{"id":6707,"date":"2021-04-30T11:37:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T11:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-859531-2988066.cloudwaysapps.com\/?page_id=6707"},"modified":"2021-05-19T04:25:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T04:25:03","slug":"long-distance-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/motorcycles\/long-distance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Distance Motorcycle Riding Tips – Complete List"},"content":{"rendered":"

Long-distance motorcycle trips are one of the best ways to explore the countryside, and with proper training and planning the experience is far from dangerous, but more adrenaline-filled and exciting. <\/p>\n

Read on as we discuss some of the essential things when prepping for a motorcycle ride<\/a> and how to mitigate some potential dangers. <\/p>\n

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Photo credit: backaline.com<\/a><\/p>\n

How to Prepare For a Long Distance Motorcycle Ride<\/h2>\n

Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Long Distance Motorcycle Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Be Sure To:<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Prepare Your Motorcycle For The Long Ride<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Service and check tires<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Choose the Right Bike and Engine<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Fit your trip to the bike<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Wear The Appropriate Safety and Protective Gear<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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ATTGATT – All The Gear, All The Time<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Stay Hydrated\/Hydration Packs<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Carry water and isotonic drinks and stop frequently to refill<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Prepare For Changing Weather<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Carry rain suits and cold weather gear, just in case<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Pack Light<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Don\u2019t overload your bike – take what you need, not what you want<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Plan Your Route And Stops (But at Odd Times)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Vary the length of time you ride and take in all the sights<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Stop And Take A Break<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Breaks to view the scenery, visit attractions or simply have a drink or refuel are important<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Have a Roadside Assistance Plan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Being protected is a safety net you cannot ignore<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Maintain the Bike Along the Way<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Carry out routine check-ups and maintenance on your bike each morning and make sure all is well before setting off<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Share and Update Someone About Your Itinerary<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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This is important if you ride alone, just in case you are in need of help or in an emergency<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Long Distance Motorcycle Riding Tips<\/h2>\n

Any road trip is an exciting prospect, but before slinging a leg over your bike, you do need to think a little about the trip. A little planning can make a whole lot of difference to your trip and holiday. <\/p>\n

Choose the Right Bike and Engine<\/h3>\n

This is not rocket science. Superbikes are exciting and exhilarating to ride, but try that crouched position for several hundred miles, and you will be lucky ever to walk again! <\/p>\n

If you intend to undertake road trips on a bike, select a touring machine designed for this particular purpose. The bike should have a comfortable seating position, luggage space, and protection from harsh weather conditions. <\/p>\n

Many of these bikes come with entertainment equipment, communications, navigation systems, cruise controls, and heated seats and grips. They also have sophisticated suspension that soaks up the bumps and loads of torque that reduce the rider’s fatigue. These additional features aren\u2019t luxuries. <\/p>\n

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Photo credit: twomotion.net<\/a><\/p>\n

They make the road trip safer and more enjoyable for the rider and pillion. If you don’t want a full-dress tourer, there are many sport-touring bikes for you to consider. <\/p>\n

Those who intend to take trips into the backcountry should look at the range of competent adventure bikes designed for this type of trip. These bikes have good ground clearance, long suspension travel, ample luggage space, and many road bikes’ attributes. <\/p>\n

A significant benefit is the bars that protect the major components, so dropping the motorcycle does not result in a spoiled trip. <\/p>\n

Still, you can enjoy a fantastic trip while on a small bike. No matter what you choose, you can ride cross country on anything but plan it right and keep within your and your bike’s abilities.<\/p>\n

Prepare Your Motorcycle for the Long Ride<\/h3>\n

As with any vehicle that you intend to take on a road trip, you need to ensure that your bike is in tip-top mechanical condition for the journey. You don’t want to roll the dice and hope for a double six, so the place to start is with a full service.<\/p>\n

If you are competent, handle this yourself, but be honest. The last thing you need to do is delay everyone’s trip because you tackled a job you aren’t qualified to do and hence suffered a break-down in the middle of nowhere. <\/p>\n

