Preparing Your Motorcycle for Long-Distance Rides or Tours

Good motorcycle upkeep is always important, but you’ll need to invest in some extra prep if you’re planning a long-distance ride in diverse road conditions. What maintenance does your bike need before an epic trip, what should you pack, and how do you plan your route? Follow this checklist to prepare your motorcycle for long rides.

1. Make Sure Your Motorcycle Can Handle a Long Ride

If you mainly use your bike for zipping around the city, assess how well it would suit you on long road trips. In case you decide your everyday motorcycle isn’t a good fit for a cross-country ride, consider renting a touring motorcycle that offers better back support and cargo options for long journeys.

Tank capacity will also play a role in your choice of bike. If you plan to tour the entire state or crisscross the country, you’ll want a long-range motorcycle to make sure you won’t run out of fuel between gas stations.

2. Give Your Two-Wheeler Some TLC

Following a thorough motorcycle maintenance checklist will reduce your chances of breaking down somewhere on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Check your tires, wheels, lights, brakes, battery, and other essential bike parts. Replace worn tires and brake pads, engine oil, and the oil filter. Top off the coolant. Adjust the handlebars for maximum comfort.

Finally, especially if you’re just starting the riding season, take your motorcycle out for a test ride to make sure it’s running smoothly.

3. Plan for Comfort

When you spend most of every day on your bike for a few days or even weeks, comfort is a top priority. Consider investing in specialized riding gear like heated grips for chilly weather, padded grips for better hand and wrist support, a gel seat, and a backrest.

4. Invest in Quality Luggage

Functional motorcycle luggage makes it much easier to take along everything you need without overpacking your bike. You can choose between tank bags, saddle bags, and tail bags. Secure, lockable aluminum panniers are the favorite choice of many riders who want to protect their cargo from the elements, collisions, and theft.

5. Bring a Basic Repair Tool Kit

Even if you do everything possible to prepare your motorcycle for long rides, breakdowns can still happen in the most inconvenient locations. Make sure you have a basic motorcycle repair kit that includes pliers, wire cutters, an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, and other essentials. Also pack a strong flashlight with spare batteries.

6. Stay Safe

There’s nothing quite like freedom of riding without a helmet, and while some states do not have a mandatory helmet law, it’s best to protect yourself. A DOT-approved full-face helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by almost 70 percent. Besides a helmet, take care to wear safe riding gear, including sturdy boots, long pants, a padded jacket, and riding gloves.

7. Map Out Your Trip

How many miles do you plan to ride each day, and where are you going to fuel up? Will you camp out or book accommodations? What alternative routes do you plan to take in case of bad weather? A day-by-day road trip plan will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you’re preparing for a backcountry adventure, we recommend packing some old-fashioned maps in case your GPS stops working. Don’t forget a supply of snacks, bottled water, and a first-aid kit.