More and more people are going on motorcycle journeys, either alone or with friends, allowing them to enjoy the freedom of the open road and escape everyday life. A motorcycle road trip is an exhilarating experience which certainly should be done at least once in a lifetime. However, it’s essential to be prepared for this sort of adventure to ensure you get the ultimate riding experience. There are many factors to keep in mind when planning a road trip of this nature, and below we list seven things you need to know.
Ensure you have the proper ride
While technically you could go on a motorcycle road trip on practically any two-wheel vehicle, some of them are a more suitable choice for that. For instance, a roadster motorcycle is a much better option than a moped, because you need a bike that can travel on different terrains and one that is more enduring. If you don’t own a motorcycle that’s suited for road trips, you can simply rent one.
Plan your route ahead
Although traveling spontaneously and without a precise route may seem like a good idea, planning your whole route will allow you to make the most of your journey. By planning the journey, you can choose the route where you can travel on open roads and do some sightseeing at the same time. Moreover, you can mark the places on the map where you can take fuel breaks or rest stops. Even though modern maps and GPS systems are awesome, we still recommend doing this old-school way and having the map in the physical form, just in case.
Choose the right outfit
Deciding on what should you wear for the motorcycle road trip is very important and can make a huge difference between a comfortable ride and the one in which you’re freezing, wet or even worse. To start with, go with a solid full-face helmet, motorcycle gloves, rider’s boots, thick rider’s pants and jacket, regardless of the weather conditions. This is only a bare minimum, but it can be supplemented by throw-over waterproofs, neck warmer and thermal clothes. On top of that, make sure that you’re visible to other people by wearing reflective patches.
Image by Maxx Girr from Pixabay
Keep your bike maintained
If your bike has ever broken when you were away from home, you know how much it sucks to have someone come pick you up, and the frustration that comes with it. Now imagine the same scenario, but only this time you are hundreds of miles away from home or even civilization. Sounds terrifying right? That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your motorcycle before you begin on any ling journey to prevent disasters from happening. Any potential issue can be fixed if detected on time, so pay close attention to every little detail, from cables to tyres, and do a thorough pre-check before hitting the road.
Train for the journey
Just like runners don’t start a marathon without the proper training, bikers don’t start long-distance road trips without preparation either. Your body needs to be prepared for the journey the same way your motorcycle does. Riding for a long time requires plenty of muscle movement, coordination and balance to deal with many challenges on the road, so make sure that your fitness level is satisfactory and ride whenever you’re able, so you can get ready for your motorcycle road trip.
Pack lightly
Overpacking for a long trip will only bring you trouble, and you probably won’t get to use everything you bring anyway. Not to mention that overpacking will certainly affect the handling and balance of your bike because of the increased weight. That’s why you should only bring the essentials. The items required for a safe and comfortable trip include:
- First aid kit
- Basic Repair kit
- Tool Kit
- Flashlight
- Power bank
- Map
- Portable air compressor
- Change of clothes
Get insurance
Taking the long-distance motorcycle journey doesn’t come without risks and that’s what makes it exciting. No matter how cautious you are, misfortunes can happen and that’s why it’s important to get motorcycle insurance to protect yourself and your bike from any accidents that could happen on the road.
Top image by dendoktoor from Pixabay
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