Motorcycle Weekend Trip Preparations for Beginners

Motorcycles can be a great means of transportation in cities, where riders’ benefit from their smaller size and flexibility. However, many people learn how to ride a motorcycle specifically for the freedom of riding through magnificent landscapes on long-distance motorcycle trips. If you want to travel using your bike, there are some things you should consider before your first big trip.

Planning the Trip

There is a difference between a semi-long ride over a local highway and a cross-state or country trip. Even if you aren’t super new to biking and have some experience on your back, make sure the route you pick is suitable for your level. It helps to start small and take some longer training rides before going on an ambitious journey.

The Location and Dates for Your Trip

It’s not just the length of a tour that matters, but the spacing of possible break locations, and the current weather conditions or the quality of the road. Traveling through hillsides has different challenges than riding through planes. Depending on your location, a trip during the fall will come with a higher likelihood of rainy and windy days, which can be difficult to traverse on a bike.

If you google motorcycle routes in your area, you will surely find many, and they will typically let you know about the challenge level and any kinds of risks you should look out for. Make sure to pick one that suits you and work your way up the next time you take a trip for a  weekend outside the city.

Once you have chosen the route and dates for your trip, you will have an easier time making the right decisions concerning the type of bike, the appropriate clothing, and the necessary luggage.

Check Your Bike

If you have the appropriate knowledge, clean and check your bike before you leave on the trip. Take a tool set for any on the fly adjustments and fixes. If you know how to ride but not necessarily how to fix a bike, make sure to visit a workshop and have a professional check your bike before a long trip.

The Right Equipment

Depending on the weather, different types of helmets and clothing are more suitable than others. An easy distinction can be made between gear for the summer and gear for the winter. While you will be thankful for thick insulation in cold months, the same will cook you on your bike in the summer.

Research the typical weather conditions and prognosis for your destination, and adjust accordingly. If you are riding in the summer, it can make sense to leave your trusty old gear at home and invest in some lighter and more breathable variants. As long as they are still protective, this will help you ride more comfortable and concentrated for longer.

There are some extra gadgets that can help you here.

• Helmet Coolers: Some companies offer cooling systems for your full-face or modular helmet. These ventilation systems use the airflow to cool down the inside of your helmet. They will often be attached to your chin-guard.
• Heated Clothing: If you take a trip through especially cold areas, heated clothing might be the right choice for you. If you are sitting for a long time, you will start to freeze easier. This is especially true in the airflow of a motorcycle ride. Since you need your body and finger to be nimble, they need to stay warm. Electric heating systems can be attached to the bike’s battery or have chargeable battery packs.
• Drinking Packs: If you ride in the summer, you can get thirsty easily. You can buy water bags that can be attached to your clothing or bike and include a straw system that lets you drink water while you are riding.
• Windshields: Depending on your bike, you can attach an additional windshield to it. This will help you fight the wind and tire out less quickly.
• First-Aid-Kits and Tire-Plugs: Take care of both your bike and yourself with some safety precautions and emergency kits. Don’t forget to include sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
• Motorcycle Ear Plugs: Motorcycle ear plugs are specifically designed to protect your hearing from the constant road and engine noise while still letting you hear any kind of warning signals like a car horn.
• Rain Gear: Most motorcycle clothing is water-resistant in some manner, but it is rarely truly waterproof. You can use proofing spray or wax to make your gear more water-resistant. It’s easier to buy a motorcycle rain overall. It is very light and can be stored easily, so you can throw it over your motorcycle clothing when it rains.
• Bungee Cords or Nets: A heavy-duty net or bungee cords will help you secure your luggage.

A fun weekend trip on your motorcycle begins with the appropriate preparation. Take some time to find the most suitable route and dates for your current skill level. Once you have chosen where and when the ride will take place, you can pick the appropriate gear. Lighter summer gear is important in hot areas, while heated winter gear will keep you warm and nimble in the winter. Many gadgets and pieces of luggage, like a first aid kit, will be helpful on your journey.

Conclusion