>>783101This entire post.
>>783103>try out your gear before you ride, test ride with what you plan to bring (to get a feel for the change in handling) and do a short test camp close to home.This too.
>>783106Build your toolkit as you wrench on the bike.
Do a quick once-over and throw all the tools you need in a bucket... sockets, wrenches, allens, bits... spark plug tool, tire irons, axle nut wrench, socket extensions, spoke wrench... I keep one or two short (~18") pieces of paracord to use for pulling springs (really useful on the sled) and for stringing parts together (like springs, bushings, O-rings, clutch weights/shims, etc) so I don't drop/lose them.
Work out of that toolkit as you wrench on the bike. Need a 17mm wrench for something you didn't catch initially? Better to catch that in the garage than innawoods.
Kit's changed a little from >pic related, but that's mostly it.
Knowing how to use those tools and how parts/pieces go together is important too. I carry a copy of the parts fiche, owners manual, and service manual PDFs on my phone.
>>783106>first trip, bring truck or just the bikesWhen you get it all put together, do a couple break-in cycles before going too far. After a piston/cylinder, I do 2-3 heat cycles in the garage watching fluid levels, a couple quick trips around town (commute to/from work, go out to dinner, etc) before I venture off innawoods. I want the rings seated, and a high level of confidence that fluids are holding, bolts aren't backing out, transmission's smooth, clutch works, electrical/lights all function, dah dah dah, uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh.
Do some rides with various gear configurations around town too. I've worn some gear that was comfortable in the store, comfortable at home, but with a pack on it bunched up under my arms and rode up on my back.
Things like helmets, goggles/glasses, elbow/knee pads, boots, gloves... you want to find what works and what doesn't around town, not 500 miles from home.
