The key to enjoying a long motorcycle trip over several weeks is to carry out careful and considerate planning and preparation of your motorcycle, equipment and route ahead of time.
Having a clear idea of where you want to go on your motorcycle trip and how you prefer to travel will allow you to adapt your gear and equipment so that you only carry what you absolutely need.
Planning Your Trip
A simple way to get started planning your motorcycle trip is to look at 3 main factors:
• Time – How long have you given yourself to complete your trip? Are you flexible on start/finish dates?
• Route/Distance – Is there a specific location you’re aiming to reach? Which points of interest are you planning to visit along the way? Will you be travelling on highways, rural roads or off-road trails? How many miles are you comfortable with riding each day/week? Are you planning a Point A to Point B route or a roundtrip?
• Budget – What is the budget for your entire trip? Do you have some emergency money set aside? What are fuel costs like for your motorcycle? How much will your accommodation cost each night? Are there tolls on your route?
When you answer these questions, you can calculate the approximate budget you have for each day of the trip. The daily budget includes all expenses: accommodation, fuel, food and drink, tolls, consumables etc.
Preparing Your Motorcycle
The sheer number of miles covered on long motorcycle adventures take a toll on you and your prized machine. Maintenance tasks that you normally carry-out every few weeks could now become an everyday occurrence.
Paying regular attention to the condition of your motorcycle is crucial on a long motorcycle journey. When you take a moment to rest, it’s always good practice to make a thorough inspection of your motorcycle’s vitals, like the tires, brakes and drive chain.
If you don’t have one, pick up a workshop manual for your motorcycle to help you tackle some of the inspections and maintenance tasks.
Check your motorcycle is up to the trip with this checklist:
• Engine oil – How many miles remain until your oil should be replaced? With an estimate of how many miles you want to cover on your trip, is it worth changing the oil before you start the trip? Will you need to change oil whilst on the trip?
• Tires – How much tread depth remains on your tires? Inspect them for any damage. Will they last the number of miles you intend to put on them? Are your motorcycle’s tires suitable for the type of trip you intend to make?
• Brakes – Are your brakes working correctly? Do you have sufficient brake fluid in the reservoirs? Are your brake pads or discs in need of replacing?
• Drive – Do you need to carry out maintenance on your motorcycle chain/belt/shaft drive? Is the chain adjusted correctly?
• Lights – Are your lights working as they should? Do you have any loose connections or flickering lights? Do your turn signals operate correctly? Check other relevant electronics for functionality.
• Luggage – How are your storing belongings on your motorcycle? Are your panniers/bags mounted safely and securely? Have you evenly distributed the weight of your cargo on the motorcycle? Is your luggage solution suitable for the type of weather you expect to encounter?
Preparing Your Equipment
Differentiating between the gear that you’ll need and use often on your motorcycle trip from the items that have no benefit will allow you to travel light, retaining the characteristics of the motorcycle that make it easy to ride.
If your motorcycle comes with a toolkit, check you have it with you. Only take additional tools with you if you’re sure you’ll actually need to use them.
Consider where you’ll be on your travels and what resources you might have access to in that location.
Are you camping or traveling to remote locations? Packing some basic survival tools in your loadout wouldn’t be a bad idea if you’re heading away from civilization and into the wilderness.
Here are some useful tools and gadgets that can be useful on long motorcycle trips:
• USB/device charging ports
• Multi-tool/Pocket knife
• Cargo net/Bungee cords
• Emergency tire repair kit
• Waterproof overalls
• Automatic chain oiler
• Mobile phone holder
• Hydration system
• Bluetooth intercom
• Flashlight
• Zip ties/Duct tape
• Portable battery powerbank
Get Planning Your Road Trip
In this guide we covered the key elements that a long motorcycle trip features, from budgeting, to route planning and motorcycle preparation. Now you can get started planning your own adventure.
Before you embark on your trip, make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you including valid insurance and driver’s license. Research any country/state laws where you intend to travel to prevent breaking any traffic laws or regulations.
Be ambitious with your plans, push yourself out of your comfort zone to find the true adventure. Learn some of a new language, try some new food, interact with some locals along the way. Your motorcycle can take you anywhere you dream, you just have to take the first steps in order to make it happen.
