Last minute solo motocamping

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NuggyBuggy

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I had previously posted a thread where I was going to do the Newfoundland T’Railway with my BIL on an ATV.

He bailed a few weeks ago but I just started fantasizing about buying a dual sport, keeping my ferry booking, riding it to NS and doing the whole ride by myself.

Everyone around me says it is a terrible idea.

Context:
- my ferry leaves on Sunday night. I figure I'd need to leave Friday AM at the latest to leave me lots of room for error
- I've never motocamped; in fact I've never really done much real camping at all.
- I've never done a multi-day trip on a bike by myself.

First the bike:
- I don't have one! At least not one suitable for the trip, though I may be driving tomorrow to buy a KLX230 or some other dual sport. I figure that's light enough to pick up and pull out of just about anything I could find myself in.
- I'd have to prep the bike for travel.
- the bike I'm looking at has a rear rack but no side racks. I don't think there's time to source side racks, so I think I'd need a rackless bag. Those are expensive! Not sure how big I'd need to go. 80L? I have no idea.
- I think I'd want a Rotopax, Kolpin or similar, or carry a bunch of fuel bladders or bottles. ChatGPT suggests that the weight of a full Rotopax on a rear rack might stress the frame bouncing around on such a light bike. Maybe I'd be better off strapping some fuel bottles around the frame?
- the KLX230 comes with IRC Trails GP tires. Apparently the claim that these are 50/50 tires is misleading and they're more like 90/10. ChatGPT suggests upgrading to more dirt-biased tires.
- Ive seen recommendations of dropping tire pressures below 15psi for some stretches. If I do that, I guess I'm looking at drilling out the rims for rimlocks, installing those, and then getting them balanced.
- I have a basic tool kit but would need to buy tools specific to whatever I end up with - axel wrenches etc

Other stuff:
- I have or can borrow an ultralight tent, sleeping pad and bag, ground sheet, a Spot or Garmin InReach.
- I think I'd need to buy water filtration, chlorine tablets, small camp stove, first aid kit, camp towel, bear spray and/or banger.

So there's a LOT of things I'd need to do before Friday, and I'm probably missing a crap ton. If all goes right I'd buy a bike, get it safetied, registered, insured and prepped. I have a lot of shopping to do, and not much time to do it. I'd be doing something I've never done before, on a bike I'm not familiar with.

Am I crazy to be considering this? Wife and my BIL think I am.
 
NuggyBuggy said:
I had previously posted a thread where I was going to do the Newfoundland T’Railway with my BIL on an ATV.

He bailed a few weeks ago but I just started fantasizing about buying a dual sport, keeping my ferry booking, riding it to NS and doing the whole ride by myself.

Everyone around me says it is a terrible idea.

Context:
- my ferry leaves on Sunday night. I figure I'd need to leave Friday AM at the latest to leave me lots of room for error
- I've never motocamped; in fact I've never really done much real camping at all.
- I've never done a multi-day trip on a bike by myself.

First the bike:
- I don't have one! At least not one suitable for the trip, though I may be driving tomorrow to buy a KLX230 or some other dual sport. I figure that's light enough to pick up and pull out of just about anything I could find myself in.
- I'd have to prep the bike for travel.
- the bike I'm looking at has a rear rack but no side racks. I don't think there's time to source side racks, so I think I'd need a rackless bag. Those are expensive! Not sure how big I'd need to go. 80L? I have no idea.
- I think I'd want a Rotopax, Kolpin or similar, or carry a bunch of fuel bladders or bottles. ChatGPT suggests that the weight of a full Rotopax on a rear rack might stress the frame bouncing around on such a light bike. Maybe I'd be better off strapping some fuel bottles around the frame?
- the KLX230 comes with IRC Trails GP tires. Apparently the claim that these are 50/50 tires is misleading and they're more like 90/10. ChatGPT suggests upgrading to more dirt-biased tires.
- Ive seen recommendations of dropping tire pressures below 15psi for some stretches. If I do that, I guess I'm looking at drilling out the rims for rimlocks, installing those, and then getting them balanced.
- I have a basic tool kit but would need to buy tools specific to whatever I end up with - axel wrenches etc

Other stuff:
- I have or can borrow an ultralight tent, sleeping pad and bag, ground sheet, a Spot or Garmin InReach.
- I think I'd need to buy water filtration, chlorine tablets, small camp stove, first aid kit, camp towel, bear spray and/or banger.

So there's a LOT of things I'd need to do before Friday, and I'm probably missing a crap ton. If all goes right I'd buy a bike, get it safetied, registered, insured and prepped. I have a lot of shopping to do, and not much time to do it. I'd be doing something I've never done before, on a bike I'm not familiar with.

