long trips on motorcycle

Motorcycle Tourer

Long-Distance Motorcycling: 17 Tips For Enjoyable Riding

Motorcycle Tourer | 7 December 2022 3 March 2021 | Touring , Touring Tips

Last updated: 7 December 2022

Long-distance motorcycling isn’t for everyone. In fact, it’s probably not for most people.

But there will come a day when you’re touring, and you have no choice but to cover a monster day of 400 or 500 miles. It might be even  more  miles (if you’re  really  unlucky) – or for consecutive days.

There are two sides to this coin that you need to consider if you know you have a few massive riding days coming up:  Efficiency and Comfort.

In this post, we’ll go through both elements relating to long-distance motorcycling.

1. Build Stamina For Long-Distance Motorcycling (Pre-Tour)

If the extent of your usual riding week consists of a 40-mile blast on a Sunday morning, you’d be pushing your luck jumping straight into a long-distance tour.

Like everything else in life, you need to build up to it. Start by riding 50 miles and work your way up to a hundred. Then try 150. And 200, and so on, until you can comfortably cover a fair distance in a single day.

Practice allows you to acclimatise to long-distance motorcycling. But it also allows you to test out various luggage options, so you know what works for you in the real world.

Related: Motorcycle Fitness: Get More From Your Tour

2. Refine Your Long-Distance Motorcycling Set-Up (Pre-Tour)

Most people don’t go on Sunday morning rides with full kit. If you’re not used to riding with full luggage , it’s well worth getting used to the feel of your bike when it has panniers , a top box and a roll bag.

Consider riding with luggage whilst building up your stamina with ever-increasing distances (above). Not only will this allow you to get used to the feeling of riding with a fully-ladened bike, but it will also allow you to refine your set-up.

Use these practice rides to try different configurations. Find out if you prefer a tank bag or a tail pack. Try riding with your top box and a waist belt to see what works best for you.

Related posts:

• How To Fit A Top Box To Your Motorcycle
• Why You Need a Motorcycle Touring Roll Bag! 5 Of The Best
• The Best Tank Bags Money Can Buy In 2022
• Expand Your Horizons With A Motorcycle Tail Bag: Top 5
• Shad E-04P PIN System Tank Bag: Review

3. Improve Your Riding Fitness (Pre-Tour)

Riding fitness is one of the most overlooked factors of long-distance motorcycling. But it’s so important that I even posted a dedicated article here.

As mentioned above, long-distance motorcycling is incredibly taxing both physically and mentally. So in the months leading up to your tour, try to get in relatively good shape.

Nobody is saying you have to be able to run a marathon or enter the Iron Man competition. But good cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance will stand you in good stead for long-distance motorcycling.

Decent fitness levels let you complete long-distance trips safely by helping you maintain focus and concentration. Plus, you’ll have enough energy to enjoy your destination once you get there!

Related: 11 Ways To Stay Fit On Tour: Feel Better, Enjoy More!

4. Implement Your Long-Distance Motorcycling Set-Up (On Tour)

Okay, so you’ve tried some different luggage configurations (above). And you know  exactly  what works best for you.

Now (for the actual trip), you need to make sure you pack your kit optimally so you have everything you might need to hand. And I’d definitely recommend a  checklist . Or if you’re camping, here is one from Bikers Rights.

Note:  There’s nothing worse than arriving at a border crossing only to realise your passport is at the bottom of your roll bag! Ensure anything you might need is stored in a place that is easily accessible.

Related: 6 Ways To Stay Organised When Motorcycle Touring

5. Look At The Bigger Picture

It’s easy to go into meltdown when the shit hits the fan. But don’t worry. All is not lost!

Firstly, get your map out (be it a physical one or on your phone), and look over your route. Find where you are and where you need to be. Calculate the miles.

From here, have a look at simple changes. When long-distance motorcycling, the little changes make the biggest differences to the overall route. So, for example:

• Can you swap out any scenic roads for motorways/highways?
•  Avoid notoriously difficult roads or mountain passes.
•  Are there any clear shortcuts you can take?
•  Toll roads are a drag, but in these scenarios, the extra expense is often worth it.

• The Best (Free) Travel Apps For Bikers On Tour
• Our Top Motorcycle Route Planning App Comparison
• 10 Essential Touring Apps For Bikers: A Few Of The Best
• My 9-Step Route Planning Process For Motorcycle Touring
• How To Use A Motorcycle Route Planner To Experience Europe

6. Long-Distance Motorcycling = Early Starts

Getting up earlier is one of the easiest ways to cover more miles in a day .

Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT a morning person. I like to get up at 8am, have some coffee, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and maybe then (after another coffee), I  might  consider getting on my bike.

But by this point, it’s 10am. By the time I’ve packed, it’s 11am, and half of the day (literally) has gone.

If you need to transit, get up early. Get up (and set off) in the dark, if necessary. This will give you a fighting chance of covering as many miles as possible in daylight hours.

Also, I have always found that I cover more miles in the morning than in the afternoon and evening.

In the morning, I’m fresh and enthusiastic about my day. In the afternoon, fatigue starts to set in. I slow down and lack the drive to forge ahead as I did in the morning.

7. Plan Smarter Breaks For Long-Distance Motorcycling

Many people separate fuel stops , lunch breaks, coffee breaks and general ‘stretching’ breaks. But if you’re transiting, plan breaks where you can do all of the above in one place.

Motorway service stations are excellent for making time-sensitive breaks.

Make it a priority to refuel, eat/drink, go to the toilet and stretch your legs all within the shortest time possible.

Bonus tip: Don’t drag out your breaks. The longer you’re off the bike, the less you want to get back on it. Keep them short to maintain that touring mentality and momentum.

8. Eat Little And Often

It’s so tempting to chow down on that massive lunch when you’re starving and have been riding all morning.

And yes, I know that big glass of ice-cold beer looks appetising whilst you’re basking in the sunshine.

But the heavy meal and the beer will leave you feeling lethargic and tired. Save them for your evening meal.

Instead, eat small but healthy meals and wash them down with copious amounts of water.

9. Stay Hydrated

I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping hydrated . Don’t underestimate how much water you will go through on a bike.

Often, we tour in hot climates. And on top of that, we’re sat on top of a burning hot engine.

You’ll be sweating more than usual, and that water needs to be replaced.

9.1. Replacing Electrolytes

In hot climates, it’s not uncommon to go through five or six litres of water (or even more.)

If you’re drinking enough water to keep hydrated, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself lacking in salts.

Make sure you replace those salts with soluble tablets or the occasional electrolyte-rich drink.

9.2. Hydration Packs For Long-Distance Motorcycling

The easiest way to keep hydrated when long-distance motorcycling is with a hydration pack .

Get yourself a 2L hydration pack, fill it up, and sip on it every 10-15 minutes to keep those fluids topped up.

Drink water during your breaks, and don’t forget to re-fill the hydration pack for each leg of your journey.

Related: Tips For Riding Motorcycle Tours In The Heat

10. The Hare & The Tortoise

The optimal way to cover distance is by maintaining a consistent speed.

I see many riders who are aggressive on the throttle (and equally aggressive on the brakes) when they reach a bend in the road.

The quickest riders are those who maintain a steady but consistent speed all day long. Not only is consistency quicker, but it’s safer, more fuel-efficient, sustainable over longer distances, and less tiring.

The same can be said with breaks. Don’t ride hard for an hour and then have a break for an hour because you’re tired.

Bank time by riding consistently for longer. And then team that up with shorter, more time-efficient breaks.

11. Choose Your Riding Buddie(s) Wisely

You really don’t want to be transiting with riding buddies who don’t share your riding style. It’s hard to make up time if your riding buddy wants to stop every half an hour.

On top of this, if you want to make up time (but your buddy wants to stop every 30 minutes), this will lead to arguments and disagreements. Whatever you do, don’t ride mad!

For this reason, I usually choose to ride alone.

If you’re planning on long-distance motorcycling by yourself, try these posts:

• Group Motorcycle Riding: Top Tips You Should Know
• Should You Consider A Motorcycle Touring Holiday?
• 7 Self-Indulgent Solo Motorcycle Touring Tips: Be Selfish!
• Solo Motorcycle Touring: Tips For The Brave

12. Caffeine And Long-Distance Motorcycling

Caffeine can be a wonderful thing, but it’s worth drinking it wisely. If you usually abstain from caffeine, you will get a real hit from an espresso if you have one when you’re really beginning to fatigue.

However, don’t drink too much!

Caffeine (for me, at least) acts in the same way as sugar or alcohol. I get an initial surge of energy, but my mood dips significantly if I have too much. Then I get sleepy and irritable.

For this reason, space your caffeine hits out throughout the day. Allow a good few hours between drinks so you can get the energising effects from it without the diminishing effects of having too much.

13. Wear The Right Gear

Having the appropriate gear for the conditions makes all the difference. If you can keep warm, ventilated, cool and dry, you’re on to a winner!

Being able to swap out gloves also helps if you have room in your top box.

If you can buy riding gear that is waterproof and breathable, all the better! If not, ensure your waterproof gear is accessible so you can put it on quickly if the weather turns ugly.

Here’s a decent list of gear-related posts if you’d like to explore further:

• 10 Best Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots (Men’s & Women’s)
• Furygan Adventure Suit Review: 5,000 Miles In The Arctic Circle
• How To Keep Your Gear Dry On A Motorcycle Tour
• My Favourite Motorcycle Touring Gear (From Experience)
• Why Motorcycle Base Layers Are ESSENTIAL For Touring
• Tested: This Is Why You Need A Keis Heated Jacket!
• We Tested It: Altberg Motorcycle Boots (30,000+ Mile Review)

13.1. Helmets For Long-Distance Motorcycling

A special note about helmets .

Don’t be tempted by an open-face helmet just because it looks cool. Make your life easier and get yourself a full-face helmet.

With a full-face helmet, your head, eyes, and face are completely protected (including your lips from the sun.)

Not only does it protect you from the wind, rain, and other flying debris you might come across, but it also protects you from any bugs on a kamikaze mission to destroy your retinas.

• We Tested It: Shark Spartan Carbon Motorcycle Helmet (Long-Term Review)
• We Tested It: HJC R-PHA 90s Carbon Motorcycle Helmet
• What Are The Top 10 Quietest Motorcycle Helmets?

The Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets: Budget To Premium

• 10 Top Dual-Sport & Adventure Motorcycle Helmets In 2022

14. Long-Distance Motorcycling: Ride With A Screen

Screens are funny because there is no one-size-fits-all.

Different people like different screen heights for a whole range of reasons. The best thing you can do is either get an adjustable one or one you know you are comfortable with.

Riding without a screen on quiet, country roads is all well and good. But riding 700km on the motorway at 130kph is something different entirely!

Protect yourself with a screen that takes the hit for you.

Related: Windshield vs No Windshield On A Motorcycle: Your Ultimate Guide

15. Wear Earplugs

As with screens, you can get away with not wearing earplugs on a leisurely jaunt to the countryside. But when you’re spending hours and hours on the motorway, the constant engine, traffic, and wind noise can really sap your energy.

Physically, the constant noise can leave you with headaches. But mentally, it can become exhausting and even hinder your sleep.

Earplugs also help you stay alert for longer without the constant barrage of noise in your ears. They make your ride safer.

Our recent reviews (if you’re interested) include earplugs from Pinlock and Decibullz .

16. Tailor Your Bike For Comfort

During your pre-tour stamina rides (at the top of this post), write a list of things that make you uncomfortable on the bike.

Maybe you get achy wrists. Or perhaps your arse starts to hurt after a few hours in the saddle. Now make any necessary changes to alleviate these issues before you leave.

I always ensure the handlebars are at a height that works for me. I also adjust the levers to fit the natural angle of my hands.

Footpegs that vibrate are another pet peeve! Try to find some with a rubber top that will absorb vibrations whilst riding.

16.1. Consider An After-Market Seat Or Seat Pad

This isn’t always necessary, but a seat pad is a nice luxury if you can afford it.

It’s especially important if you’re unable to ride for any period without getting pins and needles or numbness.

If you find your motorcycle seat uncomfortable, swap it out before you leave for your tour. Failure to do so will result in a very miserable few weeks!

17. Power Up For Long-Distance Motorcycling

If your bike doesn’t have a power port as standard, it might be worthwhile investing in one.

Power ports can come in handy if (for example) the hard-wiring of your GPS fails. Rather than continue your trip without GPS, you can simply plug it into the power port.

I also use mine to charge my phone or camera equipment on the move.

If you have heated gear (jacket/gloves etc.), a port can also be another way to power them.

Power gives you options. So make sure you have a way to feed those devices!

Top image: Wendy Wei

A Guide To Motorcycle Earplugs: Protecting Your Lugs!

About - Contact - Editorial Guidelines - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

The Complete Guide to Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding

Long-distance motorcycle riding is not for the faint of heart. Taking your bike to and from the office is one thing, but straddling two wheels for long hours over multiple days is a whole different kettle of fish. Therefore, you can’t go into touring without a plan, an idea of what to expect, and an arsenal of tips for long motorcycle trips.

With that in mind, we’ve put together the essential guide to long-distance motorcycle riding. After reading this, you’ll have more confidence to make your road trip both successful and memorable (for all the right reasons). 

Remember to Be Flexible

Before we get into it, we’re going to give you the number one rule of long-distance road trips: be flexible. 

Of course, you’re going to need a plan. However, plans change. It doesn’t matter how good your plan is, there’s always the potential for complications, including:

• Weather complications
• An unexpected get-off
• General riding fatigue

As a result, always leave a little wiggle room in your plan. Whether this be for the above or for a kitsch sightseeing opportunity (‘Ostrich World’ anyone?) – remain open-minded about your riding schedule. 

Motorcycle Touring Preparation: How to Get Ready

Now that we’ve got the number one rule out of the way, here’s what you need to get this show on the road. 

Plan Your Route

To begin, it’s always important to know where you’re looking to go and the best route to take. 

Seems obvious, right? Well, yes. But this essential first step will determine everything you need to learn, prepare for, and pack for your road trip. This will also allow you to plan out your daily riding goals, as well as your breaks along the way.

PRO TIP: It’s best to stop for meals during quieter serving time. That way, you’re not wasting valuable riding time waiting for food. So, in the lead-up to your trip, practice eating breakfast between 10 am and 11 am or lunch between 2 pm and 3 pm.

Build Riding Stamina

You can’t go from commuting mode to touring mode overnight. Moreover, if the extent of your riding is a leisurely ride every weekend, you’re going to need to build up some riding stamina. 

We recommend slowly building up your stamina in the weeks leading up to your trip. So, one day, go 50 miles. Next weekend, go up to 100. The weekend after, crank it to 150. And so on and so on. Keep doing this until you feel comfortable covering a substantial amount of miles in one day. 

This will get you accustomed to longer distances and give you the chance to test out various luggage set-ups before you set off (more on that later).

Focus on Your Own Level of Fitness

In addition to building your riding stamina, you need to work on your own stamina. Long-distance motorcycling is both mentally and physically taxing. Therefore, you should get into good shape before hitting the road. 

However, you don’t need to get shredded or look like an extra in Magic Mike. A good level of cardiovascular fitness and endurance will put you on the road towards a successful tour.

The knock-on effect of improving your fitness is that it will help you maintain focus and concentration and, therefore, improving your motorcycle safety. On top of that, you’ll have more energy in between rides, too!

PRO TIP: Don’t stop there! If you want to feel fresh and alert on the road, you should also work on improving your sleeping and eating habits. We recommend installing a sleep app and eating more mindfully before your trip. 

Refine Your Motorcycling Set-Up 

While you’re building up your riding stamina, it’s worthwhile fine-tuning and refining your motorcycling luggage set-up.

Here are some of the different motorcycle bags and luggage options you may want to test out or consider for your road trip:

• Leg waist belt

This will allow you to get used to riding with luggage and will give you an idea of what your final packing list will look like.

Get a Final Packing List Together

In order to land on your final luggage set-up, you’ll need to put together a final packing list in addition to a general checklist to make sure you and your bike are tour ready. 

There are a lot of variables that go into both of the above, and they will differ depending on:

• The length of your trip
• The conditions you’re riding in
• Your accommodation along the way
• Your weight and your bike’s weight (and the weight of any passengers)

It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. You just need to get organized and prepare early on.

Tips for Long Motorcycle Trips: What to Know When You’re on the Road

Start your engines! Now you’ve got everything ready, here are some tips to follow while on the road.

Start Early

Long-distance motorcycle trips mean early starts. This can be challenging if you – or members of your party – aren’t morning people. However, it’s in your best interest to use all the hours of daylight available to you. 

Early mornings mean you’ll be able to cover more asphalt and give you a window to be flexible.

Take Smart Breaks

There are lots of different types of breaks you may take while on a long-distance motorcycle road trip – these could include:

• Lunch breaks
• Coffee breaks
• Water breaks
• Stretching breaks
• Bathroom breaks
• Refuelling or recharging breaks

A bad habit a lot of riders fall into is thinking these need to be done separately. Far from the truth. We would recommend combining all of these.

The perfect place to do so? A motorcycle service station. A stop allows you to quickly refuel, eat/drink, go to the bathroom, and stretch your legs all within the shortest time possible.

PRO TIP: If you’re riding an electric motorcycle , you’ll need to plan out where you’re going to charge up before hitting the road. We recommend bookmarking some electric vehicle charging stations on your route through the PlugShare website – preferably ones where you can grab a quick bite.

Eat Little and Often

As mentioned above, you want to have multiple quick bites while on the road. By that, we mean eating small amounts frequently. 

We get it. When you’ve been riding all morning, it’s tempting to have a huge lunch and a cold beer. However, you will not thank yourself when it comes to your afternoon riding – you’ll end up too full and lethargic.

Save your big meal  – and that brewski – for the evening, after you’ve finished riding. 

Drink Lots of Water

We can’t stress how important it is to remain hydrated during a cross-country motorcycle trip. Think of it this way, would you run a marathon without drinking a lot of water? Of course not! The same applies here.

Long-distance riding is also a marathon, you’re just using two wheels instead of two legs. What’s more, if you’re touring during the summer, wearing full leathers, and sitting above a hot engine all day – you’re going to sweat a lot! That water needs to be replaced. 

However, much like eating, you don’t want to chug a couple of liters of water in one go! It’s better to continuously drink small amounts while on the road. The easiest way to stay hydrated en route is to pack a water bladder, keep it filled up, and position the hose close to your mouth.

Aid your Hydration With Electrolyte Supplements

As anyone who has ridden in very hot climates will tell you, it’s normal to drink up to 5-6 liters of clear stuff a day. 

However, that’s easier said than done and you don’t want to fall into a situation where you’re lacking in salts. Therefore, we recommend packing some electrolyte drinks or tablets as an extra precaution.

Drink Less Coffee

Caffeine is one hell of a drug. A cup of joe gives us that much-needed jolt in the morning and, on the road, it’s no different. 

That being said, even if you’re a caffeine-lover, we recommend keeping an eye on your caffeine intake during your road trip. If you have too much at once, you’ll go from being wired to having a monumental energy crash. This will both affect your enjoyment of the ride and dull your senses,  potentially resulting in you making mistakes while riding. 

If in doubt, always go for water over coffee, tea, or energy drinks!

Wear Earplugs

While we believe you should wear earplugs every time you ride, you especially need them for the long distances you’ll be covering. 

Consistent engine, traffic, and wind noise can not only damage your long-term hearing, but they will also sap your energy levels, give you headaches, and affect your sleep while on the road. So, do yourself a favour, and invest in some high-quality earplugs. 

Take a look at some of the motorcycle earplugs we recommend in our blog on must-have motorcycle gadgets .

Be Ready For Flat Tires

Punctures are predictable. You can never be sure when a flat tire will occur, so make sure you’re ready for it. 

Therefore, we recommend you keep a small repair kit and an inflation tool (pump or CO2 cartridges) somewhere easy to access in your road trip luggage. Furthermore, if you have tubed tires, be sure to remember spoons and have some way of raising your bike.

Change Tires Before the Trip

If you’re going on a really long journey or heading on a tour with challenging road conditions and elements, it may be worth changing your tires. 

With motorcycle tires of over 5 years, it’s recommended you do an annual inspection, while motorcycle tires of over 10 years need replacing. However, you know your tires and your rides!

You should visually inspect your tires , the depth of the threads, and any damage caused by impact or unusual wear and tear. If in doubt, get an inspection ahead of your trip. However, if your tires are around the 5-to-10 year mark, consider treating yourself to some new ones ahead of your trip.

Our Final Tips for Long Distance Motorcycle Riding

Just to be sure you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s, here are some final tips to ensure your motorcycle tour is a complete success. 

Choose Your Riding Crew Wisely

You don’t want to be halfway on your trip and realize your riding buddies don’t share your riding style. This will end up causing friction and arguments in the groups and can lead to a big motorcycle touring no-no: riding angry. 

Riding angry not only stops you from enjoying the road trip, but also puts you and others at risk. Your attention will end up on how often the other rider wants to stop or how late they wake up, instead of the road!

