For a vintage motorcycle event Asia tour, pack versatile, durable, and comfortable gear prioritizing rider protection, essential spares, and navigation aids. Focus on breathable clothing layers, robust luggage, reliable tools, and emergency supplies for a smooth and enjoyable journey across diverse Asian landscapes.
Planning a vintage motorcycle event across Asia sounds like an epic adventure! It’s a fantastic way to experience the culture, the roads, and of course, the timeless charm of classic bikes. But when you’re preparing for a journey like this, especially on a vintage machine, gear is everything. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with what to pack, and the thought of leaving something crucial behind might be a bit worrying. Don’t fret! We’re going to break down exactly what you need to make sure your Asia tour is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. We’ll cover everything from what to wear on your bike to what tools you should have in your saddlebag.
Preparing Your Vintage Ride for the Asia Tour
Before we dive into personal gear, let’s give your vintage steed a little love. A reliable motorcycle is your best travel companion. Before embarking on a long tour, especially in a region as diverse as Asia, a thorough check-up is non-negotiable. Think of it as a pre-flight inspection for your bike.
Here’s a basic checklist:
- Engine Oil & Filter: Fresh oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Ensure it’s changed recently and the filter is clean.
- Tires: Check tire pressure and tread depth. Worn tires can be dangerous, especially on unfamiliar roads with varying conditions.
- Brakes: Inspect brake pads and fluid. You want reliable stopping power.
- Chain & Sprockets: If your bike has a chain, ensure it’s clean, lubricated, and not excessively worn.
- Electrical System: Check lights, horn, and battery. A dead battery or faulty lights mid-tour can be a real headache.
- Cooling System: If your bike is liquid-cooled, check coolant levels and hoses.
If you’re not comfortable doing these checks yourself, a trusted mechanic is your best bet. For more in-depth guidance on vintage motorcycle maintenance, resources like CMSNL’s maintenance guides offer excellent, detailed information. Remember, a well-maintained bike is a safer bike and a happier journey!
Rider Protection: Your First and Most Important Gear
When riding any motorcycle, safety should always be your top priority. This is even more critical on a vintage motorcycle event Asia tour, where road conditions and traffic can be unpredictable and vary greatly. Your gear isn’t just about looking the part; it’s your primary defense.
The ‘All-Season’ Riding Suit or Separate Jacket and Pants
Asia experiences a wide range of climates, from tropical heat to cooler mountain regions. Your riding suit needs to handle this. Look for something:
- Abrasion-Resistant: Materials like high-denier textiles (Cordura, ballistic nylon) or quality leather are essential.
- Waterproof and Breathable: A good waterproof liner is a lifesaver in sudden downpours. Breathability prevents overheating in humid conditions. Consider brands like Rev’it!, Dainese, or Alpinestars, known for their protective and functional gear.
- Ventilation: Zippers on the chest, back, and arms allow for airflow.
- Removable Thermal Liner: For colder days or higher altitudes.
- Integrated Armor: CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees is crucial for impact protection.
A two-piece suit (jacket and pants) offers more versatility than a one-piece. You can unzip and wear just the jacket or pants if needed, or mix and match based on weather. Ensure the pants have long zippers for easy on/off over boots.
Helmet: Your Brain Bucket
A helmet is the single most important piece of safety gear. For an Asia tour, versatility and comfort are key:
- Full-Face Helmet: Offers the best all-around protection.
- DOT or ECE Certified: Always ensure your helmet meets safety standards. Look for certifications like DOT (Department of Transportation) in the US or ECE (Economic Commission for Europe).
- Ventilation: Good airflow is vital to prevent foggy visors and keep you comfortable.
- Visor: A clear visor for day and night riding is standard. Consider one with a Pinlock anti-fog insert. A secondary tinted or photochromic visor can be incredibly useful for changing light conditions.
- Comfortable Fit: A poorly fitting helmet can cause headaches and fatigue on long rides. Try it on and ensure it’s snug but not painfully tight.
Brands like Shoei, Arai, Schuberth, and AGV produce high-quality helmets that are durable and offer excellent protection.
Gloves: All-Weather Protection
Your hands are essential for controlling the bike, braking, and operating controls. Good gloves protect against impacts, abrasions, and the elements:
- Leather or Textile: For protection against abrasion.
- Waterproof and Breathable: Similar to your suit, this keeps hands dry and comfortable.
