How to Prepare for A Road Trip on a Motorcycle

You’ve been having a great time riding your motorcycle on short trips around town, and now you’re ready to set off for your first big road trip with your friends. There’s nothing quite like loading up your bike and taking off on a big journey, but you might not know quite what to expect. Fortunately, planning a motorcycle road trip is pretty easy and a lot of fun. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip. If you have any other questions, come see us at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, Florida, serving Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.

Choose Your Equipment

You’re going to be spending a lot more time riding than usual, so it’s important to be physically prepared. You’re also going to want to adjust your suspension, handlebars and backrests for a comfortable ride. You might consider adding some highway pegs or other accessories so you can stretch out your legs and ride more comfortably.

Think of the type of terrain you’ll be covering on your trip and decide if your everyday bike is up to the challenge. You'll also need enough built-in storage space for all of your gear. No one likes the idea of going on a trip and leaving their personal bike behind, but don’t be afraid to rent something more suitable. Your bike will be there when you get home, and riding something different also gives you some ideas if you’re considering a future upgrade.

Pack Wisely

Traveling light is the name of the game. Even the largest touring bikes only have a limited amount of built-in storage, and you can’t afford a lot of excess luxury items. Be sure to pack your rain gear and a tool box. You will want to be able to quickly add or remove layers of clothing when the temperature changes. If you’re planning a winter ride, you can get some very good deals on heated gear during the summer.

Build Flexibility Into Your Schedule

Any seasoned traveler will tell you that good planning allows you to be much more spontaneous on your trip. Some tourist attractions don’t take as much time to see as you thought, and it’s always good to have some other options when you get some extra time on your hands. Sometimes you’ll want to get a little more rest, and sometimes you might want to take a detour to avoid an approaching storm. You can always expect the unexpected on a vacation, so make sure to have backup plans for everything.

Come see us when you’re planning your next big road trip! Interstate Cycles in Lake City, Florida, serves motorcycle lovers in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.