Am I crazy to be considering this? Wife and my BIL think I am.
Click to expand...
Are you thinking of riding a klx230 to Newfoundland or trailer it there. If trailer then sounds epic riding not a chance.

Sent from my Pixel 10 using Tapatalk
 
It's kind of a terrible idea, but I also want to read the ride report when you're done.

I've done the trip to NS a couple of times on a VStrom with a ridiculously comfy touring seat. Making the trip down over two days on that setup is okay, but a bit mind-numbing. Three days is much better, but there aren't a lot of options to get off the highway if you're sticking to this side of the border. Doing it on any kind of dual-sport seat rushing to meet your ferry booking would be agony.

Regular camping takes a few tries to figure out what works, and then dump the 75% of the crap you brought the first couple of times that you don't actually need. Moto-camping refines that quite a bit further. Just do the most redneck thing possible for rackless luggage: get a very large pair of heavy canvas trousers or overalls and sew or ziptie the legs shut, then roll and tie the waistband with cord. Arno straps (small cambuckle-style) are good to affix the legs to your passenger pegs. Even if you end up buying fancy luggage, you can go jam your tent, sleeping pad and bag into a pair of pants right now to give you an idea of how much room you'll have to deal with. It's not much.
 
Not saying it's a good or bad idea, a,t the end of the day you'll do what you want.
But, in my experience rushing any type of motorcycle trip tends to be problematic especially if you're doing things for the first time.
 
Do the trip but head northeast and stay in Ontario. Get to know the bike, camping amd not too far from home if things or weather don’t work out. You supposed to have fun with a stress or two. With the new gained experiences and confidence you can tweak things for the bigger trip next time.
 
Scuba Steve said:
Are you thinking of riding a klx230 to Newfoundland or trailer it there. If trailer then sounds epic riding not a chance.

Sent from my Pixel 10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I was planning on riding it out there. I could trailer it, but I HATE trailering my bike on my trailer. I swear it cuts mileage down by more than half.
 
I think it sounds like an epic trip, but a horrible idea ONLY because it's so last minute to try and set things up.

I've tried moto camping before with a GTAMer many years ago. It was awesome, but it was all within 6hrs of Toronto and was a good way to test run some setups / gear / etc.

Horrible idea due to time constraints and lack of prep time.

Awesome idea because it will be epic.
 
Since nobody else is willing to say it, I will:

THIS IS A STUPID IDEA OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.

Which is all the reason, someone with AMPLE experience would do it. You admit to having NO experience with such a venture.

It's a bad enough idea to truck the bike to NF and go ride the trail ALONE with no off road riding experience, but to throw in camping and attempting to load all that gear, plus necessary extra fuel, as well as a fully grown adult onto a low-end, learner-friendly enduro (already out of it's element) and ride from here to the ferry........nope.

The little bike will be so over-loaded, over-stressed you'll be stopping for fuel every 100 or so km. Even unloaded it would struggle to maintain highway acceptable speed (lets say 80kph). Depending on your own proportions, YOU may exceed the maximum weight the bike is designed to haul around.

Even on a suitable bike a trip like this requires planning, AND some experience. The empty barrens of fly-infested Newfoundland aren't the place to do the learning, nor is the whooped out, sometimes washed out, often rocky, often remote, trans Newfoundland trail a great place to be alone for a new off road rider on an overmatched, overloaded motorcycle.

By all means get a suitable bike and go do some solo camping, but do it closer to home to start.
 
NuggyBuggy said:
I had previously posted a thread where I was going to do the Newfoundland T’Railway with my BIL on an ATV.

He bailed a few weeks ago but I just started fantasizing about buying a dual sport, keeping my ferry booking, riding it to NS and doing the whole ride by myself.

Everyone around me says it is a terrible idea.

Context:
- my ferry leaves on Sunday night. I figure I'd need to leave Friday AM at the latest to leave me lots of room for error
- I've never motocamped; in fact I've never really done much real camping at all.
- I've never done a multi-day trip on a bike by myself.