Make sure all the lubricants and other fluids are changed and all the components are checked over. Take the time to check all your hoses and brake lines. Anything that shows wear and tear should be changed. <\/p>\n

If your bike has a chain drive, a part of the service should check the chain, but double-check yourself. If you are the slightest bit unhappy, insist on replacing the chain and sprocket. All belts should also be checked for tension and wear.<\/p>\n

Next, look at the tires. Are you sure the tires are in top-notch condition for a long trip? Don’t only check the tread. Also, look at the age of the tire. If you do not ride often, you may find your tires are old and worn out; and should be replaced irrespective of the tread.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: liveabout.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Wear the Appropriate Safety Gear<\/h3>\n

This is a significant point. To protect yourself from losing chunks of skin, breaking bones, or brain damage you need to wear the protective gears at all times.<\/p>\n

Start at the top and wear a helmet. If you want the wind in your face at times, then buy a helmet that opens so you can enjoy the breeze but still have the protection you need for your head. Being hit in the face by raindrops or bugs will feel like you are being shot at with paintballs, so make sure your helmet and visor can close.<\/p>\n

Along with the helmet, invest in some good quality earplugs. The constant drone of wind rushing past your head is tiring, so block out the noise or use earbuds with music to deaden the sound.<\/p>\n

Wear a riding suit of some kind. There are excellent fabric suits available that will provide a comfortable ride while ensuring you are protected. It is okay to use a leather suit, but make sure it is hung up and aired each evening; to prevent the stench of body odor from sticking to the leather. <\/p>\n

If you must wear jeans, try to get a pair that are reinforced with kevlar at strategic places to provide some form of protection. <\/p>\n

Do not forget gloves and sturdy boots; both can be lifesavers.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: mollythomason.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Stay Hydrated\/Hydration Packs<\/h3>\n

Riding long distances and being exposed to the wind rushing past can be very dehydrating, so plan to either wear a Camelbak or carry water or any isotonic drink. Dehydration can lead to many problems, all of which will spoil your trip, that\u2019s why it’s important to remain hydrated throughout the trip.<\/p>\n

At your fuel stops or comfort breaks, try to drink around six to eight ounces of fluid. Fuel stops also provide a great chance to refill your water bottles. <\/p>\n

Water is not the end of the story, as you should also watch your electrolytes. Many sports powders are available to mix with water that will replace lost electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. You may not recognize it, but you are working hard on that bike.<\/p>\n

Prepare for Changing Weather<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is not preparing for inclement weather. Bad weather can make riding a bike very dangerous, pay attention to the weather and take along the kit for it. Make sure you are up to date with the weather updates of the region you will be taking your trip.<\/p>\n

Rain suits<\/a> are a must as getting wet can result in the loss of body heat at an alarming rate. Make sure that you test the rain suit before you set off on your trip. The rain-suit over your riding suit can have some unintended consequences, so test it out before you leave. <\/p>\n

Also, try to find a suit that you can wear without removing your boots. Nothing is more frustrating than hopping around getting wet trying to get into a rain suit.<\/p>\n

Most fabric riding suits have a warm padded liner. Pack this as well and make sure it is easily accessible. Also, consider investing in a heated waistcoat. These plug into a 12V jack and will keep your torso very warm.<\/p>\n

Don’t forget your gloves<\/a>. A change in weather can result in a cold wind which equals freezing hands. This turns into a dangerous situation if you cannot pull your clutch or brakes.<\/p>\n

If you do not have hard luggage or waterproof saddlebags, take the time to make sure your luggage is adequately waterproofed and protected from harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n

Finding all your clothes wet or trying to sleep in a damp sleeping bag are sure-fire ways to ruin your trip.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: hiconsumption.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Pack Light<\/h3>\n

