5 Essential Tips to Prepare for a Motorcycle Road Trip
- Written by Diana Smith
Motorcycle road trips are incredibly exciting and liberating travel experiences, allowing you to explore gorgeous natural surroundings on the most pleasurable rides, while having some peace and quiet with your own thoughts. While a trip to beaches of galveston can be truly relaxing, a bike trip can be full of excitement for you. However, longer drives can also be quite tiring and challenging, especially if it’s your first time, which is why advanced planning is key. To that end, here are some essential tips that will help you adequately prepare for your next motorcycle road trip:
1.Choose the most suitable bike
Whether you are riding your own motorcycle or renting one for a road trip, it’s crucial to ensure that the type of bike you opt for is suitable for the particular journey you have planned. For instance, if you’re going on a long-distance trip that involves hours of riding and the need for additional storage, touring bikes are the best solution, as they’re specifically made for this exact purpose.
On the other hand, an adventure that involves a mixture of dirt and asphalt riding will best be accomplished with a dual-sport or adventure bike that offers better ergonomics and wind protection, while shorter road trips and more calmer, slower-paced rides can be done with a cruiser or a standard motorcycle, for a roomy and comfortable solution.
2.Invest in specialized equipment
Depending on the type of road trip you are planning, you might require some additional motorcycle equipment, such as heated grips that warm your hands in colder weather or backrests to provide support for you and a potential passenger during long rides. Bags are another necessary accessory for all road trips, whether they are mounted on the tank, saddle, or tail, as they provide some additional storage you will undoubtedly need for your journey.
If your road trip involves any off-road adventures, one of the most important things you could invest in are high-quality bash plates, preferably made from resistant and durable aluminum. Fitting on the underside of your bike, bash plates are essential for protecting your motor and reservoirs from potential debris, rocks, and other forms of damage.
3.Opt for quality riding gear
Just like selecting a good motorcycle is crucial for your journey, so are your clothes and the riding equipment you choose. Apart from a short- or long-sleeved shirt, extra layers, and snug ankle boots, you should also opt for specialized trousers and jackets with built-in guards, in materials like leather or denim, depending on the temperatures you will be faced with.
Even if it isn’t required by law in your area, a quality full-face helmet is absolutely essential for all motorcycle road trips, as it can quite literally save your life in case of any dangerous situations. If you’ll be expecting bumpier rides, you might also want to consider additional knee and elbow guards for optimal protection.
4.Pack your bike lightly
Whether you are bringing a top case, saddlebags, or simply utilizing existing bike storage, keep in mind that anything you pack adds extra weight to your motorcycle, which might put more pressure on your engine and reduce its performance, besides simply being more difficult to ride and maneuver.
For that reason, the best option would always be to pack as light as possible, opting only for essential toiletries, a limited amount of spare clothes, as well only one pair of versatile shoes, if possible. Of course, you should still be prepared for anything that might come your way, so don’t forget to pack a raincoat, luggage protection, as well as a first-aid kit, tool kit, and some necessary spare parts.
5.Ensure you stay motivated
Although incredibly exciting and enjoyable, riding can often be the most difficult aspect of a road trip, especially if you go on long-haul drives. That is why it might be a good idea to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the trip, as well as any snacks that will give you some necessary energy if you don’t plan on stopping for meals. Moreover, after a long trip, you can go for St Martin Spa Services to relax your body and mind.
It would also be wise to take longer breaks as frequently as possible, in order to stretch out, walk around, and simply rest for a couple of minutes before continuing your journey. Not only will this be great for preventing muscle soreness and backaches, but it will also allow you to stay focused and motivated on the road.
While it can be tempting to simply gas up and hit the road, the incredible tips mentioned above will help to keep you adequately prepared, making for an even more exciting and enjoyable motorcycle road trip.
Daily Bulletin
