A Complete Guide to Motorcycle Trip Essentials

Introduction:

Road trips are always an adventure. But, what’s more adventurous, are the trips on your two-wheelers.

The long roads leading you to your destination, the wind gushing along, the natural beauty you enjoy on the way. All add up to the thrill.

If you plan a long motorcycle trip for the first time, pack right away to avoid inconvenience. You might be wondering what you should take along with you. We are here to help.

In this article, we are providing you with a complete guide to motorcycle trip essentials. Motorcycle trips are not like usual rides. It requires proper planning and preparation.

We suggest you read out the given list. So, you pack all the right stuff, focus on enjoying every moment on your trip and avoid those ‘oops’ moments.

Without any further delay, let’s dive straight into our list:

Complete Guide to Motorcycle Trip Essentials

1. Carry Proper Motorcycle Documents

Carrying your motorcycle documents is of the utmost importance. You can buy any stuff on your way but not your important motorcycle papers.

Make sure you pack your license, insurance copy, owners’ manual, and all the necessary documents.

It is equally important to have a clear idea about the rules of the place you are visiting and the paperwork requirements there.

If you are planning a cross-country trip, you might need more documents for yourself and your motorcycle.

While planning your trip, try to gather this information beforehand. So, you don’t get caught up in unnecessary trouble in an alien land.

With extra emphasis, we suggest you pack all the documents properly and do a last-minute check as well to not miss any important document that may cause you trouble on the way or may cancel out your trip mid-way.

2. Have proper service of your motorcycle

Your motorcycle needs to be in good condition before you set out on your journey. Get your bike serviced and the insurance renewed.

Also, get your bike checked a day before leaving to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Check both the tires. If there are any cuts or punctures, get those fixed. The tires should be new or at least in proper condition. They shouldn’t be too old and worn.

Check all the fluids of the bike. Make sure the fuel tank is full. The engine oil should be clean. Get it changed if it is dirty. The brake oil should be in the proper amount.

Make sure all the electronics are functioning well. Also, Check the lights, the horn, the indicators, the speedometer, etc. All the electronics need to be in top condition.

Check the brakes, brake pads, drive chain, and stands a day before leaving. You can also follow our Motorcycle Maintenance Tips to do all the last-minute top-ups.

3. Packing should be light

You need to be very picky and choose smartly the stuff you are taking with you. The first thing you should keep in mind is the weather and then pack accordingly.

If you are going on a weekend trip, then one pair of pants that you are wearing would be sufficient. But you should pack one extra pair with you for long motorcycle trips.

Pack 2-3 shirts or t-shirts with you. You should also pack 2-3 extra pairs of socks with you. Packing undergarments is a must. Make sure you pack 3-4 sets. They won’t take much space either. Pack your towel as well.

The luggage should also contain a pair of shorts and a pair of flip-flops. We also advise you to pack an additional jacket for emergency purposes or sudden weather changes.

Don’t forget to pack your toiletries. Invest in small packets. Your toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, small soaps, or fill up a small bottle with body wash, small bottles or pouches of shampoos and body lotion for dry skin, pocket-size deodorants.

Make sure all the items are secure to avoid leakages. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer that proves very effective if you can’t find the water on the way.

Don’t take suitcases on trips. Pack all your stuff in saddlebags or backpacks.

4. Keep raincoats and rain covers

Weather can change anytime on the roads. Although there are weather forecasts available, the weather can surprise you anytime and anywhere.

It is practical to take raincoats with you. Make sure to take a 2-piece rain suit with you to protect yourself from the drizzle.

You may have a waterproof saddlebag. It is still convenient to pack a rain cover to protect your luggage as well. Keep this stuff handy.

So, you are ready for these unseen weather emergencies.

It is also a wise decision to pack waterproof gloves as well. You can feel cold while you are wet and riding. You won’t like to fall sick on the journey.

5. Invest in a good riding jacket

It is an investment you will never regret being a biker. Riding at high speeds over long distances can dry out your skin.

A good riding jacket can prevent dehydration apart from protecting you during any mishaps on the ride.

Invest in a good leather riding jacket. You don’t have to spend a lot on leather jackets.

Get yourself a jacket with thermal and micro-mesh lining that is suitable for all weathers.

Besides safety, it adds up to your style as well.

6. Take spare helmet visor

A helmet visor shields your face from dirt, insects, and wind. Always pack a spare helmet visor for the trip. It will prove very convenient in case the primary visor gets scratched or damaged.

