Five tips that you must know to prepare for an amazing motorcycle road trip

Being on a motorcycle road trip is one of the best experiences. Nothing is as impressive as being on a long motorcycle ride all alone; there’s just your thoughts and solitude to accompany you. If you are looking for a bit of fun this summer with some added adrenaline rush, rent a motorcycle in San Francisco or get your own one and hit the road for some of the best rides of the country.

With that being said, before you set out for your long-distance motorbike ride, our frequent bikers bring you some useful tips that sure can make your two-wheel voyage much better.

Be it your first or hundredth road trip; preparation is a must thing. It is essential to consider all the aspects before you hit the road. The right preparation leads to a comfortable and worry-free ride.

So without a further ado, let’s dive right into the 5 most important tips you should never miss.

Choose the best bike for you and reduce your baggage
A road trip on an uncomfortable bike can get you in the worst place, and that’s not the experience one would want to go through. If you are on the move for a lively and adventurous motorcycle ride, choose your ride wisely. Ensure it suits your body and will function the same in the long run. If you have your own bike, you can modify it to improve the comfort level. However, if you are renting one, do your research and consult with the party you are dealing with to get the best.

Choose a bike that you can easily take care of. As long as off-road trips are concerned, bikes that have softer seats, great headlights, agreeable handlebars and safety guards will be the best options. Do not fall for just the appearance of the motorcycle as that should be the last thing on the list. A comfortable ride is your first step towards the smooth and enjoyable road trip.

Moving to the packing tips for beginners, you can find plenty of options for luggage carries in the market. Our experts suggest saddlebags as they are easy to transport. You can fix them on the sides of the back seat of your bike and ride without any burden. If you are looking for options, tail bags, and tank bags can be a great deal.

Once you decide what type of bag you are going to take with you, choosing the amount of luggage is your next crucial step. No matter how much distance you are planning to cover, remember to keep your luggage as light as possible. Carry fewer clothes, sachets, and disposable stuff to maintain the ideal weight. It is recommended to make a list before you start packing your bag.

Drink plenty of water and take breaks along the way
Sadly, many riders do not really give importance to the concept of ‘hydration’. The reality is, it should be in the top 3 critical things throughout your ride. Therefore, keep a proper back up of water while you are in action. Keeping the body hydrated should be the priority, and if you do not like stopping again and again to drink water, get a hydration pack. Such packs keep the water cold and come with a long tube that helps you drink water on the go without stopping.

About breaks, they are necessary to be on the top of your game. When you do not rest while travelling, a continuous sitting on a bike causes saddle sores. If your body is asking to stop, be wise enough to understand the signal and act accordingly. If you do not take required rest, it will unnecessarily lengthen your journey and turn it into a frustrating one. While on a break, check if your bike is in the right conditions or if it needs refueling. Being careful and attentive can save you from unwanted glitches that can ruin your trip.

Prefer off hours eating
It is always ideal to hit the restaurants or cafes at the off hours while on a road trip. Why? Well, most of the people usually stop at restaurants on the regular dinner and lunchtime. If you enter the place at the same time, the chances of spending hours in a waiting queue are more. This can delay your journey and eventually ruin your plans. If you can adjust, off-hours eating can save you from long lines and unexpected delays.

Map is your best friend, don’t lose it
We cannot remember all the roads, and thus, it is better to rely on the helping hand; in this scenario — GPS, maps, etc. If you are ready to invest a bit more, you can purchase a helmet with Bluetooth connection. It guides you throughout the trip without having to stop.

In the case of remote locations with no network availability, going old school can help. Keeping the hand copy of maps is your way to be on the right track. If not that accurate, it can at least tell you what area you are currently in.

Don’t forget your earphones
Well, not all highways are quiet and peaceful. Sometimes, they can be extremely loud and annoying. Earplugs can come to the rescue in such time and save you from immense pressure on your ears. If you are a music lover, headphones can be a great alternative. After all, what can be better than a solo bike trip with the music you love?

Final words
To ensure the best bike ride:

1. Get your bike thoroughly checked before you begin your journey.
2. Get done with a little bit of tweaking your bike if needed.
3. Always carry spares to stay away from difficult times on the highway.

By spares, we mean things like accelerator cables, brake cables, tubes, etc.

Finally, we know it is very tempting to go for a cooler and more powerful bike. Throw that temptation away! Just because you have handled the bike nicely on a test ride, it does not mean that you are the master. Instead, move up to a more smart, sensible and comfortable option.