5 Tips for Traveling by Motorcycle

Traveling by motorcycle was once something I could not conceive as a desire.  I mean, why would anyone want to strap all of their stuff to a motorcycle and travel long distances? Surely, you can’t carry enough stuff, especially if there are two of you! Don’t forget that seat, it can’t be that comfortable. Well, I was wrong. I was so very wrong! Traveling on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to travel.  Of course there are other ways, and we talk about them throughout our website.  There is just something about being on two wheels traveling down the highway toward your destination  that washes away the stresses of life.  I mean it is almost zen-full.  We call it “wind therapy” or “iron therapy” and it really works.

We have been traveling on our bike for five years now and we have learned a lot over those years.  Our first long distance ride took use from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Grand Junction, Colorado.  We road ## miles in ## hours with friends of ours.  At that time I was riding a Yamaha V-Star 1500.  Not a bad bike, but not really the bike you want to be on for long rides.  My wife just didn’t have the comfort she needed.  Despite the bike not being as comfortable as we would have liked, we still enjoyed the trip. We have continued to make several long distance trips since then.  Here are some tips based on our lessons learned.

There are some tips you need to learn to travel by motorcycle.

TIP 1: You have to have the right bike

You get the same feeling of freedom on any style of bike, but long distance traveling is very different on every type of bike.  I cannot imagine riding on a sport bike for a thousand miles.  You are leaned forward over the gas tank, neck extended up, and well just in an odd position that would get very tiring after a few hours.  People have traveled on them.  When I was at the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Biker Rally in South Dakota I saw many of them, and I didn’t see them on trailers.

The best bikes for long distance, of course, are touring bikes and touring/sport bikes. Most major motorcycle builders have touring models.  You have to get the one that is most comfortable for you and your rider, if you have one. Think about how long you want to ride. Nine hours on a bike is a long time. You need a comfortable seat, handlebars in the right position, and of course room for your stuff.

My wife an I ride a 2010 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic.  It has all the comforts we need that allows use to go for hours.  I think our longest ride took about 11 hours. Having such a comfortable bike under us made that long trip much more delightful.  I am grateful for our first trip on our old less comfortable bike, but now we travel in style and comfort.

TIP 2: Speaking of stuff, you can’t take everything with you

I guess, “you really can’t take everything with you,” is a term that applies to any method of travel, but on a motorcycle you are even more limited. Most touring bikes have three storage compartments (two saddle bags and a trunk) to take advantage of.  If equipped, it might also have a luggage rack on the trunk for a bag. I have been surprised by just how much my wife and I can fit on our bike as we travel.  We tend to travel for 4 to 5 days, so we carry the basics.

When packing, think light weight, roll your clothes for added space, and only the essentials.  If you need something you didn’t pack you can always get it along the way. Ensure you pack things like a sewing kit.  Hey, I once got off the bike and tore the crotch of my jeans. I now carry a sewing kit! We tend to purchase souvenir t-shirts, so consider that when we pack. Consider using saddlebag inserts and travel organizing pouches.

Pack sunscreen.  You are exposed to the sun on the back of that motorcycle.  Take the time to put it on several times a day.

Besides cloths and personal hygiene supplies, carry lots of water and snacks.  My wife thought I was obsessed with a cup holder for the bike.  I searched for the perfect one.  She thought I was crazy until on one long ride she reached over and pulled a water bottle out of the cup hold to take a drink.  She then realized how nice it was to have water at an easy reach.  Riding makes you thirsty, so be prepared.

For more packing tips read 10 Tips for Packing for a Motorcycle Trip

TIP 3: The route

Make sure you take the time to map out your route.  Consider where you will stop to eat and gas up.  If traveling with a group, ensure you know how far the smallest bike can go on a tank of gas.  Plan for plenty of breaks.  This is the one thing I like about traveling on the bike vs. in a car.  You tend to take more breaks.  Breaks not only allow you to stretch out, but they refresh your brain, allow you to take in the scenery, and recharge yourself.  Yes, they add travel time, but remember traveling by motorcycle is all about the journey.  It is not a race!  If Google Maps says it will take six hours to get there, add one to two hours for breaks and meals.

TIP 4: Pick the road less traveled

Stay off the interstates as much as possible.  I get it, sometimes they are a necessary means to travel, but you will get much more enjoyment on the back roads.  It is on the back roads you will find great places to take breaks, see the sights, and enjoy the journey.  Back  roads tend to wind through small towns.  Small towns have road side markets, art festivals, and small dinners to enjoy.  Besides interstates are where the traffic is and the heat from the concrete can allow misery to set in.

TIP 5: Treat yourself

At the end of every journey there should be a restful place to stay.  It should have a pool and more importantly a hot tub.  Long rides will make your muscles achy and tired.  Ending the day in a hot tub is just one way to revitalize those tired muscles.  When you’re planning your stops along the route, try to get a place that has a hot tub and/or pool. Plan this for at least one night of your trip (first night or the night of the longest travel leg). Every couple nights or every night is an even better choice. You will thank yourself later.

Conclusion

Get out there and ride your motorcycle.  See the sites and enjoy your “wind/iron therapy”.  There is more to poker runs on your bike!

Jason Clemens

Travel and Technology writer