Comfort on the Savage?   well I'd say a back rest, but the sleeping bag on the backseat could work for that, some highway pegs so you can change your footing from time to time and some type of cup holder for a water bottle, you got to have a lot of water. I got a water bottle holder for a bicycle @Wally World for $5.00 , mounted it on the handle bars.

Hey Mick! Im not sure if you read awhile back a post I made on my trip this spring from portland to illinois on my savage. Traveled thru 11 states in 5 weeks. Wyoming  being one of them. (by the way did you know wyoming has a total state population of 450,000?  smaller than some communities here).  If you break down in wyoming, you had better  be somewhat prepaired cause suzuki dealers are few and far between. At Wal-Mart they have a motorcyle tire repair kit for under $10. Carry one and a can of tire inflator and some wood screws. There are lots of places for free camping along side the highways, unlike Oregon. I would carry a sleeping bag and maybe a sheet of plastic folded up in place of a tent. Its summer, a bag should be enough Take some warm clothing, it gets cold at night.  It will probably take you 3 days to get there. My first night I left portland at 4pm and slept in pendelton Next day didnt ride to far and spent the night in Boise, and the 3rd day I was in alpine, wyoming. Dont want to go too fast, alot to see. By the way, interstate travel is posted 75mph but traveling that fast is not neccessary. Minumum posted speed is 45 due to sparse traffic, they just go around you in the other lane so cruise at a comfortable speed. Take a crecent wrench. Its the only tool you could need other than whats in your tool bag. And Mick, every night make a practice of tightening up the bike! Everything comes ajar from all the bumps in the road on that long of a days ride. If your tires are not in perfect condition, replace them before leaving. All day riding seems to wear them down quickly. Dont forget your camera like I did! When I left on my trip I was really paranoid about the small size of the savage on the open highway. Have no fears, if your bike is in good mechanical order, I cant think of a more fun bike to make this trip on. Altho it was the smallest bike I saw traveling cross country, its capable of cruising all day at 70 mph. I put on over 5,400 miles and had no mechanical problems other than losing my license plate in cody wyoming and a bad battery. Rode one day 549 miles at interstate speeds and my bike was in better condition than I was at the end of the day. keiths idea on the sleeping bag is a good one. Traveling at higher speeds makes it alot more comfortable to be able to lean back on something. I wore out quickly when sitting up.... Im envious! I know your gonna have the time of your life and mmet some neat people. Everyone like to talk to travelers!

congrats to you mick...for even considering this trip...the fact that you are working out and getting in such good shape is a big plus...hopefully you will have a great ride and enjoy yourself immensely...i am just jealous that you are doing this and not me...please don't forget the camera...can't wait to read your post and see the pics... 8)

I like to use a hammock(small military type) when I sleep out if I feel the ground is going to start "crawling" at night. So maybe you should think of that.
A bit of rope or strong cord, and a small tarp will make you a shelter over your hammock.
Added weight of these 3 items should be less than the 12 lbs. you've already lost.
Thanks for attempting this adventure Mick. At 68 alot of guys are sitting down and just waiting.
I wish you the best.

time to add some mac guyver stuff to the kit.  two pair surgical gloves, black plastic bag, five or six walmart type bags,  roll of duct tape old. fashioned utility knife. zipp ties, BUTT WIPE, spare bulbs, and fuses.

now as to weapons, that is truly a personal choice, me, i carry.