A motorcycle trip is one of the best ways to travel: you feel the landscape, the weather and the road in a way no car allows. It also leaves less room for mistakes in planning and packing. A bit of preparation makes the difference between an adventure and an ordeal.
Choose the route
Scenic routes are usually found on secondary roads: mountain passes, coastal roads, river valleys. Riders’ forums, motorcycle magazines and route-sharing apps are full of recommendations, and some famous roads (the Blue Ridge Parkway or Tail of the Dragon in the US, the Alpine passes in Europe, the Pacific Coast Highway) deserve their reputation. Plan around them, but leave flexibility for weather and discoveries.
Keep daily distances realistic. On winding roads, 150 to 250 miles a day is plenty for most riders, especially with photo stops and meals. Highways cover distance but are tiring and dull on a bike. Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and fuel availability in remote areas.
Prepare the bike
Have the bike serviced before departure if it is due. Check tires (enough tread for the whole trip), chain and sprockets, brakes, fluids, lights and battery. Carry a tire repair kit and compressor, basic tools for your bike, a spare fuse set and a chain lube. A maintenance routine helps you catch problems on the road too.
Pack light
Riders always pack too much at first. A good rule is to lay out everything you think you need, then take half the clothes. Essentials:
- rain gear and a warm layer, even in summer;
- documents: license, registration, insurance, ID, and breakdown cover details;
- first-aid kit, phone charger and power bank;
- earplugs and a spare visor or sunglasses;
- a lightweight lock or cover.
Technical, quick-drying clothes take less space than cotton.
Load luggage safely
Put heavy items low and close to the center of the bike, ideally in panniers, and light, bulky items on top. Keep the weight balanced left and right. Respect the bike’s maximum load and the luggage’s limits, adjust rear preload and tire pressure for the extra weight (see your manual), and check that straps cannot reach the wheel or chain. A loaded bike brakes and handles differently; ride a few miles to get used to it.
On the road
Start each day early, take a break every hour or two, drink plenty and stop before you are exhausted. Check the weather daily and be ready to change plans. If you plan to camp, our guide to motorbike camping gear covers what works on two wheels. For navigation, see route-planning apps for riders, and to capture the journey, how to take great motorbike photos and videos.
