Best way to go vacationing on a motorcycle trip is just go.
Traveling on a motorcycle means a much more up-close connection to your surroundings than a car can offer. You’ll smell the wildflowers on the side of the road, hear rushing rivers and birdsong, and feel every curve in the road through your entire body.
But roadtripping by motorcycle also comes with some unique challenges. As someone who’s ridden a motorcycle through multiple states, through all sorts of weather and road conditions, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always smooth sailing.
To make the journey as safe, comfortable, and fun as possible, here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your epic motorcycle adventure.
1. Choose the right motorcycle
Whether you’re riding your own trusty steed or renting one for the trip, it’s important to make sure you have the correct motorcycle for your height and weight, as well as the type of riding you’re planning on doing.
You’ll be seated in the same position for hours on end, so it’s important that your bike accommodates this. Make sure things like handlebars, footpegs, backrests, suspension, and seats are all properly set up and adjusted for your height and riding position. Added accessories—like highway pegs for stretching out your legs—can also help increase comfort.
You’ll also need to make sure the motorcycle has enough built-in storage or room for added luggage. One of the main differences between traveling by motorcycle and car is the limited storage space, so be smart about what you pack and how you pack it. Does your bike have saddlebags? Great! Are they also waterproof in case of rain, and lockable in case you need to leave the bike unsupervised for any reason? Even better. These are good things to confirm ahead of time. And finally, decide what kind of riding you plan on doing. Are you going off-roading or sticking to paved roads? Will you be going mostly straight or hitting up the twisties for some canyon carving? What is the longest stretch you will travel without encountering a gas station? If something happens and you drop your bike, will you be able to pick it up yourself (keep in mind that some larger motorcycles can weigh up to 900 pounds)? The answers to these questions should help you narrow down whether you need a touring bike, cruiser, adventure bike, or something completely different. Me... I am anxious to ride my trike on another epic journey. 2. Pack for all-weather travel Riding a motorcycle means being completely exposed to the elements. You’ll feel every wind gust, rain drop, and temperature change in a way that someone in a car never will. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country, temperatures can vary widely depending on elevation and time of day—even within the same state. You may need to prepare for riding through everything from snow to rain storms to desert heat. Riding in heavy wind or being very hot or cold for a long period of time can be physically draining, and sometimes even dangerous, so it’s important to properly prepare for all likely scenarios (and it can’t hurt to prepare for some unlikely ones as well). Pack layers—that way you can easily bulk up or strip down as needed along the route. This is important not just for regulating temperature, but also for safety in case of an accident. At least one of the layers should be protective—look into gear with built-in armor and abrasion-resistant fabrics (such as Kevlar or Dyneema). A rainsuit, waterproof gloves, and boot covers are going to be lifesavers in the event of heavy rain. Make sure to keep these items easily accessible, so you can quickly pull over and rainsuit up if the weather turns sour. If you’re traveling during the winter months, consider investing in some heated gear. The best time to buy heated gear is during summer, when many brands tend to run sales. I promise you won’t regret spending the money a few months later, when you’re able to plug in your jacket, pants, gloves, and boot liners and stay toasty even in freezing temperatures. 3. Take frequent snack breaks Spending long hours on a motorcycle tends to make everything hurt at the end of the day. One way to help combat the worst saddle sores and muscle ache is to take frequent breaks. Don’t just make five-minute gas stops every 100 miles—you will regret it the next day. Instead, make a habit of getting off the bike and stretching every time you stop. Take at least 15-minute breaks and walk around for a bit if you are able to. Carry plenty of water and snacks to stave off dehydration or blood sugar drops. If you’re riding during the hottest summer months, you may need to stop more frequently than normal to be able to stay hydrated. Some people even ride with a hydration pack to be able to drink water without stopping. A quick snack between meal times can also help you stay alert and energetic during long rides. Food items such as apples, nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit are easy to pack and tend to keep well even in changing temperatures. My favorite unexpected road trip snack is jerky. If you can find it, it’s a great source for protein and it typically doesn’t go bad, even if it sits in a hot saddlebag all day. It’s tempting to just quickly gas up and get back on the road, but make a point of getting off the bike to stretch, drink water, and eat something every time you come to a stop. It will make the entire trip all that much more enjoyable. 4. Bring tools The most reliable thing about motorcycles is their unreliability. It’s always wise to hope for the best while preparing for the worst. Consider getting your bike serviced before heading out on a longer trip—and then do it again when you return. Even if your bike is newer or recently serviced, make sure to at least check your brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels, and tighten any loose bolts. Long-haul road trips often require continuous maintenance—tires wear out, parts rattle loose, and oil may need to be refilled. It’s always a good idea to carry a basic toolkit for any roadside fixes, but remember to double check you have the correct tools for your bike. Some motorcycles require metric tools while others use SAE sizes. If you’re not sure which tools you need, see if your specific motorcycle manufacturer sells pre-assembled tool kits—that’s usually a good place to start. Consider also carrying some spare bulbs, fuses, and spark plugs. Other items that can come in handy in a pinch include zip ties, extra bungee cords, electrical tape, a tire repair kit, a tire pressure gauge, locking pliers, and a flashlight. Even if you’re inexperienced when it comes to working on motorcycles, many quick-fix roadside repairs can be accomplished with the help of YouTube videos. If all else fails, make sure your insurance or roadside assistance service covers motorcycle towing. However, you might want to read my earlier post about towing Companies 5. Have a backup plan This is true for all travel, but when it comes to roadtripping on a motorcycle, it’s absolutely crucial to have a backup plan in case something doesn’t go according to the original plan. You may encounter inclement weather or changing road conditions that make it difficult to continue in your planned direction. Road construction can place you on an unexpected dirt road when the paved highway you’ve been traveling on for miles is suddenly replaced by gravel. (There’s nothing I personally dread seeing more than the ominous “Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution” road sign.) I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve had to completely re-route an entire trip last minute—including bypassing entire states—just because of sudden changes in weather. It’s important to be able to go with the flow and adjust your expectations when you’re roadtripping on a motorcycle—or you may end up being very uncomfortable for a very long time. But here’s the good news: Sometimes having to veer off your planned path ends up being the best thing that happens during your entire trip. An unplanned detour can lead you to things like scenic roads, wildlife sightings, cute eateries, or bizarre roadside attractions that you wouldn’t have otherwise come across. So, in short, have a plan—but be prepared to drop it at any time and go a completely different route. Now, where do I want to go?
The prominent idea at this time, is take a journey to Devil's Tower, Wyoming & ?
Within a few days my plans will be shaping up better. Crossing my fingers for a few weeks start from today.
Stay Tuned...
Nana
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