So have a serious think about who you go with and if you have the same riding style or goals. And, if you and your motorcycle riding community are on a different page, you can always ride solo!

Let Others Know Where You’re Heading

If you do decide to ride alone, it’s a good idea to let people close to you know your itinerary. 

When you’re on a long motorcycle journey, chances are you’ll be riding through unfamiliar territory. However, by letting friends and family know where you’re heading, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you can rest easy knowing they’ll know where to find you.

Moreover, due to the wonders of modern technology, there are multiple apps where you can plot your ride and where others can track your progress in real-time.

How in-depth you decide to go is up to you, just be sure to let others know where you’re heading!

Sort Your Accommodation Ahead of Time

Whether you’re staying in hotels, motels, hostels, or campsites, we recommend you get it all booked ahead of time. 

There are a few benefits of sorting out accommodation before you head out, including:

• It’s better than doing it after a full day of riding
• Ensures accommodation isn’t sold out (during peak season or a popular event nearby)
• It’s usually cheaper!

However, if you’re unable to book ahead of time or your bookings don’t work out for some reason, we’d like to remind you of rule #1 again. Yep, be flexible.

The Golden Rule: Enjoy it!

Being flexible and following all of the above will help you achieve the golden rule of any long-distance motorcycle trip. Above all else, enjoy yourself!

A motorcycle road trip reminds us of the reasons we began riding in the first place: being off the grid, exploring unfamiliar and beautiful places on two wheels, and meeting like-minded people along the way.

Follow the above, and you’ll be ready to hit the road and fully enjoy your road trip!

Mark Linsdell

Related posts.

How Clean Vehicles Are Saving the World

• The Complete Guide to Electric Motorcycle Incentives and Grants [USA Edition]

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Motorcycle Gear for Men

Visit damon.

• Damon Motorcycles
• Electric Motorcycle
• Future Motorcycles
• Motorcycle Industry
• Motorcycle Technology
• Motorcycling Gear
• Uncategorised

Recent Posts

• 9 Things To Avoid When Buying Your First Motorcycle
• Do You Need a License for an Electric Motorcycle? (And Other FAQS) 
• The 8 Must-Have Gadgets for Motorcycle Riders
• 7 YouTube Motorcycle Channels to Subscribe to in 2023

• Account Settings

Classifieds

Bike reviews, product reviews.

• Best Motorcycle Cameras
• Best Motorcycle Earplugs
• Best Motorcycle Oil
• Best Leather Jackets
• Best Winter Gloves
• Best Sportbike Tires
• GPS Buyers Guide
• Adventure Touring
• On-Off-Road
• Sport-Touring
• Touring Scooter
• Harley-Davidson
• Royal Enfield

New Rider's Hub

Top stories.

10 Best Motorcycles for Long Distance Riding

There are a lot of ways to go for a long distance tour. These days, offerings are plentiful when choosing a steed to gallop your way across the country. There are even a few liter bikes that come equipped with cruise control, if you’re into that sort of thing. From dedicated six-cylinder sport tourers, to Dakar inspired adventure bikes, there has probably never been a better time to choose a touring motorcycle.

We’ve put together a list of the 10 best motorcycles for long distance riding. If you think we’ve left anything out, which is bound to happen when choosing only 10, leave them in the comments section below.

1.) KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

KTM’s lineup of what the company categorizes as Travel consists of the 690 Enduro R, 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure S, and 1290 Super Adventure R. The two 1290s are equally set up for touring though we opted to include the R version in this list to differentiate it as not only a touring bike for long distances, but a motorcycle that will take you further than the pavement allows.

With its off-road focused 21 x 18-inch wheel combination, there are plenty of tires from street-biased to pure knobbies that you can fit onto the big Katoom. When it comes to eating up miles, the Adventure can hang with the best of them, on or off-road, with its neutral seating position and laundry list of touring features including a 6.1-gallon gas tank, adjustable windscreen, cornering LED headlight, big ‘ol TFT display from which you can view plenty of trip info, connect to your phone, and use the KTM My Ride feature, and of course, cruise control. You’d be a fool not to consider this bike for your next transcontinental excursion, unless you’re just not comfortable with a 35-inch seat height.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Review: First Ride

2.) BMW K1600GTL

Lux touring at its finest. The BMW K1600GTL exudes luxury sport touring while feeling like a precisely engineered German machine. The star of the show, the 1,649cc inline-Six, is smooth and ready to deliver a claimed 160 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque at the twist of a wrist. The GTL is equally adept on twisty canyon roads as it is gobbling up miles down the highway. The electronically adjustable suspension soaks up road irregularities with ease, providing one of the most compliant and cush rides we have experienced, all the while allowing the ride to be tailored to the pilot’s preference at the push of a button, er, wheel in the BMW’s case. Navigating through the plethora of adjustments and information is mostly done with a rolling wheel interface on the left-hand switchgear. The K1600GTL dethroned the Gold Wing in our last big touring shot, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

2014 BMW K1600GTL Exclusive Review – First Ride

3.) Honda Gold Wing

Ah, the Honda Gold Wing. A juggernaut in the touring market since its inception in 1975. The Gold Wing has long been held as the gold standard in touring motorcycles, providing its riders with the utmost comfort and wind protection while offering Honda’s exceptional engineering to keep the behemoth feeling much lighter than it should. Now in its newest iteration, the Gold Wing can be had with Honda’s automatic transmission, known as DCT which is particularly convenient for touring. Evans Brasfield and our dearly departed (from MO ) Sean Alexander spent quite a bit of time on the new Gold Wing, Alexander at the press launch two-up with his wife, and Brasfield on the Nuclear Tour bringing the Wing home from Texas. As Evans states in the dual-story write-up: “impressions of the Gold Wing Tour stand out as remarkably positive”. The only flack the new Wing seems to be getting is for the reduction in storage space, an odd choice for a touring bike until you consider Honda shrunk the entire machine.

2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour Review

4.) Yamaha Venture Transcontinental

Having spent a fair amount of time both solo and two-up on the Yamaha Eluder – basically the Venture sans trunk and a few features – I would be happy riding either model for months on end, of course the extra storage and backrest would be preferred for a passenger. The 1,854cc beating heart of the Yamaha Venture is addicting. The low rumbling bass coming from the exhaust is unmistakably V-twin, yet in a class of its own. The massive torque delivered smoothly through the belt drive is more than enough to pull you and your passenger up winding roads in to Yosemite or the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Though the front of this bad boy looks like a `60s muscle car, modern niceties can be found behind that monstrous nostalgic fairing in the way of a large central screen giving access to navigation, Bluetooth, trip info, Sirius XM and all sorts of other information. Also found on the big touring machine are two alternators delivering 750 watts, heated everything, four speakers with dual-zone audio control, storage cubbies all over the place, fog lights, and a security system. If you fancy yourself some V-twin touring, this is the most high tech way of doing it.

2018 Yamaha Star Venture First Ride

5.) Harley-Davidson Electra Glide/Touring line

Nothing will make you feel more American than rambling down a lone highway with a pulsing Harley-Davidson V-Twin rumbling beneath you. H-D’s new Milwaukee Eight can be found in 107 cu in and 114 cu in variants and provide ultra-smooth torque synonymous with the brand. The classic Harley Electra Glide has been a staple of American motorcycle touring for decades. Companies like EagleRider Motorcycle Tours & Rentals have sculpted their business around the world’s interest in riding American motorcycles in America, and it’s no surprise. I’ve never owned a Harley, yet I still get excited to ride one any time I get the chance. It’s an experience of its own.

2017 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited First Ride Review

Harley-Davidson Fairing Comparison: Ultra Touring Glide-Off

6.) Kawasaki H2 SX SE

Not really a touring guy? More interested in sport, than sport touring? The Kawi H2 SX SE might be the perfect blend of supercharged performance with touring accouterments. It’s a touring bike with a supercharger, launch control, and a quick shifter, or maybe it’s a sport bike with a larger windscreen, LED cornering lights, comfortable seat, heated grips, and centerstand. If your idea of touring involves warp speed, the H2 SX SE will have you doing so luxuriously.

2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Ride Review

7.) Ducati Multistrada 1260

The Multistrada is Ducati’s answer for those Ducatisti looking to travel in comfort with all the raucous performance that the unrelenting Italian manufacturer has built into its bikes since the beginning. As you first flick the Multi 1260 onto its side through a corner, you’ll be amazed that a motorcycle the size of this could possibly handle so closely to its sportier counterparts – and don’t get me started on the engine. It has performance for days with torque to make it all practical or at the very least to launch you out of the tightest hairpin corners with ease. The ability to adjust the engine character and suspension coupled with the laundry list of acronyms used to describe all of the tech crammed into the Multistrada make this truly the Swiss (Italian?) army knife of Ducatis.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 First Ride Review + Video

8.) Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS

The Turismo Veloce is another long-legged Italian stunner in the touring realm. It’s the lightest, most agile touring bike on this list and the Turismo also comes in with the least cubic centimeters, though if you’re a fan of Italian sportbikes and intoxicating exhaust notes, the MV is worth a look. We included the all new Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS because it is the company’s top-of-the-line touring model – equipped with luggage, heated grips, electronic suspension, and adjustable ride modes among other touring bits.

What also makes the Lusso intriguing is that little red circle visible through the lexan clutch cover. For the first time ever we see the American company, Rekluse who is well known in the off-road segment, team up with a manufacturer to develop the Smart Clutch System (SCS) found on the Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS.

2018 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS First Ride Review

9.) Indian Roadmaster

For a long time, if you wanted an American touring bike, you had one option. Ever since Indian burst back onto the scene in its most recent iteration, the company has been producing great bikes with even better motors. Backed with the R&D department only a large company could provide (Polaris), Indian has produced two fantastic motors and built a model range around those two to rival its competitors. The Roadmaster is an undoubtedly big touring machine, but it will eat up a thousand miles for dinner and go back for seconds, all the while having the latest and greatest available for sound, ride and bike information, and navigation all available in the fairing mounted screen. Going two-up? There’s a big cushy seat for your passenger, too.

2017 Indian Roadmaster Classic Review: First Ride

10.) Triumph Tiger 1200

I’ve spent hundreds of miles on the Tiger touring two-up to solo riding through Jeep trails and I’ve come away very happy with the Tiger 1200. The 2018 XCa model is certainly one of the more road-biased adventure bikes, and that’s just fine because you can adjust power modes and suspension for touring or sport on road, then flip to off-road setting when the pavement ends. It’s an adjustable steed with a fantastic Triple engine and relatively maintenance-free shaft drive. The model we rode came equipped with heated seats fore and aft, heated grips, fog lights, skid plate, and a beautiful TFT display from which to read all sorts of information. One of my few gripes is the small-ish (in relation to other ADV bikes in the category) gas tank. It’s so comfortable, you could definitely keep riding further than the tank will allow.

2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa Review

Riding The Triumph Tiger 1200 To And Fro

Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.

More by Ryan Adams

Join the conversation

I'll take a 650 V strom or DR650 and stay off the highways. Not a fan of boat anchors.

No Concours 14 or FJR ???

Find your Motorcycle

Specs classifieds, popular articles.

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Review – First Ride

What’s the Worst Name for a Motorcycle? – Question of the Day

Bimota to Replace Kawasaki in WSBK

Metzeler Roadtec 02 Tire Review

Top 5 Maxi-Scooters

You may also be interested in.

Bagger Racing: Do You Dig It? – Question of the Day

Are Parallel-Twins Really That Boring? – Question of the Day

The Most Beautful Bike at EICMA: Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono RVE

The Yamaha R1 Is Going Away

BMW R 18 One Eight "C" by Paul Yaffe

Secure Your Place at World Ducati Week 2024: Tickets Now Available

Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid Are Coming to America for 2024

KTM Unveil The 2024 1390 Super Duke R Evo

MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Added to MotoGP COTA Round

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO Review – First Ride

2024 Harley-Davidson FLI Hydra-Glide Revival Specs Leaked

2024 Yamaha MT-09 – First Look

Codename Colt: Indian’s Next Chief Variant

2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Range – First Look

MO February Giveaway: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 Tires

Pirelli Launches SCORPION Trail III Adventure Tire

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and GT – First Look

The Ultimate Guide To Preparing For A Long-Distance Motorcycle Road Trip

If you don’t do cross-continental touring every summer as part of your owning a long-distance touring cruiser , you’ve come to the right place! This guide is meant to get you through the basic, and a couple of the advanced, things you need to do to prepare for a long distance motorcycle trip. The first thing we should really do here is actually define what is meant by long distance, which in the motorcycling world is pretty much any trip that takes more than a day to complete.

You could be riding to see your friend a couple of states over, you could be travelling across thousands of miles to attend an event, or you could just be out there on a bit of a riding getaway, to leave the city behind and enjoy the open road. No matter the reason, each trip will need to start with the most basic thing of all: planning.

Planning Your Trip

It sounds so easy, doesn’t it? Those three words that are the header of this section. Yet, this is quite possibly the most difficult, and most crucial, part of the trip. If you don’t plan your ride, rest assured that whatever tricks Mr Murphy has up his sleeves, they will happen to you.

Mapping Out Your Route

In today’s high tech world, many people are happy to just put their smartphone in a mount, twist the throttle, and off they go. If you’re staying within the city limits, this is perfectly acceptable, as familiarity with the roads, and stopping to ask for directions in less familiar parts of town, is all part and parcel of being on the road.

When you are going between cities, states, even countries, however, you will always want to have the good old analogue backups: directions and a map. Bring along a printout of your route from your favorite mapping site, a list of the major turns, distances, and such, and a few pens as you will lose one or more along the way.

As you reach each planned turn, stop, overnight location, take out your pen and put a checkmark beside the directions you followed (don’t cross them out in case you need to backtrack), and circle those major events on the map printout to make sure you know where you are. This is part of the fun of the trip, because you can either take it the quickest route, or plan some touristy things like a famous diner or the world’s biggest paper airplane museum along the way.

The Weather

It cannot be overstated enough, plan for everything. Pack the removable waterproof lining of your touring pants and jacket in your saddlebags or backpack. Have multiple sources, and quantities, of water on you at all times. Read the forecast for your expected trip dates, and plan rest stops, water refills, washroom breaks, and expect to need more than you actually plan for.

As almost 99.9% of motorcycle riding happens above freezing, you don’t need to worry about things freezing during the day, but in some parts of the country, it can get extremely cold and windy, sometimes life-threateningly so, if you don’t research your route and plan accordingly. It’s surprising how many riders will call for rescue if they are planning to camp during their route, only to find that it can get damned close to freezing in the middle of Nevada at night. Riding gear comes with removable thermal liners for a reason…

However, the most important thing of all is water. Humans can survive weeks without food, but only days without water. Having a backpack with a hydration bladder, that you also have three bottles of water packed into, as well as the 4 1L bottles of water in your saddlebags , two to a side… always, always, always have water.

Riding is a physical thing, you will sweat, and you will need to replenish. Also, having some salty snacks along the way to have with the water will keep your electrolytes up, especially during hot summer trips. Looking for new gear? Check out our wBW review of the Wolfman Bottle Holster and Wolfman Expedition Saddlebags .

How Are You Sleeping During The Trip?

Ever notice how if you do even a half day of riding, by the time you go to bed at night, your body is practically begging for sleep? Riding requires a lot more focus and body energy than driving does, and so you need a good night’s sleep to keep riding the next day. This is something adventure riders will love to tell you about, with their tents and sleeping bags, jerry cans of fuel and water, and big bags of food strapped across the back of their bikes.

If you’re camping it out, a decent one man tent, a roll of foam insulator, and a decent sleeping bag are crucial. The tent keeps you out of the weather, the foam insulator literally does what it says on the label, and a good sleeping bag will keep you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s stupidly hot.

If you’re doing the motor motel style, book ahead with cancellation coverage. It costs a few bucks extra, but if your entire trip is wiped out from unexpected breakdowns, a crash, or just blind fate, then you can at least get your booking deposit back. Also, be realistic when planning your overnight stops!!!

Do not expect to be able to ride 700 miles in one day. 450 miles is about the absolute maximum you should realistically plan for, as if you are going 70 MPH the entire time, stopping once for fuel and lunch, it will still take you almost 6.5 hours to travel that distance. And that’s not accounting for traffic, varying speed limits, other drivers, getting a flat tire, needing to stop to drink some water, etc…

Know your bike’s average fuel mileage. Plan to stop every time you have about a third of a tank left. This may be stopping several times a day for gas, but also plan those stops out during your mapping preparation.

The third of a tank rule is a good one to have, as it gives you enough leeway that if the gas station you planned on stopping at is no longer there, closed that day, or undergoing maintenance, you have enough gas to ride to the next available gas stop. If you’re going to do Route 66, then bring a small jerry can cargo netted to the pillion seat on your bike at the very least, because even with the best of preparations, you can still get stranded.

Training For Your Trip

As much as you plan for your trip, part of that planning, an extremely important part, is training for it. You don’t win the Boston Marathon by jogging around the block a few times on the weekend before. In a similar vein, you shouldn’t do marathon riding sessions without acclimating your body to it.

Start a couple of months before the trip if you can. Go riding in the evenings and on the weekends. Start off at a couple of hours on the bike. On the weekends, go on day trips, 5-7 hours on the bike but close to home so if something goes South, you’re close enough to not be stranded.

As the actual trip itself approaches, do several day trips fully loaded up with all the gear, approximate food and water weight, sleeping bag, tent, etc, all on your bike. Get used to how it affects your acceleration, braking, and most importantly cornering. You may need to stiffen the rear suspension a click or two. You might need to mildly overinflate your tires to handle the extra weight.

The weekend before your trip, don’t ride at all. Rest. Recuperate. Do low stress activities like watching a movie, binging Netflix, reading a book. Let your mind relax. Get lots of sleep.

You’ll find that when you actually set out on the trip, those 8 weeks of training have given you more energy and ability to handle the trip than if you just swung a leg over and didn’t train at all.

Have An Emergency Plan

Even with all the planning and training you’ve put in, things can still go wrong. Very, very wrong. In one of the outer pockets of your jacket, have a sheet, folded up and in a ziploc bag, labelled very clearly “Emergency Plan & Contacts.” That way, if you encounter a situation where you are rendered unable to speak, such as if you are intubated after a crash, you can still point to the pocket and list out who to call, any medications or allergies, and the like.

Also, share your itinerary with at least two people. One at your departure point, and one at your arrival point. If you’re doing the motor motel overnight stays, the motels themselves are excellent places to share your itinerary with. Tell them when you expect to arrive, and if you don’t, call you on your cell, and if that doesn’t connect, have them call one of the other two people that know your itinerary. If you’re lying in a ditch on the side of the road with your bike halfway up a tree, knowing that someone is calling someone and getting the ball rolling on getting a search on for you is reassuring!

You can also get tracking tabs (such as the Monimoto and Invoxia GPS trackers ) for your bike, and as long as someone has the right passcode to view the GPS tracking data, they can actually keep track of where you are at any given moment. Many of these tracking tabs also have an SOS mode, that allow you to send out an emergency signal via SMS or wireless cellular data.

What To Pack

Since we’re all about safety while riding here at webBikeWorld, ATGATT . Bring the waterproof and/or thermal liners for your gear. If you have them, bring extra interior padding and liners for your helmet. Wear motorcycle appropriate base layers for the expected climate. Silly as it sounds, bring extra socks. As crass as it sounds, there is a World War II American Army saying about socks: “Feet, neck, hands, balls, four pairs gets ‘em all.” Socks are your go-to emergency keep-warm tools, so have some handy.

If you don’t have waterproof touring gear , get a decent set of rain shells that go over your gear.

If you have the space, bring a spare visor for your helmet, or a clear one if you use a smoked one during the day. Bring motorcycle rated sunglasses that have polycarbonate lenses in case your visor breaks or you need to ride with the visor up for any reason.

Pack multiple earplugs, especially the cheap foam ones that can be kept in a pocket and discarded (in the garbage bin or your used earplugs back so you can dispose of them properly when at your destination) after the day’s ride.

Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen. The back of your neck will thank you. Trust us on this one.

Chapstick, anti-itch balms, and those little travel bottles of moisturizing hand cream. Exposure to wind for 5-8 hours a day is something your body generally isn’t used to, so a little moisturizing cream on the neck and face at the end of the day is a little luxury that costs you a couple of bucks to have for the entire trip.

In one of your pockets, pack a good length of toilet paper or a travel pack of baby wipes. You may not be at the most pleasant of places when you need to answer the call of nature, and having a good length of toilet paper in a ziploc bag, or a packet of baby wipes, will make answering that call less… uncomfortable… afterwards.

Always have a first aid kit on your person or on your bike, especially one that has one or two emergency blankets. They may not look like much, but those mylar blankets can keep you warm during the coldest of nights.

Water, and lots of it.

Food and snacks, especially ones with some salt in them (saltine crackers, sweet and salty granola bars, et al) to have with your water during rest stops so you can replenish your electrolytes.

Most motorcycle gear stores have travel toolkits that fit in a backpack or saddlebag, and many have compact kits that will fit under the seat. Get one. Your bike and sanity will thank you.

