Planning the Trip

List of things to take with me

I simply use Google Keep for this. It allows me to list everything I need to take with me, I can create sub-lists and then simply tick boxes when packing to make sure I do not forget anything.

Weight and distribution of the luggage

I want to keep control of what goes where in my luggage. I usually have a top case, two side bags, a tank bag and if I am also going camping, I take the roll bag with the camping gear. I then weigh the luggage items and create an Excel spreadsheet with the weight distribution between the individual pieces of luggage.

I also try not only to distribute the weight evenly, but also to place heavier objects as low as possible and consider what needs to be easily accessible.

Well, the total weight for my Nordkapp trip added up quite significant weight, almost the equivalent of a pillion.

Travel itinerary by days and distances

This is also an important part of planning. I try to consider how fast or slow the journey might be, plan enough breaks and allow for some delay time. I check the toll systems of the countries I will be traveling to, the ferry schedules and prices (if necessary) and the sights along the way. I use Google Maps for this.

Dividing the trip into daily sections is a bit of a guessing game. So many factors can change the day's plan: Weather, traffic jams, roadworks etc. I try to do my best and always allow for a certain amount of extra time when calculating the daily journeys in terms of time and distance.

I am using a Word file where I plan the daily sections and store the Google maps query for later use or modification.

Overnight accommodations plans

I research destinations daily and try to find places, prices and availability of accommodation. I prefer places with organized parking so that my motorcycle is not parked in public places. By the way, I always cover my motorcycle with a rain cover overnight to protect it from the weather and prying eyes.

For this Scandinavian trip, I pre-booked the first few nights in Germany and in Copenhagen in Denmark. The latter has really high prices and it was quite a challenge to find a reasonable price. Eventually I found a private room in a suburb of Copenhagen. I also booked accommodation in the Lofoten Islands, which are visited by many tourists in the summer and where accommodation is very, very expensive.

In places where I see a lot of rooms available at reasonable prices, I book a day in advance or even the same day.

Budget

A budget plan is also a very important part of planning. I try to plan pessimistically so that I do not underestimate the costs. I research the prices of gasoline, accommodation, food, tolls, ferries, entrance fees for attractions, fines, etc. I enter this data into an Excel spreadsheet, break it down by day and category of expenditure and then calculate the totals and the total amount.

Scandinavia is known to be relatively expensive, with Norway being the most expensive country. I plan to book private rooms or apartments along the way. The weather might not be very friendly, so I want to enjoy the comfort of a normal bed and shower. I will take my camping equipment with me so that I can camp in the wilderness - which is allowed in the Nordic countries - or in camps, partly to save money and partly to have a special experience.

Preparing a motorcycle for the journey

My bike has just over 32,000 km on the clock and was due for a regular service. So I took it to the dealer before the trip to have it serviced. The tires were replaced about 3000 km ago, and I'll probably get a new pair on the way back in southern Norway or northern Germany.

I have added a few extras to my bike to make it more comfortable on longer rides. I've fitted handlebar risers, an adjustable windshield and inflatable seat cushions. With this equipment, I can sit on the bike for hours, day after day.

The navigation equipment is also very important. I use an older GPS, Garmin Zumo 590 LM, with Touratech mount and direct wiring to the battery. I update the maps every year, but sometimes it still behaves strangely, so I also use a phone mount on my handlebars where I use either Google Maps or the Kurviger app. Kurviger is a subscription-based navigation app that does its job quite well. Setting up start and end points and intermediate destinations in Kurviger could have been easier.

As far as luggage is concerned, I have a Give 52 liter top case, which is very practical. I have Givi softbags on the sides, which I also find very practical. Even if a bike tips over, they don't get damaged. I also use a 5-9 liter SW Motech tank bag, that attaches to the tank ring. It's just big enough for the essentials you want to have easily accessible. If I need even more storage space, I also have a 60-liter waterproof roll-up bag from Held. This is very practical for transporting camping equipment, for example.

My motorcycle gear

I use the KTM PowerWear Adventure pants and jacket. They have a removable thermal layer. It can withstand a short rain. It's nothing great, but it does the job.

I use TCX adventure boots, I bought them 2 sizes bigger than my foot and it does well in hot and cold conditions. They have a GoreTex membrane so they are waterproof. But I have noticed that some moisture got in after a long ride in a rain.

My helmet is the Nolan N100-5 with Intercom. I chose it because it seems to fit my head shape better. I also have a Schuberth C4, but after an hour and a half it gets very uncomfortable and I feel like it's pinching the sides of my forehead. Although it is better than the Nolan, I prefer the Nolan because I can keep it on for hours if needed.

I also use the Helite airbag vest, which is attached to the bike with a strap and can thus be activated. I firmly believe that wearing such a vest can significantly reduce injuries to the upper body in the event of a crash.

I use two pairs of glowes: Mugen Race leather glowes and BMW GoreTex glowes for rain. Both do the job, Mugen Race is a bit stiffer.

Rain gear is from Revit and it performs very well.

The base layer pants and long sleeve shirt are from SIXS and are made of carbon fiber. They function well in hot and cold weather.