Planning For A Motorcycle Roadtrip
There are many reasons you might want to take a motorcycle trip. The reason for the trip will be one of the deciding factors in determining how to prepare for it.
Whether you're planning a Sunday morning run up the mountain or a Tuesday afternoon run out in the canyon twisties, your priorities will differ somewhat than if you're planning a cruise up the coast for a weekend.
Get Everything in Good Working Order-Motorcycles are machines. Machines break. Be prepared for it. Be prepared physically and mentally as well. Being sick or injured is not a good time to spend a long time on a motorcycle. Failure to be in good shape both mentally and physically or failure to have your bike in good shape can make your trip long and un-favorable as well as dangerous.
Your Motorcycle-Prepare your bike by checking all the fluid levels and condition including oil, brake fluid and engine coolant (on liquid cooled machines) . Check the tires for wear and proper tire pressure. Check brake, clutch and throttle cables, adjust and lubricate if necessary. Check battery and all lights. Check for loose or missing items.
Your Self-Your own physical and mental condition will be key to a successful and enjoyable trip. There's nothing worse than being stuck in the saddle of a bike when you're un-comfortable for any reason. You'll want to be physically AND mentally able to handle the ride.
Here is a list of items you might want to consider taking with you on a longer road trip. You may not need all items, and I may have left out some items you would consider taking. In no particular order
* For Your Trip Bungee cords or cargo net
* Saddlebags
* Chain Oil
* Tire Pressure Gauge
* Toolkit
* Tank bag
* Spare parts (fuses, bulbs, keys etc)
* Extra clothes, for good and bad weather
* Cell phone
* Map/GPS
* Sunglasses
* Street clothes
* Water
* Toiletries
* Medication
* Camera
* Paper/Pencil
* Phone List
* Bug repellent
* Zip Ties
* Sunscreen
* Duct tape
* Batteries
* First aid kit
* Flashlight
* Ibuprofen/Tylenol
* Knife/Utility tool
* Matches or lighter
* Compass
* Cash and Credit Cards (Including change for phones)
This is a basic list and does not include camping equipment, food or other items along those lines. You'll need a lot of luggage on your bike to carry all this stuff, and packing it could be a challenge.
Keep it Simple-Be sure to pack the necessities towards the top where they will be easily available. Things like warm clothes, maps, toiletries, medication, sunglasses, cell phone and camera should all be within easy reach.
Be Prepared to Repair-A good tool kit is important. It doesn't need to be very big. The kit that should have come with your motorcycle (usually found under the seat or behind a body panel on some older models) has many of the tools you'll need. Some other items your tool bag might not have are listed above.
Make a Plan and Keep It-Be sure to have an itinerary and let somebody know about it. Stick as close to your itinerary as you can, and notify whoever you told about it of your progress. If you lose time along the trip, let them know so they don't worry when you don't show up as scheduled.
Money is Power-Carry money with you. In this day and age of electronic money, you may think there's no need to carry cash, but you never know when your card might not work or be accepted.
Pay Attention-If you find yourself wandering off or day-dreaming during the trip, pull over and get your head straight. It only takes a second for something bad to happen in front of you.
Make it Fun-Plan your stops before you leave. Try to pick spots that will have things for you to do while you rest. Pick stops near someplace to eat and/or sleep. Find areas of interest that you would like to visit. Try to pick routes that are scenic.
About the Author:
Robert Hoffman is the President of Southern Bike Night,LLC, Mortgage Company Rocks, Inc., Real Estate Company Rocks, Inc., and Dinar Inc -
Ride an american chopper to a motorcycle rally, motorcycle rallies. Where a motorcycle jacket, motorcycle jackets.
www.southernbikenight.com
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