Most touring and adventure bikes weigh a fair bit, and adding a ton of luggage will do you no favors at all. If you intend to camp, you will have a fair amount of weight before starting with a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, mug, a pot, and some basic groceries. Too much weight also affects your stability when riding your motorcycle.<\/p>\n

Before you put anything into a bag, lay out all that you intend to take. On one side, place the things that are necessities and then look hard at the rest. A good tip is to take a scale and weigh things. In this way, you can compare one item against another and decide which is worth its weight in your luggage. <\/p>\n

A good tip is to try and pack things in smaller bags that fit into your luggage bag. Pulling an item from the bottom of a large bag will cause a huge mess, and soon that bag is a tangled disaster area.  <\/p>\n

Pack clothes in layers that are easy to put on and take off. These are usually lightweight and take up little room. Save space by taking a small bottle of laundry liquid and washing undies and socks regularly, so you only need to pack a few pairs.<\/p>\n

If you are riding in a group, share common items. Not everyone needs to carry tools, or a kettle, or the same groceries. Share the load amongst the group.<\/p>\n

Plan Your Route and Stops (But at Odd Times)<\/h3>\n

Be realistic on the number of miles that you can ride in a day. This is supposed to be a fun trip, not an Iron-Butt Rally. Look at the holiday as starting the minute your feet hit the pegs, and not only at the destination. <\/p>\n

Choose a route that takes in fun riding roads (rather than just sticking to the highways) and has places to visit and beautiful scenery. Tools such as Google maps make this a relatively simple task. <\/p>\n

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Photo credit: hiconsumption.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Please read up on trip reports on the routes that you want to follow, as they have some great recommendations and warnings. Consult with other more experienced riders on the best routes and stops. <\/p>\n

Plan the route that will match the ability of the weakest rider in the group. The last thing you need is to spend time with broken bikes or injured riders because the route demanded more than they could handle. <\/p>\n

Plan in stops, not only for fuel but also to have coffee, or breakfast, or simply time to get off the bike and stretch or take a walk around and enjoy a beautiful view. Keep your trip interesting by not scheduling stops at set times, instead plan to take in the sights even if two stops are only a short distance apart. It doesn’t matter, enjoying your trip and taking time to see your country is.<\/p>\n

Stop and Take a Break<\/h3>\n

Breaks are essential. Riding a motorcycle takes considerable concentration, and the longest time you should consider riding without a break is two hours. This time should be shortened in poor weather or after riding through traffic in a city with which you are unfamiliar. <\/p>\n

These conditions demand higher concentration when riding, and exhaustion is a shortcut to an accident. Also, take more breaks if you have spent the night before out on the town; again, tiredness will catch up quickly.<\/p>\n

If you have novice riders in your group, plan more frequent breaks.<\/p>\n

Beware the painful butt. This will happen if you do not plan sufficient breaks to relieve the pressure on your butt. You can move around on the bike or stand on the pegs, but nothing relieves this condition better than walking around and stretching your legs, so save your butt and take a break.<\/p>\n

Have a Roadside Assistance Plan<\/h3>\n

Roadside Assistance is an insurance policy that every long-distance rider should consider. Almost every insurance company offers this type of addition to your motorcycle policy. <\/p>\n

If you have recently purchased a new bike, a plan may well have been included by your dealer. Still, it’s good to inquire with your dealer just to be certain.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: rideapart.com<\/a><\/p>\n

These plans cover flat batteries, running out of fuel, punctures, minor repairs, or the recovery of a damaged or broken down bike. For the rider that is not mechanically minded, these policies are a boon and make your trip much safer.<\/p>\n

Recovery of bikes from wilderness areas can be difficult, so make sure your assistance policy covers recovery from remote locations. Remember to pack a satellite phone so that you can call for assistance.<\/p>\n

Maintain the Bike Along the Way<\/h3>\n

Give your bike a daily check-up and inspection every morning. Learn how to do this at home before setting out, so you know what to look for.<\/p>\n

Some of the items to check include:<\/p>\n