Many motorcyclists have always dreamed of taking their bike out onto the open road and exploring the highways and by-ways of your country or somewhere further afield. Taking your motorcycle on a road trip is an excellent way to explore rural locations that are off the beaten track. It is also a fantastic way to put your motorcycle skills to the test and vary it up from your usual commute as a city motorcyclist. If you dream of taking your bike on a road trip here are some top tips.
Plan Your Route
Sure, you might want to take a few deviations and explore some remote roads but don’t wander too far from a determined path. You don’t want the night to draw in when you are miles from nowhere. Similarly, you don’t want to run out of fuel if your next filling station is far off in the distance. Plan your pit stops and you can then choose your route getting from A to B. Having a destination in mind also allows you to book ahead which is usually cheaper than just showing up looking for a room for the night. If you are traveling alone, make sure to check in with friends and family to let them know you have arrived safely at your destination too.
Insurance
Before you head out on the road, make sure you have adequate insurance. Your bike insurance may need to be updated if you are crossing borders or using a lot more mileage than you would usually. Check you have adequate coverage to protect your bike during your trip and if needs be, take out extra insurance with a reliable and trusted provider. Many countries will require you to have some level of insurance before driving on the road, so check each location and any regional laws you may need to adhere to.
Pack Light
If you want to push your bike to the legal limits, then you don’t want a lot of baggage weighing you down. Pack light and try to only take essential items. The more weight you carry, the more fuel you will use. If you are going to inquire ahead about washing facilities at your accommodation, you may be able to get your clothes washed relatively cheaply, meaning you don’t need to pack lots of outfits.
Inspect Regularly
A visual motorcycle inspection is relatively quick and easy to do. Do one before you set off every day to ensure your bike is safe and will perform at the standard you expect. If you are not used to maintaining your bike then definitely make sure you have good roadside assistance cover that will help you if you breakdown. If your bike is an older model, then you might also want to research the nearest mechanics to your chosen rest destinations. Having this in the back of your head might allow you to get your bike tweaked and will ensure you can finish your journey.
Finally, remember that when you are doing long stretches of driving a bike, you need to stay hydrated. Especially if there is a warm-weather forecast. Water for your body is as vital as the fuel you put in your bike.
