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Whether you ride an all-out adventure bike, classic tourer, or bag-equipped cruiser, there’s a high likelihood that one day you’ll hit the road for a long trip.
Motorcycles have a way of tempting bikers to chase the horizon.
The best way to make sure you don’t leave behind one of your necessities is to have prodigious, all-inclusive motorcycle checklists, such as the ones we’ve outlined below. They include items that experienced riders proved to be essential to having an amazing trip.
Photo credit: RiderMagazine.com
What Should I Bring With Me On a Motorcycle Trip?
Let’s explore the essentials that every rider should bring on the motorcycle adventures.
Essentials for Your Bike
Ensure you have:
- Paper Funnel
- Extra Bike Key
- Bike Jumper Cables
- Tire Repair Kit
- Bungee Cords
- Helmet
- Saddlebags
- Tire Gauge
- Tool kit: We recommend investing in one that easily folds up in a nylon pouch for compact storage. Ensure it has Allen wrenches, needle and locking nose pliers, cable ties, additional spark plugs coupled with wires, fuses, screwdrivers, open and closed-end wrenches that are a snug fit for your bike, and light bulbs.
- Waterproof Covers for External Storage that requires protection.
- Tail Bags
Photo credit: Adv-dreams.com
Personal Items
Granted, these items are seemingly obvious. Nonetheless, we’ll list them to ensure you don’t forget to pack them. After all, they are the items you least want to do without.
- Soap, shampoo, and conditioner: If you’ve been hoarding the mini-size hotel toiletries, this is the perfect time to use them.
- Razor
- Grooming supplies such as nail clippers, razors, and shaving cream
- Antibacterial and baby wipes
- Deodorant
- Chap-stick
- Mosquito repellent
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Washcloth and towel: Roll these up securely and tightly with rubber bands. Ensure they are thin and small, as they not occupy less room but also dry faster
- Feminine hygiene items
Clothing
It’s a no-brainer that clothes occupy plenty of space, and that’s one thing you don’t have during your motorcycle trips. Therefore, to save room, lay clothing flat, roll it tightly, and fit as much of it as you can in a large Ziploc bag.
Grab another Ziploc and cram it with enough underwear and socks. They’ll keep you feeling and smelling fresh when you can’t make it to a Laundromat.
Given that the temperature and weather are unpredictable, the last thing you need is being under-dressed or overdressed.
To avoid resigning yourself to this fate, pack the following multipurpose garments to save more space in your luggage.
Photo credit: Motorcyclecampingguide.com
- Pants
- Underwear
- Pullover or sweater
- Visors or hats
- Sunglasses
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
- Windbreaker jacket
- Shirts
Along with these items, consider packing the following essential extras for your motorcycle trip.
- Casual socks
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Swimsuit
- Blazer or suit jacket
First Aid Kit
As they say, better safe than sorry. Ensure you carry a first aid kit that contains medication for various types of issues that may crop up during your trips, such as muscle aches, minor injuries, nausea, minor injuries as a result of road accidents, mosquito and other insect bites, headaches, and fatigue. The kit should have the following:
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- An antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide
- A splint
- Calamine lotion
- Mouthpiece for administering CPR
- Tweezers
- Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
- Alcohol wipes
- Thermometer
- Different-sized band aids
- Blanket
Photo credit: Redcross.org
- Elastic bandage such as Ace wraps
- Plastic non-latex gloves
- Medical Scissors
- Flashlight with additional batteries
- Sterile gauze pads of different sizes
- Instant disposable cold packs
Motorcycle Trip Checklist
Hopping on your bike and cruising to your destination can be an exhilarating experience. However, the immense excitement can quickly turn to frustration once you realize you forgot to pack one of your necessities. Luckily, the checklist below will spare you the disappointment.
Motorcycle Camping Trip Checklist
The items below will ensure your next motorcycling adventure goes off without a hitch. Nothing beats the freedom of hitting the road, followed by a night under the moon and stars. However, forgetting important items at home can quickly dampen the camping trip.
- Gear storage items such as tank bags or saddlebags
- Bike cover
- Motorcycle repair kit containing spare keys, bolts, light bulbs, funnel, fuses, electrical wires, motor oil, Co2 inflator, chain oil, tire repair kit, air compressor, multipurpose tools, windshield cleaner, roadside safety vest, mechanic’s tools, bike lock, and a cleaning rag.
- Toilet paper
- Bungee cords to secure your bike and other items on the campsite
- Hatchet or saw
- Appropriate clothing such as protective attire, gloves, scarf, windproof jacket, helmet, rain gear, riding boots, socks, and gaiters.
- Sleeping bag
- Collapsible chair
- Zip ties and duct tape
- A headlamp or small flashlight
- Tent
- Eating utensils
- Fire-starters such as matchboxes or lighters
- Multi-tools such as pocket knives
- Camping dishes
- Ground cloth
- Cook-stove
Photo credit: ridermagazine.com
Cross Country Motorcycle Trip Checklist
Before embarking on an adventure for several hours on your motorcycle, ensure you carry the following items.
A high-quality windshield: By investing in it, riding at 60 to 70 miles per hour won’t have you constantly fighting the wind. As a result, you can preserve your strength to keep moving comfortably on the road until you get to your destination.
- Eye drops
- Versatile motorcycle tool kit
- Black t-shirts
- Moleskin vest
- Riding boots
- Helmet
- First aid kit
- Gloves
- Socks
- Rain gaiters
- Portable map or GPS
- Driver’s license
- Earplugs to diminish the noise and protect your ears
- Heated riding suit to protect you from wind chill
- Backpack with necessities such as food and water
- Miscellaneous tools such as cable ties, flashlights, Swiss Army knife, air pumps, duct tape, and hazard lights.
Photo credit: Motosport.com
Motorcycle Pre Trip Checklist
Before hopping onto your motorcycle and speeding away, there are a few pre-ride checklist items that you should take care of, as discussed below.
How Do You Prepare a Motorcycle for a Long Ride?
Doing so can prevent grisly road accidents or be stranded in the dark.
Conclusion
Free spirits throw caution to the wind and hope for the best. A city slicker thinks their credit/debit cards or smartphone will bail them out of troubling situations that may crop up.
However, a smart rider understands that things can go awry in a heartbeat and therefore never leaves home without ticking off the items of each motorcycle trip checklist outlined above.
People Also Ask
Here are the concise answers to some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to making your own motorcycle checklists.
Are Jeans Good for Motorcycle Riding?
No! They offer no protection against road rash regardless of the speed at which you fall as they cannot withstand sliding across the rough and smooth roads.
How Do You Pack For a Motorcycle Trip?
When packing for a motorcycle trip, pack the heaviest items closest to where you will mount the bag on your bike. Only carry light items and avoid those that may take up unnecessary space. You can also choose to carry multipurpose items to save on space. Finally, spread the load equally on the bike.
What Do You Need to Bring For Winter Motorcycle Rides?
If you are planning a winter motorcycle ride, you want to make sure to have a full-face helmet, neck gaiter, and heated gear such as a jacket and gloves. Additionally, a windbreaker, wool base layer, handguards, and thick and warm socks will also help to keep you warm.
How Do You Carry Supplies on a Road Trip on a Motorcycle?
Now that you know what to carry, you have to learn how to carry the supplies on a road trip on a motorcycle. Stuff smaller items into your riding boots and roll your clothes to save on space. You should also consider storing the same category of items together for quick and easy access and use zip ties to securely fasten extra luggage to your bike.
