5 great tips for a long distance motorcycle trip

November 3, 2015

Long-distance motorcycle trips can be a wonderful experience, providing plenty of adventure and unforgettable thrills. However, it's important to properly prepare for, and realise, the challenges that a long-distance motorcycle trip involves. The following five tips should help you avoid any pitfalls, and stay safe and comfortable throughout your ride.

5 great tips for a long distance motorcycle trip

1. Know when to stop

  • If you're travelling over 150 km in one day, your body and behind will likely get sore.
  • You should try not to push 450-700 km in a single day if you can avoid it, as riding multiple days at that rate will put a serious strain on your back.
  • If you feel fatigued at any point, be sure to stop, or at the very, least take a break.
  • Riding a motorcycle for long periods of time can be physically and mentally exhausting.
  • Knowing your limitations is essential to avoiding serious injury and in making sure you're alert enough to react to danger.
  • You can extend the length of time you can stay on the road by staying hydrated, eating plenty of healthy snacks, and making sure you're fit before attempting a longer trip.
  • You should avoid caffeine and other stimulants, however, as they can quickly make you exhausted.

2. Stay comfortable

  • A big part of a multi-day motorcycle ride is making sure you're as comfortable as possible.
  • Consider investing in an electric warming vest, an especially important accessory for Canadians for dealing with colder weather.
  • You can also purchase specially designed seat cushions that help improve orthopaedic support and prevent pain from the rigours of a long ride.

3. Waterproof essentials

  • One of the best things you can do is invest in a waterproof riding suit, which can help you keep dry and warm during rainy days, which you're bound to run into if you're travelling for very long.
  • Also, think about buying a pair of waterproof rubber boots to slip over your own boots or to wear separately, as they can help you completely seal yourself off from the elements.

4. Proper bike maintenance

  • Make sure your motorcycle is in top working order before you leave on your trip.
  • Check your brakes, tire pressure, lights, and chain. You don't want your motorcycle to breakdown in the middle of a long vacation, and you certainly don't want to damage your vehicle by pushing it past its breaking point.
  • You should also think about utilising a quality motor oil that can keep your engine in good working order for the long haul.

5. Plan your trip

  • It's important to put some planning into your trip.
  • Have an idea of where you'll stop ahead of time.
  • You can still be spontaneous. After all, part of the thrill of riding is taking in the sights and enjoying the ride itself.
  • However, having a hotel booked in advance and knowing your general route can help you avoid dangerous situations where you're on your bike for too long.
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