Visor wipes or travel bottle of visor spray and a microfiber. You will very likely be murdering many insects on your trip, and getting their corpses off your visor at any point is a mission in and of itself!

How To Ride On A Long Distance Trip

This one is easy.

Ride within your limits, ride safe, keep the rubber side down, and have fun!

Always fun to start planning a long distance trip. I would also have an assortment of tools.

Comments are closed.

wBW is an A07 Online Property

• Advertising
• Privacy Notice
• Review Policies
• Terms and Conditions

• new motorcycles
• buyers guide
• tips and tech
• parts and gear

Top Long-Distance Touring Motorcycles of 2022

From baggers to sport-touring bikes, the best motorcycles for covering great distances.

• Packages & Tours
• Eaglerider \
• Information \

30 Essential Motorcycle Touring Road Trip Tips

Posted On: Oct 17, 2018

Start a Reservation

You arrive to a new destination, the motorcycle is waiting for you with a welcome card that has your name on it, and you’re barely containing the excitement before the adventure begins. Some of us enjoy the trip planning process as much as the ride itself.

Thinking through the details, making the perfect route, and packing for the trip are all essential. There is no doubt that every trip needs a personal touch, so there will be a variety of opinions and advice you’ll get as you tell more people about the trip you want to do.

Years of experience and thousands of happy customers can tell you that when it comes to motorcycle travel, EagleRider is the top choice. We put together a list of our top 30 tips for motorcycle touring and riding a motorcycle across the country. We hope this list helps you plan you ride, whether you do it with EagleRider or on your own. This list of touring tips will get you started on some key things you need to arrange for your upcoming adventure.

TRAVEL TIPS

1. set the date – commit to the trip.

Someday can be today. Thousands of riders dream of getting on a bike and doing a trip, whether it’s 3 days or 30. But mostly the dream ends there. Family commitments, work, finances, and so many other things get in the way that dreaming is what most riders surrender to. It doesn’t have to be this way. Plan ahead and set the date. Commitment is the first step.

Having flexible dates won’t help you secure travel, visas, motorcycle rental, or anything else. It won’t help you get a buy-in from your family to do the trip. Firm travel time is necessary because you’ll be able to plan everything else around it.

2. Ride your own bike/rent/tour – how to know which one

There are three main options for riding anywhere:

• Do it on your own bike
• Rent/borrow one
• Do a self-drive or a guided tour

Which one works for you ultimately is a personal preference. GUIDED TOURS are more expensive, but also take care of most of the logistics and travel arrangements. You trust that you’re with an experienced guide who knows the local areas and you are also looking forward to exploring the new land with like-minded motorcycle riders.

Renting a motorcycle is becoming easier as we and other motorcycle rental companies offer a variety of makes and model at numerous riding destinations. Rental gives you the freedom to keep a pretty open daily riding schedule and riding your own bike is the cheapest option.

You can absolutely ship your bike across the ocean if you live overseas, but it’s not going to pencil out financially in most cases.

Creating your own custom route can take a lot of time and is also a fun experience. You get to learn about new places, get insights from other riders, and pick the pace of travel that works for you. At EagleRider, we have a team of tour architects that can assist with route planning for your rental or custom tour.

3. Best time to ride – early summer, early fall

We get asked every day about the best time to ride a certain route, such as ROUTE 66 and our WILD WEST tours. Your trip can be anywhere in the world and most likely you will face a variety of weather and riding conditions. But for riding in America, there are definitely several windows of perfect weather: early summer and early fall.

In winter you can enjoy Florida and the Southwest, or even do a tour down to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico . Our guide to winter riding offers all the best routes and trip suggestions. Summer offers a must consistent level of temperatures and in the desert areas, you’re very likely to face extreme heat. Not everyone is ready for that, so some riders opt-in to ride in months that are a bit cooler.

There is no single answer to this, especially if your trip is 3-6 months long across multiple continents. But for most 2-week trips, early summer and early fall offer a really nice mix of temperatures. If you want to save a buck, Shawn offers some great tips for this in his Q&A Q&A about navigating EagleRider products . 

4. Motorcycle with ample storage that fits your riding experience and preference

How to pick a motorcycle is one of those questions that we can spend hours contemplating. It’s very difficult to recommend something because we all have different riding preferences and levels of experience. Some bikes are great for touring but can be too heavy especially with a passenger and full touring packs with clothes.

The best suggestion you can get is to look at motorcycles that fit your riding experience and have enough storage for the trip you are planning. We put together a detailed guide on choosing the right bike for your trips, which will be a great reference point for your upcoming adventures. On a guided tour our van carries all the luggage, but on a camping trip, you’ll need to carry everything in your saddlebags and attached to a sissy bar.

In general, most riders prefer bigger touring bikes for 7+ day trips, but you should only ride a bike that you are comfortable handling. For off-road riding, there is a completely different set of features you’ll be considering compared to perfectly maintained roads and highways of the USA.

You can always contact us and explain what trip you want to do and your preferences for a motorcycle and our team of seasoned riders will assist with recommending a few models that we think will work well for you.

5. Route 66 is not the only way to cross the country

There are thousands of ways you can cross America, from Route 66 to Pacific Coast Highway

We offer 100+ pre-defined routes, all of which can be further adjusted based on your wishes. Some of our most popular routes besides the best selling Route 66 full tour , include:

• Triple B – Blues, Bourbon, BBQ (New Orleans to Washington DC)
• Coast 2 Coast Motorcycle Tour (Los Angeles to Orlando)
• Western  Coast - P acific Coast Highway (Seattle to Los Angeles)

Many of our riders extend their trips to Sturgis and begin riding on either coast to then spend a week in South Dakota and after continue riding across the country. If the time allows, adding a few days at one of the iconic motorcycle rallies is a great way to spice up your trip and celebrate the life on two wheels with fellow riders.

6. Share your ride with others - take photos and videos along the way

Did you know that the most watched motorcycle videos on YouTube often are of the long cross country and cross-continent rides?

Following someone’s adventure through the lens of the camera or smartphone is better than not seeing it at all. Let your family and friends enjoy the road with you, share your ride on social media and your site if you have one.

There is a variety of apps and websites that allow for route sharing and you can also post images and videos along your favorite stops and moments on the road. The main thing is to share what you see with others. During or after the trip - your choice, but capturing moments on the road will make for a nice souvenir many years later.

Don't forget to tag #eaglerider when you share your photos and videos on social media. Every month we pick a random lucky winner and award $300 gift card towards future reservations on eaglerider.com.

CLOTHING/GEAR TIPS

7. pack small.

We can be very different in how much packing we want to do for a trip. Some of us carry suitcases with three sets of clothes for every day. Some of us pack the side case bags that fit inside Electra Glides that what’s all the clothing for 2-3 weeks.

Mostly everyone always recommends packing small. Everything you may want on the road can be purchased with cash or credit card. In many cases, too many things to carry become a burden. Even if you’re packing for a month-long camping trip, you need to pack down to the minimum essentials to have room for everything. See our packing checklist and guide for more info.

Generally, bring twice as much cash and half the clothes you think you’ll need. Riding cross-country will take you through dramatic shifts in elevation and temperature. Mountain passes can have freezing temps and snow, even in summer. If you come from an area where there are no significant changes in elevation, it’s hard to wrap your head around entire climate zones existing at certain elevations. It’s simple—be prepared for everything.

8. In desert areas, keep long sleeves on

It’s a common misconception that you can ride through a desert in just short sleeves. We always recommend keeping long sleeves on, for a few important reasons:

• You don’t want to have your body having direct contact with the sun
• If you do, you get dehydrated quickly and can compromise your ability to control and balance the motorcycle safely
• Common symptoms after that (aside from sunburn) can include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness and cramping, and many others leading up to a heat stroke
• Protect your body from the sun, don’t open yourself up to harmful UV rays

It’s something we see very often, especially in our Southwestern locations. The riders drop off the bike with the happy sunburned faces tell us all about their adventures. Even though the effects of the extensive sun exposure seem to disappear fast enough, it’s the long-term effects that you should also consider.

9. Weatherproof bags and rain gear will save you in most unexpected situations

If you have a support vehicle following you (e.g on our guided tours), you can skip this one. But if not, chances are you’ll be carrying some kind of a bag on a sissy bar. The best way to protect your packed gear is to have weatherproof bags. Weather changes, sometimes within hours. When you get to your overnight stay, the worst thing is to have not only yourself soaking wet, but also all your fresh clothing for the trip as well. It may seem like an exaggeration right now, but one piece of advice we always have for riders is to pack a quality set of rain gear and think through the carry options ahead of time.

10. Wear Coolmax or other moisture wicking materials instead of cotton shirts

There are mixed opinions about whether cotton is a proper way to dress is in the extreme heat conditions. Mostly coming from hikers and adventure travel enthusiasts, there is a popular belief (with scientific reasoning) that cotton traps the heat close to your body while moisture-wicking materials don’t stop the heat from releasing helping you to keep the body temperatures at an optimum level.

Polyester holds on to only about 0.4% of moisture while cotton holds around 7%. That’s a big difference. Newer technologies, what’s commonly called base layers, force the moisture out of the garments through the special weaves of the fabric. Your body stays dry and maintains its temperature balance while your clothes protect from the elements and release the heat and sweat.

A variety of brands make motorcycle-specific base layers, you can shop for these options online ahead of your ride.

11. Layering is the best way to dress/pack

The secret to packing and surviving any weather is layering. Not only this is the easiest way to adjust in rapid temperature changes, but also to save space when packing. For most motorcycle trips, you really need a few sets of warmer sweatshirts and base layers. One jacket, especially with multiple air flow zippers and vents will be sufficient for most rides.

12. Don’t bring expensive glasses

Eye protection is essential for any motorcycle ride. Shatterproof glasses or a helmet with a built-in sun visor are the two best ways to stay protected and ride comfortably in all hours of the day. Expensive glasses will be a shame to lose or scratch. They’re also not the safest option as rider’s head/helmet is often the first area of impact in accidents.

13. Rolled up clothes take less space

We all probably have this one friend who’s always packing with compression cubes, individual pouches for shoes, and everything in very neatly rolled tubes. Most of us are not line this. But… it’s been proven over and over that rolled up clothing takes less space and has very few wrinkles when unpacked. From military duffle bags to modern hikers and motorcycle riders, everyone finds this way of packing to be very efficient. Give it a try.

14. Small camera or phone are better that a DSLR

Everyone is a photographer these days. The trap that most people fall into is buying big bulky camera (“best on the market”) and then struggling to take photos with it during moto adventures. In general, mirrorless cameras are much more compact and offer amazing image quality for half-the-size.

The best camera for motorcycle touring, just as it is for any other activity, is the one that you have quickly available. That can be your phone or a small camera on a sling hanging across your body as you ride your motorcycle through the mountain twisty roads or the vast deserts.

If you’re opting to shoot on your phone, make sure you have ample storage available in your phone. It will be very unfortunate to run out of space just as you approach the edge of Grand Canyon for the sunset after a full day of riding.

TO BUY/PACK/PLAN BEFORE THE TRIP

15. ride planner – tour guide, gps, printed map, mobile app.

The purest adventure possible is to take off with no plans and no definite direction in mind. Most people, however, can’t manage that degree of spontaneity. For everyone else, you’ll want to pick a destination or two and get an idea of the things you want to see and do.

Planning the route and having your notes handy as you ride each day is one of the best things you can do ahead and during the trip. Some riders prefer to carry printed maps, which have been the main go-to way of navigation for many years before digital devices started to take over.

When it comes to points of interest, historical sites, local attractions, gas, food, lodging, events and activities along the way and even road conditions, closures, and construction, research is your friend. Not very long ago, calls to your motor club and each state’s tourism bureaus were a must for any chance at practical planning. Published city and state guides and sometimes travel agencies could also be helpful, especially if you wanted to do a lot of sightseeing.

Mobile apps that allow you to plan and navigate the route, such as Rever or Harley-Davidson Ride Planner, are a great tool to have. Apps that let you import GPX files are another solution. Having rest stops, gas stations, overnight stays, and points of interest in your map files will save you a lot of time and mental energy, especially during the longer touring trips.

Having a personal tour guide , someone who knows the route and the locals, can take your trip to a whole another level. Our EagleRider guided tours, we have bi-lingual guides who have years of experience guiding our tour guests through all corners of the country. Often it is the guide who can make your trip absolutely unforgettable. We get this feedback from tour guests every season.

Whichever ride planning tool you pick, leave some room for spontaneous decisions. Buffer enough time to enjoy the local scenery, add stops, and deal with emergencies. Most of us ride motorcycles to break free from the daily routine and this can easily be the only time where we don’t have to be boxed in. Explore, plan, but don’t feel the pressure to stick to the route 100% of the way.

16. Find overnight stay with walking distance to good food and drinks

Meandering across the country, riding mostly blue highways and stopping at mom and pop motels/hotels and eateries will provide a more intimate look at America. Once you’re done riding for the day, a cold beer and a good steak will be on top of your mind. Find hotels with walking distance to local bars and restaurants. Your motorcycle will be safely parked for the night and you can relax and enjoy the evening.

17. Location sharing apps / I.C.E. / share the route with at least a few people

Safety on the road is essential. You want to make sure both you and your motorcycle are road ready. On top of that, your loved ones should have a way of locating you throughout your trip, even if just for safety reasons. For solo cross-country trips a location sharing app is an absolute must-have. Share the route with at least a few people.

Code your I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) number into your phone book. Both Android and Apple have this option in the settings as well. Emergency staff can access this information quickly and communicate with your family about any situations that require their immediate assistance.

18. Have a kit with a few small essentials

Pack a small pouch with a few items that always come handy. Some of these take up much space but can be very needed during the ride, for you or for other riders in your group.

• Bungee cords – so you can securely strap additional items or bags to your motorcycle
• Duct tape – can have a variety of uses and there are travel size duck tapes that take very little space
• Kickstand puck – when parking on the uneven or hot surfaces, this little accessory can save you from finding your motorcycle laying on its side
• Multitool/knife – a well-built multitool that always travels with you is handy for most days on the road
• Flash light – handy for dusk hours and when you need to inspect your motorcycle
• USB power pack / charger – available in a variety of power capacities, USB juice packs or portable chargers are helpful if your motorcycle doesn’t have a power plug. Motorcycles that are equipped with a power outlet, a USB charger is all you’ll need for most rides
• First Aid kit – always carry a small first aid kit. On our guided tours, we always have these in the support van

For more information on packing, take a look at our packing checklist .

19. Communication systems and group riding signals

With so many options on the market for communication devices inside helmets, it’s extremely easy to stay connected with your passenger, a friend on another bike, or simply enjoy the music as you ride through the country. We recommend bringing your own helmets with mounted Bluetooth headsets for your trips if you wish to stay connected through your ride.

If you don’t have much experience riding in large groups of 15+ motorcycles, always do a quick refresh on hand signals for group riding. Your visibility on the road is one of the most fundamental aspects of safe riding.

20. Make sure your bike is road ready

If you’re planning to ride your own bike , always make sure the mechanical condition of your ride is optimal and all essential scheduled service items are taken care of. Consider how long your ride is and plan ahead.

Follow the usual safety inspections—tire tread and pressure, lights, signals, brakes, horn. For a cross-country ride of some 3,000 miles, give or take, it’s a good idea to start with fresh oil. Change the fluids and filters. If your bike is anywhere near due for a tune-up or valve adjustment, get it done before you need it done. There is plenty of challenges that may come up on the road; worrying about your bike’s performance should not be one of them.

If your tire tread looks a little iffy, or the tread wear looks uneven, err on the side of sanity and get new rubber. It hurts to plunk down $200-$300 or more per end for fresh rubber, but not as much if you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, or worse. The bike will handle better with new tires and you’ll feel more confident in your ride. Some shops have sales on tires and/or labor and, of course, there is plenty online or warehouse outlets, but check with your shop first; some won’t install customer supplied parts, including tires.

Join an auto club. If you don’t have motorcycle roadside assistance that provides towing and other services there are a few to choose from, including Harley-Davidson, Geico, AAA, and Allstate Motor Club. The peace of mind is well worth the annual fee. Some roadside assistance program, if given some notice, will plan a route based on your preferences, including roadside stops.

If you’re planning to travel on an EagleRider bike , our technicians make sure each bike is road ready. Scheduled maintenance and inspections before and after each ride is complete are essential for us to ensure you have a great time on the road. We offer several levels of insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance. All of the extras you can add to the reservation before you complete the checkout process.

21. Buy a motorcycle seat cushion

For any trips that’s longer than 5-7 days, some riders find it very useful to buy a seat cushion. Putting 250-300 miles daily on any motorcycle is not the same as riding to a local coffee shop for a breakfast meetup with your friends. Sure, you need to be in good health and physical shape to prepare yourself for longer motorcycle tours and rides. A seat cushion can be a welcome addition if you’re not used to multi-day touring adventures.

22. Plan your music playlists ahead of time,bring earplugs if no music

Good tunes for the road will not only set the mood for your ride, but also provide the variety or entertainment for those longer stretches of the road that may not be as exciting and fun as mountain curves. Build several playlists and download them to your device so you don’t burn through your mobile data usage limits.

DURING THE RIDE:

23. daily check of the motorcycle to be road ready.

For most riders this goes without saying – having a well maintained and inspected motorcycle can prevent many situations that can be avoided by this simple 5-minute route process. Make sure you’re road ready and your motorcycle is too.

24. Drink enough water

Whether it’s a day ride or a cross-country motorcycle trip, how you feel physically and mentally impacts every aspect of the trip. The freedom of being out on the road on a motorcycle is beyond compare. The incredible scenery is all around you, not just in that little rectangle of your windshield. You smell the smells and feel the warmth or the coolness of the countryside you’re passing through. It’s very easy to get distracted and forget to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Dehydration affects reaction time, balance, and can lead to heat strokes and other serious injuries. Drinking lots of coffee during the day and alcohol at night can affect how well you’re hydrated. Stop often, carry water, wear moisture-absorbing clothing (see tip #10), and keep yourself in check.

25. Keep your passenger happy, check in with other riders

You’ve come this far! Your partner agreed to do this trip you’ve been planning for months. You pack your bags, arrive to pick up your motorcycle, and the ride is about to start. You may think that the hard part is done but keeping your passenger happy throughout the duration of the ride is a sure way to guarantee a good time on the road.

You’re the one who will be having fun riding the motorcycle while your passenger won’t have much to do. Most riders choose the bikes with the primary concern being the comfort of the passenger. See our guide to choosing the right motorcycle for your trip for more details.

Thorough pre-trip discussions of where you want to go, how fast you want to get there and how much time you want to spend on stops are important if you want a pleasant ride where everyone feels included.

26. Keep your days under 300 miles, avoid riding in the dark

We’re often get asked how far should a motorcyclist ride in one day. The answer varies greatly by the rider’s skill, experience, and endurance, road conditions if they are appropriately dressed, and of course, their bike. Machines with full fairings or windshields can make more miles because the rider is not getting as fatigued fighting the wind.

Then there is that ever-present intangible: desire. How many miles do you want to ride per day? There is no right answer. In fact, the whole spirit of motorcycling is to get away from rules.

Know your limits and don’t be a tough guy. If you haven’t done any long-haul rides before, don’t plan on pushing 500 or more miles per day. Give yourself adequate time to complete your trip without attempting dangerous days of extreme miles. It’s no fun and can be costly.

Every rider finds his or her level—whether that’s 150 miles per day or 400—after which point riding becomes work. Like fuel, leave a little energy in reserve when planning your day’s ride. There may be times you’ll need to push out a few more miles to get to the next bed.

On our guided tours, we keep most days between 200 and 260 miles. With plenty of rest breaks, this allows everyone to get enough rest at the end of the day and start early the following morning.

Think about avoiding night riding, when less visibility and fatigue are more of a factor, and because deer have become the most dangerous animal in the world. Wildlife gets more active at dawn and you’d want to have no encounters with large animals on any of your motorcycle trips.

27. Take a 20-minute break for every 1.5 hours of riding, know your limit

Veteran distance riders suggest getting into a rhythm. For example, some stop for rest and refreshment every tank of gas, depending on mpg and fuel capacity. Some studies have shown you will actually get their faster (and safer) with regular break intervals. Eat light, stay hydrated, and it should go without saying don’t drink alcohol. We recommend stopping for a break every 60-90 minutes. Pace yourself on longer multi-day rides. How you feel today will affect how you ride tomorrow. A fatigued rider is not as alert and doesn’t react as fast as a rested rider.

28. Take a day off for every 7 days of riding

On EagleRider’s 16-day guided tours, we always buffer a day for rest. On Route 66 tours, it’s in Santa Fe where you can spend the day bargaining with local jewelry shops, horseback riding, or enjoying the day at the hotel spa. On Wild West tours, we take a break in Las Vegas, which leaves plenty of room for ideas on local things to do, from Cirque du Soleil to Bellagio Fountains, Freemont Street experience, and much more.

Set yourself up for success by buffering a longer rest stop or a day off. Of course, all of us love spending time on the bike, but local attractions can be just as fun to explore.

