10+ Motorbike Road Trip Tips: Prepare For An Adventure
If you are looking forward to taking a trip across cities or the country, doing so on your bike would be the best option. Traveling on a motorcycle gives you a special kind of thrill, which cannot be replicated via car, bus, or train. Motorbike road trips are by nature more memorable as you are closer to the road and nature.
But before you set out on your adventure, there are certain things that you need to know. With the unique experience, there are also several unique challenges that you need to know and overcome. Here is a checklist of 10+ tips for long motorcycle trips for you to consider before setting out on your adventure.
Best Tips For Motorcycle Road Trips
1. Select The Right Bike
It is a no-brainer that your motorcycle is the most important thing for a road trip on a motorcycle. But the question is, which bike is the best? You need to ensure that your bike is capable of withstanding long riding hours, has enough luggage space, provides good mileage, and is made for the specific terrain.
Most importantly, your bike should make you feel comfortable on the ride. If you are going on a long-distance motorcycle touring on paved roads, touring and bagger bikes are the best options, while dirt bikes are best if you are planning to go off-road.
2. Plan Your Route In Advance
Planning your route is extremely important if you are planning to enjoy every view and attraction along the way. Of course, you can just open Google Maps, enter your destination, mount your phone and get going. However, that may not be the most efficient tactic when you are traveling solo through unfamiliar rural roads.
It is advisable to bring a physical map of your route as well, in case your phone’s network or battery stops working. Planning your route in advance can also help you know the places where you can stop along the way for resting, food, and fuel.
3. Consider The Weather
Unlike cars, buses, or trains, when you ride on a motorcycle, you are completely exposed to the elements. Hence, you need to consider all types of weather conditions and plan accordingly. You must carry bike hand gloves to protect you from debris as well as the cold. If you are expecting rain, carry riding jackets for men with a waterproof inner lining to ensure your comfort and safety for any type of weather.
You need to ensure your riding gear has proper ventilation to keep you cool in warm weather. Riding at night can get chilly, so you also need to carry warm clothes and wear a base layer below your riding gear. Carry bike fog lights as well if the visibility of the road dwindles. Of course, even if you know the expected weather, you cannot forecast it with 100% accuracy. Hence, it is best to carry versatile clothes and bike accessories versatile in every weather condition.
4. Eat Light And Stay Hydrated
Having your stomach full to the top may not be the best idea when you are trying to stay awake and focused. It is best to have a light breakfast and early lunch. Also, when you are touring on Indian roads, clean toilets and restroom facilities are hard to come by.
Riding can be exhausting; hence, you need to stay hydrated to keep yourself healthy and prevent dehydration and any other water-related diseases. However, being hydrated is not the same as drinking more water than you need. Frequent bathroom breaks can slow you down and hamper your journey’s experience.
5. Keep Your Tools Handy
A motorcycle ride through unfamiliar terrain can be full of ups and downs, both literally and figuratively. There can be several unexpected and unfortunate events, such as a loose chain, low fuel, uncomfortable suspension, and punctured tyres. Hence, it is important to carry your tools along with you to better be safe than sorry.
Travel tool kits are compact and can fit in your bag. These tools should include adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, high-quality chain lube such as Putoline Drytec race chain lube, spare tube, spark plugs, brake and accelerator cables, bulbs, and engine oil.
6. Pack Wisely
Motorcycles have limited space, so it is not possible for anyone going on a motorcycle trip to bring everything they want. However, you can bring everything you need by planning your luggage. You can find high-quality and versatile luggage for motorcycles online. Including, saddle bags, panniers, tank bags, tail bags, dry bags, side bags, as well as top boxes.
These luggage bags can help you pack light; however, the ultimate decision of what you pack is up to you. Remember to carry the essentials, which include, your complete bike riding gear, a few pairs of clean clothes, mobile phones, chargers, and a few cleaning supplies for you if you are not planning on staying in hotels.
7. Keep An Emergency Back-up Plan Ready
Having an emergency plan ready is crucial for any trip, and this becomes necessary when you are talking about a road trip on a motorcycle. Unforeseen events such as extreme weather, bad road conditions, natural disasters, or lost belongings can all cause you to either discontinue your trip and return home or find a different route.
This is where advanced planning of your trip will be handy. You need to know alternate paths and shelters along your journey in case of emergencies. You should also carry a bit of cash with you, in case some places do not accept UPI or cards. Sometimes these detours can be even more scenic than your planned route.
8. Take Frequent Breaks
Riding continuously for prolonged hours can cause fatigue, backaches, and drowsiness. It is better to take frequent short breaks along the way to stretch, have a walk, drink water, and have a snack. Of course, you can ride for hours on end, but you may regret doing so the next day.
Frequent stops to drink water and have a light snack can also help you stay hydrated and full of energy. We understand that wanting to ride your bike for hours on end can be very tempting, but getting off the bike for 15 minutes every couple of hours can help you ride comfortably for a longer period of time.
9. Keep Extra Fuel Handy
If you have been riding your bike for a few years, you should be aware of your bike’s mileage. It is always better to refuel your bike whenever you have one-third of a full tank left. However, when you are riding in an unfamiliar, rural, or remote destination, finding a petrol pump can be challenging.
Hence, it is best to carry a handy amount of fuel along with you, so even if your tank goes empty, you will have something to reach till the next petrol pump along the stop. carrying a 5L fuel can along with you on your road trip is an excellent idea.
10. Wear The Right Gear
No matter the destination or the road, safety should always be put first. When you are going out on a riding trip, you need to wear the complete bike riding gear set which includes helmets, riding jackets, riding pants, riding gloves, riding ankle boots, and more.
You need to invest in good quality riding gear with safety certifications which suit your budget. You can buy helmets online to find premium brands at reasonable prices. You may feel heavy wearing all the gear, but this precaution will keep you safe in the long run in case of an accident.
11. Ride In A Group
Riding solo can be a bit monotonous and boring; hence, it is best to ride along with a group. Several bike riding clubs conduct annual or semi-annual bike riding tours. You can join these riding groups to enjoy your adventure with people who share your passion for bikes and touring.
There are several benefits to riding in a group. You get the support and experience of seasoned riders, there are fewer chances for you to get lost, and there are always people around to help you in case of accidents. To find a motorcycle riding group in India, refer to our blog: Guide To Finding Motorcycle Bike Riding Group In India.
Conclusion
Motorcycle road trips are a unique and memorable experience in itself. However, it is more about the journey than the destination. By following the above tips, you can ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience that you will remember for all the right reasons. You need careful planning with the willingness to veer off the beaten path.
Follow the above suggestions to plan a motorcycle road trip. Having good quality bike riding gear, accessories, and bike parts can make your trip even more enjoyable, safer, and comfortable. Visit Bikester Global Shop today to find the best brands in India at the best price.