Tips for Motorcycle Touring
Heading out on the open road and exploring new sights, experiences, and states can be a great adventure. But before you start your trip, you'll want to set yourself up for a successful and safe ride. That's why the experts at Freedom Cycles have gathered our favorite touring tips to share below. When you have finished reading, visit our dealership in Grandview, MO. We also serve motorcycle enthusiasts in Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS
1. Build Your Motorcycle Route
A successful touring trip starts with planning, especially if you are spending the night somewhere. Think about where you are hoping to go. One approach is to follow a preset motorcycle route. There are plenty of suggestions online that take riders to visit tourist attractions, explore an iconic road, and soak up nature. The alternative is you can build your own route from scratch. Figure out where you want your route to end, then see what places you want to stop along the way.
If you'll be needing accommodation for the night, try to book your reservation in advance. Many hotels and campsites fill up quickly, especially if you are traveling to a commonly-visited area. Plus, you can often get early bird discounts for booking in advance.
2. Preparing Your Touring Motorcycle
Next, make sure your touring motorcycle is ready for the journey. You don't want to uncover a problem on the road when you could've fixed it before your trip. Give your bike a thorough inspection. Make sure the tires have enough air pressure and tread. Check to see if any of your fluids need to be topped off. Test all of your lights to make sure none of them have burned out. Go for a quick test ride and check your brakes, paying attention to any odd sounds. If you notice any problems, take your touring motorcycle in for a service appointment as soon as possible.
## 3. Use Strategic Packing Strategies
Your touring motorcycle has limited storage space, so you'll need to be selective about what you bring. Remember that you'll likely be within riding distance of grocery stores, so you can always pick up items that you need. Focus on the essentials, such as water, food, a first aid kit, a mini toolkit, and waterproof outwear if it might rain. If you will be spending the night somewhere, pack along any medications you need, clothing, and toiletries.
One trick is to use travel-sized bottles for all the products you bring along. There is no need to bring a massive bottle of shampoo when you only need a few squirts. You can either pour products into travel-sized bottles or purchase your usual products in their travel-size version.
Another strategy is to get backpacking equipment. These items are designed to take up as little space as possible and to be as light as possible. You don't need to be embarking on a week-long wilderness retreat to enjoy the functionality of these products.
## 4. Take Plenty of Breaks
Your touring motorcycle is designed for comfort, but that doesn't mean you should ride for hours without a break. It's important to stop and rest multiple times throughout your touring trip. This helps prevent highway hypnosis, which happens when you zone out as you drive and realize you don't remember the last few minutes. It also helps keep your muscles and joints from becoming sore. Pull over at a rest stop or park to walk around and give your body and brain a break.
We hope this guide will help you plan your next ride! If you have any questions, contact Freedom Cycles today!