For some riders, long road trips provide fuel for their lives and are the inspiration that keeps them going between trips. But for most of us, long road trips aren’t a part of everyday life, and planning can be tedious at best. Regardless of which group you fall into, planning is crucial for a great trip. Here are some tips, tricks, and best practices you can use to plan your next motorcycle road trip.
The Planning Stage
- Check the laws for the states you will be going through before you leave. For example, in some states, it’s against the law to ride in the left lane all the time, but all states require you to slow down and, if possible, move over a lane when there’s an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.
- Check the weather for your entire route, not just your departure and your destination.
- Check for road closures and construction projects on your planned route. You can usually find this information on the websites of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Highways, or state troopers.
- Map your route and print a copy, even if you plan to use the map on your phone. If you pass through a dead spot without cell service, you can put your printed directions on your tank or handlebars.
- If you put them in a double Ziplock bag, then zip-tie the bags to your handlebars, you can still see the directions, and they will be waterproof. Another idea is to buy magnet strips, put them in your Ziplock bag, and they will hold your printed directions on your tank.
- If you are using your smartphone map, ensure it is securely mounted in a location where you can see it. If you have a waterproof phone and encounter rain while riding, it still may not be reliable because raindrops can cause you to lose or alter your map. Watch our site for a longer article on this topic with real-world stories.
- Set more than one emergency contact in your phone so first responders know who to contact
- Pack a toolkit. At the very least, have the stock tool kit that came with your bike, along with duct tape, zip ties, a flashlight, and a multitool.
- It’s helpful to have a roadside assistance plan specifically for motorcycles. The AAA roadside assistance plan requires a higher-level, more costly plan to tow a bike.
- Pen and paper are always good to keep on hand during a road trip.
Additional Planning Stage Tips for Group Trips
- If you’re traveling with a group, be sure everyone is familiar with the route and has a copy of it in case you become separated.
- Have a separation plan. A good rule is to always go to the first gas station on the right on the route where you are supposed to meet.
- Everyone in the group must have the contact information of everyone else in their phone.
- Ensure that everyone in the group has a fully charged phone and a way to recharge it while traveling.
- Every group should have at least one toolkit.
- When riding in a group, it’s essential to know how far each rider can travel on a single tank of fuel and have prearranged signals in place for when someone needs to refuel.
Before You Go
- You should call your credit card company and let them know you will be traveling. If not, they may place a fraud hold on your account, and you’ll usually find out about this at the gas pump.
- If you take daily medication, ensure you have enough for the entire trip. Set your phone alarm as a reminder so you take them as close to your normal time as possible.
- If you have any emergency medications (such as Epi-Pens, inhalers, glucose, and/or nitroglycerin), please let someone in the group know where you keep these medications and how to administer them if needed.
- Ensure your tires are in good condition, the bike is in good working order, all lights are functioning correctly, and the brakes are effective.
Packing the bike for a long trip is very important! You have limited storage space on a motorcycle, and even less if you have a passenger riding with you. You don’t want to overload your bike or cause the bike to be out of balance. The best way to pack a bike is to evenly space the load on each side and across the back. If you have a luggage rack, that’s great. If you are tying everything to your back seat or fender, be careful. Your stuff should be securely attached; bungee nets or cords are good for this. You should also try to pack things low on the bike. It is not good to have a pile of stuff on the back that is taller than the rider. Everything you add to the bike increases its weight, affecting the balance and handling. This is especially true if you end up in the rain or on curvy roads. There are trailers you can pull behind your bike. Just remember that these also have the same issues with weight and balance, and they also change the handling of your bike, even when empty.
Commonly forgotten items:
- Driver’s license
- Health insurance cards
- Motorcycle insurance card and registration
- Cash
- Credit card – this is in addition to your debit card (most hotels won’t take a debit card for a reservation)
- Camera
- Phone charger
- Glasses and/or contacts,
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Clothes for all weather climates: HOT and steamy, hot and dry, rain, wind, cool and damp
- Sunscreen that’s waterproof and high SPF
Departure Day
- Try to get a good night’s sleep before heading out.
- Stretch to loosen up your muscles and ensure you’re feeling good before taking off.
- You shouldn’t be sick or under the weather when you start your trip, it can make for a horrible ride or even a dangerous one.
- Drink lots of water! A frozen water bottle strapped to your bike can be great, but it still works if you have a cup holder that’s easily and safely accessible while driving down the road.
- Camel packs or water bladders are also great options.
- You can also mix in Pedialyte, Gatorade Zero, or other electrolyte replacements every couple of stops.
On The Road
- Stop if you need to; don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Better to be late than not at all!
- When you stop to eat, opt for a balanced meal with less sugar and more protein.
- Watch for deer and other critters, even in the middle of the day.
- At gas stops, it’s usually a good idea to pull off away from the pumps when you are done filling up to stretch and walk a bit before climbing back on your bike.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid riding in blind spots and watch for hazards.
- Pay attention to road signs. Not only to know how far you are from where you want to be, but also so you can pinpoint your location if something happens. Additionally, they may provide information on traffic conditions, changes, or construction.
- It’s good to know the little green numbered marker signs on the side of the interstates are mile markers and tell how many miles into a state you are. They start at 0 at the southernmost and westernmost points and increase going North and East. They also usually coincide with exit numbers.
Here are some more articles and videos you might find helpful in preparing for a long motorcycle trip:
https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/long-distance-motorcycle-ride-tips
https://www.esurance.com/info/motorcycle/24-tips-to-prepare-for-a-long-distance-ride
https://www.bikersrights.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-distance-motorcycle-touring
https://travel.thefuntimesguide.com/motorcycle-trips
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/10-essential-tips-for-your-first-motorcycle-road-trip
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/how-and-what-to-pack-for-motorcycle-trip
