Anyone familiar with traveling by motorcycle knows that the journey is far more important than the destination. To ensure a trip that is memorable for all the right reasons, it’s necessary to make certain preparations before leaving home.
Get Up to Date on Maintenance
As any motorcycle injury attorney can attest, a motorcycle that’s operating at peak performance is safer and less likely to involve you in an accident. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a technician, the bike needs a thorough going over before you hit the road. Perform an oil change and check fluid levels in addition to replacing filters that require it. Pay particular attention to brake cables and make certain that all gauges and lights are operating properly.
Be Ready for Repairs
A tool kit can be the only thing standing between continuing your trip and being stranded on the side of the highway. Include a flat repair kit along with a variety of screwdrivers and wrenches. Toss in some pliers and cutters. A flashlight may prove indispensable, and duct tape really can be used for almost anything. Your tool kit doesn’t have to be large to protect you from roadside desperation. You may want to invest in some insurance coverage that will provide roadside assistance in the event of mechanical problems or an accident.
Pack Light
Few things take the joy out of hitting the road like being weighed down with too much stuff. Not only does it interfere with your suspension and your tire pressure, but it also becomes a hassle to load the bike each morning. Choose clothing made from synthetic materials that can be washed in a sink and will be dry by morning to avoid having to pack extra items. If you’re riding two up, talk about sharing toiletries and compare what you’re packing to avoid duplicates.
Prepare for the Elements
A motorcycle trip of any length will lead you through a variety of climates and altitudes. Even in the height of summer, it may be smart to pack cold weather gear or rain gear. This ensures that when conditions get adverse, you can stay on the road instead of being forced to seek shelter. If you’ve been riding motorcycles for some time, you will be familiar with good ways to protect yourself from the elements while riding. If you do not have as much experience on motorcycles, you may want to do some test rides in different types of weather to test out your gear to make sure it fits comfortably, and you can ride safely with it during a storm, or inclement weather.
Test New Equipment Before Leaving
New riding gear, whether it’s the kind that you wear or the kind that you add to your bike, is always fun, but a lengthy road trip is not the time to take it for a test run. If you make any bike modifications or buy a new helmet, try them out on a short run before leaving home.
With these simple preparations behind you, you’ll be able to enjoy a carefree motorcycle vacation.