29. Keep your eye on how much fuel you have left, find a mobile app for this

It’s a big country, with occasional long, empty gaps between anything resembling a town or the sweet oases of gasoline and coffee we have grown to take for granted. Don’t run it dry, obviously, but start looking for gas stations some 20 or 25 miles before you’re running on fumes.

No one wants to see the dreaded signpost up ahead that reads, “No Services Next 100 Miles.” You need to be prepared for stretches like this, which may involve packing non-perishable foods, water, and bungeeing a full gas can to your bike. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Find an app that can track your mileage on each full gas tank and can alert you ahead of time if you’re running low with no gas stations ahead.

30. Don’t lose your keys, always lock your bike

We saved the best for last! The two of the most unpleasant scenarios on the road are lost keys and lost motorcycle. Nobody wants to be in either situation and both are preventable if you follow a few simple guidelines:

• Keep your bike keys/fob on a lanyard, either hanging on your chest or attached to your pocket
• Have a quality disk lock (we provide one with all our bikes)
• Make sure to lock your bike with both steering/fork and disk locks
• Consider adding an alarm system to your bike
• Build good habits by placing bike keys in the same spot each time you ride or stop for overnight stays

Harley-Davidson touring models have key fobs that you don’t need to insert into the ignition. If it’s your first time on a Harley, keep an eye on the fob. There is a fee for lost keys for our motorcycles.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that you have all this information in front of you, picking the riding destination or route is the next step. Here are a few helpful resources to get you started:

Map of EagleRider locations – With over 200 rental locations, it’s easier than ever to conveniently ride out of major cities and nearest hubs to amazing motorcycle roads. Get familiar with our locations and that’ll get your mind thinking about places you’ve always wanted to ride to.

EagleRider routes and tour itineraries – we have 100+ itineraries on our website for both guided and self-drive tours. Browse them to find the destinations you want to visit. We share daily stops for each tour. This can be a great starting point from which you can build on your custom trip if you wish. Or simply book a tour and follow the exact route we suggest.

Rally schedule – planning longer trips around rallies (Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, Laconia, etc.) is a great way extend your rides and add interesting routes. Many riders love riding into Sturgis from all corners of the country. If you have the time, find a rental location where you want to start and build your route to the rally. We offer one-way rentals, so you can easily drop off the bikes in another city and simply fly home.

Local rides for top travel destinations (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, etc.) -   (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, etc.) - if all you have is a day or two, we made a list of local rides near our locations.

We hope you found this guide helpful. A lot was covered here and surely you may need to come back and reference some tips and suggestions as you continue to plan your trips.

Motorcycle Guides | Riding Tips | Safety

How to prepare for your long distance motorcycle ride.

• The Honda GoldWing and the Harley Davidson Electra Glide are two very popular options if you’re looking for a new or used motorcycle for touring. It’s not uncommon to see them with 100,000 miles on the odometer!
• The Kawasaki Concours14 is a sport-touring motorcycle with slightly more aggressive ergonomics than a normal touring model. It has a 1,352cc engine with anti-lock brakes that will easily cover hundreds of miles in a day.
• The Can-Am Spyder is a three-wheeled motorcycle with three model levels. The Spyder F3 Touring model features a high-performance braking system and a full front fairing for maximum wind deflection.

Cruiser and Standard Motorcycles

Cruiser and standard motorcycles are also comfortable options, as they both have a lower, relaxed seating position that is good for long rides. However, one of the features that they typically lack is a large front fairing to completely deflect the wind around you. Although they have storage options such as saddlebags, tank bags, or a front pouch, they don’t generally offer trunk storage like a touring motorcycle.

Adventure or Dual-Sport Motorcycle

If you’re planning a mixed ride of asphalt and dirt, you may want to look at an adventure or dual-sport motorcycle. They offer excellent ergonomics that won’t put a lot of strain on your back and wrists, plus  a fair amount of wind protection. They can be easily upgraded with added luggage for additional storage space.

Sport Motorcycle

Sport motorcycles are one of the least enjoyable bikes for long-distance riding due to the forward-leaning position required. They are designed for a low, sleek riding position and crouched posture to make them more aerodynamic and built for turning at speed. Many people have made long journeys on sports motorcycles, so do not entirely count them as an option. Try one on a shorter-distance ride and see what you think before committing to a long journey.

Gear Up with New Arrivals

Engine size on a motorcycle isn’t a guarantee that you’ve selected the best motorcycle for your long-distance journey, but it can affect them.

• Under 750cc – Depending on the style of motorcycle, 750cc is a suitable engine size to ride long distances with. A 750cc standard or cruiser may be a perfect fit for a daily commute and an occasional longer ride. Something smaller, like a 250cc, is suited best for a daily commuter; although it’s fuel-efficient, it can struggle at highway speeds. A 750cc sports bike should be able to do it all: capable of riding around town with efficient mileage and easy maneuverability, but also able to cruise at highway speeds for long periods without an issue.
• Over 750cc – Over 750cc is also well-suited for a daily commuter, but it shines when cruising at highway speeds. Large enough for a long, comfortable journey, a larger engine can be fit inside a larger motorcycle that can carry added weight and offer extra storage options.
• If you’ve ever broken down around town, you know how much of a pain it is to leave your motorcycle or have someone come pick you up with a pickup or trailer. Now imagine that scenario when you’re 800 miles from home in a strange town or stuck on a busy highway — not very enjoyable. Conducting proper maintenance on your motorcycle before you leave is necessary, as it will allow you to make any repairs or get ahead of maintenance items that may need to be done at a specific mileage. Worn tires, worn or stuck cables, and old brake pads are all things that contribute to added risk for your next ride. Your motorcycle is your investment, so take care of it!

You’ll need the proper motorcycle gear to ensure long-distance motorcycle riding doesn’t become tiresome. Beyond all-weather protective gear, some different options in the aftermarket may make your ride more enjoyable:

Heated grips

These are a good option if you plan to ride in the early morning or late evening, as they will add some heat to keep your hands warm when the surrounding temperatures become a little chilly.

Padded grips

Padded grips provide extra cushion for your hands and wrists, preventing wrist pain and tightness when gripping your bike for hours.

Gel seat(s)

OEM seats are fine for a good ride, but they don’t have the extra seat support that a gel seat can offer. If you don’t have a gel seat offering, you can always contact an upholstery shop to custom-make a seat.

A backrest for you and a passenger can add extra support to lean back as you ride. They mount to your seat, and they even have gel options to couple with your gel seat.

Cruise / Throttle Control

Some grips offer a throttle lock that will help cruise the throttle and not require you to squeeze your hand around the it continually. . You can still ride with your hand on the controls for safety but not have to squeeze the grip to keep the throttle in a certain place.

Storage may also be useful for carrying all your belongings. These are the most common and practical storage options for your motorcycle:

Tank bags typically fasten to the top of your fuel tank with straps or magnets. They are great for items used more frequently than others (rain suits, identification, etc.). It also can have a clear pouch in which you can store a map to review as you ride and stop for a break.

Saddlebags can also be fastened to the motorcycle with straps or have a rigid mounting structure for the larger sets. They fit on either side of the rear wheel and offer extra storage for gear. Offerings include hard or soft materials from fiberglass, canvas, and leather.

Trunk/ Tail Bags

Trunk/tail bags can replace the rear seat or have a structure that holds the storage compartment over the rear wheel. They provide an abundance of extra storage and can typically hold a full-face helmet, a small pet, and lots more.

Pet Carrier Bags

Your best friend can join you on your long-distance adventure! There are several choices available if you need to travel with your pet. However, it is crucial to always prioritize the wellbeing of your pet; if traveling distresses your pet in any way, please refrain from taking it with you.

Think of all the chairs you’ve sat on. A bar stool, a recliner, an office chair, etc. Which offers comfort for 10 minutes versus 2 hours? Which can you quickly react from? A bar stool provides a quick reaction but isn’t comfortable for 2 hours. A laid-back recliner offers excellent comfort but slow reaction times. Your motorcycle posture should offer both support and quick reaction ability for control. When you’re riding for long hours, sit in a neutral position to keep your muscles loose and ready to react until you stop for a break to stretch. Your handlebars should ideally position your hands between your stomach and shoulders, roughly midway, and your arms should have a slight droop. Anything too low and too high puts stress on your muscles and joints, leading to premature fatigue.

Plan Your Route

Know your end destination and map to it via GPS or the old-fashion paper map. Decide how long it will take to get there, whether within a few hours or days. This requires thinking and planning, as there can be many routes to journey on. Do you want to get there quickly on the interstate? Or do you opt for the scenic route and check out the World’s Biggest Ball of Yarn? Perhaps there is this famous diner in the backroads that you’ve wanted to try?

Climate – Be aware of the climate when riding so you can pack accordingly. Are you going to ride at night, which might require cooler weather gear? Or are you riding in the Spring with erratic rain showers ? Perhaps it’s a long summer day of sunshine? Topography over mountain passes can change from hot to cool in a matter of minutes, so be prepared for the evolving temperatures.

Obstacles – The warm weather that is great for riding can also be great for construction. Are any parts of your travels obstructed by construction zones that may cause a delay or a detour? Most states have a website that is continuously updated for road conditions and traffic delays.

Accommodations – If you plan to stay overnight during your trip, plan ahead, and have your accommodations booked before you leave. You don’t want to ride into a town and realize the big championship game has every hotel in town booked solid. Planning also gives you a target goal to achieve and look forward to every day.

Fuel Stops – You should know how far you can ride on a full tank of fuel, and with that information, you can plan out your fuel stops ahead of time. Larger motorcycles may have larger fuel tanks that can run up to 500 miles at cruising speeds. Decide if you want to run through a complete tank, or stop at the half tank for a break to refuel and stretch.

Riding Distance – Be realistic with your destination. Riding while fatigued because you had committed to the end-of-day destination can be exhausting and dangerous. Plan your routes and distances accordingly, so you don’t have to scramble to stay awake and keep going each night.

• You don’t run a marathon without preparing for it, and so you shouldn’t try to ride long distances without preparation either. Riding for an extended period continuously requires muscle movement and quick mental faculties to deal with the changing landscape. Consider an exercise routine focused on building muscle endurance (less weight and more repetitions for less muscle fatigue.)
• Ride on your time off to build up your endurance and stamina for your trip ahead. Your body can provide you feedback on the trip, whether it’s through the aches and pains indicating the ride was too long, or a feeling of satisfaction signaling you can ride further than you thought. Short touring trips can simulate the experience, and you’ll begin to find ways to push yourself to venture further each time.
• Adjust your diet, if necessary. Cheeseburgers and fries are delicious, but they don’t refuel you with clean energy for your body to use for hours. Focus on protein and fiber instead of heavy carbs. Pick up a book or download a few videos on how endurance athletes eat as they prepare for their next event, and perhaps you should mimic their eating habits to the best of your ability.
• Take several shorter trips with all the gear you intend to bring with you. This will allow you to feel the difference in the balance and weight of the motorcycle. You’ll either discover that you need more than you thought, or you overpacked and didn’t use half your gear.
• Prepare your motorcycle for the extra load of all your gear. You may need to add additional air to your tires and adjust your suspension to accommodate extra storage and cargo. Packing your motorcycle a few times will allow you to decide what goes where for optimum balance.
• If you have a paper map, make a simple copy, and outline your route with the dates you intend to be there at each location. It’s comforting to know that someone knows your whereabouts when you check in. There are also GPS tracking applications for your loved ones to locate you as long as your phone is turned on. This can also be an excellent tool for other riders in your group to check in on your whereabouts in case someone falls behind.

Want to Feel Safe on the Road?

It's not just a motorcycle, it's your passion. Protect it with insurance

Suggestions For Packing

Packing for success on a long distance ride involves the right gear for the right situation.

Personal Gear:

• ATGATT – Prepare for every climate and weather condition you expect to ride through during your journey. Hot can turn to cold quickly, so you need to be prepared to change clothing. Wear base layers under your motorcycle gear to adjust to fluctuating temperatures. Invest in synthetics where you can as cotton tends to be heavy and doesn’t wick away sweat easily.
• Rain Gear – You may not think you’ll need it, but better safe than sorry! Roll up your rain gear and keep it ready to go.
• Personal Identification – Keep your wallet and cell phone in a place where it’s quickly accessible. Always carry a few dollars in the local currency to pay tolls or for any purchases that do not accept a credit or debit card. Your license, registration, proof of insurance, and medical information documents need to be close by in case you are pulled over or in an event of an accident. Don’t forget your passport if you’re planning on traveling internationally!
• Protective Eyewear – Carry a spare set of contacts or glasses if you need corrective eyewear for vision. Consider packing a separate visor to adjust to the changes in lighting, possibly a dark, tinted one for daytime and a clear visor for nighttime riding .
• Protective Balms – Sunscreen or lip balm with SPF is helpful in reducing the chance of wind and sunburn.

Wear earplugs every day to reduce fatigue from wind noise. Wind noise can cause headaches from the constant static noise inside the helmet. You can have custom-made earplugs or pick up a pack of disposable ones so you can wear a fresh set every day on the ride.

• Extra Toiletries – Carry anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, pain or regular medications, bug repellent, first-aid kit, soaps, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, female sanitary items (if applicable), toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, grooming supplies, a spare washcloth, etc.

Additional Gear:

Carry a small toolkit for emergency repairs or adjustments. A crescent wrench, small locking pliers, a simple socket set, a small flashlight, a multi-tool with screwdrivers and picks, an Allen wrench set, tire repair kit(s) with inflator and gauge, bungee cords, and a set of jumper cables can all find uses on a long ride.

Extra Parts – You may want to carry a few of the common-sized fasteners used on the motorcycle, a roll of duct tape, some electrical wire, baling wire, cable ties, cotter pins, spare replacement bulbs, and extra fuses just in case.

Fuel – Depending on where you’re headed, gas stations may be limited. They make small auxiliary fuel tanks that can be added safely to your equipment to extend your fuel range if you run short.

Cleaning Supplies

Bring a travel-sized simple spray cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to keep your helmet visor and motorcycle windscreens clean while on the road. Avoid paper towels for cleaning as they can cause micros scratches on your surfaces. Black Dakar 3L Hydration Pack from Amazon.

Hydration Packs

Consider wearing a hydration pack or carrying small bottles of water in a tank bag to keep you hydrated during long hours of riding.

• Snacks – Pack small snacks such as trail mix or protein bars in case you get hungry on the road (or buy them along the way).
• Plastic bags  – Plastic bags are a cheap alternative to keep things organized and dry. Use a permanent marker to document the contents of the bag and include the weight so that you can balance the weight on your motorcycle.
• Camping Equipment  – If you intend on camping along your long-distance journey, consider packing a flashlight, candles or a lantern, extra batteries, lighter or matches, sleeping bag with air mattress, tent, ground cloth, collapsible chair, eating utensils, a cookstove, and something to cut with (small knife or saw). And most importantly, never forget your toilet paper!

Additional Safety Tips

• Get plenty of rest – Don’t rely on caffeine to keep you going through the day. Rest up and listen to your body. If you’re tired, pull over.
• Stay healthy by putting in good nutrients – Have a good, balanced meal before and after your ride and drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks throughout the day. Load up on protein and fiber for breakfast to prepare for your long journey ahead.
• Don’t speed – The adventure you’re on is more of a marathon than a sprint. Losing an hour or so in one day isn’t a big deal, but getting pulled over while speeding will delay you even more.
• Get an early start on your ride each morning – Riding in traffic is unpleasant, so opt to start early to beat the crowds and the heat. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch the sunrise each day!
• Take a lot of breaks – The human mind does best when it stays focused for 45-minutes followed by a 15-minute break. Stop every so often for a certain amount of miles to stretch, relax, eat, and drink. Check out the local scenery; you just might learn some new history at a rest stop with a map. Refresh your energy and relax your body. Do some stretches; the best long distance riders practice yoga, so do these simple stretches at each stop to stay ready to ride.
• Be flexible with your itinerary – Traffic can vary by the hour, as well as the weather. Plan for the unexpected with the right gear for the ride and utilize your GPS to keep you up-to-date on route changes.

For Your Motorcycle:

• Check your oil and fuel levels on your rest stop – It takes an extra minute to check your motorcycle at a stop. Don’t let a leak leave you stranded.
• Carry an extra key – Believe it or not, things do get lost on a long trip, including your motorcycle keys. Be mindful of where you store the spare, as thieves can go rustling through your belongings.
• Tires and Wheels
• Lights and Electrics
• Oil and Other Fluids
• Know your fuel range – Don’t assume each town has a gas station. Be aware of how many miles you can ride on a tank of gasoline, how many gallons your tank should hold at fill up, and how to calculate your miles per gallon for every tank. It will allow you to plan ahead for the next stop and won’t leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere at night.
• A long distance motorcycle ride is a challenge for your mind and body with a massive reward for completion. Planning and preparation is the key to getting off on the right path. Follow these steps for an enjoyable ride and finish strong! While we have provided a lot of information for you, your motorcycle, and the journey itself, we’ve also made a simple checklist to assist you in packing for your adventure ahead. Be sure to download it to help you prepare for the ride of your life. Happy riding!

Motorcycle Parts for All Makes and Models

Michael Padway

Featured articles.

A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Motorcycles

Looking to buy a motorcycle but not sure which one? Learn about the different types of motorcycles and how to choose the best one for you!

What is the Safest Motorcycle Helmet?

There are numerous types of helmets, but the three main designs are the full face, ¾, and the ½ helmet. The full-face helmet is the safest choice of the three. 

How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Body Armor

Learn everything you should know about the importance of motorcycle body armor and how to choose the best one for you.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Recieved the most up-to-date motorcycle news delivered straight to your inbox!

Related Articles

The Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet Guide for 2024

Jan 3, 2024

What to Expect From A Motorcycle Accident Settlement in 2024

• Legal Process
• State-by-State Laws
• Riding Tips
• Motorcycle Reviews
• Places to Ride

Long Distance Motorcycle Riding Tips – Complete List

Speedy Moto is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Long-distance motorcycle trips are one of the best ways to explore the countryside, and with proper training and planning the experience is far from dangerous, but more adrenaline-filled and exciting. 

Read on as we discuss some of the essential things when prepping for a motorcycle ride and how to mitigate some potential dangers. 

Hi, my name’s Troy. I started riding motorcycles with Clay mid-2020 and soaking up his vast knowledge of bikes. I have been writing for a few years and decided it was a good time to start writing about what I’m passionate about - motorcycles. No matter how bad your day is, a bike will always make you feel better, that’s my motto.

Packtalk Edge

• Packtalk Neo
• Packtalk Custom
• Adapter for SHOEI Helmets
• Freecom/Spirit Half Helmet Kit
• Packtalk Edge 2nd helmet kit with Sound by JBL
• 2nd Helmet Kits
• Half Helmet Kits
• Replacement Units
• Spare Parts
• All Accessories

Packtalk NEO

• Packtalk Outdoor
• Packtalk Outdoor Instructor Set
• Packtalk Outdoor – Single Student Kit
• Packtalk Outdoor – Single Instructor Kit
• Packtalk Outdoor 2nd Helmet Kit
• All Outdoor Accessories

PACKTALK OUTDOOR

PACKTALK OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR SET

• Packtalk Edge ORV
• Packtalk Edgephones ORV
• Packtalk Edgephones
• All Off-Road Accessories

PACKTALK EDGE ORV

EDGEPHONES ORV

• Product Support
• Product Comparison
• Shipping Policy
• Returns & Cancellation policy
• HR 4 People
• Dealer Locator
• Cardo Journey
• Sustainability
• Distributor & Dealer Zone
• Dealer Support
• Dealer Signup (US only)
• Outdoor Dealer Signup (US Only)
• First Responders and Military
• Ambassadors
• Cardo Connect
• Main Products
• Popular Accessories
• About Cardo
• Partnerships

STAY UP TO DATE

Subscribe to our newsletter to get news and exclusive deals!

Your cart is empty

Long Distance Motorcycle Riding: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning on a super-long motorcycle trip in the coming future, take it from riders who’ve been there and done that–make a plan, but be willing to adjust it, bring the right gear, avoid irritants and make sure your bike is up to the task. If you’ve got all these bases covered, it should be smooth riding.

Flexible Plans

A long bike trip takes a lot of preparation. You have to map out where you’re going and make travel plans that account for every day and most of your stops. 

An essential bit of advice is to make a plan but remain flexible. Weather, traffic snarls or unexpected stops can derail the most highly tuned plan. If you’re headed out on the road for an adventure, it’s wise to have a detailed travel plan, and it’s even more sensible to know when and how to change up your plans.

Your travel plan should include each day’s mileage, where you can plausibly stay for the night and where you might eat and gas up along the way. Think of these plans as a foundation or structure. If you pull up to your lunch spot and it’s too crowded or closed, be spontaneous and head to an unknown restaurant. 

Maintain constant communication with your fellow riders with Bluetooth helmet speakers in case you have to make a pitstop or veer off the main freeway due to construction or traffic.

