SIGforum.com Main Page The Lounge Planning my first motorcycle rally — would love to hear firsthand experiential guidance
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I was thinking about this, and you've got nearly two months to take a shakedown trip, or even several such rides working your way up to a 500 mile in a day ride. If you leave early enough in the day, you can time this out to arrive at the curvy roads during daylight hours. ------------- $ | |||
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thin skin can't win |
I have nothing to offer on the motorcycle portion of the trip, but the way you've described the plans did prompt one suggestion; bring a good solid trailer lock for those times you're leaving it disconnected and unattended. Beautiful part of the country! You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02 | |||
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| Was that you or the dog?  |
I've owned several BMW's and have been to a few rallies including the MOA National. I've also owned several Harley's, including my current ride, and have been to several Harley-centric events as well including Bike Week in Myrtle Beach. Not even remotely the same experience. But there are a bunch of good people at both. At one would be a heated conversation about the degree of offset from TDC to gain 2hp out of a 1986 K100. The other would be a debate over the best titty bar in the Mid-Atlantic. You may want to surf the boards on the MOA and find someone riding down from your area and ditch the truck/trailer plan and ride down together. I did that for a MOA National Rally and met up with a total stranger and rode together. As we got within a hundred or so miles from the event we picked up more riders at gas stops and arrived as a pack of eight that kind of hung out all weekend. That was quite a few years ago and I still stay in touch with a couple of them. I would suggest going in to Word and making up some "cards" using the templates and printing them off. Great way to provide contact info to people you click with. ___________________________ "Opinions vary" -Dalton | |||
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No interest in riding there. None. Need to practice towing. And yes, I will practice towing with other trailers before this trip. Great suggestion to have trailer lock. Depending on trailer, UHaul vs. a friend’s, I may buy one. Want a vehicle at the event for the four amigos to drive elsewhere for dinner, etc. I have to follow the BMW K1600GT trailer tie down method prescribed in the manual. There are places for the straps that are clearly illustrated. Will ensure I don’t screw it up. Good idea for contact cards. I need some for other meet and greet anyway. ------- Trying to simplify my life... | |||
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500 miles in a day is very doable on a K16 but I understand the benefits of towing the bike on a trailer. I live in PA and have trailered my bike cross country five times simply because driving my truck I'm protected from the elements, I have the truck to drive when the bike is parked, and I'm well rested when I get to my destination and ready to ride. If you've never towed a trailer before the only two issues are making your turns a bit wider so your trailer doesn't hit a curb and it can be a challenge learning how to back up. Backing up can become very frustrating but the slower you back up, don't be in a hurry, the slower the trailer will turn and the easier it will be t back up straight. Good luck and have fun | |||
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I would suggest investing in a good wheel chock, they're particularly useful with larger, faired motorcycles. I haver a free standing one that I use in my shop and in my pick up truck. The little trailer I recently acquired came with a removable chock which is nice too, I guess it's not visible in this pic though. Make sure your bike is not on the center stand and the side stand is up.  No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
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| Thank you Very little  |
Used to trailer for longer distances, nice to get up to the location earlier, and put in the miles there, they have a place. Had a Kendon dual ride up, sold it, they are great, tow easy, load easy, fold up for upright storage so they don't take up the whole garage or yard. They have gone way up in price, Think I was under $2K when I bought mine, still a good product. https://www.kendonusa.com/coll...g-motorcycle-trailer | |||
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Why rent a motorcycle trailer when you can borrow one from a HD owner. I believe each new HD comes with a free trailer. Seriously, a 500 mile ride on a Touring motorcycle is a walk in the park. 2015 BMW R1200R. ********* "Some people are alive today because it's against the law to kill them". | |||
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What a great road trip, and with friends for the rides. Been thinking of a 2016/2017 GT, how do you like your GT? The U Haul trailers are a good deal. Front wheel chock, tie down points, and the ramp. Spend the money on quality straps, and a hitch lock. Others have covered things to bring, some basic tools, air compressor with the clips if you are using the SAE connection so you can share it. I have some ROK straps so stuff that won't go in the panniers can be strapped on the back. https://www.aerostich.com/adjustable-rok-straps.html A good set of Butler motorcycle maps. https://butlermaps.com And the always great Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/575993 2022 is a good year for NC. BMW RA has two events coming up in NC. BMW Riders Association Rally in the Valley May 12-15, 2022 https://bmwra.org/rally-in-the-valley/ 2022 BMW Riders Association National Rally September 28 – October 2, 2022 Waynesville, North Carolina https://bmwra.org/national-rally-info/ Waze app on your phone is handy for speed traps. And bring some cash, may see some farkles from the vendors you can't do without. Enjoy the ride. "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness." | |||
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Another suggestion. BMW MOA and maybe BMW RA chapters have Tech days. Maybe check out the chapters in VA /DC area and see if there is a Tech Day coming up before the rally and have a look over on the bike. "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness." | |||
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SIGforum.com Main Page The Lounge Planning my first motorcycle rally — would love to hear firsthand experiential guidance
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