TRAVELLING WITH A TENT

Of course, after riding for several hours the idea of being able to rest in a comfortable bed becomes a priority … but the charm of camping under the stars remains unique. Which tent to buy? The market is full of offers allowing you to take up little space on board, including specific “motorcycle” ones. Our attention focuses on the latter, with an analysis hard for you to find elsewhere …

Camping with a motorcycle is perhaps the ultimate expression of freedom. On two wheels you can get off the road and look for places where camping is inaccessible to other vehicles. The contact with nature is full on. Nothing to do with camper vans!
If a tent is bound to become your home for quite a long time, you have to pick one methodically. Sizes and types are personal choices, as long as they go hand in hand with lightness, strength and water resistance.
Quality tents cost but do not skimp on this expense. If climate and temperature change over the course of the ride you have drawn, the tent has to protect you from wind and rain. If you aim to go north you need at least a 3 seasons tent and a suitable sleeping bag. If you are travelling in two you can share a tent but not the sleeping bag.
To your camping equipment you will need to add a rechargeable lamp, a stove and some crockery.
In general, the ideal bike-travel in a tent is that which develops in temperate climates.
The disadvantages?
Well, the fact that every day, or almost, the tent should be mounted in the evening and diasassembled in the morning. It is true that with time, you will learn to choose the most suitable place to set up your camp in the quickest way.
Below you will find the models selected by GIVI EXPLORER. The group includes tunnel tents with garage area for the bike, further options that use the vehicle as a support structure, up to the most extreme solutions, consisting of self-supporting hammocks and really minimal bivouac sacks. Read on …

PEOPLE, MOTORCYCLE, LUGGAGE … UNDER ONE ROOF

ATACAMA EXPEDITION MOTORCYCLE TENT (new model 2017)

$ 599 on USA REDVERZ (not delivered to Europe)
€599 on the European distributor website.

The Expedition tents for motorcyclists offered by the giant from Denver (Colorado) REDVERZ are the “Ultimate” solution. According to the manufacturer, the tunnel models that we present are eligible to “win the first places of the list”… The Atacama, well-known to globetrotter riders, has recently been redesigned and now presents itself as the most spacious, functional and high quality on the market (the most expensive too we might add). Despite being 15 cm shorter than the previous one, it offers a larger sleeping area, which can accommodate up to three people and sized to be able to sleep also along its length. In addition, the J-Door entrances are now two, feature that allows you to crawl into your sleeping bag without climbing over your mate.
The fabric is more resistant to tearing and the pickets, now 23 cm, are more versatile and robust. The new Atacama Expedition also has an indiscretion net on the vestibule of the garage door. Additional ventilation dramatically reduces condensation and the new storage pockets allow you to fully insert the Hi Visibility ropes. There are two sturdy nylon floors, for the bedroom and garage. The large garage environment, built to shelter motorcycles (it can accommodate an adventure tourer with hard suitcases) has greatly evolved from the original version. The space has sufficient height to stand up and allows you to work around the bike, change clothes, etc. In general, the flexible design in circles also works well in strong wind conditions. The structure with three poles allows easy assembly / disassembly. The tent can be carried in a 50-litre bag.
SPECIFICATIONS: 3-season tent; People: 3; average weight: 6 kg; maximum width: 254 cm; Maximum length: 510 cm .; Floor size: 229 x 127 cm; Bed area: 234 x 241 cm; Motorcycle area: 254 x 127 cm; Vestibule area 5.6 square meters; Maximum height: 195 cm; Doors: 4; floor fabric: 70D 190T Nylon Rip Stop 10,000mm; Waterproof Fabric: coated with ripstop Nylon 68D 210T 4,000 mm; interior fabric of the tent: 75D 190T / P breathable; mosquito nets: indiscretion nets B3; n. poles: 3 7001 T6 aluminium; Packing size: 53×23 cm.

