Motorcycle Camping
Nothing matches the feeling of independence and freedom you get from riding a motorcycle, but spending a night under the stars might be about as close as you can get. That might be why camping and motorcycle touring seem like such a natural fit. It just doesn’t feel the same to spend all day on the back of a bike with nothing between you and then landscape and then to get off for the night only to sleep in a hotel.
If you’re considering taking your motorcycle for your next camping trip (or camping on your next motorcycle trip!) there are a few tips that are helpful to know beforehand. Below, we’ve created a list of some of the most helpful gear, best packing tips, and cargo/luggage options for motorcycle riders. If you’re looking to buy your first motorcycle, stop by Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson®. Located in Eugene, we’re just a short hop from Salem, Albany, Corvallis, Roseburg, Bend, Coos Bay, and Medford, Oregon.
Cargo Options
Taking a motorcycle camping is kind of like going backpacking in that space and weight are the main deciding factors for the things you’ll bring. Luckily, there are a number of options for cargo options on the back of your bike that will help to maximize how much gear you can haul. Most cargo storage solutions will involve some mix of saddlebags, a top-side box, a cargo rack, and possibly a top side box. The exact configuration of these will come down to rider preference, and each piece will slightly change the way your bike rides.
Among those basic styles of cargo storage, a few construction materials reign supreme. For vintage bikes or bikes with a more nostalgic design, leather offers a unique and attractive aesthetic. Many leather bags can be waterproofed, too, so you’ll be able to keep your gear out of the elements. The main downfall is that this type of bag has to be carefully maintained. Road salt and chemicals can come to damage them severely.
Dry bags are another common solution for hauling motorcycle gear. These bags are designed to be completely waterproof when used correctly. There soft sides mean they can take different shapes to accommodate different cargo, too.
One of the most popular types of motorcycle luggage is hard side luggage. Saddlebags, panniers, and top-side boxes all frequently come in hard side models. This type of luggage is valued because it is easy to maintain and can be paint matched to the bike. Plus, many models can be locked to keep your gear secure.
Packing Tips
Camping with a motorcycle requires being strict with yourself about what you can and can’t bring because there’s simply not enough room to bring everything you might want. It can be helpful to think of your needs as a person and pack to satisfy the basic needs first. Once you know you you’ve packed shelter, clothing, a means of acquiring drinking water, and equipment for making food and fire, you can start moving on to more of the fun stuff. Since space is limited, a superlight sleeping bag and tent are the most important investments you’ll make. Normally these items are heavy and bulky, but if you put more of you budget into finding superlight models, you’ll save yourself a lot of room and weight.
What you don’t want to do when you’re camping is haul along tons of heavy and bulky items. Food is one of the biggest offenders in this regard. People often bring along food for five days when they are only staying for two or three. While having a surplus of food is nice, if you know you’re going to be riding out after your stay, there’s really no need to haul the extra weight. Another bulky, heavy item tend to bring along is water. If you’re planning on staying at a campsite, you can almost certainly count on the fact that there will be a source of drinking water. Instead of hauling a jug full of water, haul the jug and fill it when you arrive!
Camping on your motorcycle can be fun if you have the right gear and knowledge. It also helps to have the right bike for the ride. Harley-Davidson makes some of the most legendary cruisers and touring bikes in America. Stop by Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® in Eugene, OR to check out their latest models. We’re located in Eugene and proudly serve the cities of Salem, Albany, Corvallis, Roseburg, Bend, Coos Bay, and Medford, Oregon.