Preparing For A Long Motorcycle Trip

A trip on a motorcycle can be an unstoppable adrenaline rush, a daily conquest of new horizons, and a birth of positivity, all seasoned with a great slice of exciting adventure. In order for these emotions to be truly enjoyable, a long journey must be preceded by careful and well-thought-out preparation, which we’ll now deal with. Let’s take a look at the key points you need to consider in order to make your journey exciting and issue-free.

Page Contents

Motorcycle Technical Preparation For the Upcoming Trip

The first thing you should do before preparing your motorcycle for a trip is to decide on the length of the route. Of course, calculating the exact distance is far from always possible. During a carefree vacation, you’ll almost certainly want to detour from the original course for a while and see unplanned attractions or go sightseeing. At the same time, you need to make at least a simple route plan.

If the total duration of the planned route exceeds 3,000–4,000 miles (around 5,000–6,500 km), it’s highly recommended to start the preparation with a general technical inspection. We advise conducting the maintenance of the motorcycle in a repair shop, during which the engine and gearbox oil will be changed.

After maintenance, be sure to ride the motorcycle around the neighborhood, finally making sure that all systems and mechanisms are in good working condition and correctly adjusted. If you are unsure about the motorcycle before the trip, buying a new one is better chosen at the motorcycle auctions near you.

Choosing the Right Rubber Tires

It’s highly desirable to go on a long, multi-day trip on tires in as close to new condition as possible. In addition, don’t forget to pay attention to the wheel type, the choice of which should be made taking into account the characteristics of the road surface of the future route. If, in addition to smooth asphalt, dirt roads are waiting for you on the road, it makes sense to think about installing the appropriate rubber tires of the combined type. Of course, there are no universal solutions, but a more-or-less decent compromise can be found if desired.

Additional Appliances

It primarily refers to devices and appliances for storing personal items and tools. Accordingly, you’ll need a trunk, or a top-box, and special motorcycle bags. The size of the latter depends on the volume of luggage being transported. So, plan and prepare yourself according to the situation and your travel route.

Treat your selection carefully, as this equipment directly affects your mobility and comfort. A so-called “sister bar”—a passenger backrest that is often also used as an additional point for fixing bags and luggage—will significantly increase the comfort of your trip.

If you don’t plan to carry too much cargo, a hard center trunk and a small bag on the back of the seat will probably suffice. In this way, you don’t increase the width of the motorcycle and remain more mobile, which is especially important when moving through narrow city streets.

Finally, if possible, equip the motorcycle with a socket for charging electronic gadgets. It’ll definitely serve you well through the whole journey.

Gathering Tools

Undoubtedly, the set of tools is formed taking into account numerous factors, such as distance, motorcycle models, its technical condition, age, etc. However, the standard set is approximately the same for all cases. Therefore, it should include:

a set of wrenches;
an adjustable wrench;
a multi tool;
a screwdriver with a variety of bits;
a spark plug wrench;
a set of lamps for front and rear lights;
a set of spark plugs;
a small supply of motor oil;
a set for servicing the chain (if the motorcycle has a chain drive);
useful trifles: reinforced tape, plastic and metal clamps, a tire repair kit (for tubed or tubeless tires), and others.

If you are planning a trip in a group, there’s no point in everyone taking a complete set of tools and accessories—especially bulky ones. Agree ahead of time who will take what on the road to save a lot of space.

Choosing Proper Equipment

The task of motorcycle equipment is to ensure the maximum level of safety without compromising the comfort of the driver. As for the choice of equipment, we recommend not to save and get equipment from proven manufacturers, in the production of which modern technologies such as Softshell, Dynates, Kerroshield, Airtech, S.A.R.E., and others are used.

In general, high-quality motorcycle equipment must meet the following requirements:

to be made of durable but comfortable-to-wear materials;
use a membrane to remove moisture while remaining as waterproof as possible from the outside;
have special protective inserts and zones capable of protecting the most vulnerable parts of the body: shoulders, elbows, knees, back, and hips;
have reflective elements that, ideally, stand out in the stream due to bright color.

We recommend buying motorcycle equipment for traveling only in trusted motor shops with high-quality goods and a great choice.

In the End

Preparing for a long trip on a motorcycle requires careful planning and attention to detail. From selecting the right gear to ensuring your motorcycle is in good condition, there are many factors to consider. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your trip is not only safe and comfortable but also enjoyable and memorable. So get ready to hit the road, explore new places, and create lasting memories on your motorcycle adventure.