First the bike:
- I don't have one! At least not one suitable for the trip, though I may be driving tomorrow to buy a KLX230 or some other dual sport. I figure that's light enough to pick up and pull out of just about anything I could find myself in.
- I'd have to prep the bike for travel.
- the bike I'm looking at has a rear rack but no side racks. I don't think there's time to source side racks, so I think I'd need a rackless bag. Those are expensive! Not sure how big I'd need to go. 80L? I have no idea.
- I think I'd want a Rotopax, Kolpin or similar, or carry a bunch of fuel bladders or bottles. ChatGPT suggests that the weight of a full Rotopax on a rear rack might stress the frame bouncing around on such a light bike. Maybe I'd be better off strapping some fuel bottles around the frame?
- the KLX230 comes with IRC Trails GP tires. Apparently the claim that these are 50/50 tires is misleading and they're more like 90/10. ChatGPT suggests upgrading to more dirt-biased tires.
- Ive seen recommendations of dropping tire pressures below 15psi for some stretches. If I do that, I guess I'm looking at drilling out the rims for rimlocks, installing those, and then getting them balanced.
- I have a basic tool kit but would need to buy tools specific to whatever I end up with - axel wrenches etc

Other stuff:
- I have or can borrow an ultralight tent, sleeping pad and bag, ground sheet, a Spot or Garmin InReach.
- I think I'd need to buy water filtration, chlorine tablets, small camp stove, first aid kit, camp towel, bear spray and/or banger.

So there's a LOT of things I'd need to do before Friday, and I'm probably missing a crap ton. If all goes right I'd buy a bike, get it safetied, registered, insured and prepped. I have a lot of shopping to do, and not much time to do it. I'd be doing something I've never done before, on a bike I'm not familiar with.

Am I crazy to be considering this? Wife and my BIL think I am.
Click to expand...
NuggyBuggy, you are wise to consider riding to Newfoundland, for many reasons.

You are, at present, very VERY unready to make such a long trip.

Please make some shorter rides first. Muskoka is just two hours away from Toronto,
but I suggest that you plan for the ride to take 3 hours, because something will
come up --- it generally does!

Take a sleeping bag, and try to find a sheltered place to put it.

You need to walk many miles before you try to rocket to Newfoundland!

Salos Dafee, who has ridden as far as from Earth to the Moon.
 
First off, it’s a solo motorcycle trip — it’s never easy, but isn’t that part of the deal?

The bike. I’d say no to a KLX230 isn’t the right choice. Cruising speed is around 80kmh when loaded, ok on the trail, miserable for the ride between the gta and NL. Think about a DR650 or KLR. The KLR is a lot heavier, but has about double the range. DR is 70lbs heavier but easy to pick up, and pretty tolerant of tip overs. Range is a little better.

Both 650s have much better payload, highway capabilities, and range. The DR is probably the sweet spot.

Tires: 50/50 (Motoz Tractionators, Mitas Dakar), 70/30 if you’re gonna test the knarly parts of the trail. You can use roadways around difficult sections, if you choose that then something like a Shinko705 would be good.

DL650 and T7 are another choice, but they are tough to pickup on a trail.

Kit:you’ll need about 80l of storage. I’d say 2 soft strap on soft and a 45l duffel. Get those off amaxon ( may also come with the bike).

2 man tent with a rain fly. - it should have short poles, 24” or less to make packing easy. 7c sleeping bag, they are compact. Inflatable sleeping pad (and pillow if you need one). Small butane stove for cooking, small aluminum camp pot and frypan. Tire irons and tube patches. First sid kit.

20l of clothing should do it. A couple of everything.

I wouldn’t worry about bears, only timid black bears. Just keep trash and food 30’ from your tent.

Water/Fuel: there are lots of streams and lakes, but there are also lots of places for bottled and potable tap water. Just but or fill bottles. You don’t need spare fuel, the longest fuel less stretch is 100km.

On the trail: you can hop on and off the trail to avoid areas that are risky solo or challenging for your skill level. I’d do that if riding solo or if you’re not confident (scared) when you get there.

If it were me, I’d try something a bit closer to home to build experience and confidence first. The Portelance Rd from Chelmsford (Sudbury) to Shining tree is a great road to learn on, it’s mostly for logging but has the water crossings, mud and ruts just on a smaller scale.

I like the Chelmsford → Shining Tree → Timmins → Matachewan loop is about 500km. You can make it bigger as there are thousands of km fire, logging and mining roads in the area.
 
Personally, I’d never venture out on such a long journey on a bike I haven’t put through its paces ahead of time. Even brand new bikes have their issues to sort out with a day trip.

But, I’m older and cautious now. If I was younger, my ambition would overcome any adversity someone put in front of me.

What is the worse thing that happens? You don’t make it to the ferry on time and have to change course? Have a breakdown that can’t be fixed along the way?

Make sure a loved one can track your progress and check in with them during your down time.

Adverse weather is the challenging part. Stuff gets wet and it’s never a pleasant time with cold/wet gear that never gets time to properly dry out along your travels.

