Motorcycle trips have long been popular with people to see both the US and to explore internal destinations alike. The US special is built for long road trips, and with Route 66, Pacific Coast highway, and Blue Ridge Parkways, perfect for motorcycle trips and trips like an Alps Motorcycle Tour or the Vietnam North Loop for those wanting to travel further afield on two wheels. The world has plenty to offer those preferring this mode of transport.
But just because they’re popular, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to be careful before you leave and when you arrive at your destination. Here are a few things you can do to help you prepare for the best motorcycle trip ever.
Check Your Bike Is Road Worthy
Not just for home legalities, but for the destinations you’ll be riding in, too. This isn’t as much of a problem if you’re hiring your motorcycle when you arrive at the company, or if you hire or will make sure it’s roadworthy.
But you need more than a quick glance over. You need to check that tires comply with legal tread depth and aren’t damaged in any way. Then ensure they’re properly inflated prior to setting off. Check the brakes — pads, disc, and responsiveness. If anything feels off here, get it checked asap then move to your fluids. your oil, coolant, brake fluid, as well as your lights and electrics. If you can, get a full service before you head off to ensure nothing has been missed.
Sort Travel Documents, Legal Requirements, and Insurance
Don’t just assume you know what you need. Actually, you do the research for any state or country you will be visiting or riding through. What you know is correct in your home location won’t always be applicable, not to mention internationally.
Some countries might require an international driving permit alongside your US license. And it’s something really easy to sort out prior to leaving, not so much when you need it.
Ensure you have a space to carry all of your documents with you or your person, should you need them to comply with laws, especially when crossing borders. This is your passport, as well as required license, permits, proof of ownership, and insurance showing you are covered for the duration of your trip. This is both comprehensive motorcycle insurance and travel insurance if required too.
From here, know local laws on helmets, lane splitting rules, emission zones, and toll systems for the entire route. Ensure you know what’s expected of you for breakdown cover and how to get help when you’re in a different location.
Plan Your Route Strategically
This means taking the time to know where the things that matter pop up on your route. It’s fuel planning, especially in remote areas or countries where fuel stations aren’t open 24/7. It’s building rest stops into the day so you can take a rest when fatigue setsinn or heat rises, so you can avoid fatigue and sitting in heavy traffic. Then look at any border crossings you need to make that could slow you down massively. Factor this into your route and allow more time than you think you might need. And don’t forget mobile signals or wifi. Know what type of coverage you can get around your route, where you can access wifi and ensure you have offline maps downloaded or preloaded routes saved for times when you can’t get online.
