TGR Staff - Photo by Roberto Nickson -09/26/2023
A few things beat the thrill of going on a road trip. You get to enjoy scenic views with the breeze in your face while basking in the freedom you feel. It even becomes more exciting when cruising on a motorcycle by yourself. Not only is it more fun and challenging than in a car, but maneuvering this machine is relatively easier, meaning you don’t have to get stuck in traffic. Did you also know riding a motorcycle is a fun way to keep your shape in check? Research shows that you are likelier to burn more calories than sitting in a car- this is like killing two beds with one stone. If you aren’t convinced yet, consider that searching for a parking space will be easier and more convenient due to the small size of a motorcycle. Now that you have decided to road trip on a motorcycle, you should know what to do to savor the experience while maintaining your safety. Here is a helpful guide that can help you.
You want your motorcycle to ensure your comfort
The last thing you would want to experience is discomfort when on a motorcycle. However, this is more common than you think. It’s no news that not all machines are created equal, some have seats that are either too small or too stiff (this is common with a brand-new motorbike), or the design is wrong. Whether you intend to buy a new machine or rent one due to a tight budget, choosing the right option will make all the difference. If you choose the former, consider riding your new machine for at least 500 miles to allow the seat to break in. This may mean taking it for some errands or test runs before the main trip, so feel free to consider this. Ensure you can sit on it comfortably before purchasing or renting it; let your height, weight, and riding style influence your decision. Before leaving the rental company or motorcycle dealership, allow the experts to set up and adjust the footpegs, backrests, suspension, seats, and handlebars, and test them out and keep correcting them until you are fully satisfied.
Don’t leave your home without prepping your motorcycle
Your dealer or rental company assured you your motorcycle is in excellent shape. While you believe them, doing your personal checks doesn’t hurt. This is because your machine breaking down in the middle of nowhere can be unpleasant and even ruin your excitement for your trip. Therefore, taking your motorcycle to a professional mechanic can do you much good. Just like a car, you have to ensure key components are functioning optimally; this can prevent your risk of experiencing a breakdown or an accident. The mechanic will check your tires, lights, oil, stands, controls, and chassis. As a tip, turn in your motorcycle at least a week before your much-anticipated trip, as you will get enough time to ride it around and determine its readiness. Keep working with your mechanic until your motorcycle is ready to take on the long distance.
Packing lightly will be the ideal option
Your first instinct may be to pack many things. However, bringing along more items than you will need can make your motorcycle heavier than it should be, and you may find yourself struggling to handle it. Likewise, sorting through many things when looking for someone can be extremely messy and annoying. It's okay to wonder how you can pack lightly, especially if you will be on the road for a longer time. The good news is that it is achievable- you only need to know the right tricks and hacks.
First, you must note that much luggage can't accompany you on this trip; this way, you can be more specific about what you need and want. Experts often advise newbies to place the heavier things into the bag and stack on them, and the reason for this is very practical. With this method, the weight on your motorcycle is evenly distributed, which can help you ride better and safer. Another way to pack lightly is to get versatile clothing, as they can be used to address two or more needs. For example, a motorcycle jacket with a removable liner means your need for extra outerwear will be addressed.
Anything can happen on the road, so be prepared
Yes, you may have gotten the best motorcycle out there and ensured it is in optimal condition. This is great and worthy of commendation. However, you will not want to leave your home without a contingency plan for unexpected situations. Your motorcycle is not fail-proof; it can choose to surprise you unpleasantly by giving up on you in the middle of nowhere. It's even more concerning if this happens at night. It's also worth noting that weather conditions can also work against you sometimes. The key is to effectively equip yourself for whatever your trip throws. For instance, investing in a toolkit to handle basic roadside fixes will be helpful. However, ensure that these tools are well-suited for your motorcycle. But, not all repairs are DIY-worthy, requiring professional help. But how do you haul your broken-down machine to the repair shop when stranded? Be sure to secure the number of a towing service before leaving for your trip, as they can pick up your motorcycle and send it to a repair shop near you.
Your route can heighten the experience, so choose the best one
A few things beat the feeling of riding on your motorcycle on a road with breathtaking views. Therefore, make it a point to research various routes to determine the most appealing ones. These roads are often less developed and not traveled by many. However, this means you can move at a relaxed pace while taking in the view; you can even find cheap restaurants that serve tasty meals, so feel free to consider this. These helpful tips can help you find scenic routes to heighten the experience.
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