SOLO EXPEDITION MOTORCYCLE TENT

499 US dollars on REDVERZ Usa (no delivery to Europe).
€499 on REDVERZ Europa.

This second solution by the American Redverz Gear is advertised as the tent designed “for you and your motorcycle.” We add that if you squeeze a bit a second person may sleep in it. The tent is an intermediate solution between the Atacama and the iconic Ténéré, of which it recalls size and weight of the packaging while offering greater overall comfort. For instance it has almost 5 cm more in height, and almost double the entrance surface (vestibule), always with two J-Door entrances. The other characteristics relate to the materials which are the same as the Atacama.
Its evolution, compared with the Ténéré, has also concerned the garage space, which recalls the size of the top-of-the-range tent and therefore can accommodate tourer type Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic or maxi enduros. The 2 pole structure makes assembly and disassembly easier.
SPECIFICATIONS: 3 seasons tent; 1-2 people; average weight: 5.4 kg; maximum width: 254 cm; Maximum length: 370 cm; Floor size: 229 x 127 cm; sleeping area: 230 x 105 cm; Motorcycle area: 254 x 127 cm; vestibule area: 2.4 square meters; Maximum height: 195 cm; Doors: 4; floor fabric: 70D 190T Nylon tear-proof 10,000mm; Fabric Anti-rain: coated with nylon tear-proof 68D 210T 4,000 mm; interior fabric of the tent: 75D 190T / P breathable; mosquito nets: indiscretion net B3; n. poles: 2 7001 T6 aluminium; Packing size: 53×18 cm.

THE MOTOTENT V2

€499 on Lone Rider’s website (world- wide delivery)

It can accommodate one or two people, luggage and a motorcycle equipped for touring, the latter hidden from curious eyes inside the garage space, re-sealable on both sides. On the side of the motorcycle opposite the sleeping area there is a small vestibule, useful for example for cooking. The tent is easy to set up and with practice you can mount it, according to Lone Rider, in 7 minutes thanks to a system with closed sleeves on one side. The polyester floor is of excellent quality and fits the inner sheet of the sleeping area and the garage area.
The manufacturer indicates the MOTOTENT V2 as the lightest tunnel tent capable of seating a motorcycle on the market: only 5.9 kg. Waterproof zippers and the Fly hydrostatic fabric also maintain the inside dry during a downpour (resistant to 10,000 mm of water). The same fabrics are flame retardant and resistant to UV rays. Comfort is guaranteed by the possibility of standing in the middle of the tent (190 cm). Interesting is the possibility to disconnect the internal sleeping area to transform the entire tent in a space where you can work on the bike in case you need mechanical interventions.
SPECIFICATIONS: Weight: (poles, tent, tie rods, etc.): 5.9 kg; packed size: 60 x 20 cm; inner fabric: 190T breathable CPAI84 Nylon; pegs and stakes in aircraft aluminium 7001-T6.

TENERE MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION TENT

$ 399 on NOMADICEQUIPMENT.COM

With a lower price to the previous two Redverz options without losing sufficient space to accommodate you, a partner and the bike, this legendary tent is one of the best solutions we encountered. Developed by the brand testers, the Ténéré features a specific design for motorcycle trips. The structure includes a comfortable sleeping area for a couple and two vestibules of which the largest is used as a garage for the bike: here you can stand without touching the “roof”, work on the bike and change clothes. The whole “package” takes a 25 x 53.3 cm space and weighs only 5.8 kg.
SPECIFICATIONS: 3 seasons tent; People: 3; average weight 3.6 kg; maximum width 254 cm; maximum length 449 cm; Floor size: 229 x 127 cm; sleeping area: 226 x 170 cm; space for the bike: 254 x 127 cm; Maximum height: 193 cm; Doors: 4; floor material: Polyester 120 g; rainfly fabric: ripstop nylon 210T; number of poles: 3, in 7005 aluminum.

ATOMIC 3

€289 on BRUNNER OUTDOOR IN MOTION

Also the Atomic 3 tent was developed with motorcyclists in mind. The difference compared to the others is represented by the large front space with three entrances, which offers space for 2/3 motorcycles with luggage. The height of the tent, not only at the centre but also at the entrance of the sleeping area, is another plus to evaluate. The fabrics used are breathable (68D polyester) and waterproof up to 3,000 mm of water; the seams are sealed. Not lacking in net areas for ventilation. The Atomic 3 tent is a reliable travel companion “made in Italy”. The company is in Bolzano. On Ebay you can find it at a lower cost.
SPECIFICATIONS: People: 3; 68D Polyester outer fabric; breathable fabric; dimensions 235 x 220 x H175 cm; basic structure in the EP; Fiberglass poles; Total weight: 8.3 kg Packaging dimensions: 45 cm x Ø29 cm.