Nevertheless, being flexible doesn’t mean being careless. At the end of each day, map out the next day’s mileage and gas stops, even if you don’t intend to follow this plan down to every last detail. 

Build Up Your Riding Tolerance

A long-haul trip on a bike is a very exciting undertaking, but before you set off, you have to be realistic about yourself and your bike. If you’ve never ridden for more than 200 miles a day, don’t expect to feel awesome after a couple of 500-mile days. If you have to ride for long periods, acclimate yourself before your trip with some day trips to make sure your body is up to the task.

Eliminate any minor annoyance early on so that it doesn’t become the thing that unhinges you by day’s end. An uncomfortable seat, sticky peg or baggy clothing may be only mildly irritating when you start off in the morning, but by sunset, it could be unbearable.

Similarly, be realistic about your bike’s abilities before you set out. Specific bikes are better than others when you’re riding long distances, so make sure yours is ready for the open road and won’t shake apart by the third day.

Map Out Gas Stops 

Even if you’re set on going where the wind takes you, you never want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere with nothing in your tank. As you map out your trip, choose gas stations that might prove useful when your tank is low. The same goes for meals and other amenities.

Consider the format of the map you plan to use primarily and bring a second option. Even if you have the newest cell phone with all the bells and whistles, you may be seriously out-of-range when you need to find a pitstop. 

Download whatever maps you need, take a screenshot of your daily route and put a physical map in your gear bag, just in case. Always maintain clear communication with your crew so that everyone knows exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. 

You may also want to invest in a GPS tracking device to ensure that other riders and loved ones know where you are at all times. If you are broken down in a remote area, the GPS tracker can still ping your location, even if you don’t have cellular service. 

Maintenance Concerns

Although it may seem counterintuitive, avoid any repairs or significant mechanical changes to your bike just before you leave for a multi-day trip. One thousand miles away from the garage is not the ideal place to learn that your latest repair didn’t take.

One expert trick is to schedule a maintenance appointment at one of your stops midway through your trip. Even if your bike isn’t acting up, you can get it looked over to make sure there aren’t any problems waiting to happen. If your trip is a very long one, a scheduled maintenance stop lets you swap out your tires. Schedule it as your midway stopping point.

Tires are a significant concern on an expedition like a long-distance bike ride. Make sure your toolkit and repair kit are up-to-date and loaded and bring along an inflation device like CO 2 cartridges and a pump. If you have tubed tires, you’ll need a tire spoon to swap one out and some way to raise your bike.

Necessary Gear

There are certain things that you shouldn’t be traveling without–helmet, Bluetooth communication system, water and more. Nothing can spoil a long-distance ride quicker than an emergency stop that then turns into a multi-hour ordeal. Spare yourself the headache and pack for disaster around every corner.

Even if you don’t usually wear a full-face helmet, bring one with you. Many states have different laws about what kinds of lids riders have to wear on the road. Other than helping you abide by the local laws, helmets also keep you warm and dry on long-distance tours, keep the bugs at bay and reduce the level of constant noise, which can hugely sap your energy.

Communication System 

No long-distance rider’s checklist is complete without an excellent communication system. Cardo Systems makes systems for riders that can’t be beaten, and we know since our employees are riders. Mesh technology has made these communication systems better than ever before, so you’ll never be left in a lurch out on the open road.

Bring clothes and protective gear that help you adapt to changing weather and different climates. Most riders wear tight-fitting clothing as baggy clothing, constantly wapping against your body, is a nuisance. Choose comfortable yet protective boots and gloves. Invest in a pair of sunglasses that you can wear all day.

What you bring with you will depend on the length of your trip, where you’re going and what you’ll do when you’re not riding. Make sure your panniers and other on-bike storage can fit everything you plan on taking with you by pre-packing your bike days before your departure. All your gear should fit securely inside your panniers. Line your storage areas with garbage bags to avoid wet gear after a storm.

There are many moving parts when you plan a long-distance ride–some in your control and some that are not. In many instances, the right gear can hold a mid-trip disaster at bay.

Slow and Steady

Unless you’re racing in a cross-continental long-distance motorcycle race like the Iron Butt Rally , you don’t have to break any records. Riding long distances isn’t about the speed with which you get it done–it’s about the journey. Take your time and check up on your bike often.

You should show the same care to yourself as you show your bike. Listen to your body, as riding for long periods is hard work. Take breaks when you need them, even power napping in the middle of the day under the shade of a tree if you have to. Tired riding is unsafe. 

Always have water with you no matter what. Staying hydrated, even when you are broken down on the side of the road, is as essential as maintaining connection with other riders using your Bluetooth helmet communication. A lot of the time, you feel tired when you’re dehydrated. Keep your water levels up even in cooler climates and stay safe.

One of the aspects of long-distance motorcycle riding that may slip your attention is the pressure and sound of the wind blowing by you when you’re riding. Consistent noise can make you tired and irritable. Bring some earplugs for those moments when you don’t want to wear your full helmet, but still want to filter out some of the noise.

Gear for Long Distances

Along with compactor bags to line your panniers, a tire repair kit and lots of water, there are some other items to pick up to make your trip more comfortable.

Riding all day makes your body sore. Constant noise from wind and fast speeds wear you down. The more worn down you are, the less safe your riding is. To offset some of the inevitable aches and pains, look at your seat, your pegs and your windscreen to make sure they’re up to snuff.

Your seat should be firm enough that you won’t sink into it as soon as you straddle your bike, and wide enough that when, at the end of a long day of riding, you can wiggle back and forth a bit to invigorate your circulation. An aftermarket seat with a backrest can make your trip way more comfortable than a stock seat. 

Highway-ready pegs help your legs feel more comfortable when you’re riding long distances, especially if you’re tall. Pegs help you change your stance to get the blood flowing through your legs when they’ve been in the same position for hours. Ensure they are secure and in the right place by taking them for a spin around town, even though they’re made for long-distance comfort.

Adjustable windscreens keep the bugs, rocks and debris off your face and chest when you’re riding at high speeds. Not only that, but it also keeps the wind off your body as you’re whipping down the highway. 

Heading directly into strong winds for hours at a time is taxing. Without a windscreen, the wind is always pushing your chest. To counteract that, you have to keep your back stiff for hours at a time, tiring your back and neck. It’s called wind fatigue, and the right windscreen can help you avoid it.

If you’re riding in colder weather, take the wind chill into account. There are even some websites that can help you calculate how much colder it feels when you’re riding at top speed for a long time. 

Other Considerations

There are other steps you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable long-distance motorcycle ride. These include:

-Sign up for a roadside assistance service if you don’t plan on taking a tire repair kit or swapping out tires mid-trip.

-A packable motorcycle cover keeps your ride dry and clean overnight, and it helps discourage thieves.

-If possible, plan your routes so you’re not riding directly into the setting sun, which can give you a headache and eye strain.

-Bring a spare key, and keep it in a safe spot in your pannier or on your bike.

Final Thoughts

A long-distance ride is the journey of a lifetime. There’s nothing quite like being on the road for days at a time. You lose track of what day it is and, to a degree, where you are. It’s just you, your ride, the open road and other riders. 

An excellent motorcycle communication system is a must-have for long-distance riding to augment safety, maintain directions and to keep you all connected, even when you’re riding miles apart. Cardo Systems makes gear for riders that will last longer than your longest ride. 

Gear up, stow your copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and hit the road. Cardo Systems makes sure you stay connected–no matter how far away you go.

Continue reading

For Riders, by Riders: Is it so?

Motorbike milestones: 9 tips for buying your first motorcycle.

Long Distance Motorcycle Touring

Updated on June 20th, 2022 | By Mohit Chauhan

Reader Disclosure

If you’re trying to figure out how to go the distance; there’s a tremendous amount of preparation that goes into riding a motorcycle on a long trip as opposed to driving a car the same distance. A lot of beginners do not realize that there are unique differences between a long haul car and a motorcycle tour, and it only becomes apparent when things are too late. Riding away from home on your bike without proper planning can actually turn out to be a disaster. It is important to consider planning as an integral part of your journey to make it wonderful and memorable.

First thing first, let’s take a look at the essentials that you need to pack while preparing for your trip.

How to plan a long distance motorcycle trip

Let us take a look at some of the important factors that needs to be kept in mind while planning a long haul motorcycle trip.

Pack Only Essentials

The most obvious and most common mistake is bringing too much stuff on the ride. Simply having too much gear makes motorcycle heavier than it already is and this will affect its handling especially off-road. Bring smaller versions of items like a compact travel towel and non-bulky tools. You don’t need different toiletry items since a bar of soap will do for your whole body and when you do need more clothes it’s pretty affordable or downright cheap depending on where you are in the world.

Avoid Excess Gears

Don’t go overboard with the gear that you are wearing. Keep it simple with boots, helmet, touring gloves and a nice riding jacket with a good back protector. Add a good pair of riding pants and you’re good to go also remember that when you’re traveling from the cold into the heat, you will need space to put away your winter liner that you’ll remove from your pants and jacket. Same goes with a rain suit if you’re bringing one.

Prepare Route Outline

Another mistake is not having a general plan outline of the trip, unless you want to end up running out of money barely halfway down your trip. Without basic planning you won’t have a realistic idea of how much the trip will cost, how long a trip will take and where you are going to be, especially when you have to cover too much distance and have too little time. So plot your route on one of the many online mapping services and add 20% to that number. Decide on which states or countries you really want to visit which regions are absolutely must seek and which parts of the world are so unique that you should stick around longer.

Pro Tip: During the beginning of your journey decide on how many miles you are planning to ride in a day. Make sure your plan is void of any circumstance that forces you to ride 2/3 rd of the day. Often times you may come across a situation on a particular day that requires more riding; it is okay to deviate from the plan because your journey is always evolving. However, it is important to adapt on time.

Avoid Unfamiliar Group

Avoid Travelling with another rider or in a group without having ever done that. It’s a completely different experience when you are traveling with someone for extended periods of time, especially when you don’t really know them. Pleasant formalities or only lasts for so long and after a while the journey may turn out to be distressing. Everyone has their own unique personality, travel preference, riding style, and financial situation; these variables can mismatch on quite a few levels.

Pro Tip: Try to learn some motorcycle hand signals while riding in a group.

Focus On Journey Not Destination

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. In most cases it’s true and the funny thing is that we tend to forget. We often create these arbitrary goals to travel the distance within X amount of time, these can be legit goals and pressures that you have to adhere to, but a lot of times when you’re honest with yourself you will realize that it doesn’t really matter and in most cases you’re literally free to ride. Moreover, there is a high chance of committing mistakes when your mind isn’t really there and you’re thinking about other things.

Word of Advice:  A calamity is the sum of smaller mistakes that we commit. Riding in hurry and setting timelines can take you out of the moment because you’re too preoccupied with what’s ahead.  You eventually miss out on some wonderful places that were worth stopping by.

Customize Your Motorcycle

Another important consideration while planning is to make your bike absolutely as comfortable as you possibly can. If your shoulders hurt while traveling, it is best to change your bars. Same goes for your seat as well, either have your seat adjusted or you can get a custom seat by many reputable companies. Make sure you have highway pegs installed as they make the ride really comfortable.

Pro Tip: Instead of making your motorcycle fancy, invest some money on comfort.

Inspect Your Motorcycle

It is highly recommended to do a thorough maintenance check two or three weeks before your long trip. We suggest doing it yourself because you may find flaws that can be missed by a service guy. If you do these checks in advance you may have time to order those parts since most dealerships don’t carry all the parts anymore.

How to prepare yourself physically

It takes a lot of effort to ride a motorcycle for an entire day; you need to be physically enduring as well as capable of holding your focus the entire time.  So even if you have carefully planned your entire trip, external factors like weather may cause an adverse effect on your body. Here are some important pointers to be kept in mind in order to physically prepare yourself for a long haul motorcycle journey.

Understand Your Riding Capacity

Do not try to do a 1000 miles in one go if you have never even ridden 500 miles in a day. Similar to a marathon run where you cannot just decide one day to participate and complete the race, you have to work your way up to it in long distance riding as well. If you are a 100 mile per day rider, start increasing your mileage until you get to where you need to be. However, if you can do 700 miles per day in an eight hour period chances are pretty good you can do 1000 miles in one go.  

Pro Tip: Ride 1000 miles before going on a big long trip especially if you are planning to go in a group. You do not want to be the guy that holds up everybody.

Hydrate Frequently

Let’s not overlook the importance of staying hydrated. Abrupt changes both emotionally and physically will start to happen when you get dehydrated. Once your body gets dehydrated it gets really hard to rehydrate and get things back to normal.

Hydrating yourself at gas stations is good, but having a system on the bike that lets you hydrate while you’re on the bike is even better. Most long distance riders only stop for fuel for the most part, so this way you can hydrate yourself without waiting for a gas station. Whether it’s a CamelBak (click to buy) you carry on your back, a simple water bottle with a cup holder, or a jug with a hydration tube; make sure you have something improvised to keep you hydrated.

It is important to understand when to and when not to fight dizziness. Once you realize that dizziness is becoming a huge problem, it is better to pull over and take a short nap. You can lie down on a park bench, a picnic table, a dedicated rest area or if nothing is available just find some grass fields. It is lot better to take a 40 minute power nap than trying to stay awake.

How to stay comfortable on a long distance tour

It is important to understand the ergonomics of your motorcycle to ensure a comfortable long journey. Ergonomics is the foundation of comfort on a long distance motorcycle trip and without this knowledge you just don’t stand a chance of staying comfortable for any length of time. No matter what bike you’re on (even a touring bike), if not set up properly it just won’t be apt for very long ride. There are lots of things you can do to increase ergonomics of your bike without spending money that will eventually make your ride comfortable.

Tip 1 : Adjust the handlebars, levers, pedals, and shifts to the ideal position. Every motorcycle has some room to wiggle and adjust as per your height. These adjustments can improve your riding experience considerably without spending additional money.

Tip 2 : Pack your stuffs in a manner that it provides you back support. Put your duffle bag on the passenger seat to make it a perfect backrest. Just make sure to pay attention to what you’re putting in the bag, there’s nothing worse than getting poked every time you think about resting your back. Better off by putting something soft there.

Tip 3 : If you are not on a tight budget, you may consider installing different foot pegs, floorboards, and a comfortable seat made for long touring. Make sure you buy Highway pegs that adjust with your seating position.

Tip 4 : Another important accessory that can improve your ride considerably is wind protector. One thing that will definitely wipe you out quick is your neck battling the full force of winds for the entire day. A windshield will go a long way in making your bike more aerodynamic as well as making your ride comfortable. Make sure the length of the protector is ideal with respect to your height, else it might take all the wind off your chest and redirect it straight to the helmet putting extra strain on neck.

Tip 5 : Motorcycle Gears are like the frame of the comfort house that goes on top of your foundation for starters. No matter the climate, there is appropriate gear for every scenario. So make sure you are wearing the right gear for the particular climate.

Tip 6 : Don’t leave on a long motorcycle trip with a brand new helmet that you have never tried before. Along these lines, consider wearing compression clothes that can help with long term comfort by keeping the muscles from shaking around too much from all the vibration that contribute to soreness at the end of the day.

Tip 7 : No matter the bike, there are plenty of different positions you can ride in just make sure the riding position is safe and you are aware about the blind spots. If using cushion on the seats; make it a habit to switch it every other stop from not, because no matter how comfortable your seat is, everything on a motorcycle will eventually feel like a piece of plywood on a long tour.

Tip 8 : Avoid heavy sweating as this can lead to rashes and even dehydration. There are some measures you can take to avoid such as choosing a seat cover with good airflow, opening the vents in your jacket, or even taking a detour that has less direct sunlight. You might also want to consider using some powder – anything to keep you dry because a rash in the middle of a motorcycle trip is sure to put a damper on things.

Also See: Best Riding Jackets for Hot Weather

Tip 9 : Take breaks when you need them. It seems obvious but sometimes we forget to do this especially if traveling alone and there’s no one to hang out. Remind yourself to stop and enjoy the scenery around and to relax for a few minutes. This allows your whole body a much required break and also lets you to catch up with the surroundings. Indeed, taking frequent breaks helps comfort your body but it also gives your machine a breather, making the entire motorcycling experience much safer too.

Riding Gears & Essentials

Regardless of what motorcycle you ride; selecting the right gear means striking a balance between style, function, and protection. There are a lot of different ways you can go around this depending upon your tour. However, a few standard gears are ideal for almost all the type of cross continental motorcycle trip.  Let’s take a look at them.

AGV Sport Modular Helmet

One of the ideal long distance touring helmet is the AGV sport modular helmet. The exciting thing about this helmet is that it’s one of the lightest in this category (weighing around 3 pounds).  The carbon shell works its way down around the chin bar to protect just like a traditional full face helmet.

When it comes to safety standards, it is both DOT & CE approved. In terms of style, it is nothing less than what you would expect from AGV. It is very sleek and stylized, the insides fit to more of an intermediate oval so you get maximized internal comfort when you’re rolling down the highway at long distance.

Rukka StretchAir Jacket

Let’s move onto our second piece of riding gear which is Rukka StretchAir Jacket.  The reason that you should purchase a premium jacket is that when you are long-haul touring you are basically living inside a jacket for more than 10 hours a day. A premium touring jacket will give you the most comfortable, protective and stylish look.

As compared to other premium brands, Rukka is worth every penny you invest. There are no mesh jackets available in the market that can possibly match the comfort and protection you will get out of the StretchAir, a lot of that has to do with the materials that they are using inside.

Rukka is extremely lightweight, moveable, and comes with a lot of stretchability in key places. This allows the riders to have all kinds of movement along with maximized protection in case of an abrasion or impact. So if you’re looking for the premium mesh jacket that gives you maximum comfort on a long distance tour; RukKa StretchAir should be your top pick among jackets.

TCX Clima Surround GTX Boots

Our third pick is TCX Clima Surround Gore-Tex boots. So what TCX has done is they have worked with Gore and they have implemented their SURROUND® technology into the riding boots. The end result of this amalgamation is an all improved waterproof protection of Gore-Tex that comes with an air surround system for maximized air flow. Often times we see that a waterproof boot suffocates your foot and you end up sweating profusely.

This defeats the entire purpose of being waterproof as you are already soaked in sweat inside your boot. But with TCX you will never come across any such situation. While maintaining the airflow, it still maintains the sea level protection allowing you to wear in any kind of weather.

Throttle Assist

This is the single best thing you can do for your hands on a long haul and it costs between $12 and $20. A regular throttle control involves two muscles (fingers to apply brake and palm for twisting) that is why we get sore hands and wrists after a while. With a throttle assist the weight of the arm is all that is required to twist the throttle. 

Trust us, this will provide you ultimate comfort while riding continuously for long house. It doesn’t really inhibit rolling off throttle, if anything the paddle is a reminder to stay loose on your grips which is a safer way to ride.

To experience the smoothest ride on a long journey, installing additional bar risers with anti-vibration technology is highly recommended. They generally have two pivot points; one where the riser meets your clamp and the other where the upper clamp meets your handlebar. This add on will give you the comfiest height and angle to enhance your riding experience, simultaneously suppressing the vibrations that may cause aches in your body.

Along these lines, a motorcycle phone mount often comes in handy when you have to refer to your phone for directions.

What to wear on a long distance motorcycle tour

We all know that riding a motorcycle is as much about style and your persona as it is about riding the motorcycle. There are a lot of concerns related with style that you have to address to match up with the standards of the community. There is nothing wrong with it, however it is important to consider the efficiency of a product over its efficacy.  Make sure your packing item performs the job it is meant for. Do not purchase and pack the product just because of the look it carries, this applies even during the daily commute as well. Think twice before buying a product and ask yourself if this will keep you dry and warm, or will this protect you in the event of an accident.

Jacket Layers

First thing to consider is the base layer and mid layer for your jacket. Make sure you have appropriate layers of jacket depending on your destination that protects you from any kind of temperature. Also keep in mind that the temperature would be different depending upon the month. So if you are heading to Alaska in the month of July, you should not expect a very cold weather, but some chilly mornings.

Casual Clothes

Casual clothing is required when you are not riding and is one of the biggest decisions that you have to make when you start packing.

So how much should you pack?

This factor is important while packing else you might end up packing for 10 days even for a 2 week long trip. Avoid over packing or you might end up with two full bags of clothes that you might never even use. In order to decide the amount of clothes you need to pack, firstly segment your journey into small mini trips. So whenever you reach at an end of your mini tour; try to wash your clothes and get yourself prepared for the next mini tour.

Pro Tip: One of the ideal ways to minimize your packing is to follow the 4th day laundry schedule. Use the four set of clothes every day till you reach the last day and every fourth day wash all your dirty clothes so that you can continue on again with fresh clothing.

Safety Tips

One of the most commonly neglected topic that is very important to consider while planning a long distance motorcycle tour is safety. We have mentioned this time and again, no matter how many years of experience you carry along with you; every time you are riding a bike there is a certain amount of risk that you are taking.

Tip 1: It is important to wear all your motorcycle gear ; Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Boots, Riding Pants and Ear Plugs.

