Are you organizing a road trip with your motorcycle? You’re going to have a great time! Riding a motorcycle and taking road trips is an excellent way to explore beautiful places and indulge your passion for riding. To have the best trip, you need to pack everything you will need. I’ve prepared a list of essential items for your trip to help you out.
1. Helmet
Make sure to carry a helmet, even if you forget everything else on your packing list. You should always wear a helmet when riding a bike, especially on a road trip, where you are more likely to be fatigued and exposed to the open road. If you’re getting a new helmet for your road trip, we suggest getting one that is comfortable and breathable so you won’t be tempted to take it off while riding. Any helmet that has received DOT approval should keep you safe.
2. Wallet and Paperwork
When riding a bike, you should always have your ID, wallet, and bike registration with you. For longer trips, you might want to bring along some additional documents, such as:
- Copies of your license
- Documents including your emergency contact information
- Insurance cards
- Extra cash or bank cards
- Health-related information
These items may come in handy if you are involved in an accident while traveling and are unable to provide emergency personnel with your contact information. Additionally, keeping extra cash and credit cards on hand will help prevent you from getting stuck if you misplace your wallet.
3. Tool Kit
This is the perfect opportunity to carry a toolkit if you don’t usually have one with you on your bike. When traveling alone, you might not have family or friends nearby to assist you with a flat tire or dead battery. Additionally, you won’t have any other way to get to the closest store to buy the tools you require.
Possible items in your toolkit include:
- A socket and wrench set
- A flat tire repair kit
- An air compressor
- Tools for removing wheels
- Screwdrivers
- Jump leads
- Cable ties
- Spare parts
4. Clothing
When riding your bike, you should pack comfortable, protective gear in addition to your helmet. Don’t forget to include the following clothing in your luggage:
- An armored jacket
- Riding pants
- Boots and gloves
- Riding socks
These protective layers act as a barrier against pebbles and other debris you might encounter on the road and can keep you warm on windy rides.
5. GPS or Maps
Some motorcycle riders prefer to use paper maps for navigation while on a road trip. If this is your choice, use paper maps only when parked or stopped at traffic lights. Alternatively, you might find it simpler to plan your route and adapt to traffic changes instantly using a GPS. If you decide to use your smartphone as a GPS, silence texts and other notifications to avoid distractions while riding.
6. Safety Items
Finally, we recommend taking a few extra items as a precaution for your trip. For example, you may want to pack:
- A flash light
- Extra batteries
- A bike lock
- A way to monitor the movements of your loved ones
- A motorcycle cover
- A spare key
If you follow the packing list above, preparing for your future motorcycle road trip should be simple. Drive carefully and safely to avoid accidents once you’re on the road.
