Hours or days spent cruising the open road on your motorcycle, with nowhere you need to be except the next mile. Sound like heaven? Road trips on your bike are an undeniably exciting idea. And in many ways, motorcycles are perfect for this type of adventure. However, it is important to plan in advance to make sure your journey goes smoothly and safely. You will be in good shape when you keep the following tips in mind while preparing your motorcycle for a long trip.
Make Sure Your Bike Is In Tip Top Shape
Nothing can turn a dream ride into a nightmare like breaking down on the side of the road hundreds of miles from home. Fortunately, ensuring you do not end up stranded is as easy as giving your motorcycle a proper, thorough maintenance check. Whether handling it yourself or taking it to a professional, parts that absolutely should be checked include brakes, suspension, engine, wheels/tires and cables. This is by no means an exhaustive list, however. The entire vehicle should be examined. After all, you are not just taking a spin around the neighborhood.
Take The Weather Forecast Into Account
Always pay close attention to the weather forecast when preparing yourself and your motorcycle for a long trip. Not just in your current city, but in every city from point A to point B. Being exposed to the elements can be invigorating, but when you are traveling for long periods of time, it can also be uncomfortable or even downright dangerous if you do not have adequate protection. Remember that temperatures can change quickly with sunrise and sunset, rain and snow. Unless you are traveling in the summer, it is best to pack several different types of coats and at least one pair of gloves. Rain suits are a must year-round and synthetic clothing dries faster than cotton in the event you do get wet. It is essential to bring some type of storage along for the ride in case of weather changes. Different options are available to meet your needs and preferences. If you will not have a passenger with you, trunk or tail bags are an ideal choice, as they can be affixed over the rear wheel or replace the rear seat. They offer a wealth of storage for items such as extra layers, sunblock and a full-face helmet. Tank bags are fastened to the fuel tank and work well for items that need to be accessed frequently, while saddlebags fit on either side of the rear wheel and are designed to hold extra gear.
Pack Smart
In addition to choosing clothing that is weather appropriate, there are other items you should always pack when preparing your motorcycle for a long trip. Emergency supplies are a must. There is no way around it. They should be the first items you load onto your bike. Essential supplies include non-perishable food, water bottles, a first aid kit, a hardcopy list of personal contacts and any medications you take, a blanket, a flashlight and a phone charger (preferably a solar powered charger). You should always have personal identification and proof of insurance with you, regardless of whether you are close to home or hundreds of miles away. And carry an extra key somewhere on your motorcycle or yourself. If you are traveling with someone, you could also ask them to hold onto it. Just make sure you do not keep it in the same place as the main key.
Get The Motorcycle Parts & Accessories You Need
Getting all of the necessary parts upgraded and gathering all of the important accessories before preparing your motorcycle for a long trip does not have to be a huge dent in your wallet right off the bat. FLEXPAY offers interest-free payments on parts and accessories from major manufacturers such as SMT Machining, American Suspension, Bad Dad and Fat Katz. Get these parts and accessories before they are even paid in full!
- ⅓ down
- ⅓ when shipped in 8-10 weeks
- ⅓ spread out over 3-6 months
Leaving for your trip soon? No problem! Once you fill out this short 5-minute online application, we will call you in 24 to 48 hours to let you know you have been approved. You can then purchase your items and mix and match what you need. 