Tips for Touring and Long Distance Motorcycle Riding

Motorcycle touring is an experience that all riders should indulge in at least once in their lifetime. There’s nothing like enjoying the breathtaking scenery while cruising across the country on your bike. At Cross Country Cycle, we have a great amount of information — and gear — to help you prepare. Our convenient location in New Jersey is easily accessible for riders in Staten Island and Manhattan, New York. Feel free to give us a call or drop by for all things tour-related! We’re always sure to have great deals for your BMW and Ducati needs.

Make a Route and Rough Itinerary

As exciting as the idea of embarking on a motorcycle tour may be, it’s important that you have a plan in place before you take off. You’ll want to plan your route in advance and do your best to stick to it. Some detours are inevitable, but having a plan will make all the difference in how you handle them. Another key factor is planning for rest periods between rides. You want to be able to thoroughly enjoy the experience, so it’s essential that you allow enough time to relax and unwind before hitting the road again.

Plan for the Weather

You’ll also benefit from keeping an eye on the weather during your trip. Weather conditions are constantly changing, so planning isn’t always foolproof! At the very least, you should look into the climate of the areas you’re going to be riding through. For example, certain areas of the country are scorching hot during summer months but are ice cold during winter. Being prepared for a storm or rainy weather of any kind is always a good idea.

Pack Efficiently

When you’re only traveling from point A to point B, cargo space isn’t usually an issue. But when it comes to packing for motorcycle tours, you definitely want to use every inch of space wisely. A good place to start is creating a must-have checklist. Some important things to remember are travel size toolkits and first aid kits. Handyman or not, you may find yourself wishing you packed a toolkit in the event that you end up stranded on the side of the road due to mechanical problems. Medical emergencies can occur, so first aid kits containing items like burn cream, wound care supplies and anti-inflammatories will come in handy. Some other necessities include clothing, personal hygiene products and navigation equipment.

Once you’ve completed your checklist and have an idea of the size of the items you’ll be bringing, it’s time to start thinking about space. If there’s anything that can be reduced in size, it’d be smart to do so. Also remember that nowadays, there are travel sizes available for just about anything you can imagine! When you start packing, you may realize there are some things that don’t qualify as must-have after all.

Perform a Pre-Ride Inspection

You’re almost ready for your tour! A crucial step in the planning process is performing a pre-ride inspection. It’s imperative that you don’t ignore any damaged or malfunctioning parts because on long distance trips, these can become major issues. You’ll want to check on your tires, which includes treadwear, air pressure and the state of repair in general. Be sure that your bike doesn’t have any leaking fluids. Your brake, turn signal lights and headlights all need to be functioning properly. If you plan to use a GPS, make sure it’s fully charged and that you have a way to charge it. You’ll also want to ensure that your oil and brake fluid levels are where they need to be. Lastly, your cargo needs to be properly loaded and secured on your bike.

Keep Healthy

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment while riding, but don’t let your health take a backseat. You’ll want to pack foam earplugs to protect your hearing. Everyday basics should not be forgotten: getting adequate sleep, keeping hydrated, eating healthy. All of these things are very important if you want to be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest. A backpack hydration system for hands-free access to water is a great idea. Eating a good meal before your ride is key to remaining strong and focused. Adequate sleep so you’re alert on the road is important for your safety and those around you.

Now that you’re a pro, you first touring trip is just around the corner. We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or just want to hear more about motorcycle tours. There are many amazing destinations to include on your trip. If you want to make the most of your adventure, you should stop by our location in New Jersey near Staten Island and Manhattan, New York before you take off!