Tip 2: Always drive within your limits and skip any dangerous part while planning your route.

Tip 3: No matter how much safety courses you have undertaken, a lot depends on the geographical location and your ability to adapt with them. A rider from the western hemisphere may find motorcycle touring in India pretty difficult, so you will need to adapt to the chaotic traffic to overcome these challenges.

Tip 4: The most important aspect of your motorcycle adventure journey is to avoid taking any risks to create an artificial adventure.

Tip 5: No matter what type of motorcycle or brand you prefer, it is important to give your machine the respect it deserves.

Tip 6: Avoid over speeding and appreciate the freedom.

You Might Also Like

Best Post Apocalypse Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle with prescription glasses or goggles

How to corner on a motorcycle as a beginner

How to clean a motorcycle carburetor without taking it apart

How To Prepare For A Long Motorcycle Trip; Ultimate Guide

• Last Updated November 28, 2017

We're an Affiliate. If you use our partner links we earn a commsission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Read the full disclosure here .

Get organized before your next road trip! In this ultimate guide, we give you tips and hacks to help your next trip go smooth.

There’s nothing more awesome than taking a motorcycle road trip and getting the wind in your face! How you get ready can help your trip go smooth. In this guide I give you some basic recommendations how to prepare for a long motorcycle trip.

There’s little so freeing and so exhilarating as taking a long trip on a motorcycle.

Imagine the wind rushing around you as the pavement zips by under your feet. You have complete control over your body and your vehicle, and the fresh air and sunshine is directly on you without any filtration through a windshield or a metal car body.

You can experience all this freedom yourself, but it’s important to take some time to prepare yourself properly for your trip before you take off on the ultimate motorcycle tour.

How To Prepare For A Long Motorcycle Trip

Everybody has their own way of getting prepared for a road trip, but when you decide to go by motorcycle it’s a bit different.

If you’ve never planned a long motorcycle ride or have done it many times, you’ll find some useful info here.

Yes, some of these things seem like a no brainer but simple things can get lost in the shuffle of trip planning.

Here’s what I’ll cover here:

• Service your motorcycle before the trip
• Get a safety inspection
• Chose the right clothing
• Pick the appropriate gear for the trip
• Select a navigation system (preferably two)
• Plan a basic itinerary
• Create a packing list
• Special items for men and women
• Basic travel hacks
• General motorcycling hacks
• Budget for your trip

Service Your Bike Before You Go

One thing is for sure; Your motorcycle journey will end far too quickly if you haven’t taken the correct precautions to make sure that your bike is in top shape.

The last thing you want to do is end up on the side of the road, waiting for assistance and ruining your trip.

Avoid preventable issues by giving your motorcycle a thorough check-up before you embark on your trip.

You wouldn’t skimp any other time, so don’t start now!

  Check Your Engine Oil

The manufacturer’s service manual will give you information about how often you should be checking your engine oil, what kind of oil you should use and how frequently you should be changing the oil of your specific type of motorcycle.

I personally change my oil every 3,000 miles, but that’s just me.

However, the general rule for most bikes is to make a change every 3700 miles

If you’re making mostly short trips on your bike, or if you’re not frequently traveling on it, you’ll likely need to change the oil more frequently.

Wanna save some cash for the trip? Here’s some info on how you can do yourself. Make sure you have your owner’s manual handy for your motorcycle. If you don’t have it go to your local dealer and get the info or go online.

The steps for changing your motorcycle engine oil are fairly simple:

• Gather all your tools in one place so you’re not hunting for supplies during the changing process • Prop up your bike on your side stand, center stand or rear stand • Place a drain pan directly under the bolt to catch the draining oil • Carefully remove the bolt, but be careful not to strip it • Unscrew the oil filter with a filter wrench, being careful not to damage it • Finish draining the oil • Replace the old crush washer to maintain the threads of your oil drain plug • Clean the drain bolt, and put it back on without over-tightening it • Fill the filter about a quarter of the way with clean oil • Rub a little oil on the rubber seal to provide good contact with the engine • Also apply a little oil around the filter area on the engine • Screw in the new filter carefully, but don’t force it, and don’t use any tools to tighten it • Use a funnel to add more oil until it reads between “add” and “full” when the motorcycle is sitting upright and not leaning on a stand • Make sure you’ve replaced all the caps and bolts

For you visual learners (like me) here’s a video:

Check Your Other Fluids

Although the engine oil is the most frequently checked fluid in a motorcycle, there are several other substances that must also be examined and possibly replaced before you undertake a bike tour.

Specially if you’re going to be dealing with extreme heat or cold.

Your motorcycle coolant should be changed frequently, and most riders do it about once a year. You’ll likely need propylene glycol in your bike, but make sure that you check your manual before making any changes. Consider mixing a little ionized water with your coolant to prevent scale buildup that can damage your bike’s system.

Brake Fluid

When you’re cruising along the highway or the back roads on your bike, you want to be confident that you’ll be able to stop at a moment’s notice. Keeping your brake fluid full and properly maintained is important to your safety. Motorcycle brake fluid should be glycol-based and should be changed every 1-2 years.

Transmission Oil

Motorcycles that feature a wet clutch gearbox don’t need transmission or gear oil changed. However, if your bike has a gearbox that’s independent from your engine, you’ll need to check the transmission oil at least once a year.

Most manufacturers suggest that you change your fork oil every 1-2 years unless you frequently ride off-road or travel extremely long distances. Make sure that you fill your forks to the prescribed levels. Both too much and too little oil can have dire consequences on the ability of your bike to perform.

Keep a sharp eye wherever you park your bike for the tell tale signs of oil on your front tire and on the ground.

Hydraulic Clutch Fluid

Treat your hydraulic clutch fluid the same as your brake fluid. In fact, you can often use the same fluid for both, and you should change them at the same time to make it easier on yourself to remember your maintenance schedule.

Check Your Tires

You can’t forget to check your bike’s tires. The most important aspect of tire safety is inflation; you have to have proper air pressure in your tires in order to maintain the performance and the life of your wheels.

Under inflation of your front tire specially will make turns (you’ll really notice it at low speeds) more difficult. If its hard to turn the front wheel at low speeds or even sitting still, changes are your front tire is too low.

As always, examine your bike’s manual to find out the perfect tire pressures, but there are some basic steps for examining and adjusting your tire pressure: • Visually check your tires at least weekly but always before a long trip • First read the recommendations for tire pressure on your motorcycle for single riders or passengers/cargo • Never exceed the tire’s load limit to avoid tire failure • Check the current tire pressure and adjust the tires as necessary • Inspect the tread depth of your tires • When the tread is worn to about 2/32 inches of tread remaining, you need to replace your tires • Look over the tire surfaces for evidence of cuts, embedded objects or sidewalls cracking • Clean your sidewalls with a mild soap solution to make it easier to check your tires more quickly

In addition to checking your motorcycles manual, take a look at the sidewall on your tires. Each tire should have a number with “psi” behind it, that indicates how much air that tire can hold.

For example, “45 psi”.

Most motorcycle tires will last somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles, depending on your weight, your common riding conditions and other factors.

Did you just change your motorcycle tires?

If you just put brand new tires on your motorcycle make sure you take some time and break them in. If your not sure, check out our article on how to break in new motorcycle tires . It’s easy and will save you from getting in a crash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVfPiwa35zU

Have a Professional Safety Inspection

This is highly recommended. Even if you’ve been maintaining your bike, it’s a good idea before a long tour to have a professional inspection done to double-check for problems that you might have missed. This is an even better idea if you’ve been a little lax in the care of your bike.

Your dealership or a local mechanic would be a good place to have this thorough inspection completed. These are the areas that you should make sure that your professional examines for you: • chassis, wheels and suspension • fasteners • steering head bearings, leaking seals or restricted movement on front forks • swing arm • rear shocks • brakes and brake pads • brake rotor and brake drum • final drive chain, belt and shaft • air and fuel filters • transmission and primary drive • engine • fuel and vacuum lines • exhaust system • electrical system • battery • turn signals, gauge lights and warning indicators • headlight, driving and fog lights • horn • wiring and switches • clutch, brake and throttle operations • mirrors • luggage rack, saddle bags and top case • crash bars

If you have a buddy that can perform the inspection great! If not, it’s worth paying a few bucks to have it done.

Have the mechanic go over all the inspection points with you so that you have a thorough understanding of the condition of your motorcycle.

This will help you in case something does go wrong, you know the condition of the bike when you started and gives you a reference point to help isolate problems.

Choose Your Clothing

Riding a motorcycle is great fun, but only if you’re properly dressed for the experience.

When you’re on your bike, you’re at the mercy of the outdoor elements, and you’re often traveling at high speeds.

You need to be dressed appropriately for your trip; otherwise, the entire experience will be less fun for you. In fact, ‘less fun’ is an understatement – you will be miserable!

As obvious as it sounds, the type of clothing that you wear will depend greatly on the weather in which you will be riding. A lot of riders either forget or don’t bother to dress appropriately for weather they know they will going into.

For example, if you’re traveling through Texas during the hot summer months, you’ll want to adjust your attire to keep you cooler.

However, if you’re riding through snow-covered terrain, warmer clothing will be more appropriate. Don’t forget about changing weather and precipitation as well.

If you’re going on a long tour, you’ll want to have some different pieces of clothing that will cover many different situations.

Gather Your Basic Clothing Needs

No matter what the weather or climate conditions of your ride, there are a few items that you most definitely need with you. These include: • a helmet (sometimes I carry two depending on space. A full helmet and a half shell) • gloves • a jacket • boots These items are necessary for safety as much as for comfort. Most motorcycle accidents cause injury to the legs, face and jaw areas, and these piece of clothing will best keep you safe.

Choose the Right Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

In addition to a helmet, the most important pieces of clothing you should consider for your motorcycle tour are a good pair of pants and a jacket.

The materials that you choose for these items really depend on your personal preferences. Many bikers opt for leather because it offers protection from abrasions, sometimes called “road rash.” However, leather can be stiff, uncomfortable and hot.

Other bikers prefer to wear a suit made of composite fabric materials that allows you to wear other clothing underneath it and that is easy to take on and off.

Many of these suits are completely waterproof, giving you protection in the rain. Try to find something with some padding or armor around the shoulders, back and elbows for extra protection.

When you’re choosing a jacket, make sure that your sleeves aren’t too long. You don’t want them to bunch up around your wrists, making it more difficult for you to steer safely. If your sleeves are too short, they won’t provide any protection.

Basic Motorcycle Jacket Feature To Look For

This nice thing about this set up if it’s too hot, you can just take off the outer shell and wear the inner that has the armor in it.

Joe Rocket is a popular brand that comes to mind that has this feature, but there are many others.

The same is true when it comes to the length of your pants. Many riders choose to wear jeans, but this material offers almost no abrasion protection. Look for pants that gives padding around the knees, hips and tailbone for the most safety.

Pick Appropriate Boots and Gloves

Gloves and boots are also important to the comfort and safety of your ride. You need some sort of hand protection, and riding gloves are the best.

For a long-distance tour, look for gloves that are snug but not so tight that they are uncomfortable or that they will come off during an accident.

Your gloves should have wrist straps and long gauntlets that will help keep them in place, even as you’re moving.

If gauntlets aren’t your thing, just make sure that you have gloves that are comfortable and keep your hands protected.

Boots are often overlooked in their significance, with many riders choosing hiking or work boots.

However, you need a good riding boot that covers the top of your ankle to give you the best protection. You should have padding or armor around the heel, ankle, toe and shin areas.

You also want something with a comfortable fit and good traction.

The traction of a riding boot gets overlooked a lot. If your boot doesn’t provide good traction, your feet can slip out from under you and your coming to a stop (at a stop light for instance) causing you to drop your bike.

I’ve had many times that this has nearly happened to me due to my footwear, and it always causes me to think twice anytime I get on my motorcycle.

Consider Other Clothing Ideas

After you have the basic pieces of your riding attire, consider some other options that will increase your comfort and your enjoyment of your trip.

These could include: • long underwear that provides insulation and moisture wicking • an electric vest for keeping warm in cold climates • polar fleece for underneath your pants or jacket • a full riding suit for exceptionally cold weather • hand-warmers in your gloves or boots • a vented helmet for hot weather • a vented jacket for hot weather • a wet bandana around your neck for cooling • a rain suit for extremely wet weather • rubber booties under your boots for waterproof protection

Although it may be tempting just to wear a t-shirt and shorts in hot weather, remember that you want to keep your body safe. Leaving your skin completely exposed may feel cool, but you’re putting yourself at risk for road rash and other injuries.

When it comes to shirts, wear a long sleeve shirt. I have several summer style long sleeve shirts on hand that are made of lighter material that I can wear.

This keeps my arms covered, but give me nice comfort in the heat.

Select a Navigation System Or Method

Whether you completely plan out your motorcycle tour before you set off, scheduling all your stops, or you opt for a freer trip with no planned destinations, you’ll need some sort of navigation system to track your direction and your location.

Although I would recommend that you have some sort of trip plan in place even if you opt for the ‘freer trip plan’.

Use a Paper Map

Although seemingly “old school” in terms of travel and navigation, there’s no reason that you can’t rely on a paper map to help you plan and track your motorcycle tour.

Purchase a map that shows the entire area that you’re planning traverse, or locate several maps to piece together to create the entire region.

Topography maps are especially useful for motorcycle riders because they can warn you about particularly rough terrain or altitudes that may be more difficult to cover by bike.

You should also consider using a waterproof map. Because you may need to refer to your map throughout your journey, even in inclement weather, a waterproof map will save you a lot trouble and lost time if your paper becomes damaged from rain or snow.

Not my cup of tea but still a great map hack

A great trick for planning your trip with a paper map is to use string to quickly determine distances.

String is very easy to pack into your gear, and it won’t let you down when you don’t have cell phone service to access your GPS.

Using the key on your map, make dark marks on your string at reasonable intervals, such as every 50 miles.

When you place the string on top of the map, these marks help you see the distances between locations. For example, if you’re thinking about making a side trip to a nearby town or landmark, you can place the string from your current location to the potential stop.

If there are 1.5 string marks from your current location to the stop, you know that it’s about 75 miles away, and you can plan the extra time needed to get there and back on track.

This method is an excellent way to plan side trips and to estimate the times you will arrive at your overnight locations.

Pick a Free GPS App

If paper maps aren’t your style, or even if you want another method of tracking your tour, there are many apps available on your cell phone. Even better, many of these GPS trackers are free for you to use and to enjoy, whether you’re an iPhone   or an Android   user.

Google Maps

Google Maps is probably the most used free GPS app. It provides very accurate maps, often updating as Google works to improve its services. You’ll also receive voice guidance and even turn-by-turn directions. However, those services are difficult to utilize on a motorcycle when you’re outside, when it’s noisy and when both of your hands need to stay on the handles.

If you have an iPhone, another popular choice is Waze. This app relies on user-generated traffic information to create its maps. There are fewer voice prompts than some other apps, but Waze gives excellent information about the road conditions and the potential for slow traffic on your desired route.

I like using this app on the motorcycle and when I’m traveling by car, it seems easier to use.

Another iPhone option is Here Maps, a free but offline source for driving, pedestrian and cycling navigation. The benefit of this service is that it’s available offline, so you can use it even if you’re in a remote or out-of-service area.

The InRoute app is also free for iPhone users. If you want up-to-date information about weather and for planning your trip around the sunrise and sunset times, this is the app for you. To get the most out of InRoute, however, you’ll need to purchase the premium upgrades and to learn to navigate the sometimes-confusing interface.

GPS Essentials

If you’re an Android user, check out GPS Essentials. Although the interface is a little out-of-date, you’ll appreciate the dashboard that monitors your altitude, distance traveled, average speed and even estimated time of arrival. This app is useful for navigating outdoor trails as well as roadways, so it may be perfect for a backcountry tour.

Plan a Basic Itinerary

As a motorcyclist looking to go on a tour, you’re probably at least somewhat constrained by your timeline. Whether you have work or other commitments weighing on your time use, you’ll have to find ways to accomplish your traveling goals while still being faithful to your available timeframe.

There truly is no right or wrong way to go about planning your trip. It is your tour, and you have the ability to make any stops or changes that you want. Likewise, you can choose how to plan your route and whether to use a map or planning software. You could even choose to not make any plans at all.

If you would like to plan your trip, it can be a very time-consuming process, especially if you’re traveling in a group.

Consider these suggestions to get you started in your planning:

1. Decide where you want to go. It’s very difficult to create a useful itinerary if you don’t have an end destination in mind.

2. Do a little research. You don’t have to fill notebooks with statistics and other factual information, but it does help to read

travel blogs or forums or to watch some videos made by other travelers.

3. Make a list of places or activities that you definitely want to experience during your trip.

4. Map your main route. You can choose to use a map, planning software, or any other source. Plug in your start and finish locations, and then you can find the best, fastest or even most scenic routes in between.

5. Figure your daily mileage. This will help you determine the best places for your overnight stops. You can start by dividing the total mileage evenly over your trip length, and then you can adjust as necessary for points of interest. The ideal daily distance on a motorcycle is usually 200-300 miles.

6. Plan your stops. Think about places that you want to see, where you will stay overnight and what food might be available in each of these places. Don’t forget about needing gas stations at regular intervals as well.

7. Divide your trip into individual days. You can plan it in a GPS device, make a spreadsheet or even write it down on a calendar. Use the method that works best for you.

Once you have a tour planned, remember that you can always adjust as necessary, even if you are already on the road. There’s no reason that you must be tied to a particular itinerary; don’t feel like you’ve wasted your time in mapping out your trip and then making changes.

Create a Good Packing List

Creating a packing list for yourself is going to a long way to getting you organized  for motorcycle trip (or any trip really).

Even with the basic clothing needs met, there are still a lot items that you need to take into account when you’re making your motorcycle tour packing list.

Think about your own needs for your specific trip, but consider these popular items for your motorcycle:

• luggage, such as saddlebags, a tail bag or some other type of storage • a GPS system and maybe a GPS mount • a good motorcycle cover • bungee cords for attaching luggage and other important items • a lock or security system for your stops • a tool kit, including wrenches and a screwdriver • a tire repair kit, including tubes, patches and plugs • roadside cleaning supplies, such as a cleaner and a cloth • chain oil or wax • a spare key

I keep my packing list on my phone and on my computer so I have it in multiple locations in case I lose one copy of it.

You’ll also need clothing for the entirety of your trip. This might include:

• underwear • wrinkle-free shirts and pants • a sweater, sweatshirt or pullover • a windbreaker or other light jacket • walking shoes or sandals for exploring off-bike • hats or visors • sunglasses • a swimsuit • plenty of socks • dress clothes if appropriate

Don’t Overpack

Don’t over pack some these items like socks and underwear.

It sounds crazy, but I only take a maximum of three pairs of underwear. I wear one pair (of course) and pack the other two. The key here is to spend a little more money and buy underwear of breathable material.

Not only are they more comfortable, but they’re easy to wash and dry in your hotel room if there is no laundry available. With a lot of the newer breathable polyester materials they will dry out in 10 – 15 minutes.

Socks I’ll pack about 5 days’ worth (maybe 6) and make sure that at least one or two pairs are heavy enough to keep my feet warm.

When it’s done right, socks can also be washed in the hotel room

Toiletries And Personal Items

Finally, remember that you’ll want all of your own toiletries for personal hygiene and grooming purposes.

Think about any particular issues you might have on a long bike ride that might be different than traveling via other modes of transportation.

Some suggestions include: • pharmaceuticals, such as anti-inflammatory or pain meds or anti-allergy meds • bug repellant • laundry detergent • favorite soap, shampoo and deodorant • toothbrush, toothpaste and floss • grooming supplies, such as shaving cream, a razor and nail clippers • glasses, contacts contact solution • sunscreen • universal adaptor/phone charger • wallet with cash and/or credit cards • identification, including a passport if you’re crossing country lines

Choose Special Items for Men

Male motorcyclists are notorious for minimalist packing. In addition to the previously mentioned items, some men will add a few more tools and perhaps a laptop. Depending on your overnight plans, you may also want to pack a tent, pillow and cooking supplies if you intend to camp rather than to stay at a motel or another type of lodging.

When it comes to minimal packing, I pride myself on how little I can get away with taking. This becomes a source of consternation for my gal when we do ride prep.

If you experiment with your packing, you’ll be surprised at how little you really don’t need to carry.

Choose Special Items for Women

Like their male counterparts, females may have a few additional items that they would like to include in their packing lists. Sometimes women choose to include more than just the minimal amount of clothing, adding more outfits.

Remember, you can always stop at a laundromat for a few hours to clean your clothes.

Some female riders are also interested in managing their hair and their makeup on the trip. You won’t have a lot of room for packing these supplies, so try to stick to as little as you need.

For example, use a combination sunblock and foundation. Pack a good lip balm rather than a lot of lipstick.

Keep in mind that your hair will be in your helmet a lot of the time, so focus on just the hair products that you will need, including hair bands and clips and a travel blow dryer if necessary.

Don’t forget about feminine hygiene products as necessary.

