Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Hello everybody.

I'm new to road biking and after loads of browsing this forum I've ordered these bits for my SV sport.

Helibar risers
Fuel stainless oval end can
Chewys mirror extenders
Light smoke double bubble screen

I want to do some touring in the UK (sometimes with a pillion) so is there anything apart from luggage i need to consider adding?

I'm still on the lookout for a good puncture repair kit and have found hein gericke do a good first aid kit (that fits behind the number plate). I'm considering a tail tidy but can't work out if they keep the original number plate light.

Any help you guys can give me would be great cheers.
:)

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

I would say go for some soft throw over panniers, but I'm not sure how much room there would be for your pillion's legs, someone else might be able to help, Billy came to the AR this year with pillion and tent.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Well she is quite small so won't need too much room for her legs! I've been looking at the oxford throwover panniers and 2nd hand givi stuff on ebay.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

For the tail tidy, I would say Hamicad. And yes, it does keep the original number plate light. As for the first aid kit, just be careful about putting in behind the number plate. I know that people who have mounted the Scot Oiler touring kit there have problems with the sub frames cracking.

And on that note: Get a scotoiler!! Saves you having to lube your chain :)

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

That hamicad tidy looks pretty good. I think i'll go for one of those, cheers for that.:)

Didn't consider a scottoiler, would probably go for the little one. Can it be mounted easily under the seat?

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

I went for 6 days to France at the end of august using double Bagster tankbags and a 46 L Monokey Topbox. Worked great(the missus stayed home though) I also have a Scottoiler which meant that the chain stayed lubed even though we rode thru kent and France in lashing rain for about 500 miles.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Hi Jackie:D

When we tour we use a Givi topbox, soft panniers and a tank bag. That does the two of us fine for 10 days.

I don't have any problem with room on the back of the bike, but then I'm only 4 ft 10:D

The only thing I have to do is use Pete's footpeg for getting onto the bike, but once on I can put my feet on mine with no problem at all.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

I have a set of Oxford Humpback Panniers for sale here if you interested. The Humpback panniers are a bit smaller than the standard Oxford panniers so would give your pillion more room at the rear.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

That's a good deal on the panniers but i'm spent up for a while! those risers are expensive (although £70 cheaper imported from the states).

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Vario flip up screen was the best screen for touring I've used. Ugly, but practical. I'd fit a scottoiler & lube tube if you're going to be doing any serious miles.

As to mounting stuff on the back of numberplates, I'd steer clear of that; I've not heard of cracked subframes, but I have experienced (as have others) cracked number plate hangers.

If you are taking a first aid kit, do you (and/or the missus) have first aid training and the knowledge/willingness to use it? If not leave it behind: Never carry anything you don't know how to use.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Have you figured in import duty and tax BEFORE you coem to £70 saving???

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Here is my SV in full touring mode.

Givi Rack, 45litre topbox, E21 side cases, Michelin roadpilot 2 tyres and a bubble screen.

Have used this set-up touring around with the girlfriend quite well. We can do some long distance day trips as both sets of bike gear can go in the boxes when parked up and the helmets clip under the back seat.

Not the biggest boxes in the world but they are narrow so you can still filter easily and there is no messing around with rubbed paintwork.

Stupidly loud viper cans are purely optional. (I wont admit it in front of her but around Garda a few weeks ago they even got on my nerves)

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

Givi topbox might be good idea, I have one for my bike. You can get a back-rest fitted onto them aswell, for your pillions comfort!

Matt

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

To be honest I may get stung for the duty and tax on top of what I paid, but i used e-bay and have always received things without paying more so ginger crossed. If i do get stung they'll cost the same as they do here, but at least they'll already have done some miles ;)

I'm doing the full 3 day course next month so should be ok.

Definitely going to look into one of these too. Is there anywhere to hide the touring one cos they look a little ugly!

Can you tell i just learned how to use the quote thing! :p

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

ivantate, I love the juxtaposition of tiny hooligan plate with ever-so-sensible hard luggage. :D

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

I thought it was quite amusing when a first put the rack on, but you do get used to it.

Re: Setting my sport up as a first tourer
 

I've been doing a little more riding recently and i've found the bike seems to turn in and corner better 2 up! i'm 17 stone and she tells me she is about 10 and the suspension is setup as standard. I like the handling with a pillion and just wondered how to adjust the suspension to make the bike feel the same when i'm riding solo.

Also does anyone know of a tail tidy that retains the toolkit in the original place as i read somewhere the hamicad one requires removal of the toolkit holder.

Cheers