You don't just go on a 1500 mile jaunt without a bit of preparation, so here is what I did prior to my departure.
Check the bike over - Actually I didn't check the bike over I got someone else to do it for me, this being Bruce at RWH Motorcycles. I told him what I was intending to do and how many miles I was planning to travel. He checked the bike and announced that my rear tyre would not make it to the end of a 1500 mile journey. The rest of the bike was in good shape though. I asked him to fit me a new rear tyre and he did for the princely sum of £111.
Ultraseal the tyres - I have not used Ultraseal before, but reports about it seem to be good. It is basically a puncture prevention system. It is not a "carry with you and will get you home" puncture repair system. You put a measured amount in each tyre before you even start your journey. To do this you have to deflate the tyres and remove the valve. You then attach the plastic pipe from the bottle to the valve opening and squeeze in the required amount. The bottle is graduated to assist with this. Then pump the tyres up and go for a 10-15 mile ride to evenly distribute the fluid around the inside of your tyre. You may notice a slight judder the first time you set off, but it soon settles down. After that you don't even know it's there.
Fill the Scottoiller - It is a standard Scottoiller that I fitted myself. Not the prettiest job, but it is very effective. You can get Scottoillers with large capacity tanks for long distance touring. I'm only going for a week, so this isn't really necessary. Just make sure it's full.
Check my gear - My boots are quite old and I noticed that the last time I was caught out in the rain, they leaked a little. Probably just seeping in through the stitching. A good polish with some Renapur and they look a lot cleaner and will be a lot more water tight. I have a one piece waterproof over-suit and I checked to make sure that is goes on over my regular paddock jacket and trousers. Stuck on the side of a road in the pouring rain is not the time to discover that it won't fit over what you are wearing. My waterproof gloves have seen better days and I invested in a new pair. Also I purchased some anti fog spray for the visor. No need to use it unless the weather is really bad, but best to carry some with you. Checked the tool kit too. Made sure everything was there. I had an allen key missing. Found it in my big toolbox and put it back where it belonged.
Check the chain - Bruce is inclined to set the chain tension perhaps a little on the tight side and I usually slacken it off a bit. However when I checked it, the tension was fine. I may need to adjust it en-route. The tool kit under the seat is perfectly adequate for this. However I dislike tightening the axle nut without a torque wrench.
Check yourself Are you up to a 1500 mile ride. Do you have a stinking cold? Are your piles playing you up? If you take medication have you got it with you? Even if you don't take medication it may be wise to take some preventative medicine with you. I packed my anti hay-fever tablets and some Parecetamol.