There’s nothing quite like riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle offers you pure, unadulterated freedom. You are free to go wherever the wind takes you. For motorcyclists, riding is more than a hobby – it’s a passion. If you’re new to motorcycles and you’re about to embark on your first road trip, then this is the article for you. This article will explain how you can prepare yourself and your motorcycle for a long ride:

Invest In Saddlebags

If you’re traveling a long distance, then you’ll need to bring a lot of items with you. It’s important that you invest in some high-quality, large-capacity saddlebags. You’ll also need to fit a luggage rack on your bike. A backpack is only suited to shorter rides. A backpack will eventually become too heavy or cause shoulder and back pain. Make sure that your luggage rack is properly fitted before you set off.

Consider a Windshield

If you’re going to be traveling a long way, then you might want to consider investing in a windshield. A screen cover for your bike’s front will protect you from dust, dirt, bugs, and stones. You can find motorcycle windscreens for touring bikes that will attach easily to the front of your bike. If you don’t like wearing helmets, then a windshield is a great investment.

Aftermarket Seat

Not only is a windshield a great purchase but so too is a new seat. If you’re going to be traveling cross-country, then you’ll need a seat that’s comfortable. Unfortunately, factory seats rarely are. An aftermarket seat can make your journey much more comfortable, and much easier. They don’t necessarily have to be very expensive, and you can pick up high-quality aftermarket seats second-hand.

Riding Suit

You’ll also need to buy yourself a weatherproof riding suit. If the weather’s cold and windy, you can make yourself sick by riding in casual clothes. If you’re not prepared and it starts to rain, you may have to turn back. A weatherproof riding suit will allow you to push on, however. Make sure that the riding suit that you buy is waterproof and warm. You’ll also need to bring a full-faced helmet, even if you don’t usually wear one. Full-face helmets have a lot of benefits. Not only can they keep you warm, but they can keep you dry. They also protect your ears and keep noise out.

Check Your Bike

Before you set out on your adventure, check your motorcycle’s tires. Experts agree that you should always check your tires before a long-distance ride, to prevent a blowout, which could cause you to crash and injure yourself. Check your tires’ pressure and examine their tread depth. If necessary, then change them. You also need to check your bike’s throttle and brake cables, its belt for any frays, and you need to make sure that its chain is properly lubricated and tensioned. It’s also important that you check your bike’s fluids. Your fluids should be full and your filters should be clean. Look carefully for any signs of corrosion when you’re checking your bike’s fluids, as they can be indicative of parts failures.

Suspension

Adjust your bike’s suspension, especially if you’re bringing a friend along with you. If you’re bringing saddlebags, then you can add a lot of extra weight to your bike. Make sure that your bike isn’t sagging. If it is, then adjust it accordingly. If your suspension isn’t adjusted properly, then it can interfere with your braking, interfere with the steering, reduce ground clearance when you’re taking corners and can make taking bends dangerous.

Make of Bike

Some bikes simply can’t travel long distances. You need to work out how many miles you will be doing each day, and then work out if your bike can handle that. If it can’t then you might have to rent a bike, or alternatively, buy a touring bike.

Gas Mileage

When you’re traveling, make sure that you pay attention to how fast you’re going. If you travel at high speeds, your bike’s gas mileage and range will suffer. You should travel at an even, measured pace, especially if you’re traveling a long distance.

Your Bike’s Vitals

After you’ve left and you’re on the road, you still need to regularly check your bike. You should check it every single morning before you set out. Regular chain lubrication, fastener checking, and tire examination can save your life. Checking your bike’s vitals is a habit that you’ve got to get into, especially on long trips.

Repair Kit

Flat tires do happen, and sometimes they’re unavoidable. Bring a small repair kit along with you and an inflation tool. If you’ve got tubed tires, then bring spoons and a way for you to lift up your bike. If you’re going on a particularly long run, then you might want to bring a spare tire along with you.

GPS

You might also want to invest in GPS for your bike. This is so that you do not get lost. GPS will allow you to navigate your way through unfamiliar territory. It will also ensure that you do not waste fuel taking unnecessary diversions. You can get GPS devices with waterproof covers, which allow you to mount them on the handlebars or stem of your bike. You should also invest in a GPS tracking unit, as this can protect you. When you’re setting out on your bike, you can’t guarantee that you won’t have an accident. If you have a GPS tracking unit, your family and friends will be able to track you down and find you, and potentially rescue you. Additionally, if your bike is stolen, then a GPS device will help you to locate it again.

Supplies

Make sure that you bring enough food and water with you, as well as cash if you intend on stopping in restaurants and cafes. Water is very important, so make sure that you bring lots of it. Dehydration can make you tired and dizzy, which can put you at risk when you’re on the road. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but it’s important that you properly prepare. If you don’t prepare, then you put yourself at risk. Good luck and have fun!