Checklist For Traveling By Touring Motorcycle
Long-distance travel via motorcycle, or “touring,” has been a popular motorcycle pastime since the early 20th century. While it’s fun to zip down city streets on your bike, just imagine all the wonders that await you on the open road! Touring comes with its own special considerations, however, since you’ll be far from home and limited to what you can take with you on your bike. Plus, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle is in good shape for a long-distance trip. At Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® in Eugene, Oregon, we’re well-versed in motorcycle repair & service, so we can help you get your bike ready for the highway. We’ve also got a great stock of new & used motorcycles if you’re looking to upgrade before embarking on your journey.
Plan Your Route
While spontaneity is part of the fun of touring, don’t leave everything up to chance. It pays to plan out the route you’ll take to the places you want to stop. Look online for construction and traffic information for the highways you want to take. Print out or save directions to your phone or GPS to refer to as necessary. Check out what towns and cities you’ll pass through so you know where you can get a meal, fill up your tank, or just take a break from the road. Maybe you’ll find some new things to explore that you’d never have seen while riding!
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Obviously, you can’t take your whole life with you on your motorcycle. There’s limited storage and you’ll probably need to add saddlebags or a tank bag to your ride to fit everything you need. You’ll want to balance all the weight you add, and make sure you’re not adding too much for the bike to carry. Put heavier items towards the bottom and sides of the bike.
Take clothes that layer well to account for temperature changes, and do laundry frequently along the way instead of overpacking. Invest in a good touring suit, too, and a full-face helmet, which will shield you from the elements. If you’re camping, take a lightweight pillow and sleeping mat.
Pack some snacks and water, just in case you’re traveling a long distance between stops. Make sure to bring a safety kit with repair materials and first aid supplies. Stow this in your backpack or saddlebags. Take a sufficient supply of any medications you need, too.
Inspecting Your Ride
Touring can be hard on your body. Riding all day can take its toll on your muscles and joints. Plan accordingly so you can get adequate rest along your journey. Not only will you stave off pain, you’ll keep yourself alert: remember, fatigue is the enemy of any driver. Eating well and avoiding the pitfalls of fast food will bolster your physical and mental well-being. This keeps you from getting sick just when your journey is underway. Frequent stops to stretch and rest your eyes will make the ride easier and more enjoyable.
When you’re making your trip preparations and find that your motorcycle needs service, be sure to head over to Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® for a tune-up. We’ll help you get ready for your journey into the countryside and beyond with all the parts and services your bike needs. We serve the greater Eugene area as well as nearby Salem and Bend, Oregon.