You can also invest in one tinted visor for day rides and a clear one for rides during nights. Tinted visors during nights are usually not a very safe option.

Apart from a spare helmet visor, pack a visor cleaner also. You can’t ride a long way with a dirty helmet visor, especially during the nights.

A good lens cleaner and a microfiber cloth will do all the work. Don’t use paper towels to clean the helmet visor. It can scratch the surface.

7. Keep waterproof rubber shoes

Good shoes take you to great places. A good pair of riding boots is a requirement for your trip.

Invest in a good pair of ankle-length shoes. Sports shoes also work fine. But boots prevent your ankles from any sprains.

It is equally important to note that the shoes are waterproof. You can’t ride with wet feet. Cold feet can make you fall ill, besides making it difficult for you to keep riding.

You can also consider packing waterproof boot covers that protect your shoes and feet from getting wet. It saves you a lot of trouble on the road.

8. Wear all riding gears

One thing about riding that you should never take for granted is safety.

It doesn’t matter if you are on a short ride or a long motorcycle trip. You should always wear protective gear on the bike.

Always wear a riding jacket, a full-face helmet, boots, gloves on your journey. You should wear knee pads and elbow pads also.

God forbid you to meet with an accident on the road. Proper protection gear saves you from bad injuries.

Never neglect your safety on the road. Always keep yourself on the safe side by wearing all the protective gear to prevent your trip from turning into a nightmare.

9. Carry appropriate jerry can

You leave with a full fuel tank for your trip. But, it doesn’t last forever. You will have to refuel it sooner or later.

You are likely to face a situation when you don’t find a refueling station for a very long stretch. What to do now? A jerry can is an answer.

Invest in a jerry can that is appropriate for your motorcycle. It helps you to store fuels and liquids safely for any emergency.

Get a can that is oil resistant, corrosion-resistant, anti-static and anti-UV radiation. It will save you a lot of trouble and inconvenience.

It is suggested that you plan your day before and track the refueling stations on the way to avoid emergencies.

10. Carry essential motorcycle tool kit

You can never predict what you might face on the road. Preparing your best is thus always important.

A motorcycle tool kit is worth carrying.

There is nothing like an ideal tool kit. Something might be missing in any tool kit.

It is best to prepare your tool kit according to the needs of your motorcycle.

You must read your motorcycle owners’ manual carefully. There, you will get a fair idea of what you should include in your customized tool kit for any roadside repairs.

It can well save your day unless you find a mechanic and get the things done right.

11. First aid kit and medicines

It is an essential part of packing for your trip. Never forget to pack a first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic lotions, and creams. Also, include some antibiotics.

You might not need it on the entire trip, but it is always a good idea to keep a first aid kit available. You might need to help any traveler on-road as well.

Apart from carrying it along, you should also be aware of how to use it.

It is of no use if you can’t help yourself or any fellow traveler with the medicines. You should anyway always be ready for the worst-case scenarios.

12. Keep spare bungee cords

Bungee cords help you tie your luggage securely to your seat. You should keep spare bungee cords with you in case one gets damaged.

You can also use bungee nets for better security.

Invest in cords with plastic hooks or rubber-covered hooks to prevent scratches on the paint of your motorcycle.

Spare bungee cords won’t take up a lot of your space, but you will never regret keeping these with you.

13. Download offline maps for poor network areas

There aren’t enough words that describe the importance of maps while you are traveling. Online maps on smartphones make the task easier than anyone can think.

The problem arises when you can’t find the mobile network on the way. You should download offline maps on your smartphone so as not to get lost on your way.

Physical paper maps also serve a good purpose. Carry a tear-proof and scratch-proof map with you to keep going with your journey without getting lost.

14. Avoid night riding if you are alone

It is generally better that you don’t ride after dusk.

Riding long distances at night isn’t very safe as you are already tired from the day’s journey.

In addition to this, the visibility is poor during the night that makes riding even riskier.

It becomes even more important to avoid riding at night if you are traveling alone.

First and foremost is you are in unknown territory. Secondly, you never know what problem might face you on the go.

It is pointless to keep your safety at stake and have a face-off with any inconvenience at an odd hour.

15. Stay hydrated

Long hours of exposure while riding can result in water and salt depletion in your body.

