“It pays to plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.” ~Proverb
Motorcycle
trips demand far more planning than the equivalent journey in a car.
Though riding provides an inherent sense of freedom, practical
limitations require motorcyclists to think ahead when choosing to hit
the open road.
For starters, most motorcycles are limited in
their storage capacity. Though all-out touring bikes such as Harley
Davidson Road King, the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT offer
numerous hard cases for the storage of extra clothes and gear, long
distance riders are often forced to make tough decisions about the
details of their trips, and how much of what items they need to pack.
Important Points to Consider The
first questions you'll want to ask yourself when planning a trip
pertain to how long you plan on being gone, where you intend to go, and
what you have in mind for lodging.
First on your list of "must pack" items is a safety and repair kit.
Unless
you're riding a fully fledged touring motorcycle, you'll probably need
to invest in some type of storage bags; backpacks don't count. Options
include saddlebags (Saddlebags brackets recommended) and tank bags,
which sit directly atop the fuel tank and often have handy clear plastic
windows for displaying a map or GPS. While hard bags offer more weather
protection than soft bags, they are also costlier, add more weight, and
require more involved installation. Centrally positioned tail bags or
sissy bar bags are another option if you need even more storage.
Inspect Your Bike While
more detailed inspection and maintenance practices can be found in our
motorcycle maintenance2 section, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's
T-CLOCS method is an efficient way to inspect your bike before
traveling:
T: Tires.
Make sure both tires are properly inflated, using an air pressure
monitor that you bring with you on rides. Don't risk riding on tires
that might need replacement; if suspect a tire will not last long enough
for a ride, have it replaced.
C: Controls. Are your cables (clutch and brakes) and controls intact and working?
L: Lights. Make sure your headlights (high & low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work.
O: Oils & fluids. Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid.
C: Chassis. Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact.
S: Stands.
Make sure the center stand and/or side stand isn't cracked or bent, and
that springs properly hold the assembly away from the pavement when
stowed.
For a more detailed, downloadable inspection checklist, from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's CLICK HERE
Packing Tips Packing
for a long distance motorcycle ride is a delicate balance between
bringing enough items to ensure comfort, and not overloading yourself
with unnecessary weight and bulk. After you've planned your route,
you'll want to check the weather forecast and get an idea of what to
expect in terms the elements.
A good touring suit is an excellent investment, and when choosing your
clothes, consider packing several thin layers of clothing, rather than a
few thick ones. Flexibility is the key to staying comfortable; it's far
better to have the option to stop and shed or add layers as necessary,
than to shiver or sweat your way through what would otherwise be an
enjoyable, scenic route.
Be sure to bring energy bars or trail
mix and water; if hunger or thirst strikes while you're far from
convenience stores or gas stations, the nourishment will come in handy
and keep your riding skills sharp.
When loading up your bike,
always put heavier, more solid items on the bottom and sides closer to
the bike (to centralize weight.) Lighter items should go on top. If you
don't have saddlebags or tank bags, you should consider using bungee
nets to secure loose items. If you must travel with items secured by a
bungee net, ensure that they are snug and will not get loosened by winds
or g-forces. Again, placing heavier , wider, and more stable items at
the bottom will provide an anchor for looser, floppier pieces (like
sleeping pads or pillows.)
Finally, equip yourself well with the
right Gear. Always wear a full-face helmet for maximum protection-- not
only against accidents, but also from the elements. Full-face helmets
can provide a shield from rain and cold winds, and if constructed with
ventilation, can also provide a certain level of comfort in warm
weather. It may feel constricting in heat, but the overall benefits of
choosing safety over style are vast when considering your long-term
health and well being.
Plan, Plan, Plan... Though
it's tempting to hit the open road and simply follow your nose, don't
forget that you're more vulnerable to the elements, fatigue, and
potentially serious injury on a motorcycle. Prepare yourself with
clothing appropriate for the weather. Plan a route and, if you don't
have a portable GPS system, do whatever it takes not to get lost-- even
if it means taping directions to the top of your fuel tank. Err in the
direction of filling up with gas too frequently; because of their
relatively low cruising range, most bikes will barely make it across
some of the North American stretches of highway that are sparsely
populated. When in doubt, fill up.
Pace your travels
realistically. Don't try to ride so many hours in a day that it might
affect your reflexes or decision making ability; after all, most of the
fun is in the journey, not simply in reaching a destination. While
riding, be sure to stop whenever necessary-- whether for a snack, a
stretch, or a nap. The simple act of taking a breather will make the
ride all the more enjoyable.
...But Don't Overplan! Once
you've prepared sufficiently, enjoy the possibility of the unexpected.
Riding requires a certain amount of discipline and logistical planning,
but part of the joy of the journey is the process. Be open to re-writing
your plans when necessary, and you'll have a blast no matter where you
end up.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
