If you’re like many people, you love your motorcycle and get all of the road time that you can. One of the best things you can do is hit the open road and embark on a motorcycle trip.
What should you know when planning out this vacation?
Your motorcycle road trips will be memorable and exciting when you consider the following information.
1. Plan Out Your Destinations and Routes in Advance
Before you do anything else, you’ll need to figure out where you want to go and what route you want to take. Riding a motorcycle gives you more options than you’d have when driving in the car, and it might be worth it to take the scenic route.
A motorcycle trip is a time that you get to clear your mind and enjoy the ride. When you plan the trip around a quality destination and stops along the way, this is where the magic truly happens.
People love taking motorcycle trips to the Grand Canyon, Redwood National Forest, the Appalachian mountains, the Hudson Valley, Idaho Grand Loop, and Big Sur.
You can get the most value from the trip when you plan it out point by point in advance, rather than just relying on your GPS.
2. Get Your Bike in the Best Condition
Next, put your motorcycle in the shop so that you can get some repairs and maintenance before hitting the road. Some of the repairs that you should get include an oil change, tune-up, some transmission work, new tires, and a thorough inspection.
Getting the bike checked out by a licensed and insured repair mechanic can help you feel safe when you’re on the road. It’s also best to get these issues taken care of in advance, so you don’t run the risk of breaking down in a strange area.
Add a roadside assistance plan to your insurance or purchase one independently through a third-party. These plans will let you get repair service sent out to you no matter where you are in the country.
Have a plan for how you’d respond after an accident during your trip. Keep your emergency contact information and medical insurance handy, and be prepared to put together a personal injury case, if necessary.
Having the contact information of a quality motorcycle accident attorney will be helpful for as long as you own a bike.
3. Dress for the Road
When you’re in the car, you can dress however you’d like, because you always have the benefit of heating and air conditioning. It’s a bit different on a motorcycle trip because the way you dress dictates your comfort and safety.
First and foremost, make sure that you’re wearing quality safety gear. This means a motorcycle helmet that is up to date with safety standards, a riding jacket, gloves, eye protection, and some footwear that is safe for riding.
Next, you’ll need to make sure that you wear layers to keep warm, since dealing with high-speed winds can get chilly. Shop around for clothing that is made with the best materials, and go with a look that suits you for the road.
Don’t skimp on any part of the wardrobe, and always plan out what you’re going to wear in advance.
4. Choose Some Attractions and Stops to Enjoy the Journey
A motorcycle trip isn’t the kind of thing that you should rush through. This time on the open road by yourself is precious, so plan some bucket list pit stops along the way to keep the trip fun and exciting.
There are restaurants throughout the country that are more than 100 years old that have stories that are just as amazing as the food. Plenty of people enjoy stopping at nature trails and campgrounds.
You can scope out plenty of major cities you’ve wanted to visit, in addition to historic attractions and monuments. Figure out what suits you best and plan out an itinerary that lets you see plenty during your trip.
5. Scope Out the Weather Forecast
Seriously.
Too many people plan out a motorcycle trip without so much as checking the forecast. The roads are so much more treacherous for motorcycle riders, plus you experience the weather directly since you don’t have any protection other than your clothing.
Choose a timeframe that lets you avoid inclement weather, and make sure that your destinations are season-friendly.
6. Pack Light and Organize Everything That You Need
Give yourself plenty of time to pack for your motorcycle trip. Create a list of every item that you need and take the time to stock up.
In addition to your changes of clothes and toiletries, be sure that you have a toolkit, emergency supplies, a tent, and some road snacks. Pack everything that you need, but keep it light so that it doesn’t burden you or weigh you down.
7. Plan Out Your Lodging
Since you’re planning out your destinations and attractions in advance, it only makes sense to also book your lodging ahead of time. This guarantees you that you’ll always have somewhere to rest your head at the end of a long day on the road.
Planning out plenty of stops and rest days keeps you fresh and also allows you to savor the trip. Make sure to document as much as you can for social media and your memories.
Whether you are a member of a motorcycle club, riding club or an independent rider; it is very important that you know the rules and etiquette of wearing biker patches in any state you will be traveling through. These rules and etiquette are most often set by the dominant club of each state, and to avoid any issues, it is a good idea to contact the local clubs in your area and find out what the deal is.
Plan Out Your Motorcycle Road Trips
Every bike enthusiast should plan to enjoy motorcycle road trips from time to time. Let these tips help you put together the best trips possible.
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