Whether you’ve just picked up your first motorcycle and are rearing to take it on a road trip, or you’ve had your motorcycle a while but have yet to take it out for a getaway, this post will run you through five of the key things that you should consider before taking your trip.
1. Where are you planning to go and is your bike up to it?
Before you get into the finer details of your trip, you first need to decide where you plan on going so that you can assess how far your trip will be and what kind of terrain your bike needs to stand up to. As a general rule, most motorcyclists will tell you to plan your first road trip not too far from home and to make sure that it is a manageable distance. Even the most reliable motorcycles can come into problems if they’re thrashed for days on end on fast roads, or if they are subjected to very bumpy terrain or unmade roads. A shorter first trip will not only allow you to get a feel for what your bike is capable of but will also help you to feel more confident as you begin to progress onto longer trips.
2. Are you suited and booted?
If you ride fairly frequently, then you likely already have a set of motorcycle safety clothing such as riding pants, boots, a jacket, and a full-face helmet, but are they comfortable enough to wear back to back for several days at a time? If your gear is too tight, too loose, too hot, or not warm enough then you’re going to be uncomfortable and you won’t enjoy your trip. Before you go, be sure to assess what you have to wear and remember to bring a couple of different layers so that you can dress for changing weather conditions. It’s also a good idea to bring at least one set of casual clothes for evenings outs or for relaxing when you stop. Try not to overpack as this will just weigh you down and will reduce space for other essential items that you may need to carry on your bike.
3. Where are you staying?
Where you plan on staying throughout your road trip will also have an impact on what you need to bring and what you need to prepare. If you’re choosing to stay in a hotel, motel, or B&B then you may have access to washing facilities and so may not need to take as many changes of clothes. If you choose to camp along the way, then you’re going to need to bring additional gear such as a tent and sleeping bag and food if you’re off-grid. Be sure to research the best tent for motorcycle camping as they are often smaller and more compact than conventional tents so that they easily fit in your motorcycle bags and can be erected and taken down without hassle.
4. Have you forgotten about water?
Riding is thirsty work, especially on hot days when the sun is shining. So that you don’t spend a fortune at service stations on bottled water, consider investing in a Camelbak rucksack or built-in pack, which will store several liters of water and enable you to drink on the road as you go. It’s also worth storing a spare bottle somewhere else on your bike, and to map out some rest stops along your route so that you can refill and freshen up on the way to your next destination.
5. What’s your backup plan?
What will you do if your bike breaks down? Do you know who to call? What will you do if you need to have your bike recovered? Although no-one wants to think about their road trip going wrong, it’s wise to have a backup plan in case things go sour on your trip. Having a back-up plan in place will give you that little bit extra peace of mind, but will also stop you from stressing out if the worst comes to the worst and you find yourself living your worst nightmare. Make sure that you have key phone numbers on your phone, and have your bike serviced before you go so that you know that it’s in good working order before you set off.
So there you have it – five things to consider before going on your first motorcycle road trip. Have you ever been on a motorcycle road trip before? Where did you go? Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments.
