Earlier this year I packed my bike for a trip down to cornwall. Panniers and topbox loaded, tent and sleeping bag on rear seat all ready to go.
Thought I'd have a quick shakedown run but was a tad miffed to discover that I couldnt get on the bike with the gear on the seat!
I have heard of people standing on the foot pegs to mount up but I dont trust my stand as its rolled off it twice this year.

I'm looking for packing ideas or tips as I want to tour Scotland among other places in the new year

Put your left leg on the foot peg grab the right hand brake lever and squeeze the front brake as you swing your leg over, this locks the front wheel and the bike is going nowhere, Simples

if you have really piled the seat high swing your leg up verticaly and as it comes down let your heel land on the seat then shuffel over the seat, This is a good technique for off road where the ground is too soft to support the bike on the side stand in this case you have too hold the bike vertical with your left hand its a bit precarious at first but you get better with practice,

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XTz 660 tenere, adventure spec bash plate, main stand, skid marks tall screen, Oxford tail pack 36 litre. Kobra hand guards, Bigger cast footpegs, Zen overland luggage plate, USB power point, iridium spark plug, TKC80 f k60 R tyres, o2 and fuel Kev mods, DNA stage 2 filter. bark buster bar wieghts, Touratec side stand base and GPS mount. Led spot lights

Thanks for your replies, I shall have a practice load and climb.
I know it's not a round the world trip but it's going to be a big trip for me!!
I'm also thinking if the best way to carry some extra fuel as I hear petrol stations can be a bit few and far between in certain parts oop there

^^ wot he said ^^

I would describe it as:

Face your bike,
Raise one leg (the one you want on the other side of the bike) in a goose step fashion,
put your 'goose' leg on the seat,
hop on your other leg towards your bike,
the last hop is a little jump while you sit your ass on the seat.

Get off in a reverse fashion.



You'll look like a plank.
You'll feel like a numpty
But it does work.

You'll never need it....

Fuel is plentiful (if expensive), there are many manned, self service and un-manned pumps in village shops, community centers etc, however be aware that parts of the north observe Sunday-is-day-of-rest so opening times might be hit and miss. You are never more than 50 miles from fuel, just plan accordingly.

You do need to visit 'Tongue' and get the sticker (snig....ger) from the little shop - the woman who runs it is a game old bird (old is the operative word), but if nothing more than that. just to ride the causeway out of Tongue (or in if you are heading west to east). Actually, the A838 is pretty much awesome. We were up there in September, taking in Falkirk, Whisky country, The Black Isle, John O'Groats, Ullapool, Skye keeping the sea to our right, and then home. First time I've done it anticlockwise and it was some of the best riding in a long time.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Many thanks for that

I aalso try ths sometimes.

you will lok like a ballerina

I also favour the "goose step" method to climb aboard when loaded up.

No. I fear you'll look more like this...

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