Touring on a Roadster Dilemma

[Douglas]

Not so much a question but a general observation/rant. Mine is a 2010 Roadster, 7k miles with Jardine and the little funky windshield. I love the way this bike looks to the point that I am having a hard time modifying it for light touring. My riding buddy and I would love to ride this summer from Anchorage to Haines-780 miles one way...maybe take about 3 days each way, but after long day rides last summer I realize that my legs need some room (highway bars and pegs the solution) and of course for overnight I will need gear. At 56 I still dont mind sleeping on the ground. I would suppose that I would be smokin' crack if I thought I could carry a pack on my back (sounds dangerous/uncomfortable) but I hate to attach anything permanent.

I love the way it looks naked, and if I had a fatter checkbook I would have another arrow in my quiver-a RIIIT. -Doug

 

[dave64]

There is plenty of options , quick release saddle bags , tail bags , throw over bags and large tank bags . Just go to a big retail store and have a look at what suits your taste , there is endless options for non permanent bags.

 

[Phil R]

http://www.tbags.com/

I used the Cross Country Travel Bag for a trip down the west coast (Washington to Southern Cal). We stayed in Hotels so I didn't need to worry about sleeping bags or tents. It worked great. I ran into rain on the last day of the trip coming home and the rain fly that came with the bag developed a rip from the wind. The dealer ordered me a replacement no cost. It's a pretty nice bag.

 

[kaivalagi]

How much space for things do you really need?

I ask cause I just bought a cheap 35L dry duffell bag which fits the bike well @ 55cm wide and fixes on the sissy bar rack I have just finwe, it gets bungied on it along with a small tent and roll mat and I'm then set for fair few days away....works for me

 

[Douglas]

How much space for things do you really need?

I ask cause I just bought a cheap 35L dry duffell bag which fits the bike well @ 55cm wide and fixes on the sissy bar rack I have just finwe, it gets bungied on it along with a small tent and roll mat and I'm then set for fair few days away....works for me

I hadnt actually thought of going that route...the sissy bar sounds kind of permenent but I just started dating a gal who might look pretty good on the rocket...I guess the hardest time I am having is accepting the crash bars and pegs...but boy I did notice on long days the legs get stressed. thanks for the input. As an avid sea kayaker I have a ton of dry bags all sizes. -Doug

 

[Douglas]

http://www.tbags.com/

I used the Cross Country Travel Bag for a trip down the west coast (Washington to Southern Cal). We stayed in Hotels so I didn't need to worry about sleeping bags or tents. It worked great. I ran into rain on the last day of the trip coming home and the rain fly that came with the bag developed a rip from the wind. The dealer ordered me a replacement no cost. It's a pretty nice bag.

Thanks Phil R I just went to that site...those bags look much nicer than most I have seen.

 

[cr0ft]

Well, a sissy bar bolts on and off. With a sissy bar you can easily strap a bag to the bike - I use a Kuryakyn Grantour bag, but for more space, perhaps a Full Dresser bag http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/700/Full-Dresser-Bag

I have the R3T and still prefer to have a bag plus the panniers. Though the sissy bar and luggage rack goes on only when I need it... thankfully it's an easily detachable one for the R3T, a second to put on and another to take it off.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sissy-Fehling-Triumph-Rocket-Roadster/dp/B00BFN25GS looks like four bolts, then strap the bag to the luggage rack and you're good to go.

 

[CanberraR3]

I realise I don't travel particularly light but this set up was for 2 weeks away. The bag is an expandable R-Jays (unexpanded in the pic) sitting over my sissy bar which is quick release. The smaller bag was just strapped to rack - also quick release with the sissy bar. The blue thing is a bike cover. The saddle bags are easily removed with just 2 bolts easy side or EZ Brackets. I also like to have as little as possible on the bike when I don't actually need it.

 

[cr0ft]

Bungee cords scare me. I prefer luggage straps that don't flex, if it can flex on it can flex off.

 

[STRIPES]

Motor guards are a must for me. If you happen to have it lay over, even at little or no speed, the damage cost is excessive (mainly to the radiator).