Niagara Falls

Things we learned after making the Toronto to West coast trip twice.

1. Don't over pack - Panniers and water proof 40L bag is plenty.

2. Garmin Zumo GPS great for locating gas stations when you are running low in middle of no where. There will be stretches where you need to keep your eye out for next fill. Keep in mind your bike takes premium but some stations only have low grade.

3. Get cruise control or at least a throttle lock as there are stretches where your wrist will go numb.

4. Consider fresh tires before setting out - its a long way.

5. Consider a taller windshield if you still have factory version. Cuts down wind for a more comfortable ride. Both Givi and Zero Gravity make VFR 1200 versions.

6. If you are doing hotel or motel stops use an app like www.booking.com on your smart phone to book next days hotel the night before. Nothing worse than being dead ass tired and no place to stay at end of day. Gives you a destination goal as well.

7. Consider OEM heated grips - even in summer the morning can be cold on your hands.

8. Take along good rain gear. It will rain and even hale.

9. Adjust (tighten) hand brake on DCT before you leave as it will be useless part way through your trip from constant use.

10. Watch out for moose and deer especially at dawn and dusk.

11. Make plenty of stops along the way - as they say "....it's the journey".

12. Looks like you are from Northern Ontario so you know the OPP are eveywhere so watch your speed. Once you hit Manitoba and Saskachewan open up that V4 - its flat and fast and almost devoid of police who bother with speeders. Its still not a race but much fun to see how stable the bike is at speed.