Get yourself a heated jacket. I have the Keis one, absolutely brilliant. Once you do you'll wonder why you didn't get one years ago. Can double up as a casual jacket for the evening, and even if you're not that hot leave it switched off and it's just another layer. Don't buy the sleeveless gilet, get the full jacket it's much better. Even got a heated collar.

Great Vid. You're right pal, its all about comfort. The marketing will brainwash you that you need this and you need that, but you really don't.

I agree entirely about touring bikes. We are spoon fed by the industry the idea that you need a touring bike for touring and need with that to spend big money on a large capacity machine. We are also in the midst of an “adventure” bike fashion which also dictates buying a machine with all kinds of capabilities snd gizmos you don’t really need. Your comfort on the bike and confidence riding it are key. You’ve nailed that one. I have toured with various items of soft luggage and the security thing you identified is also very important. Much depends on your intentions. If it is to get from A to B, C, D, E etc without stopping, soft luggage is fine. If you want to get off en route and walk, swim, climb, explore it’s not. I have now, after a few experiments, settled on hard panniers, a hard top box and a internal bike compartment which all lock. It’s a game changer, particularly with soft inner bags. There’s little more stress inducing and holiday wrecking as having your gear nicked.

Hi Matt in regards to tools - in civilized areas there is no need for tools. However if tools give you peace in mind, get yourself the Wera mini set along with their torque screwdriver plus the most common spanners (for the mirrors) - much lighter and smaller. Anything else you can't fix anyway by yourself 😉 Cloth - I suggest you look at merino underwear - you can wear it all year round, keeps you dry and cool in summer or dry and warm in winter, doesn't smell, even after a week of riding. Generally, get yourself some travel wash (I use REI). Don't wear cotton t shirts - they keep the moisture which is in neither climate something someone wants. Ratchet strap isn't necessary for any ferry BUT you may consider something to cover the parts where the straps touch your bike (either some thin leather or foam rubber) to avoid marks and scratches. Talking about panniers - soft panniers are only good if you go from A to B, unload them in a Hotel, change cloths and explorer the area like a local (in normal street cloths as you'd at home). If you want to jump off the bike for a swim you will change to hard panniers as they are the only means of protecting your stuff in this application. Riding a T120 I know the struggle of either staying with the looks (= soft panniers) or being practical (= hard panniers). Aesthetically it's by far not as bad looking as you may think, but gives peace in mind when leaving the bike. Plus hard panniers are convenient and less fiddly. Some innerbags let you grab your stuff quickly dropping them off at the hotel or carrying into your tent. The rollbag (camping gear) can be secured with a lockable cargo net. That's what works for me, YMMV. Heated grips are a must. Not only in the cold but even light summer rain may cool down your hands uncomfortably. Also pack medication as needed, cos in other countries you may not be able to buy them due to legal reasons or they're simply not available etc.. Last not least - there is nothing a credit card can't fix 😁 Stay safe Q

The most important is The Trip! Let’s be honest, in my opinion most people overcomplicate and overthink what they need to pack or what bike do you need to travel. The thing is unless you’re going into remote areas you don’t need everything. there is always shop round the corner there will be laundry place there is always be recovery in next town etc. Just jump on your bike and go. Pack basic stuff and just go! Far or local, trip is a trip. Stay safe 😎😎🏍️🏍️

I agree don’t overpack. You don’t need lots of clothes as you will be riding most of the time in your bike gear. Just one thing you forgot - toiletries ( you know you like your deodorant 😂)

If you do need to get to your tool kit then you can bet it'll be when it's pouring with rain. The last thing you want is to have to unpack all your clothes on the side of the road. I'd recommend lightweight waterproof stuff sacks for clean clothes, dirty/wet clothes and shoes. They really don't add anything in terms of bulk and they're worth their weight in gold in a downpour.

Great video. I totally agree the best bike is the one you have in the garage and just keep things simple. You don’t need the kitchen sink.

Excellent! Only item I would add is a “puffy” sweater. Extremely useful and low volume.

It's the same adage with boats; the best one to go cruising in is the one you have right now. I agree with you!

I’ve got a big adventure bike, but never seen the attraction in those honking great big metal panniers. They weigh a ton, even when empty and look bloody awful

When i go for long road travels i use 4 for everything boxes , socks and tshirts but only one trousser that have zips around the legs so become short to walk or swim i do use merino wool for 2 socks and 1 tshirt that i put on first and i put it all in a compress bag .when i change them i leave the in a fishing net bag out on my bag so i can wash them and make the sun do the rest . For sicurity i have an 3mt cabel that i pass and close it up in lock it has . I don't carry mutch because i am 90% with my gear on and if i don't have water i have always a packet of baby wipes.

Hi ,I ride with some luggage when touring and camping(panniers/ tank bag/ crash bar bags/ drybag on the pillion seat).It's the trainers and flip flops that really annoy me and I'd love to carry some hiking shoes! I tend to try and stay out of towns and cities to reduce the security risk but you can't always do that of course and even that's not a guarantee so I'm considering the wire mesh "PacSafe" as an option.All the important stuff goes in the tank bag (wallet,glasses, passport,mobile) .Ride safe. Richard ,Bristol ( Honda 500 CBX 2017)

I use a Pacsafe steel net when i tour with soft luggage they come in different sizes and lock securely to the Bike these things have many uses and pack up quite small Think i got mine from amazon years ago

Brilliant video Matt,, I'm hoping to go over to France on the Tbird later this year and your video has helped lots! thanks mate 🙏😎

Great video, thanks for sharing! 👍👍

Your are right, i am going touring on a suzuki 400 burgman

That is a nice follow up of the road trip. thank you very much 😀

Great video. With respect to bike choice, I would need more wind protection. I find battling wind for hours at high speed very fatiguing.

Yo Bro ❤😊❤ Rule number one in long distance Road running 😮 Stay Right OFF Wet Roads!!?!!

This is really great. I've yet to take any long trips but I plan on it. This is a perfect video for me!

Totally agree with you. If your are comfortable any bike can do it. Niklas Aittamaa (on KZfaq) rode from Sweden to Malaysia on a Honda Grom! I use soft panniers too (Oxford) and I think hard panniers create and illusion of security, a thief would have them in seconds too. Yes security is always a worry until you get to your hotel etc with a nice garage. As for travelling in colder weather I found that it's well worth investing in Gerbing or Keis gear. I have the jacket and gloves. They are a game changer.

I'm not comfortable on any bike beyond about 200 miles. I guess it's going to take me longer to get there.