mhevezi Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 Took off after work to run up to Lake Alpine (about 150miles) and camp for the weekend. My first camping trip on the FJ. Nice Lake, but close to the Valley and it was PACKED! I got one of the last spots after cruising through FOUR different (two were 'overflow') campgrounds. Wound up in a 'Backpackers' spot in Pine Marten, but it worked out Perfect, as the guy let me park the bike IN the camp spot. Pretty lake, great weather (warm days in the 80's and cool nights), and that Sierra smell... love it. Got to ride, hike, camp, fish and shoot! Couldn't ask for more. The FJ did great and hauled all my gear with minimal fuss. The center-stand is a MUST when fully loaded. Even with the larger, foot plate, the kickstand is not adequate for a load. And yeah, the seat sucks- I think I'm going to redo it myself. Got a wild idea on how to fix the seat... Some Pics: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fanowater Posted July 18, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted July 18, 2016 Nice Pics! Did all your gear fit into the three cases? I do love that Sierra smell! Cheers 2015 FJ-09 2006 Triumph Daytona 675 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8nsanta Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 Been looking at some of those Mountain House meals myself for a potential upcoming trip, how'd they work out for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caferacer Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 The FJ did great and hauled all my gear with minimal fuss. The center-stand is a MUST when fully loaded. Even with the larger, foot plate, the kickstand is not adequate for a load. And yeah, the seat sucks- I think I'm going to redo it myself. Got a wild idea on how to fix the seat... Looks like a great trip, thanks for the inspiration (I've been delaying a trip like this for too long!) Since you mention the DIY seat mod, I've had great success with this one: http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Seats.html#DIYSeat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhevezi Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 So I have the big, 50L, Yamaha top-case and the factory, side cases. All did well, but I needed additional storage space. I had a Ventura rack on my old Buell M2 and LOVED that system. I ended up buying just a Ventura bag when I upgraded to the Ulysses. When I sold the Uly and moved to the FJ, I kept the Ventura bag and it works OK on the FJ. It's not a perfect fit, but the extra room was needed for all my junk. Would be near impossible to do the same thing with a passenger, as my Ventura bag sat where a passenger would. Guess it's good that my wife isn't into motorcycle camping. Mountain House > Backpackers Pantry. Just my experience. They are great as they are super lightweight and some are actually pretty decent. I used a JetBoil system for heating my water. I also use the Starbucks Via coffee packs (and some generic Safeway ones too) and I buy those Mini-Moo's so I can have creamer at the camp - no refrigeration needed! I have a small, REI camp chair that works OK, so long as you are under 200lbs (I'm on the cusp...) and on flat ground. It packs down pretty small. See pic below. I did add some 'pad eyes' to the tops of my side cases (4 each) to allow me to strap additional gear there- maybe a better fishing rod/reel as the one I brought was my smallest & cheapest and it behaved as such. No substitute for good, quality gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DavidS Posted July 18, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted July 18, 2016 Sounds like a great trip, I wish I could get off work to do something like that..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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