- Insulation: A thin insulated lining can be useful for cooler rides.
- Knuckle Protection: Hard-shell protection on the knuckles adds a significant safety layer.
- Grip: Ensure they offer good grip on the handlebars.
Most riders prefer full-gauntlet gloves, offering protection up the wrist. Brands like Held, RST, and Olympia offer excellent touring gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy Boots
Your choice of footwear is critical for ankle protection and comfort:
- Motorcycle-Specific Boots: These offer ankle support and protection that regular shoes cannot.
- Waterproof: Essential for keeping your feet dry and warm in rain or puddles. Gore-Tex lined boots are a popular choice.
- Sturdy Sole: Provides good grip when putting your feet down and protects against road debris.
- Slight Heel: Helps prevent your foot from slipping off the rear brake or shifter peg.
Look for options from brands like Sidi, TCX, or Forma that offer touring-specific boots. You want boots that are comfortable enough to walk around in during breaks but offer maximum protection on the bike.
Base Layers and Mid-Layers
The key to managing temperature on long rides is layering. Good base layers wick moisture away from your skin, while mid-layers provide insulation:
- Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Synthetic materials like polyester or merino wool are excellent. They keep you dry by drawing sweat away from your body.
- Thermal Mid-Layers: Fleece or synthetic insulation layers can be added or removed as needed.
- Neck Gaiter/Buff: Extremely versatile for warmth, sun protection, or dust.
Brands like, REI’s guide to base layers, can help you understand the materials and their benefits.
Luggage Solutions for Your Vintage Tour
Proper luggage is essential for carrying your gear. Vintage motorcycles often have limited space, so clever solutions are key.
Saddlebags
Saddlebags are a classic choice for vintage bikes. Consider:
- Leather Saddlebags: Offer that authentic vintage look. They can be large but require maintenance to prevent drying out. Ensure they are well-constructed with sturdy stitching.
- Textile Saddlebags: Often more lightweight, waterproof, and easier to maintain than leather. Many modern textile saddlebags are designed to fit classic bikes.
- Full-Size vs. Throw-Over: Full-size bags mount to a frame, offering more stability and capacity. Throw-over bags simply drape over the seat but can shift if not secured properly.
Ensure your saddlebags are securely mounted and don’t interfere with the rear wheel or exhaust. For vintage bikes, you might need to fabricate or purchase specific mounting brackets.
Tail Bags
A tail bag sits on the rear seat or luggage rack and is great for items you need to access more easily or for extra capacity:
- Universal Fit: Most tail bags are designed to fit a variety of bikes using straps.
- Expandable: Many offer expandable sections for increased storage.
- Waterproof Options: Look for roll-top style tail bags made from waterproof materials.
Brands like Kriega, Enduristan, and Nelson Rigg offer durable and well-designed tail bags.
Tank Bags
A tank bag attaches to your fuel tank (via magnets or straps) and is ideal for quick-access items like your phone, wallet, GPS, or snacks:
- Map Pocket: Many tank bags have a clear top pocket, perfect for maps or a GPS device.
- Power Outputs: Some offer integrated power outlets or cable management for charging devices on the go.
- Magnetic vs. Strap-On: Magnetic bags are convenient but require a steel tank. Strap-on bags work on any bike, including those with plastic tanks.
For vintage bikes, ensure the bag doesn’t interfere with your steering or controls.
Backpacks
While not ideal for carrying heavy items on long tours due to rider fatigue, a small, comfortable backpack can be useful for essentials or day trips from your base.
Essential Tools and spares for Your Vintage Motorcycle
This is where keeping your vintage bike running smoothly on the road really comes into play. Breakdowns happen, but with the right tools and spares, you can often fix minor issues yourself.
Tool Kit Essentials
Build a compact toolkit that covers most common adjustments and repairs. What you need depends heavily on your specific motorcycle model, but here’s a general list:
- Wrenches: A set of metric and/or imperial combination wrenches (depending on your bike). Adjustable wrenches are useful but can round off nuts, so fixed sizes are preferred where possible.
- Sockets: A set of common socket sizes with a ratchet handle and extension.
- Screwdrivers: Flathead and Phillips head in various sizes.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers and standard pliers.
- Allen Keys (Hex Wrenches): A good set of quality Allen keys.
- Torque Wrench: For critical fasteners where precise tightness is needed.
