Packing is one of those things you never think about until you have to do it. It is also something you don’t think about until you go with somebody or see somebody who has mastered it. You will then be embarrassed when he (or chances are she) unpacks and packs in half the time it takes you. He/She will know where everything is and have a spot for everything. They will not leave a necessary item at home…

Speaking of necessary items, you do not have a car and you must be ruthless in what you take and leave behind. Once you have your list there will always be something else that is vital, try to use this list as best you can adapted to your individual needs.

To start off, you wear your riding gear (leathers, Jeans or whatever and underwear appropriate to the season; plus a t-shirt under it, plus a light jumper if it’s really cold. Add boots waterproof and protective, helmet (possibly with a tinted visor – it makes a big difference to your fatigue level) and a pair of gloves. You also make sure that your bike’s toolkit is fully stocked and in place.

Then you pack:

* A clear visor (for night riding)
* In summer, a spare pair of gloves (warm and waterproof)
* Rubber overboots if you aren’t wearing waterproof boots

All of these should be packed somewhere easily accessible.

Next:

* A pair of jeans or moleskins
* A pair of light walking shoes (sneakers)
* A pair of thongs (or whatever you call them in your country – flip-flops, jandals)
* Two t-shirts
* Two pair of underpants
* Two pair of socks
* Two handkerchiefs (more practical than tissues)
* A light jumper (unless you’re already wearing one – then add a light nylon windcheater or a sweatshirt)
* Two pair of shorts
* Swimming costume (in summer); a pair of shorts could double up here
* A baseball-type cap

Pack all the clothes in a plastic bag and toss in a small container of laundry detergent so you can wash them. If you’re fastidious, include another plastic bag for dirty clothes.

Motorcycle tools, spare parts and accessories:

* Inner tube
* Small socket set
* Owners manual
* Workshop manual
* Fire extinguisher
* Fist aid kit
* Torch with a bulk and fluorescent tube
* Aerosol type inflator
* Pump
* Multi-purpose spanner
* Impact screwdriver
* Tyre levers
* Tyre valves and key
* Spoke spanner
* Tyre pressure gauge
* Spark plugs (full set)
* Spark plug gapping tool
* Aerosol lubricant
* Insulating tape
* Length of rope
* Brake and clutch cables
* Throttle cable
* Standard tool kit
* Tube of silicone sealant
* Bulbs (head, turn, stop/tail)
* Puncture outfit
* High tension wire
* Short length of chain
* Chain breaker
* Spare ignition key (carry in your wallet or hang on a light chain around neck)
* Fuses
* Allen key kit (change crosshead screws used on engine for an Allen key kit and take an Allen key)
* Epoxy bond
* Foam, plastic and ties for wrapping other small spare parts and tools
* Soft-face hammer
* Plastic bags

Wrap all items together in a tough, water-resistant material, such as canvas, and strap them securely to the motorcycle. First aid items may be carried in the tank bag.

Then add:

* Your wet pack, containing: shaving gear, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb, small containers of soap and shampoo and a box of matches. (Never know when you might need matches).
* A wire coat hanger, twisted together into a ball, and a tobacco tin full of bolts and nuts
* A camera and one or two spare rolls of film (plus, maybe, spare batteries for the camera), instead of the quick happy-snappy in your tank bag
* Don’t forget a small amount of cash as well as a credit card (or, preferably, two: in case one gets eaten by an ATM) and your rego papers

You will note that the contents of this list will fit reasonably comfortably into a single pannier (leaving the other for your tent, mattress, sleeping bag or your pillion’s stuff.

Try this list and see how you go.

Try this little tip. Get everything you absolutely need and pile it all onto the bed. Have a good look at it and remove half of it. Now have a look at what is left and remove half of this. Now you are left with what you should actually take – if it fits