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Many of you have been waiting patiently for months for the weather to shape up so you can get your bike out on the open road. The gorgeous scenery, wind in your hair, the endless road in front of you; that is exactly what motorcycle road trips are all about!
It is crucial to be prepared for your road trip. No matter where you plan on going, consider all potential aspects before you set out on the road. This will make the journey much more enjoyable and hassle-free.
How to prepare your bike.
One of the first things you should do in preparation of your road trip should be a once-over of your bike. Nothing will ruin your fun quite like a bike that doesn’t keep up with you or breaks down. It is important to have your bike fully serviced before you hit the road. Here are some essential things to make sure are checked and done.
- Thoroughly clean the fuel system.
- Test the electrical system.
- Change all of the fluids.
- Test and change bulbs, if necessary.
- Check the tires and replace, if needed.
- Give thought to installing a windshield if your bike does not already have one. Not having one can quickly become exhausting when you are riding long distances.
What gear to pack.
Packing for a motorcycle trip is just as important as it is for any other type of trip. In addition to packing your essentials, add a few additional items to keep yourself prepared and comfortable.
It pays to be prepared for all possible weather. Ensure you pack items such as:
- Rain gear and gloves.
- Baselayers.
- Neck wrap to prevent sunburn and hot temperatures.
- Good pair of sunglasses or tinted riding goggles.
- Winter motorcycle gear if headed somewhere it will get cooler.
What else should you pack?
Often times, little things are forgotten when packing for your trip. Remembering items that are non-essential can make things go smoother all around. Here are some good examples:
- A GPS system.
- Charging cables.
- Backup snacks.
- Lots of water to keep hydrated.
- A tool kit and tire plug kit.
- First aid essentials.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Essential documents, including your driver's license, insurance cards, and emergency contact information.
Prepare yourself.
It takes a lot of physical stamina and mental focus to ride your bike for a whole day. Preparing your body is equally as important as preparing your bike when planning for a long ride. Here are some helpful tips.
- Take a few practice rides first so you know what to expect if you’ve never done this before. Acclimatizing yourself to long bike rides takes commitment, but is an essential process when it comes to staying comfortable on an ongoing basis.
- Increase your endurance levels. If you are a bit out of shape and do not feel like going to the gym, simple exercises such as walking and light running are helpful to increase endurance. It is recommended that you do whatever exercise you choose for 30 minutes at least three times per week.
- Stay consciously mindful of the signs of fatigue. Do not push yourself to keep riding if you’re tired or not feeling well. Get a sufficient amount of sleep before your head out.
- Do not consume any alcohol the night before your trip. Drinking dehydrates you and it is extremely important for you to avoid getting dehydrated.
- Make sure that you drink enough water at the beginning of each day before to give you the reassurance that you do not get severely dehydrated throughout the day.
We hope that everyone enjoys the nice weather on the open road this summer! In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
As one of the top motorcycle litigation firms in the United States, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Hupy and Abraham have successfully represented well over 4,000 injured riders -- because we are riders ourselves. For a free consultation, call 800-800-5678, or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.