Check Out These Travel Hacks

There’s no better way to enjoy your motorcycle tour than by getting a great deal on many of your travel necessities. Check out these travel hacks to find more ways to save big on your trip.

Look for Hotels Deals

Even if you decide to plan your journey before you begin, you don’t have to book your hotels in advance. In fact, finding a place to stay at the last minute can actually help you score some of the best deals.

Try some of these ways to find cheaper hotel rooms:

• Check sites like Roomer and Cancelon to find hotels with late cancellations that will offer a reduced rate to fill those rooms. • Look for Groupon or Living Social deals. • Sign up for Kayak to get price alerts on hotels that you like. • Subscribe to travel organizations, such as AAA, to get membership discounts. • Try a bidding site like Priceline to find last-minute hotel deals. • Call the hotel directly, and ask whether it has any deals that you could use.

Download Hotel Apps

Another good way to find last-minute hotel deals is through hotel apps. These applications offer a quick route to great deals.

HotelTonight

Available for both iPhone and Android users, this is one of the original same-day booking aps to be created. The deals change daily, but you can’t reserve a room until after noon of that day.

This is my personal favorite and has kept a roof over my head many a night! I tend to do things on the fly, so this app works great for me.

Booking.com Tonight

If you’re an iPhone user, check out this app that offers some of the best comparison shopping options. Unlike many other apps, Booking.com Tonight offers deals starting at midnight, but you can only choose one or two nights at a time.

Use These General Motorcycling Hacks

Biking for long distances can take a toll on your body and your wallet.

Check out some of these motorcycling hacks for your next long tour:

• Use a $5 bungee net to strap just about anything onto your bike. • Add extra insulation by crumpling up some newspaper and by stuffing it inside your jacket or your pants. • Wear the free plastic gloves at the diesel gas station pump inside your riding gloves for extra warmth. • Use an empty water bottle to carry spare gas with you. • Wear tight bicycle shorts under your riding pants for extra compression and fewer sore butts. • Place some tape across the brim of your helmet visor to help reduce glare. • Use unscented baby wipes to remove tough messes from your leather. • Stuff newspaper in your wet boots overnight to dry them out and to prevent odor. • Take your helmet liner in the shower, and clean it with Johnson’s baby shampoo. • Put a crushed can under your kickstand if it won’t stay put in gravel, mud or soft sand.

Budget for Your Trip

Before you begin any kind of long trip, you should set an ideal budget. When traveling, it’s very easy to spend a lot more money than you want to spend.

Between lodging, food and other supplies, your money can just fly out of your pockets. You don’t want to go into debt over this trip that is supposed to be fun and exciting.

Beyond the initial start-up costs of buying a motorcycle, camping equipment or other necessities, these are the items to think about in creating a budget for your travel: • lodging • fuel • food • maintenance • supplies • emergency money

Determine how much you’re comfortable spending in each of these categories. For example, you may choose to camp along your route to save lodging money but to splurge on your dinners, spending more on food.

Just remember that if you choose to camp, that means having to pack and store more gear that maybe you otherwise would have.

All this is fine, as long as you aren’t going beyond your overall trip budget. Always remember to set some money aside for bike maintenance, especially if your trip is thousands of miles long,

Make sure you also plan for emergencies that you can’t predict, such as an injury, a major bike repair or a loss of personal items.

What are your suggestions on how to prepare for a long motorcycle trip? Have some cool hacks or suggestions, let us know in the comments below.

Find Deals On Gear

We have partnered with Revzilla to get you great deals on motorcycle gear. Click the button below to find the latest gear and discounts.

How To Transport A Motorcycle In A Pickup Truck: Simple Easy Guide

What Are Shorty Levers; Transform Your Bikes Performance

Motorcycle Tire Pressure Recommendations And Checks

WAIT! Don't Leave Yet

We have a lot of great content on this site. Click the button to read our most popular article.

Before You Go On A Long Distance Motorcycle Ride… Things You Must Consider

By lynnette, adventure travel , cameras , harley davidson , luggage , travel necessities.

In addition to packing the bare necessities listed on our motorcycle checklist , these things are worth considering as well:

• Whenever possible, try to find a hotel that’s in walking distance to a restaurant/bar so you don’t have to get back on the bike before you turn in for the night.
• Eat very light for breakfast, then eat an early lunch before the lunch crowd arrives. If you’re going to eat a heavy meal or a lot of food, save it for the last meal of the day when you’re done riding — because big meals take a lot of energy to digest and will make you drowsy.
• Don’t eat at chain restaurants. Instead, stop at mom & pop restaurants and local pubs whenever possible. (The hole-in-the-wall dives have much more character, and you learn a lot more about the people and things to do in the area.) For example, we stopped at a small pub in Crossville, TN called Cowgirls Sports Bar & Grille for a burger. We met the bar’s owner and learned about an unadvertised show featuring a very famous Country Music star who is going to unveil a new band he’s promoting there in a few weeks.
• Pack snacks if you have the space. We like snack-size peanut M&Ms, hard candies (like Sweet Tarts ,  Gobstoppers , Jolly Ranchers ), and mixed nuts in snack-size ziploc bags.
• Carry water and make a point to drink some every time you stop (even if you don’t feel thirsty). It’s important to your alertness and your overall comfort level to stay hydrated. We like to start the trip with a frozen bottle of water. It lasts a long time. Some like to use a Camelbak Hydration Pack  instead, so you don’t have to stop in order to get a drink.
• We had a cigarette lighter accessory installed in one of our saddlebags. That’s how we charge the battery in our mobile phone while we’re riding. We also carry a  travel power adaptor so we can use the same phone charger in hotels using an electrical outlet.
• Even if you only remotely  want to see something, then STOP! Enjoy the ride and everything there is to see and do along the way. Otherwise, you’ll be wishing you had if you didn’t. It helps to find places ahead of time by searching online or viewing other motorcyclists’ itineraries (on the map sites mentioned earlier).
• To avoid having to keep unfolding then refolding the map while on the bike, I sometimes use an app called  CamScanner  to take a photo of the exact portion of the map we are most interested in for that particular leg of the trip. That way, we can just zoom in to the “photo” of the map that is stored on our phone in order to see things on the map even closer while we are on the bike. The app produces higher quality and more detailed images than a typical camera app. It turns your phone into a photocopy scanner and stores images as PDF’s which you can then save, share, or upload to the cloud.
• Take a photo at each and every stop — including state lines, historic roadways, and noteworthy locations. Try to take a group photo at the start of each day.
• We keep a small pair of binoculars in the front pocket of the luggage. They could come in handy to see what’s up ahead of you on the road or to view wildlife in the distance.
• If you wear glasses (like I do), take a cheap spare pair along with you rather than your everyday pair — in case you lose them, misplace them, sit on them, squish them while packing, etc. I have sunglasses that go over eyeglasses — so I can wear both at the same time. (This comes in handy if I need to read the map while we’re riding.)
• We haven’t invested in motorcycle glasses for riding at night yet. Instead, we each wear a cheap pair of clear lens safety glasses during our nighttime rides.
• On chilly or windy days, I wear clear  silicone earplugs  to keep the wind from entering my ears since I’m prone to ear aches.
• If you have long hair, then you know that tiny flyaway hairs are constantly slipping out from under the helmet and slapping you in the face. (When you’re going fast, they feel like sharp little knives.) I spent weeks trying to figure out how to keep flyaways from slipping out of my (very tight, elastic) ponytail holder, by experimenting with hair combs and barrettes of all shapes and sizes. Finally, I tried wearing a simple wide, stretchy headband underneath my helmet… and it worked! No more flyaways. Not one. (During the winter I plan to use my thin fleece pullover headband that is a little warmer and covers my ears as well — to cut down on the wind. For the summer, I may upgrade to one that has wicking properties like this Under Armour headband .)

• We learned the hard way that many places — especially little towns — don’t take American Express. So plan ahead. Have plenty of cash (or a debit card) available instead.
• We’ve found that we can comfortably ride about 100 miles before our butts need a break and our legs need a stretch. We ride about 300 miles each day max. Truth be told, by the 4th day of our most recent motorcycle trip, we had to stop and stretch (and take pressure off of those key “pressure points”) more and more frequently — as often as every 30 minutes. Since we don’t have that much saddle time in yet, I expect our need for butt breaks to decrease the more we ride. But I’m seriously considering an AirHawk Motorcycle Seat Cushion ! (See reviews here and here .)
• Other things that could come in handy and might be worth making room for: 2 bungee cords, a roll of duct tape, kickstand pad (for parking on grass/sand/gravel/asphalt), fanny pack or waist bag (I got one of  these ; I like how it hooks right on my belt loops), non-cycling shoes & clothing (if your trip requires it), shampoo, and soap (if not staying at a hotel).
• For keeping the motorcycle clean, we borrowed an amazing product from a friend called Fastwax FW1 Wash & Wax . It’s a waterless car wash that is an aerosol foam. It works great, but it’s expensive ! We searched all over for another aerosol foam waterless car wash & wax product, but they are next to impossible to find in stores. Finally, we found  Foamtek waterless car wash . It works just as well as the FW1, but costs much less. We highly recommend it!

Other Motorcycle Checklists

Want to see what others have on their motorcycle checklists? Here are the best ones I’ve found:

• Packing For Your Motorcycle Trip
• Must-Haves For Long Rides + How To Pack Motorcycle Luggage & Saddlebags
• Motorcycle Trip Checklist
• Odds & Ends To Pack For Your Motorcycle Trip
• Preparing & Packing For Long Motorcycle Rides
• Motorcycle Packing Tips
• Blackberry Motorcycle Trip Checklist
• 10 Essentials To Pack On A Motorcycle Trip
• Tips For Packing Your Motorcycle
• A Woman’s Motorcycle Camping Checklist
• Packing For A Long Motorcycle Trip
• Motorcycle Camping Checklist
• Roadside Necessities For Motorcyclists

We have lots more fun  Motorcycling Tips & Adventures  and an awesome  Motorcycling Pinterest Board  with unique ideas, tips, and motorcycle pictures from around the web!

As a lifelong traveler, I like to help people find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Travel Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I'm SUPER organized and I love to pack! I've lived in 6 different states (Florida, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas) and have visited every other state in the U.S. — except Hawaii. (Can you say bucket list?) I've been on several different cruises, airplanes, and boats in my life and I currently enjoy the outdoors by bicycling, motorcycling, Jeeping, RVing, camping, or just walking my dogs. My favorite "hobby" is riding on the back of our Harley-Davidson Road Glide traveling cross country — which we usually do at least once each year. We even rode from Tennessee to Alaska once! When I'm not on the road, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Featured articles

April 2, 2024

Our 2017 Eclipse Trip Was 1,200 Miles And So Worth It! My Tips For Planning A 2024 Eclipse Trip (…And A 2045 Eclipse Trip, Too!)

April 1, 2024

How To Increase Your Odds Of Finding Fairy Stones At Fairy Stone State Park In Virginia

February 4, 2024

My Personal Skydiving Experience – How Tandem Skydiving Has Changed

Motorcycle Road Trips: Top 10 Destinations Every Biker Should Visit

T here's nothing quite like the feeling of anticipation when setting off on a motorcycle road trip. From planning your itinerary to choosing your equipment, strapping down your bike, and donning your protective gear, the excitement builds as you rev your engine and pull away into the great unknown. The combination of the open road, the surrounding scenery, and the hum of the engine is an immersive experience that all bikers appreciate. Add to this the element of adventure, and the draw is irresistible.

Good preparation is vital to enjoying a successful motorcycle road trip. Make a checklist that includes all essentials and safety items so nothing gets left behind. It is a good idea to check local regulations and weather conditions, and safety should always be your top priority, so wear appropriate gear and ensure that your bike is in good working order before you depart.

Motorcycle road trips are an exhilarating way to explore new places and experience your natural surroundings. It's easy to pull over and take a break, grab a bite to eat, admire the scenery, and take a few photos whenever you feel like it. Here, we have selected locations with proper thoroughfares accessible to all motorists but well suited to bikers for their scenic views and serpentine twists and turns. Every biker should consider the following 10 fantastic destinations for their road trip adventures.

Read more: The 10 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Made

Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

Whether you are headed north or south, the Pacific Coast Highway promises a spectacular experience. Known for its breathtaking coastal views, the highway occupies around three-quarters of the California coastline on California State Route 1. It offers bikers a relaxed cruise of around 655 miles, but if you are feeling adventurous, you can join Route 101 at its northern terminus, which will take you to the Canadian border. Head south, and you can merge with I-5, which terminates at the Mexican border. However, the highway itself has plenty to offer and deserves a few days to experience it properly.

The PCH has a storied history as it was built using labor from Folsom and San Quentin prison inmates, who were paid the miserly sum of 35 cents per day for their backbreaking efforts. It formed after the consolidation of roads linking Los Angeles and San Francisco with other coastal settlements and finally opened in 1937. Throughout your trip, you'll pass through delightful towns like Big Sur and Carmel, experience the natural wonders of the giant Redwood forests and the Oregon Sand Dunes, and enjoy stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

The roads are well-paved throughout the Pacific Coast Highway, and the trip could best be described as leisurely, with plenty of places to stay and sightseeing opportunities along the route. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes and a daypack for essentials when you're not on the road, and bring wet-weather gear, especially if you are thinking of riding in the fall or winter months. Temperature ranges can vary widely in the state of California, so you should also consider appropriate clothing while planning your trip.

Scottish Highlands (Scotland)

The Highlands of Scotland are a little off the beaten track, even by European standards, but the rewards are most certainly worth it. Using Edinburgh's hilly, granite capital as a jumping-off point, you can enjoy the nightlife and historic attractions and even rent a motorcycle before embarking on a trip that could take you over a thousand miles into the Scottish interior and its stunning islands. The rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes make it an excellent destination for motorcycle touring, and you'll get to explore historic castles and lochs (home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster) as you ride through the remote and sparsely populated countryside.

You'll find plenty of campsites across the country if you're traveling in the summer months (which is highly recommended, given Scotland's unpredictable temperate climate), as well as an assortment of hotels and B&Bs if you aren't keen on "roughing it" — although these can be pretty expensive. Roads are generally well-paved but are almost exclusively single-lane country thoroughfares, and speed limits are understandably low, leaving you plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery as it passes by. Livestock outnumbers people significantly, so be wary of sheep and the odd Highland cow as you navigate rural areas.

Points of interest might include John O' Groats (mainland UK's most northerly point), the Isle of Sky, with its dramatic scenery, the stunning A87 roadway, the Cairngorm Mountains, Loch Ness, and the North Coast Road. Don't forget to pack mosquito repellant, especially during summer, and expect to get rained on at any time of year. Remember, there are many remote destinations in Scotland, and due care should be taken on your motorcycle, especially if traveling alone.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (South Dakota, USA)

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has become a Mecca for motorcyclists, especially those who favor the great American brands. Every year, the biking community descends upon this small town in South Dakota's Black Hills for 10 days and nights. Here, it partakes in several scheduled bike tours, live music, events, competitions, and plenty of food and drink at this celebration of life on two wheels.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been around for a while, established in 1938 as a series of racing and stunt-riding events. It has since grown into an internationally recognized festival that regularly attracts over half a million attendees. A choice of accommodation is available, including hotels, cabins, RVs, and camping options. Once settled in, participants can enjoy several planned bike tours, including the Mayor's Ride, Police Chief's Ride, and Veteran Warrior Ride, which require registration or a donation to join.

Each pass by various local landmarks and points of interest, such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Devil's Tower, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you'd rather go solo or travel in a small group, numerous circuits, as outlined in official ride maps, can be completed over a few hours.

If you plan on heading to the Sturgis Rally, plan in advance and book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. As with all festivals, it's never a bad idea to stick to a daily budget and reserve money for unexpected expenses. As the rally takes place in early August, the weather is usually pleasant in Sturgis at this time of year, but always plan for the worst-case scenario and include a rain jacket along with your sunblock.

Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Italy has so much to offer its visitors, including Renaissance artworks, fine food and wine, museums, café culture to rival that of France, and stunning scenery. Of course, it is also a top motorcycle destination and home to venerated brands Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, and Aprilia.

The country's Amalfi Coast provides a dramatic coastal ride with cliffside roads overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea that makes up part of the Mediterranean. Here, you'll explore charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello along the way, with balconied houses overhanging their winding streets. These open up to well-paved roads that meander through scattered vineyards, with mountainous hillsides lined with Cypress trees inland.

To tour the Amalfi coast, you could start in Rome, where motorcycle rental shops are abundant, and cruise south through the Campania region before arriving in Naples. This is the jumping-off point for most Amalfi coast trips and is home to Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii a bit further south for some unforgettable sightseeing. Afterward, head south and travel from Sorrento to Salerno, taking in all the wonders of the Amalfi Coast along the way. You can take the highway back to Rome from Salerno in just a few hours to complete your tour, which can take as little as two days, depending on your schedule.

Italy is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is early or late summer to avoid searing temperatures. Bring some Euros in cash to pay for tolls getting to and from the Amalfi Coast, and perhaps most importantly, relax and don't rush the experience, as there is much to see and do over its short 50-kilometer distance.

Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)

Eastern Europe offers some fantastic travel opportunities as part of a more extensive motorcycle tour, with cities like Prague, Budapest, and Bucharest boasting stunning architecture and culture at far more affordable prices than their Western European counterparts. The latter of these, Bucharest, is the point of departure for most people embarking on a bike tour of the Transfagarasan Highway. This mountain pass in the Carpathian Mountains offers a varied and beautiful ride, taking you through some dramatic scenery and passing through many tunnels and hairpin turns at elevations of up to 6,700 feet.

Jeremy Clarkson, formerly of "Top Gear," once described the Transfagarasan Highway as possibly the best road in the world, and for once, he may not have been exaggerating. The number of serpentine twisties and steep descents that cut through the mountain passes make this the perfect road for bikers, and as a relatively new road created as a military thoroughfare during the last days of Communist Romania, it is well maintained. The Transfagarasan Highway spans the historical provinces of Wallachia and Transylvania, home to the fictional Count Dracula and his real-life inspiration, Vlad the Impaler, who lived at Poenari Castle, which you can visit along the way.

The Highway is closed for much of the year, between October and June, so plan your trip accordingly. Adverse weather conditions can strike year-round, resulting in road closures, so check information boards in towns and online before departure. Heavy rain and poor visibility are common throughout the high passes, so make sure you travel with a rain suit and treat your visor with anti-fog spray or use a Pinlock for improved vision while you ride.

Ruta Cuarenta (Argentina)

Ruta Cuarenta, or Ruta 40, is a vast 3,000-mile road almost the length of Argentina. This iconic highway runs alongside the Andes, offering riders a chance to experience the country's diverse landscapes, from the deserts of Patagonia in the south to the wine country of Mendoza in the north and plenty of wonders in between. You will encounter 27 mountain passes that can reach over 13,000 feet, the vast Patagonian Steppe, 18 large rivers, and 20 national parks as you enjoy this famed bucket list motorcycle trip.

Any biker attempting to undertake such a trip should already be aware of the amount of planning required. Essentials should include comprehensive protective gear, warm and cool weather clothing, and practical bike repair and medical items. There can be 200 miles between fuel stops on the Patagonian Steppe, so know your bike's limitations and plan to carry extra gas. The roads here are mostly unpaved, so use appropriate tires with off-road capabilities.

The best time to travel on Ruta Cuarenta is in the Argentine spring between November and December. Leave it any later, and winter encroaches upon the south, so bear this in mind when planning your schedule. As one of the longest overland thoroughfares in the world, you should expect your trip to take at least a couple of weeks, and cellphone coverage is sparse outside of populated areas.

Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Australia is one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, and it offers some serious adventure destinations across its vast and varied landscape, as well as plenty of exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife, much of which is unique to the continent. The Great Ocean Road runs along Australia's southern coast and offers stunning ocean views, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, 12 limestone stacks jutting from the ocean.

The Great Ocean Road is situated just south of Melbourne, and it is well-paved throughout, making this route well-suited to all two-wheelers, whether you ride a 105cc Australian Postie Bike or a BMW R 1250 GS. Leaving Melbourne early, you can make it to Port Campbell in a day, with plenty of stops for pictures and rests. The town is just past the Twelve Apostles and at the road's furthest point, so you can take in a stunning sunset at the landmark and head for some good food and accommodation for the night before heading back to Melbourne the next day.

While the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's more relaxed motorcycle tours, it is not without its hazards. The steep hillsides often leave scattered rocks and debris on the road. Bear this in mind, especially as you enter corners. There are many corners along the road's length, with extreme cambers and hairpins. Wherever you ride on the continent, you should watch for wildlife on the road and monitor your speed to avoid collisions. As is typical when biking, humans pose one of the greatest threats, so watch for tourists driving erratically, especially when pulling in and out of viewpoints or picnic areas along the route.

Tail Of The Dragon (North Carolina/Tennessee, USA)

While it may be the shortest motorcycle road trip listed here, the Tail of the Dragon is among the most exhilarating. This 11-mile stretch of US Route 129 traverses the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a magnet for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially sport bike riders, with 318 curves, making it one of the most challenging and technical riding roads in the United States.

