Prepping for the ultimate riding season - have I missed anything?

[Hitch-A-Ride]

By way of introduction, let me say that my name is Pete and I'm a new member, although I've been browsing this site off and on for the last 3 years. I previously rode motorcycles throughout my teens and 20's, going from a minibike to a Honda 360T to a Kawasaki 750 Spectre, before finally succumbing to a 30 year "kid gap". With the final one approaching college graduation, I purchased my 2022 Spyder RTL new in February of 2023. Looking for a way to combine my love of riding with my love of camping, a Toy-Hauler found its way into my driveway later that November. I've tested my setup with trips to Texas, Georgia and Michigan and believe I have worked out most of the kinks of loading, transporting and unloading the Spyder. During the past 3 seasons I've only managed to ride about 5000 miles, which maybe puts me into a "recreational" riding category, but I'm ok with that.



During this time I've had no major issues or complaints, although I have noticed the traction of the OEM tires leaves a little to be desired and the suspension is a bit mushy in the wind and on the country roads. Which brings me to the point of this post. This summer I will be embarking on a "bucket list" trip of sorts, taking my rig from Indiana to Seattle via the northern route, down to San Francisco and back through the middle states. The primary focus of this trip, other than visiting relatives in the Pacific Northwest, will be the endless search for the ultimate motorcycle road. I may start another thread under ride reports to dive into this, but the route includes stops for the Black Hills, Beartooth Hwy, Lolo Pass, Hwys 1 and 101, the Hogback and Million Dollar Hwy, among others. I've decided that to get the most out of these riding experiences, it's time to invest in some upgrades and accessories.

Here's what I've done for the Spyder so far:

• New battery (last one didn't survive the winter)
• Oil change, multipoint inspection
• Vredestein Quatrac SL front tires (165/60 R15)
• General Altimax RT45 rear tire (215-60 R15)
• Driver's backrest

Planned upgrades:

• Baja Ron Ultra Sway Bar (Currently out of stock. Will be riding many of these roads 2up.)

Current gear/accessories:

• Xumo XT
• Cardo Freecom 2
• Full cover (plus 4-sided easy-up "garage")
• Battery pack/pump combo
• Tire repair kit (because having it guarantees I won't need it)

Planned accessories:

• Insta 360 style camera
• Reda type spare gas cans

Am I missing anything? Thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions you might have. Also thanks to the Forum for all the expert advice and opinions already given.

Pete

 

[racoon]

I remember driving Beartooth Highway.

I was in a Geo Tracker with 4WD, which was a really good thing.

It was late June and while trying to get through the pass I was caught in a snow storm and was very glad the roadway was marked with tall orange poles. When I got down out of the snow I pulled over on a turn out, and started clearing the snow off my Tracker. While I was cleaning it off, and catching my breath, not a single other vehicle came down out of the pass.

Good luck and stay safe.

Edit: I just asked Google about Beartooth Pass...

Road Conditions and Access

- Operating Season: Generally open from late May (Memorial Day) through mid-October.
- Conditions: Snow is common, even in July, and the road can close suddenly during, storms
- Driving Experience: Features steep grades (up to 10%) and sharp, 20+ switchbacks. It is not recommended for large RVs or trailers during high-wind conditions.

 

[2dogs]

I ditched all that and put a trailer hitch on my spyder, hooked a camp trailer to it and took off. Snow? When we got to the snow, we checked into a hotel or motel with a covered parking lot and sat it out. The itinerary trips are a thing of the past now.

 

[Mikey]

Have Ron throw in a set of front shocks with that sway bar!

 

[Snoking1127]

Does it back in on it's own, or do you winch it in. E-track and traps over the tires is the best way to secure it to a trailer. I had the yellow Erickson wheel chocks front and back of the front tires, and it would spin the rear wheel trying to back out of the chocks. So I switch that to a short flat track. The strap over the rear tire is a bit of a pain to install.

You can reverse the front lower shock bolts and installed ring bolts. If you use that as a front tie point, do not cross the straps, as that can cause the wheels to be moved in when hitting bumps in the road. I used them as secondary tie points of long trip with tie point on the trailer deck. Belt and suspenders for a 1500 mile road trip.

I believe I was the first to do that. I got them from Amazon and I think Lamonster has similar ones now available.

I was towing the Spyder back and forth between Wa and Az. I could see in my mirror the Spyder moving on "it's'" suspension independent of the trailer movement on it's suspension. So it got a nice smoot ride.

 

[Kromm]

For some good roads to check out in Northern Ca. There's Hwy 299 Between Redding and Arcata. Then Hwy 36 (which is one of my favorites) Between Fortuna and Red Bluff. Also there is Hwy 199 that starts just above Crescent city and goes to Grants Pass Ore. This one takes you through one of the Giant Redwood groves. Then There is the Avenue of the Giants which is south of Fortuna (another one through giant redwoods). I'd highly recommend taking. It's an experience like no other. It's like riding in a "cave" the trees canopy of the road. Then there is further south Hwy 1 out of Legget. The views when you get to the coast are awesome. Hwy 1 is another one of my favorates. I like heading to Bodega bay and taking it north from there. I live further south in the central valley. I've been riding for over 50 years, and Northern Ca. is my favorite area to ride in.
I'd suggest looking at a map and planning ahead though. Picking a spot to park the Toy Hauler and head out on the Spyder.
Safe travels and have a good time.