On my first trip I packed the bike and when I

took off I realized that it was too top heavy.

I turned right around and an hour later had

pared my load down to essentials that you see

in the picture on the right.

There are various ways to carry gear on your

bike. You can add saddle bags, tank bags and

large duffels that can be bungied to your

passengers back rest, if you have one. 

This picture is from New Hampshire with the

gear on the bike, a 1980 Suzuki 750.

Now this is essential. I found a set up at Wally World that was very reasonable and saved a bundle rather than buy

a rain gear set at motorcycle boutique style shop for 3 times as much.

 Light gloves are great for rain if the cuffs extend over the bottom sleeve cuff.

You want to be sure that the cuffs seal tightly. When you're riding with your arms extended up onto the handlebars

you would be getting the rain driven up your sleeves otherwise. The same goes for the seperation between the top

and trousers part. You don't want wind driven rain up onto the belly unless it's a very very hot day, then who needs

rain gear.