Everyone knows how relaxing it is to get on your bike and ride for a while but a road trip well that is a totally different animal. There is a world of difference between the cruise and the grueling road trip. Consider this your road trip primer for motorcycle riders like yourself.
Essential Motorcycle Accessories For Long Trips
First things first, Let’s get comfortable. The first and most basic item on our list of essentials for a road trip is a comfortable riding position. You will probably want to do some customizing to make your bike is more road ready as far as comfort. You will undoubtedly want to invest in an aftermarket seat. One that is super comfortable for you and fits your body like a glove. A good windshield is a must have for a road trip. Although having the wind in your hair is good for cruising the road trip is different. After a while the wind becomes an adversary instead of the welcome friend she once was. Plus there is just so much one can encounter on the road that makes having a windshield a priority. Highway pegs are a must so that you can stretch out once in a while so to speak. A back rest will come in handy for a long trip. You may take some heat for putting a back rest on your bike but your comfort and well being are more important than your biker image. When you have all of this in place you will need to adjust your handlebars and a few other minor things so you can find your most comfortable riding position.
Technology can make your road trip much more comfortable as well. This is done by adding a Bluetooth equipped motorcycle helmet for rider to rider communication as well as linking your to your cell phone and listening to music for some entertainment. Music goes a long way to relax and entertain you when you have been on the road for a while. Placing and receiving calls with the Bluetooth voice command is quite convenient as well. So the Bluetooth helmet is an absolute must have for any long trip. Although being alone with one’s thoughts for a long period may be interesting the blue tooth helmet is a much wiser choice and a safer one since it also provides GPS directions. Touch screen motorcycle gloves is something you may want to have if you think you may need to use your actual cell phone for anything. These high tech gloves are so comfy and so practical for a long trip. They would even work well in your other vehicles for winter in colder climates. Cruise control is something you may or may not wish to have but it would certainly give your hands and arms some much needed respite.
One can’t possibly ride for miles and miles in the wind the rain the sun and other elements of the road without getting gross. It is an unwritten law that one must become nasty with all the weather dust and debris from the road and from other vehicles. You must prepare for this. Just a warning here the first shower after a long ride will be a religious experience. Take along a towel and a quick change of clothes for the ride you won’t regret it.
Weather is something that one might not consider a huge factor but it is definitely a serious one. Weather is changing all the time and moving from place to place makes this even more important to guard against. One really must be prepared to face any and all types of weather when taking a road trip on a motorcycle. Hot cold dry wet those are the extremes you may experience on your road trip. Go prepared to face all these conditions and your trip will be much more pleasant. You will need waterproof equipment that is well ventilated to make the wet times dryer, the cool times hotter, and the hot times cooler. Just make sure you are prepared for the bad weather with a good motorcycle jacket and other gear. The good weather in between the extreme conditions will be totally awesome and will make up for any discomfort you may encounter. Be prepared to even change clothes a few times if necessary.
The road is longer than you think and you need to be prepared to take stretch breaks often. These breaks not only allow you stretch your legs but allow you to relax your mind as well. Your eyes will also appreciate the break. Riding for several hours out on the open road wears on every part of your body and your being. It can impact your concentration causing you to miss something. On the road you need to be alert awake and focused.
Little known fact but the noise factor is a big problem with a road trip on your bike. One should at least take some ear plugs on the road with them and wear them at least part of the time. The road is a noisy dirty environment when you are on your bike and subject to all the hazards there. We have written an article on How To Reduce Motorcycle Wind Noise. You might want to check out that article too.
There are a few other things you will need for a road trip. A small tool kit would be an awesome addition to your essentials list. Fix-a-flat is always good to bring along whether on a bike or in a car. Although GPS is great it is a good idea to always have a physical map as back up. A flash light and some spare batteries will prove helpful. A portable hot spot will prove quite handy because you will certainly find yourself in some areas where there is no cell service. This hot spot could be a nice convenience for your trip or could end up being a life saver. When taking a road trip on a motorcycle a hot spot should be a required take along for sure.
So there it is your road trip primer for your motorcycle. Have fun out there on the open road and don’t forget to be prepared. Happy motoring.
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