motorcycle camping...tent options?

“That's got to be the uglyest bike I've ever seen. LOL
Diff strokes for diff folks.......”

“Damn you all!!!! Now I've got the fever!!!!

This the type of bike I used to have before kids. Every time I renew my license my wife asks me why I still keep paying for the motorcycle license. I just grin and say you’ll see.

1975 Honda 750

”

“Dayhiker, you're so dang responsible you're more anal about security than I am and that's bad! I've let family, work and doing the right thing get in the way of fun for 37 years. Well, in 5 years or so my kids will be grown and I'm busting loose. Two weeks ago at Queen Wilhamena State Park in Arkansas half of the tent campers were bikers. I thought to myself what a cool way to travel. These were mostly middle aged guys and a few gals aged 45 to 65. They were not hardcore bikers these were weekenders who were formally accountants, carpenters, nurses etc. Instead of being depressed when I turn 40 in a few years, I'm gonna be excited because I'll know that freedom is getting close.
A bike would make great backpacking transportation if you could safely leave your bike near the trailhead. The distance we often travel just to get to the trailhead would be much more fun and cheaper on a bike. There are probably a lot places where trails are close enough to a safe storage area where bike backpacking would be possible.

Have fun AmyG great looking bike. Most of the bike campers I saw had bike-packs and regular backpacking tents. Some had trailers and actually put up family sized tents, had a huge air matress, lanterns, cold beer, etc. I'd save more room for the cold beer and do away with the rest. There is a great looking Goldwing with a trailer for sale down the street but I'm not ready. The best thing is the wife actually wants to get a bike as well. She just won't tent camp.”

“True, but you've got kids that are about to be teenagers. I have a 6,4, and one on the way. I'm not saying I'm not getting one, just voicing my issues. I have a parter retiring and few younger employees that aren't ready to run a business. If I crashed and burned we'd probably go out of business within 18 months because sr guy isn't hanging around 5 more years til the younger guys age. He's waited longer than he wanted for me to get old enough.”

“Eureka Apex. Free standing and packs up small. I have all three (tarptent,crestone,eureka) and the Apex is best $$

Here is a link with specs on the eureka tents including packed size:

http://www.eurekatent.com/update2006/pdf/spectable.pdf”

“Hey dayhiker I'm not knocking you guy, I'm admiring ya man. You're going to get that bike when the time is right.”

“Well, I was afraid I came off a bit defensive there. I didn't mean to. I suspect I wind up with one at Christmas. If I didn't need to get a vehicle now I'd go ahead and take the plunge. My ranger is about to trip 200k. It's been good, but it's time to get something now before it starts having problems. I plan on keeping it though.”

“
1974 Ducati Sport

One of the first Ducati V twin models for which they are famous. 90º cylinders for good balance. Italian and beautiful.


I put the first 2,000 miles on one of these but it was the naked version with a two-up seat and no faring.
My good buddy bought it and very shortly ended up in a thigh to ankle cast after a basketball injury.
I kept it to 60 mph for the first thousand and then it was, "let's see what this mother#&%!$er will do!!"
This beast red-lined at 140 and sounded like a fighter plane and handled great with a low center of gravity.
last edited: 6/16/06 10:21:42 AM”

“I emailed my accountant yesterday about the IRS mileage reimbursement for bikes. I just got the answer that it's the same .445 $/mile. I was wondering because I frequently go to job sites that are remote enough that cell coverage isn't present. That makes it ideal for a bike. If I have coverage at least I can work and drive. Hmmm, the plot thickens. I'll have about 2000 miles available to these types of places before it cools off again. That's about $900. That'd pay for a huge chunk of a $3500 bike.”

“

Japanese version of the Ducati 620 Naked Bike.

A "slightly" more affordable ride.
last edited: 6/16/06 10:29:03 AM”

“I like that. Not a full on crotch rocket and not a cruiser. Sort of a tweener.”

“There is one of those Suzukis parked here sometimes.

I believe its 68 horsepower and 400#, give or take a bit......lighter and more power than my old Yamaha.

My XS 650 was 460# and 50 horses.....still pretty fast and able to do the mountains out west with me and about 40# of gear with ease.

I love the way a good-sized twin digs through curves!”

“I was liking the Kawsaki Concours because it's kind of like a tamed down Ninja with bags. Sporty yet functional just like me. OK, I lied, I'm a hog lowrider.

”

“But then again I like the Royal Enfield Bullet Deluxe for the vintage style. Built today just as it was in the 50's. for under $4,000 new.

”

“Holey Crap, Adventurist!!!!

That is mightily ugly!!”

“My father’s got one of these sitting in the garage, except his has a fairing.

I was never allowed to touch it. :(”

“The Yamaha XS 650 was my favorite but my last ride was a brown 1980 R65.





After I got married in '81 I simply lost interest.
I sold it to a friend with 4,000+ miles on it in '84.........he still has it with 8,000+ miles and he don't ride no mo'.”

“Zac, I wouldn't let you touch it either!!”

“I've half way convinced myself to get a bike for the summer. The only issue is driving it to work. They usually have to warm up a couple of minutes. A cruiser warming up at 5:30 am would probably get me divorced.”