Keep yourself hydrated to avoid fatigue and fluid loss. You should keep a water bottle handy and keep drinking it at short intervals.

Keep bottles of sports drinks with you on the go. These drinks restore electrolytes in the body and keep you hydrated as well.

If possible, you can also buy a water hydration bag so that you can sip the water through the straw without even stopping or removing the helmet.

You can also use flip-up or modular helmets that can let you drink or eat without putting off your gear every time.

16. Take interval breaks for long rides

Long intervals of riding your bikes can tire the hell out of you. It is necessary to take short breaks after regular intervals.

You are taking this trip to enjoy your time out, not to check your endurance.

These short breaks are also necessary for your bike. It is better if you take a short break, be it for 5 minutes only, after every 20 miles.

Drink your fluids, stretch your arms and legs, walk a few steps, take a few pictures. You are good to continue again.

17. Always drop your live location to your family/ close friends

One way to ensure safety is to tell your whereabouts to your friends or family. They should know your live address to be aware of your safety.

Knowing your whereabouts will keep them relaxed.

You can also get timely help in case of any severe emergencies.

Sharing your live location with someone close is of utmost help in troublesome situations.

18. Maintain proper tire pressure

A tire is a component of your motorcycle that keeps it going. All the weight is born on two tires of your bike. You should pay close attention to its maintenance.

Keep checking the tire pressure at regular intervals. Under-inflated tires can wear the tires and cause you a lot of trouble.

Try to maintain proper tire pressure.

You can carry with you a compact portable air compressor. Connect these to the motorcycle’s battery whenever you need to reinflate your bike tire and can’t find a garage nearby.

These will save you a lot of trouble for sure. Also, don’t over-inflate your tires as well.

19. Carry spare clutch and throttle cables

Carry extra clutch cables and throttle cables with you for the trip. Damaged throttle cables can cause a lot of trouble in a way that no one wants.

None of you would want to lose control of your bike with damaged cables.

Make sure you pack some spare pieces and save your day if faced with adversity.

20. Ensure all lights are working

Avoid bad bike electronics when you are on a trip or even otherwise.

Keep checking all the lights. If you detect any problem in any light, replace it as soon as possible.

Check your motorcycle’s headlight, tail lights, indicators, and hazard lights (if you have these) all the time. All these should be in proper functioning condition.

Improper lights and a road trip don’t sound good. Apart from this, make sure that the horn is also in proper working condition.

Some more Motorcycle trip essentials

Apart from these essential items, here is a list of some other things you can consider packing. There’s no harm in taking a look. Who knows, you might find one or two essential items below for your next trip.

• An electric blanket. It might take a little too much space, but you never know when you might need it.
• A USB Plug.
• A spare bike key(must). In case you lose one.
• Mosquito repellent cream. You don’t want to be eaten up by bugs.
• Keep water and sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF of more than 30 to avoid sunburn.
• Your bike cover.
• Keep chain locks and disc-brake locks with you.
• Eye drops for dry eyes due to wind. Use judiciously and when required.
• Tank bags. These have a lot of compartments for keeping maps, extra gloves, toiletries, and water bottles. They give you easy access to things that you require repeatedly.
• Keep headband lights and a safety vest.
• Power bank.
• Video camera to make memorable clips.
• GPS device for the motorcycle that works without a network.

Conclusion for Motorcycle Trip Essentials:

Motorcycle trips are different from regular rides. We suggest you practice well before planning a trip. Take a few practice rides.

Riding straight for 6-7 hours is not an everyday task. You must plan everything and carry all the essential items with you to enjoy your trip.

You are taking a trip to enjoy time with yourself and explore the beauty of the place. Plan smartly to avoid blunders and be prepared to face emergencies.

Plan the next day the night before. Every day is different on the road. Trace the fuel stations, shops, police stations, and hospitals on your way.

This way, you will have an idea of the way you are heading. You can plan break intervals effectively as well.

In the above article, we tried to list down all the essentials you might need on your way. We gave you a complete guide to motorcycle trip essentials to prevent your trip from turning into a nightmare.

You learn a lot of things on the road and can deal with problems with patience.

You can follow our guide to motorcycle trip essentials while packing up for your next trip and avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Enjoy, Learn, make friends on trips (but be safe), take a hell of a lot of pictures. Ride safely.

If you think you have some more points regarding the topic, then you should write them in the comment section below.

We are happy to hear from you.

“RIDE SAFE, LIVE SAFE“