EASY CAMP SPIRIT 300

Found on Ebay at €178

A tunnel tent, Easy Camp can accommodate up to 3 people and has a large garage space. Equipped with a triple anchorage system (ideal if you are traveling in windy areas), the Spirit 300 offers a “solid” shelter to the couple and extra luggage space. Indeed it is perhaps too large for a big solitary raid but it’s perfect for weekends and summer vacations by bike. Considering the presence of a tunnel and an external porch, with detachable base, the assembly appears however easy and fast. The entrance gates are two (front and back); in the sleeping area a lantern can be hanged, and comes with a convenient pocket … to keep things tidy. The outer fabric is breathable polyester tested to withstand water up to 2000 mm, not a very high figure. But then, given the very competitive price of the tent, some compromise must be made. The floor is 100% polyethylene. The poles are made of fiberglass.
SPECIFICATIONS: pole diameter: 7.9 / 8.5 mm .; packed tent measures 62 x 21 cm (W x D); weight: 4.4 kg.

THE BIKE BECOMES BEARING STRUCTURE

THE BIVOUAC

450 CHF by Exposed

Bivouac is a “minimal” tent, designed and built by hand from the Swiss company Exposed, which uses the bike as a backbone. This solution allows to minimize the bulking of the packing. Does it protect you? Under Bivouac there is enough space for a person + luggage. If what you want is a “pure” contact with nature, this tent is for you.What we can assure you about is the care taken by the manufacturer in the choice of materials, selected to last really long. The main fabric is Cordura, treated at fiber level with a coating that ensures maximum water resistance. A large zip opening allows you to stand on the base and quickly access baggage; the project takes into account the different heights of the bikes and provides for adaptation. Installation is fast, and the “sleeping area” is always protected from the rain. The tarpaulin, a peg and a compact pole are the three elements that make up the Bivouac tent. To keep them together is a leather strap that also serves for mounting.
SPECIFICATIONS: Material: waterproof 500 denier Cordura Classic; dimensions: 15 cm roll diameter and 45 cm in length; Weight: 2.3 kg; Warranty: 10 years.

MOBED MOTORCYCLE TENT

Price on request directly at Mobed

Solo touring and bike camping. With the Mobed tent these two aspects perfectly meet. The name is self-explanatory: Mo, such as motorcycles, Bed as the place you need to rest. In other words: a tent that allows you to sleep … on your bike.Think of the convenience of not having to find a place every night free from rocks or hollows. What if you could rest without always keeping an eye on the bike.The danger, if that was ever one, is the possibility of falling on the floor overnight. To avoid this, in addition to having a robust center stand it is necessary that the ground beneath it is at least solid.Handy are the extender straps supplied as standard.Not being in contact with the cold ground and everything that creeps there help the cause …Information on production is fragmentary. What we do know is that this motorcycle tent works fine with BMW R1200GS Adventure from 2006 to 2013 and with the R1200GS from 2004 to 2012 …According to the information provided, it appears that the tents mounted on cars or motorcycles are allowed where conventional ones are not (such as parking or service areas).If you like Mobed contact the company via e-mail (info@mobel.eu)

NOMAD 2 CAMP TENT

For sale at $200 at ABEL BROWN (www.abelbrown.com)

We are in the non-stand-alone tents’ section, that is, where the bike has a leading role. From this point of view the Nomad is one of the “frontrunners”. The previous model has welcomed many travellers and it is now the turn of the Nomad 2, which is presented to fans in a renewed version that adds a few extras to the characteristics of the original model. Its single-wall structure is made of waterproof nylon and its base in heavy waterproof durable polyester. On both sides there are net areas which allow the air to flow when the heat increases. The original Nomad and version “2” do not use poles: it is the motorcycle itself to act as a support point. The taller the motorcycle is, the greater will the useful internal space be. Included in the the up-grade are: additional coverage for the bike, the use of a lighter and more waterproof and resistant fabric, slight differences on quotas. To prevent unstable situations, an aluminium plate is provided to be placed under the bike stand. The pegs (8) are made of anodized brass.
DETAILS: 50D rip-stop polyester; YKK waterproof zippers; Floor dimensions: 213.3 x 42 “; height: 91.5 cm.

The Hammock needs TWO TREES, AT TIMES THREE
IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE DESERT … SKIP THIS SECTION

COVERED HAMMOCK CLARK VERTEX

$ 449 on junglehammock.com