August 23, 2012 4:17 AM PDT
I just got back from a trip, and I think I used just about everything I had packed, and only slightly missed a few things I left at home, but was able to make do with what I had.
The key things I did remember this trip was rain gear, extra fuses, and a spare headlamp bulb.
When my group decided to depart Toledo Ohio at 5:00 am last Saturday, I wasn't quite prepared for the temps, barely 50 degrees. So, I layered on two long sleeve t shirts, a leather shirt over my leather vest, and topped it all off with my usual denim jacket. I also put on 2 pairs of socks...1 thin pair of knee socks plus my usually thicker pair that hits mid calf, about the same as my boots. Since I wore my roomiest boots, I had enough room to add a pair of water resistant but breathable socks over the top. I also have the same fabric in a glove liner, so I had them on under my normal gloves. Since I had decided at the last minute to leave my chaps at home, even though I had treated them with waterproofing during my pre-packing prep, I put on my rain gear pants to keep my legs warm. All in all, I stayed warm enough to keep going.
I did lose all my running lights and my headlight this trip, so I was glad I had a spare bulb and extra fuses in my tool bag. Also, my horn had come loose and was vibrating against the cover. I had the tools on hand to take the cover off, but rather than risk over-tightening the horn and damaging it, I used a zip tie to fix its position. It didn't rattle the rest of the trip.
The other savior was a spare credit card. Too many stops in too many states resulted in my first card getting shut off for a potential fraud alert. I used a backup card until I could validate my first one with the card company.
And after a few idiotic moves of cagers and tractor trailers I was glad I had the ashes and patches of my biker angels with me to keep me from becoming road kill. Yes, ashes, really.
My other favorite thing to have with me on bike trips is my iPhone. I was able to use it as a GPS, play music along the way, update my Facebook status for the benefit of friends and family, and keep track of or dress appropriately for the weather. I knew whether the raindrops I felt were just the edge of a random cloud and nothing to worry about vs the start of a soaker for the next hour. It also has my entire service manual on it, just in case!
August 23, 2012 4:20 AM PDT
Oh yeah, I don't usually ride INTO the sun when I plan my own trips, but since I was with a group, I found myself doing just that.
I usually wear shades that are graduated in tint, so I can look through the darkest part when there is glare, and the lighted part in tunnels, shady sections of the road, and during dusk and dawn. But the darkest part wasn't dark enough, so I did buy a new pair of shades at a rest stop to help deal with the sun glare. They will find a permanent place on my bike from now on.
August 23, 2012 5:38 AM PDT
All the time on my bike I have: Bungee net (large) and 2 long cords, toolbags (2) with everything I think I could possibly need (except the torque wrench - won't fit), extra gloves, raingear, owners manual, extra safety glasses, 1 qt oil, chamois, and an old t-shirt/grease rag.
August 24, 2012 5:25 AM PDT
The things that stay on my bike at all times are few.....bungee net, wet wipes, sunscreen, extra goggles, ear plugs. All else gets packed as needed. Never ran across a situation in 20 + years that I needed anything more for daily riding.
August 28, 2012 1:07 PM PDT
NEVER leave home without my camera, and Elmer ( my mascott moose). always on the bike, rain gear, spare clear visor, towels and spray cleaner, tire plug kit, tools and phone, and most of the time, my GPS
August 28, 2012 2:01 PM PDT
Well, I don't carry nearly as much as some of you do-but gotta have my wallet,earplugs and FOB!
Maybe I trust that if anything goes wrong God will send help my way.
September 3, 2012 3:56 AM PDT
octane booster.
October 9, 2012 12:16 PM PDT
The only things I always have with me are... a jacket (if I'm not wearing it when Ieave), small tool poouch, bottle of water and cell phone.
or for those times when I find a quiet place to kick back n jam on the harmonica..
this would be me if i tried to fix something on the wing! but i always have maps, my GWRRA helping hands book, that has everyones name and address in it, in case i break down somewhere, i call them and see if they can help, a flashlight, a light jacket, a heavy jacket, and plenty of smokes! oh and my debt card, for gas. hey, its a goldwing, what can i say? 
yall keep on winginit rick