“If you're still looking for a tent the ORIGINAL single pole Coleman/ Peak 1 Cobra tent packs down SMALL. I found on my motorcycle diameter wasn't as much an issue as overall length. The pole section length on the Cobra was small... much smaller then any other tent I have ever owned. It's not a large tent though but as a short stuff you should fit perfectly. I was on the verge of not fitting at 5'9" tall. Remember... you're looking for the original version that this guy has:

http://www.oc.edu/staff/phil.heffington/gearcomparisons.htm

Another option is to find your favorite tent and buy a custom pole set for it. There are several places to order new poles. You can specify a smaller the secion length so it packs down shorter.”

“Hey Dayhiker... I have a Honda Rebel 250 with you name all over it ;) 65-70mpg. Will run you about $74/year in insurance though. THough... it might be cheaper for you since you're married. $800 and it's yours!

Hell... I may even sell you my VFR if the price is right.”

“I picked up a Peak 1 Cobra tent at the Coleman outlet store in Tannersville PA a couple years ago for about $50.00. I’ve been in a couple torrential down pours with it and it has never leaked. Like DeoreDX said the pole sections collapse down to a very small length.”

“well, I ended up going with a Big Agnes Sedhouse, because it packs small(enough) and is light, so can double as my new backpacking solo tent. :)

Of course, once I got the new tent, I decided that I needed a new(used) bike. I am such a gear ho.



ummmm...Anyone wanna buy "the piglet"?
(the Suzuki GZ)”

“WHOA! You go girl.....lol...”

“Will you be riding that to the next FYAO trip?

Notice I didn't say "this year's", MarkO
last edited: 9/22/06 8:16:50 AM”

“Shake rattle and roll!!”

“Good choice on tent. I have that one and love it. One night in particular, it was midnight and I was hiking with my boys trying to find Jerbear at RRG. He had another tent for me to use besides the seedhouse. After wandering around for a long time in the steamy blackness (turns out we were on a climber's footpath and not a trail at all), I gave up. I pitched the BA, the only tent I had with me. I, my two sons, our puppy, and two of our backpacks fit into the solo tent. My pack went into the vestibule. It was a tight squeeze, but it worked.

And kudos on your bike! I'm so jealous.”

“I don't think I'll be riding the biket o FYAO...unless I can somehow add skis as side rails. ;)

The BA tent is surprisingly big for a solo...I read a review somewhere that actually lists it as a "1.5" person. I think it could easily accommodate 2 friendly people, but 3 plus pooch? wow. Ruby was sporting a clown tent. ;)”

“1.5? Kewl! Will we use that at Masten?

What's with you blinking?

moooooHAHA!”

“Hmmm, its a two-person if ya stack 'em?”

“in yer dreams, kleetybob...you're sleeping in Bobo's tent!

phhhhhewwtttt!!
ewwww...what's that smell?”

“Who cares about the bike? I wanna see Amy in her leather chaps! :P”

“Nice RIde AmyG. Might I propose a new trip: RYAO (Ride your ass off). Bikin' and Hikin' WOoHoo!”

“Do you wear leathers and other protective stuff? In Emergency Services we prefer people riding DONOR Bikes wear protective equipment...keeps the torso in one place so we can have a better chance at gaining donatable parts.”

“I use the Eureka Spitfire. It all fits into one Nelson-Rigg saddlebag..... tent, rain fly and poles, however the poles do stick out a bit. The other saddlebag holds a sleeping bag and pad.


last edited: 9/27/06 3:16:42 PM”

“twag...nice set up, though I'm not big on the sport bikes, personally...just not that comfy a ride IMO. My bags will hold most of my gear, but it looks like I'll still have some strap-ons for the back as well.

XL...is that question directed at me?

Are you kiddin' me?!

Before yo go prosthelytizing, Me is the "we" in Emergency Services too, dorkface.
:p”

“WOW..she called me dorkface...be still my beating heart (LOL)...take it easy, go hit the No2 a couple of times...Girl I was kidding around (LOL). Half my rescue squad rides crotch rockets....If it is fun for you go for it.

Is anyone checking the date on the calendar for future reference...(LOL)”

“Obviously, XL didn't get a BA or MA in socializing with women. (lol)”

“Buddhy, YOU have no such problem, you smooth talker you...
In fact, I may just let you ride my motorcycle...in the beyatch seat, of course.

;)
last edited: 9/28/06 7:47:17 AM”

“I've never tried that position.... I'm in!”

“I used to hate loud motorcycles until I learned why

http://www.pistolwimp.com/media/44492/”

“AmyG, It's (Yama-hamer FZ1) more comfortable than it may appear. Has a fairly upright riding position that I can endure for ..oh about 200 miles. Good luck with your bike and tent choice
last edited: 9/28/06 9:17:47 PM”

“I'm sorry. This is a backpacking site and we do not discuss such things.

Were'd those EBANNOT(sp?) threads go?








:p”

“I sometimes wear a backpack whilest riding...close enough for this site.
:p
:b
:d
:q”