What To Pack For A Motorcycle Road Trip

Touring on your motorcycle means chasing down the horizon and exploring the countryside, and it’s a privilege and reward in its own right. The wind in your face and the sun at your back might be your only company, but they can be enough. That doesn’t mean you don’t need anything but the motorcycle and your riding gear, however. Every road trip requires a little prep work to make sure you have what you need to stay comfortable and avoid getting lost or stranded.

We here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson want to make sure you’re ready for anything and everything, so we’ve put together a packing list for your next road trip. If you want to know more, or you’d like to see the touring motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Eugene, Oregon. Our friendly and experienced staff will make sure you get what you need at the prices you want!

Maps

It’s the 21st century, and you probably don’t keep a lot of paper maps with you anymore. We understand, but there are plenty of areas in the middle of nowhere that get poor phone reception. That means neither your phone nor your GPS will work everywhere, or tell you how to find your way if you get lost. Even if they do, those apps drain your battery quickly. Grabbing a paper map from a local gas station can help you avoid getting too turned around, especially if you’re in a desert or mountains where the population is low.

Phone

That doesn’t mean you don’t need your cell phone, of course. We doubt you were going to leave it behind in the first place, but it deserves mentioning how useful a tool it can be. Make sure to bring it, along with a charger. If you get stranded or injured and need to call for help, you’ll need a functional phone to do that. Plus, you can always use the camera to capture road selfies and gorgeous landscapes on your stops!

Food And Water

Your motorcycle has a limited amount of storage space, but at least some of that should be taken up by some non-perishable food and water in case of emergencies. If you do get stranded, you’ll need energy and hydration to make your way to a nearby town or to hold out until help can come. Carry at least a quart of water and some high-calorie, energy-dense foods like granola or jerky.

Extra Clothing

You never know what the weather might bring, or what road hazards you’ll face on your way. If you go into the mountains, you might want a lightweight fleece jacket under your riding jacket to keep you warm. Waterproof gear is useful if there are unexpected showers, as is a change of socks and shirt in case you don’t get it on in time. A riding suit should protect your clothing in most environments, so we recommend investing in one if you don’t have one already.

Repair Kit And First Aid Kit

No matter how well you care for your bike, there’s always the chance that some mechanical problem will arise while you’re on the road. You’ll want to be able to make minor repairs or adjustments to compensate for these. To do that, you’ll need a repair kit with any size of wrench your bike requires, a multi-tool, screwdrivers, and a flashlight. A little bit of preparation will go a long way in an emergency situation.

The same goes for you and your health. If you end up injured or start feeling ill, you’ll be glad you brought a first-aid kit. Make sure it’s equipped with plenty of bandages, gauze, ointments, painkillers, antacids, and other supplies to keep you feeling strong. Also make sure any daily medications you require are packed along, with just enough to get your through your trip and a few days extra.

Cash

Debit and credit cards are convenient until they’re not. In most situations, they and payment apps on your phone will do fine, but you’ll want cold hard cash for when they don’t. You never know when a shop might not accept your cards or might have connection issues.

Paperwork

Obviously, you should always make sure you have your license and registration on you on any ride. Proof of insurance will also be valuable in case you get into any scrapes along the way. If you get into an accident or get pulled over, these forms will be vital for making sure the next stop on your road trip is the one you intended.

We hope these tips help keep you safe and sound on your next touring trip! If you have any questions, or if you’re looking for a bike to make this kind of trip with, contact us at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson. We proudly serve the people of Albany and Corvallis, Oregon—let us serve you today!