||
| Union_man |
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