- Tire Levers: Essential if you’re changing a tube on the road.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: Crucial for maintaining correct tire pressure.
- Multi-tool: A robust multi-tool can be a lifesaver for many small tasks.
- Zip Ties: Indispensable for temporary fixes.
- Duct Tape: Another temporary fix hero.
- Wire Strippers/Cutters: For any electrical troubleshooting.
Consider a dedicated motorcycle toolkit from brands like CruzTOOLS or Motion Pro. For a deep dive into what specific tools your bike might need, forums dedicated to your motorcycle model are invaluable.
Critical Spares to Carry
These are the items that commonly fail or are necessary for roadside repairs:
- Spare Inner Tubes: At least two, front and rear. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires.
- Tire Repair Kit/Patch Kit: For fixing punctures without needing to remove the wheel. This often includes reamers, awls, glue, and patches.
- Spare Bulbs: For headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
- Fuses: A selection of spare fuses of the correct amperage for your bike.
- Spark Plugs: A new set, just in case.
- Clutch and Throttle Cables: A spare set is highly recommended for older bikes.
- Belts or Chains: Depending on your bike’s drive system, a spare belt or chain could be a lifesaver.
- Small Bottle of Chain Lubricant: If you have a chain-driven bike.
- Small Container of Engine Oil: For topping up.
- Coolant: If your bike is liquid-cooled.
- Brake Pads: A spare set for front and rear, can be a lifesaver if you wear yours out.
- Quanity of RTV Sealant or Gasket Maker: For sealing minor leaks temporarily.
Organize your tools and spares in a dedicated pouch or box within your luggage.
Navigation and Electronics
Staying on course and powered up is vital, whether navigating busy cities or remote routes.
GPS Device or Smartphone Mount
Modern navigation is a lifesaver. A dedicated GPS unit or a smartphone mount with a reliable navigation app (like Google Maps, Maps.me, or Sygic) is essential.
- Robust Mount: Ensure it’s vibration-resistant and securely holds your device. Brands like RAM Mounts are known for their durability.
- Weather Protection: A waterproof case or bag for your phone or GPS is advisable.
- Offline Maps: Download maps for your entire tour route beforehand, as cellular service can be unreliable.
For advice on choosing suitable GPS devices, Adventure Rider magazine often has excellent reviews.
Power Bank and Charging Solutions
Keep your electronics charged:
- USB Charger: A handlebar-mounted USB charger that connects to your bike’s battery.
- Power Bank: A high-capacity power bank to charge devices when you’re not riding.
- Solar Charger: For extended remote travel, a portable solar panel can be a backup.
Camera
You’ll want to capture the incredible sights. A good smartphone camera is often sufficient, but action cameras like GoPros are popular for recording rides.
Comfort and Convenience Items
Beyond the essentials, a few comfort items can make a big difference on a long tour.
Hydration Pack or Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in hot Asian climates. A hydration pack (like a CamelBak) worn like a backpack allows for easy sipping on the go. Alternatively, secure water bottle holders on your bike are useful.
First-Aid Kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any personal medications, gauze, medical tape, and possibly a small emergency blanket. You can purchase pre-made kits or build your own.
Insect Repellent and Sunscreen
Depending on the region and time of year, insects can be a nuisance and a health risk. Strong insect repellent is a must. High SPF sunscreen is also essential for protecting exposed skin, even through riding gear.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
Essential for hygiene, especially when access to facilities is limited.
Sunglasses
For off-bike wear, and can also be used under a helmet if not clear/tinted sufficienty.
Earplugs
Long hours of wind noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Quality earplugs are a must for protecting your hearing and reducing fatigue.
Documentation and Money
It’s easy to forget about paperwork in the excitement, but it’s vital:
- Passport and Visas: Ensure they are valid and you have copies.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Many countries require this in addition to your home license. Check the requirements for each country you’ll visit. Resources from the AAA can help you obtain one.
- Vehicle Registration and Insurance: Carry all relevant documents for your motorcycle. Ensure your insurance is valid for international travel.
- Emergency Contact Information: Written down and easily accessible.
- Cash: Carry a mix of local currency and a universally accepted currency like USD or EUR for emergencies.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card suspension.
Keep copies of all important documents separate from the originals, both physically and digitally (e.g., in cloud storage).
Pre-Trip Planning: Where to Start
Research is your best friend. Familiarize yourself with:
- Road Conditions: Vary greatly across Asia.