10 Important Tips For Your First Motorcycle Road Trip!

Posted on: Jan 5, 2022 | | Written by:

10 Important Tips For Your First Motorcycle Road Trip!

Published on December 30, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Going on a motorcycle road trip is one of the best ways to explore new places. You conquer different terrains, meet new people, try different cuisines, also find like-minded riders on the way too. Besides all the fun and exhilaration, taking a road trip on your motorbike is a great learning experience.

So, if you are thinking of embarking on your first motorcycle road trip and have little or no idea about the preparation part, we have compiled a list of things that should be helpful. And before you plan a trip, make sure you have a valid two-wheeler insurance policy. Now when insurance companies have gone digital, you can easily take bike insurance online and stay covered against unforeseen expenses.

Tips for your first motorcycle road trip

1. Pick a comfortable bike:

If you have a bike, check if it is comfortable and suitable for a road trip. You can also make some modifications for better comfort, such as installing soft or padded seats, all-weather tyres, hazard lights, handlebar risers, engine guards and more. Also, take your motorbike to a mechanic and get the necessary repairs done. These small yet important modifications will ensure a safe and comfortable ride and help you make the most of your trip.

2. Do not carry too many things:

When you are packing for your road trip, remember to pack light. Do not carry too many clothes, shoes and heavy jackets. Also, pack more of small and disposable stuff, like small soap bars, shampoo sachets and disposable food boxes. And instead of carrying a DSLR camera and other photography gear, use your phone or a digicam.

3. Carry route maps:

Before embarking on a road trip, remember to carry route maps with you. While you can use GPS to know the route, this may not work if you are in a remote place with no internet connectivity. Hence, it is always better to carry hard copies of the route maps. In case you get confused anywhere, stop and ask the locals instead of taking the wrong route.

4. Stay hydrated:

Hydration is an important factor when you are travelling long distances on your motorbike. Road trips can be tiring and not taking care of your hydration can make things worse. So, carry water bottles and refill them whenever possible. If you prefer not to stop to drink water, you can carry a hydration pack with you. This is a water bottle that comes in a bag and has a tube. You can wear the bag over your shoulder and drink water from it on the go, without stopping or taking off the helmet.

5. Eat light meals throughout:

Since you will be riding your bike for long hours, make sure you have a light meal before embarking on the trip. Also, do not eat big meals at any point of time during the trip as they can make you drowsy and this is not safe when you are riding a bike.

6. Dress appropriately:

When you are riding a motorbike, especially for long distances, remember to wear proper clothes to stay comfortable. Avoid wearing anything loose or baggy that can make riding difficult. You can choose a comfy t-shirt, riding pants, biker boots, riding jacket and a full-face helmet. Although these clothes may feel a bit heavy initially, they will keep you safe and comfortable.

7. Take breaks in between:

Do not overexert yourself and take breaks whenever you feel tired. Riding a bike continuously for long hours can cause saddle sores. Therefore, stop every few hours or whenever you feel like taking a break but don’t go overboard with it. And whenever you take a break, drink water and have an energy bar or some dry fruits. You must also check your bike during these breaks, especially the fuel tank, to ensure you don’t run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

8. Stay weather-ready:

Since you will be travelling on a motorcycle throughout, you must be prepared for different weather conditions. It can rain unexpectedly, so carry a raincoat for yourself and a waterproof cover for your luggage. There can be times when the temperatures are higher than normal. Hence, carry sunscreen and enough water to stay hydrated. Since severe weather conditions like heavy rains can harm your bike as well, make sure you avail comprehensive bike insurance online and stay covered.

9. Stay motivated:

Motorcycle road trips are amazing, and you are sure to enjoy every bit of it. Hence, even if you feel tired or end up with a flat tyre, do not panic or get frustrated. These things are common, so stay motivated and continue with your journey.

10. Keep important tools and spares handy:

Make sure you carry important tools and spares before embarking on your trip. You might have to change a flat tyre or a spark plug. Hence, carry some important tools like an air pump, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and a flashlight.

Conclusion

While your first motorcycle road trip can make you both excited and a bit jittery initially, it is totally worth it. Just take care of your food, hydration, clothing and other basics for a comfortable ride. Also, keep important tools handy and take bike insurance online if you haven’t taken one already. In case your bike meets with an accident or suffers damage due to a natural or manmade calamity, the insurer will cover the expenses.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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