For anyone considering their first motorcycle road trip, you’ve probably visualized exactly what it’s going to be like. Taking advantage of the open road on a warm day without the confines of a car and taking your time seeing our beautiful country is the dream many aspire to.
You might think that this is a fantasy and impractical, but making this trip is easier than you think. Let’s take a look at leading tips for your first motorcycle road trip.
Decide on your route
While wandering from place to place does have its appeal, it’s a good idea to come up with a path to your destination first. Then you can take detours as you choose. Don’t just rely on using the GPS when you hop on your bike.
There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider when you make up your route. You’ll probably want to avoid heavily trafficked areas as well as inclement weather. Other considerations include planning out where to stop either to see the sites or to fuel up.
Get the right gear
Making sure that you have clothing that will be safe and comfortable for your motorcycle trip is imperative. Since you won’t have the protection a car offers, you’ll want to make sure that you have clothing that will withstand the elements. Check out the forecast, and be prepared. If you’re planning a summer road trip, light and breathable gear is a must.
You’ll also want to be selective and efficient in packing—remember, you won’t be able to take as much luggage as usual. Lastly, don’t forget to buy a pair of earplugs. You’d be surprised at how loud it can be on the highway. Using a pair of headphones is another alternative to mitigate road noise.
Pick your ride carefully
If you’re going on your first motorcycle road trip, you need to have your priorities straight. While having a cool-looking bike is great, it’s more important to have one that’s comfortable and versatile. You want a motorcycle that you’ll feel good riding for days at a time and that’s suited to longer trips.
Take breaks
Sitting on a motorcycle for many hours can be uncomfortable. Also, as this is your first trip, you may not be used to these lengthy riding sessions. That means you should take more breaks than you normally would on a road trip. Take this time to inspect the motorcycle to make sure everything is working well, and make sure to hydrate.
We hope these tips for a first motorcycle trip have proved valuable. When you’re ready to head out on a motorcycle for the first time, be sure to book your trip with Escape Eagles. We’re a family-owned and -operated motorcycle rental and tour guide company and provide the competitively priced rentals of Harley and Honda Gold Wing motorcycles for one or multiple days. We offer tourists and locals alike the chance to experience the open road atop a powerful bike. Contact us right now to learn more and get started planning the motorcycle trip of your dreams!