No shame in grabbing a cheap motel room that has a hot shower and decent grub.


My caution about acquiring a bike and riding so far is generally because I’ve always found each bike to have different comfort levels depending on the conditions. A nice touring bike with wind protection will cover the long stretches with ease. A small duel sport might buzz your wrist before getting to the Quebec/New Brunswick border. Be prepared to stop at some bike dealers along the way to help deal with any unplanned issues. Monkey Butt? The cost of the air hawk seat pad might be worth it.

Down to your last pair of dry socks? A stop at Giant Tiger or whatever store along the way might fix the issue.

Otherwise, throw caution to the wind and go for it. Sounds like an epic trip.
 
xrljoel said:
It's a bad enough idea to truck the bike to NF and go ride the trail ALONE with no off road riding experience, but to throw in camping and attempting to load all that gear, plus necessary extra fuel, as well as a fully grown adult onto a low-end, learner-friendly enduro (already out of it's element) and ride from here to the ferry........nope.
Click to expand...
I do have plenty of off-road riding experience. No moto-camping experience.

As for whether a KLX would be out of its element or not - if you meant on the trail itself, as I understood it, the little dual sports are considered by some to be nearly ideal bikes for the trail. Maybe you meant on the highway?

Dream appears to have been still-born anyways. I was on way to pick up bike and seller told me the check engine light was on. I could have maybe sorted out most of the details - bank, trailer rental, safety, insurance, registration - but throw in taking it to a dealer to (hopefully) just clear a check engine light and I'm out of time. Fortunately seller messaged me not too long after I left for the long drive.

But if a bike were in front of me now, I would do it. It may indeed be a stupid idea. I've had many - ask my wife. Most people I know think riding a motorcycle in the city is stupid, and almost all of them think riding on the 400/401 is stupid, but I know I still do those things.
 
nakkers said:
Otherwise, throw caution to the wind and go for it. Sounds like an epic trip.
Click to expand...
Mad Mike said:
First off, it’s a solo motorcycle trip — it’s never easy, but isn’t that part of the deal?
Click to expand...
I LOVE those sentiments. It's the spontaneity and the sense of real adventure that took me.

When my BIL had everything planned out down to which hotel we were staying at, I had next to zero excitement about the trip. When I started thinking about putting myself out there, I got excited.
 
About using ChatGPT (or as I call it, Chad), we all know by now that AI is very flawed. I suggest using Gemini as well as Chad. If you run through both, you'll often catch a glitch when it happens. I've used Chad quite a bit, and since I've been using both to aid in accuracy, I've found Gemini does a better job, as long as it's not political. It has fewer hiccups and is a little more accurate. Chad has more of those loops where it messes up, then you point it out, it admits its mistake, but just can't correct that error, and does it over and over. With politics, they both lean left, but Gemini is worse for it.
 
NuggyBuggy said:
I LOVE those sentiments. It's the spontaneity and the sense of real adventure that took me.

When my BIL had everything planned out down to which hotel we were staying at, I had next to zero excitement about the trip. When I started thinking about putting myself out there, I got excited.
Click to expand...
I think it's awesome that you're willing (and able) to make the time for such an epic trip.

I wonder if the keys to the house would be the same upon my return if I joined you...
 
The constraint I had here was money. I had a fixed budget to buy a bike. With the bike I had my eye on no longer viable, I'm out of options, unless I can find something at a dealer like today. I wanted something light that had at least a rear rack (didn't want to source one), could go on the road, looked plausibly maintained and fit my budget.

I have a dirt bike I was originally planning on trailering, but when I considered going solo I wanted to be able to hit the road if I needed to get supplies or if I was running behind and at risk of missing my return ferry.

If I was a richer man the bike problem would have gone away, like so many other problems.
 
My very first bike ride longer than a day trip, was a 10 day, solo motocamping trip down to Alabama/Mississippi to stay at the Barber Museum for the Vintage bike fest. Asides from booking my tent spot at Barber Museum, almost the entire trip was sorted out in the 2 weeks before I left.

For my camping gear I just walked into a store and bought all my camping gear.
I didn't bring a lot of things that were needed and bought those along the way - for example: heated gear, hydration knapsack, toilet paper!

For my last 11 day trip down the Smokies, where I was leading the ride, I crashed my bike the week before my trip and had to get a different (but same) bike and move all my accessories over to it, while working long hours each day at my job. Every night I was in the garage late into the night prepping the bike and it all came together on the day before the trip (still prepping bike until close to 2am).

If you get a decent bike, I say go for it and figure it out as you go. Just bring your credit card.
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