Taking a long road trip on your motorcycle can be a great idea. It is a wonderful way to see the country, while enjoying the open highways and sights. You can see much more of the landscapes and beautiful countryside, from a bike rather than a car, and of course you can have the wind in your face.
Whether you ride a bag-equipped cruiser, an all-out adventure bike, or a classic tourer, motorcycles have a way of tempting riders to chase the horizon. If you are enamored with taking a motorcycle trip, you need to know what to bring along, so that your trip is memorable and pleasurable and you never find yourself unprepared.
Map Out Your Trip
The first thing to do is to get out the maps and chart your exact trip plan. Take note of landmarks that you can use to make sure you are on the right roads. Many smaller roads do not have good road signs so know where you will be and map it out using mileage. Give a copy of your trip itinerary to someone you trust, so if you are lost, they can look at the same map you have. Using GPS maps is also great, but be sure to pack a paper map because you may end up in places without good cellular service.
Make Sure Your Bike and You are in Top Shape
If your bike has a few miles on it, make sure you take it to an experienced and reputable service shop and get a full top to bottom maintenance check-up. Make sure that the fluid levels, the brakes, the lights and all other mechanical components are at their proper levels and working. Even if your bike is new, you should still get it serviced. Also get yourself a health check-up too. Riding a bike is physical exercise after all. It will be better to find out any problems or potential ones before you get on the road.
Get a Luggage Rack
It is a smart idea to install a luggage rack on the back of your bike. Some people think that using a back pack or shoulder bag will suffice. But remember, you will be driving a long time and anything on your body will only get heavier as the day goes on. So put it on the bike.
Pack a Waterproof Riding Suit and Some Good Quality Motorcycle Boots
The most wonderful and also most potentially dangerous thing about riding your bike is that you will come in direct contact with the elements. And as we know, the weather can be unpredictable. Remember, if it starts raining while you’re on your bike trip, there aren’t any windows to roll up or doors to shut to keep you dry. So buy a comfortable, waterproof riding suit. This way, when the rain comes, you’ll stay nice and dry under the suit. Also get yourself some good quality motorcycle boots from the premiere place that sells the best budget motorcycle boots.
Pack Only What You Really Need
Before you start packing, make a list of the necessities and then add the things you want to bring along. Keep in mind, you can’t pack a lot. So think about each item and ask yourself if you could do without it, or if you really do need it. If you aren’t sure about something, you don’t need it. If it is something non-essential and you can purchase on the road, do it then, rather than carrying it with you the whole trip. You may find that you don’t actually need it.
The tips above will help you be prepared for your next motorcycle adventure. If you prepare yourself, you can enjoy the pleasures of the open road without worry.