Running almost parallel to Calderwood Lake, the Tail of the Dragon twists through dense forest as it slices through the mountains and past the Cheoah Dam, the location of Harrison Ford's daring leap in "The Fugitive." While the scenery and surroundings are impressive, this stretch of road is all about the ride as you grip the handlebars and negotiate its curves as safely as possible. Many riders have met their deaths at the Tail of the Dragon, and it is essential that you know your limits, know your bike's capabilities, and pay attention to the weather and road conditions as you ride.

The best time to attempt the Tail of the Dragon is either in the summer or fall, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and stay the night in the surrounding area. Ensure you perform maintenance on your motorcycle before setting off, including checking your brakes and tire pressure, to help avoid any spills on the road.

[Featured image by Washuotaku via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Canada has a shorter riding season relative to destinations nearer the equator. Still, with its many picturesque, well-maintained, sparsely-populated highways, it is among the most rewarding countries to travel by motorcycle. The Cabot Trail is a scenic road that winds through the Cape Breton Highlands, offering sweeping ocean views, lush forests, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose and bald eagles. The trail is 186 miles long and hugs the Atlantic coast of Cape Breton Island in a well-paved circuit.

The Cabot Trail takes you up and down in elevation and through shade and light. You will experience many changes in temperature along the way, so bring appropriate clothing. There are plenty of places to stop for breaks and sightseeing, but make sure you buy a $10 Park Pass if you want to take a break at any point, or you will incur a fine if checked.

The best time to visit the Cabot Trail is from early May to late September, and the general consensus is that counter-clockwise is the preferred direction of travel. It's best not to ride in the evening to avoid moose and fill up gas at a larger town, as those further down the trail may not sell the premium fuel that our cherished bikes prefer.

Himalayan Circuit (India)

For an epic adventure, consider riding through the Himalayas. As the tallest mountain range in the world, this barrier separating the Indian Subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau is steeped in mystery, Buddhist spirituality, geological wonders, and breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks.

Ride north from New Delhi, or take the bus to Manali. You can rent motorcycles in either of these locations, usually a native Royal Enfield model, such as the aptly named Himalayan. From Manali, spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude (6,398 feet) in preparation for much higher elevations later. Set off through the foothills and scale the Rohtang La (13,051 feet). Refuel in Keylong (the next gas station is over 200 miles away!) and stay the night in a tent in Sarchu camp. The next day, you will head to the remote city of Leh with its palaces, ancient monasteries, and stupas, via challenging terrain, high mountain passes, such as Tanglang La (17,480 feet), and the 21 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops.

From Leh, you can spend a few days touring. Head north to the Nubra Valley, East to Pangong Lake, or continue your voyage west to Kashmir, passing through lush green valleys, the 11th-century monastery at Lamayuru, and the city of Kargil. Once you reach Kashmir, stay on a traditional houseboat in Srinagar with a local family and drink in the incredible scenery before completing your circuit.

The high passes are closed for much of the year, and it is best to travel the Manali–Leh Highway between June and September. Clothing and additional fuel are essential, as is plenty of money in cash. Permits are required for some locations (arrange with a local tour guide) and prepare to be amazed by this unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

back to the blog

14 Tips for Packing Your Motorcycle for a Long Trip

Jake T · June 18, 2021

A motorcycle can take you just about anywhere, from the coast to the mountains to the desert, and everywhere in between. But every experienced traveller knows that preparation and good packing are key for getting to your destination. So, when you’re working with the space constraints of packing a motorcycle, how can you make sure to get it right?

Packing luggage on a motorcycle takes a little bit of know-how, but most of it is common sense once you understand. Below, we’ll share 14 important tips for packing your luggage on a motorcycle trip.

1. Slim it down.

Packing light should be your guiding principle. Evaluate every bit of space you can save and what the tradeoffs for doing so are. Be discerning about what you do need and what you don’t, and learn to do more with less wherever possible. Do you need Bluetooth motorcycle speakers and a pair of headphones? Maybe you do, but make yourself justify it if so.

2. Heavy stuff goes on the bottom.

Always put the heaviest items into your luggage first and then stack on top of them, rather than vice versa. This will help keep the weight balanced and avoid making it top-heavy. Your heaviest items should also be in the bag that’s closest to the bike, preferably one that’s attached to it directly.

3. Roll up your clothes instead of folding them.

Your clothes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, especially bulky things like jeans. That’s why it’s a great idea to roll up your clothes when you pack rather than folding them. By rolling them into a burrito-like form, you can conserve a substantial amount of space in your bag. This tip works for packing in general, not just for a motorcycle trip!

4. Pack for versatility.

You can reduce what you need by packing more rugged and versatile gear. An all-weather motorcycle jacket with a removable liner can eliminate the need for extra outerwear. A good pair of motorcycle touring boots , meanwhile, should be waterproof and made of durable materials that can withstand bad weather conditions.

5. Leave a little room.

Avoid packing your luggage so tightly that there’s not a smidgen of room left anywhere. You might want to bring some souvenirs home from your trip—where’s that Sturgis beer stein going to go? Plus, a fully packed out bag can become progressively harder to work with as your trip goes on and your careful packing system will tend to become more disorderly.

6. Put things inside your shoes.

If you’re packing an extra pair of shoes, don’t forget to use the space inside them to store other things. A normal pair of shoes can often hold some shirts or underwear, and boots may be able to hold even more.

7. Don’t forget about entertainment.

Think about how you’ll keep yourself amused, both on the road and during downtime. A pair of Bluetooth motorcycle helmet speakers is an invaluable addition to your kit for listening to music or podcasts, and a book is great if you’re going to have some time to yourself in nature. Plus, a book never requires Wi-Fi or 4G, which might be scarce where you’re going.

8. Go easy on the backpack.

Even if you have a great motorcycle backpack , resist the temptation to overload it. Riding with a heavy load in your backpack can make your ride significantly less comfortable and tire you out more quickly. Also, if you don’t have a proper motorcycle backpack, get one. They’re designed to be ergonomic for riders, and many have extra strap adjustment features that make them more comfy to ride with.

9. Organize and categorize.

Nobody likes fishing through an overstuffed bag for an item they really need. Instead, try bringing multiple pieces of smaller luggage, or use luggage that has compartments. Then, break down your packing into categories, such as a bag for on-the-road essentials, a bag for clothes, a bag for toiletries, etc.

10. Share essentials if you’re riding with a group.

Doing a cross-country tour with friends or family? You might be able to share certain essentials. One person might be able to bring sunscreen, another could take care of toothpaste and a third could carry a basic repair kit. There’s no need to occupy extra space by duplicating things you only really need one of.

11. Use compression dry sacks.

Compression dry sacks are an outdoor adventurer’s best friend, and they work great for motorcyclists, too. These amazing bags help you pack more stuff into a smaller space, and they’re also waterproof so they help keep the items that you pack into them dry. They’re perfect for things like clothes that are both bulky and vulnerable to getting wet.

12. Don’t neglect security.

Think about how you’re going to secure your luggage. Some riders like to use saddlebags with built-in locks or padlocks, at least for their most valuable items—if not their whole kit. Try to always have things like your phone, wallet and keys on you any time you get off the bike. And, of course, make sure that your bike itself is secured with a robust security mechanism like a disc lock or an alarm system .

13. Remember your chargers.

If you’re like most people, you’ve got a ton of personal electronic devices, each with its own charger. Your phone, your tablet, your motorcycle Bluetooth communication system —they all need power and they all need chargers, so have a specific place you put them in your luggage and make sure they’re all accounted for every day. Don’t forget that you might be able to charge your Bluetooth motorcycle helmet intercom through your bike itself.

14. Zip ties and Bungee cords will get you out of a jam.

Even if you don’t think you need these things, bring some anyway. They take up very little space, and they can be used in a mind-boggling variety of different ways to secure your luggage. In an unexpected situation involving your luggage, bungee cords and zip ties can prove to be your best friends.

This information is given to you as a guide to support you in your choice of licence and RideTo has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided about motorcycle licence and training requirements. However, RideTo cannot guarantee the information is up to date, correct and complete and is therefore provided on an "as is" basis only. RideTo accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising. We recommend that you verify the current licence and training requirements by checking the DVSA website.

• Delivery jobs
• Paying With Klarna
• Terms & Conditions
• Terms of Use
• CBT Training
• Introduction to Motorcycling
• Full Motorcycle Licence
• Gear Conversion
• CBT Renewal

Get the latest on rides, events & more

You need to enable javascript to use bike tests..

Please check that you have JavaScript enabled. There's a useful guide on how to do that here .

• ten best motorcycles
• new motorcycles
• motorcycle dyno
• buyer's guide
• comparison tests
• gear and products

10 Great Motorcycles for Travel 2023

No matter how you like to explore, there is an ideal bike for you.

Best Motorcycles For Long-Distance Touring

For long hours on the road, these bikes are the best of the best

Regardless of whether you enjoy cross-country adventures or prefer weekend vacations, owning a dependable and functional touring motorcycle will make a world of difference. With the ever-expanding choices in the market, you can choose a touring bike that provides exemplary performance, convenience, and amenities within your individual budget. Although there are still certain bikes missing that we would have otherwise included, we've done our best to be as comprehensive as possible and represent as many brands as possible.

A tourer is usually preferred by folks who enjoy traveling long distances , primarily on well-paved asphalt, usually with plenty of gear and possibly a pillion. Fortunately, motorcycle manufacturers have not ignored this market, and you have a plethora of options to choose from. So let's look at the best options in case you are in the market for a long-distance touring motorcycle.

Updated November 2023: Over the decades, touring motorcycles have progressed from just spacious cruisers to well-designed bikes that are meant to munch miles without much effort. We have refreshed this list by adding special features that make each of these motorcycles well-suited to long-distance touring.

Looking at information from manufacturer websites alongside several expert sites, we have compiled this list of 'Best Motorcycles For Long-Distance Touring'.

10 Best Go-Anywhere Motorcycles On the Market

10 suzuki boulevard c50t, msrp: $10,359.

We considered including an old-fashioned tourer option for those who are more conventional cruiser fans. The touring-biased Boulevard comes with a 805cc V-twin engine that produces 53 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque. However, keep an eye out that this bike isn't as quick as some on our list, but you wouldn't be thinking about it if speed was your primary concern.

The Suzuki Boulevard C50T is great for short weekend travels , and thanks to its vintage cruiser design with chrome highlights and a specific focus on comfort, this is for those who like the understated offering. In a market rife with sport tourers, this motorcycle keeps matters comfortable and easy for people who prefer to travel great distances using conventional methods. If that's you, this should be your pick.

Special Touring Features

• Ergonomic Design: The C50T boasts a comfortable riding position with a spacious seat and wide handlebars, reducing fatigue during long rides.
• Windshield and Fairing: Equipped with a stylish windshield and effective fairing, the C50T provides excellent wind protection, enhancing rider comfort on extended journeys.

9 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Msrp: $16,499.

If we're speaking of touring, the Tracer 9 just cannot be forgotten, and it is evident because this bike nearly invariably makes its way onto nearly every tourer list of ours. It's not tough to see why - the Tracer has consistently been a good all-around product since its introduction and the current Tracer iteration is no exception.

It is powered by an inline three-engine, and its power output is unparalleled. The 890cc liquid-cooled mill, derived from the famed Yamaha MT-09, is capable of producing 115 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. It is equipped with advanced technology such as a quick-shifter, cruise control, and several riding modes, allowing you to fully take charge of your touring experience.

• Adjustable Suspension: The Tracer 9 GT features electronically adjustable suspension, allowing riders to tailor the ride to their preferences and adapt to varying road conditions.
• Tech-Packed Cockpit: With a user-friendly TFT display and advanced navigation features, the Tracer 9 GT keeps riders informed and entertained, adding convenience to long-distance touring.

8 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

Msrp: $14,199.

The GSX-S1000GT+ is considered among the finest touring motorcycles under 1000cc . The 'GT' in its acronym stands for Grand Tourer, and there is plenty on this bike that makes it grand. It's essentially the ideal offspring of a sportster and an expansive tourer.

It costs roughly $14,000 and is driven by a 999cc inline-four motor, which is nothing short of a beast of an engine capable of producing 150 horsepower at the twist of the wrist. Then, there is some great comfort on offer too because of the big seats and a balanced riding position. To add to that, there are some great effective aerodynamic fairings, luggage accessories, and a big 6.6-inch digital screen that every tourer will appreciate.

• Powerful Engine: The GSX-S1000GT+ combines touring comfort with a potent engine, delivering a thrilling yet smooth performance for those who enjoy spirited rides on the open road.
• Three-Stage Traction Control: Enhanced safety comes from the intelligent traction control system, offering riders confidence and stability even in challenging weather conditions.

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

7 bmw k 1600 grand america, msrp: $18,299.

If a high-end touring motorcycle with timeless appeal and long-distance comfort is what you're eyeing, the K 1600 should be your pick from BMW . Be prepared for a comfortable ride, with plenty of room for gear and a passenger, and you'll still have room to wiggle around and make yourself even more comfortable.

It comes with a sizable 1,649cc inline-six-cylinder mill that produces great highway power and is surprisingly calm for its dimensions. Features? The K 1600 has plenty to keep you smiling all day long. Huge floorboards, a large 10.25" TFT display, a big windshield, roomy panniers, an excellent rear case with a backrest for your pillion, cutting-edge equipment and an outstanding stereo system. What more do you need?

• Luxury Accessories: The K 1600 Grand America exudes luxury with features like heated seats, spacious panniers, and an advanced infotainment system, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a premium touring experience.
• 6-Cylinder Engine: With a powerful 160 hp 6-cylinder engine, the Grand America effortlessly cruises on highways, ensuring a comfortable and exhilarating long-distance ride.

6 Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST

Msrp: $29,999.

The Street Glide is the culmination of years of developmental work that Harley-Davidson has invested in its lineup. The ST trims are essentially uncluttered regular variants; they don't have a passenger seat, they have a front fender that has been reduced in size, and have luggage cases that have slim profiles. The impact? Far superior handling out on the tarmac.

The Milwaukee Eight 117 motor, the most powerful production engine by Harley , which generates 106 horsepower and 127 pound-feet t of torque, gives the bike an ideal balance of contemporary and vintage elements with an ample amount of power. Peak power is reached in a tourer-typical way at just 3750 revs. Might just be the dark horse on this list!

• Iconic Styling: The Street Glide ST combines comfort with the classic Harley-Davidson style, featuring a sleek profile, plush seating, and a distinctive batwing fairing for an unforgettable touring experience.
• Boom! Box GTS Infotainment: The advanced infotainment system keeps riders connected, providing navigation, music, and communication features at their fingertips, enhancing the overall touring experience.

5 Ducati Multistrada V2 S

Msrp: $19,295.

While we could have gone ahead with the more obvious choice, the Multistrada V4 , we have chosen its younger sibling simply because of how much more accessible it is to a wider range of people. The Strada is a breeze to maneuver in confined areas and powerful enough to keep the excitement levels up on highways, thanks to the 937cc Testastretta engine that generates 113 horsepower and a maximum torque of 69 pound-feet.

The semi-active Skyhook EVO suspension setup on the Ducati greatly improves the ride performance, however, it should be noted that this configuration works best on smooth asphalt. This tourer is among the most visually appealing on our list thanks to the distinctive Strada design philosophy. Therefore, if appearances are what motivate you, look no farther than this.

• Adaptive Cruise Control: The Multistrada V2 S features adaptive cruise control for effortless highway cruising, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance, enhancing rider relaxation during long rides.
• Skyhook Suspension System: With semi-active suspension, the Multistrada V2 S adapts to changing road conditions, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride across various terrain during extended journeys.

5 Reasons Why We Love The Ducati Multistrada V4 (And 5 Why The V2 S Is Better Value)

4 moto guzzi v100 mandello s, msrp: $15,490.

The Guzzi tourer is a far more capable touring motorcycle than most people give it credit for. It is an intriguing bike in our opinion owing to the brilliant 1042cc engine at its heart and clever design cues. To be honest, there isn't much about this bike that you won't enjoy - keep in mind you can reach the 153 mph threshold. It undercuts several of the heavy hitters on this list with an enticing price of $17,490, and it just might be worth your attention if you are looking for something a little different.

• Transverse V-Twin Engine: The V100 Mandello S boasts Moto Guzzi's signature transverse V-twin engine, providing a unique riding experience with smooth power delivery and a distinctive engine note, adding character to long rides.
• Adjustable Windshield: The adjustable windshield allows riders to customize the level of wind protection, catering to individual preferences and ensuring comfort during extended periods on the road.

3 Yamaha FJR 1300 ES

This massive motorcycle is the Yamaha FJR 1300 ES. No, not just by its size. In fact, almost entirely because of what it offers. When on the road, it commands respect because of how imposing it is. There is rarely a better alternative for a two-up touring configuration, and for $18,299, it is something of a bargain.

Its 1,298cc inline-four is a gorgeous engine with great power and torque delivery. This bike is one of the quickest touring motorcycles available because of its long sixth gear. Handlebars, seats, windshield, suspension - almost everything on this bike is adjustable, giving you the total freedom to configure the FJR 1300 ES to your taste.

• Shaft Drive System: The FJR 1300 ES features a low-maintenance shaft drive system, reducing maintenance hassles and ensuring a smooth power delivery, making it an ideal choice for hassle-free long-distance touring.
• Adjustable Riding Position: With adjustable handlebars and a comfortable seat, the FJR 1300 ES allows riders to fine-tune their riding position, minimizing fatigue during extended journeys.

2 Honda Gold Wing

Msrp: $24,700.

Long regarded as the crowning jewel of touring bikes, the Honda Gold Wing has long been used to explore the nooks and crannies of the world since the 1970s. An incredible 1833cc liquid-cooled motor drives this beast. However, it is undoubtedly one of the heaviest touring bikes at 933 pounds.

It has a (literal) tonne of features that make traveling simpler than ever. Heated grips, heated seats, ABS, cruise control, and best-in-class wind protection are a few of these amenities. Then there is new sophisticated ride technology, configurable riding modes, an inbuilt navigation screen with Bluetooth access, an adjustable electric windshield, improved LED lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a whole suite of features you won't ever need.

• Airbag System: The Gold Wing sets a new standard in safety with its optional airbag system, providing an additional layer of protection for riders during long-distance touring.
• Apple CarPlay Integration: Stay connected with Apple CarPlay integration, allowing riders to access navigation, music, and communication apps directly through the Gold Wing's infotainment system.

1 Indian Roadmaster

Msrp: $32,999.

For people who enjoy a luxurious touring experience, the Roadmaster is just the right motorcycle. It has every convenience you need to keep you content for extended periods of time on the road. Like most other tourers in Indian's lineup like the Springfield, the Roadmaster is also backed by the exact same Thunderstroke 116 V-twin motor.

A quick glance at the list of luxurious features includes heated rider and passenger seats, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a 200-watt audio system, an electronically adjustable windshield and so much more. Though its 909-pound wet weight makes it a somewhat bulky bike to handle at slow speeds, but a quick twist of the throttle, and you'll be gliding on Aladin's carpet.

• Touring Comfort: The Roadmaster excels in touring comfort with features like heated seats, spacious floorboards, and adjustable foot pegs, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable ride on extended journeys.
• Thunderstroke 116 Engine: The powerful Thunderstroke 116 engine provides ample torque for highway cruising, making the Roadmaster a formidable choice for riders seeking a capable and comfortable touring motorcycle.

Source: Cycle World

10 Awesome Motorcycles For Long Distance Riding

Updated April 24, 2023 by Simon Bertram

For When The Road Calls Your Name

Article quick nav.

These are the best day-trip bikes for novice riders:

Suzuki V-Strom 650

Kawasaki versys 650, ktm 390 adventure, honda rebel 500.

Royal Enfield INT650

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Harley-davidson iron 883, indian scout sixty, triumph tiger sport 660, yamaha mt-07.

Motorcycles are all about freedom, or so we like to tell ourselves. However, how often do we really get out there and ride? More often than not, we’re stuck in the city streets, with little blasts of fun between the lights, or maybe a nice cruise down the freeway to get to the next suburb.

To really embrace the freedom that motorcycling offers, a long-distance ride is precisely what the doctor ordered. The city behind you, the open road ahead, maybe some twisties here and there. Fresh air, an engine thrumming below you, urging you to keep chasing the horizon.

However, not all motorcycles are suitable for long-distance rides. Some are too stiff, meant more for the racetrack than the road. Some are too low power, designed with the city in mind only. Worry not, as we have put our collective heads together here at BestBeginnerMotorcycles to find the best beginner motorcycles for long distance riding .

About Our Selections

These selections considered ease of use, rideability, price, and how effective each motorcycle was in helping the beginner or newer rider learn the intricacies of riding. We are confident that any of these bikes will be superb starter or second bikes for most riders.

To further define what we are meaning by "long distance riding," we have set our sights at a full day trip or, at the upper limit, a weekend away. If you are looking for motorcycles for trips that are multiple days or even weeks in length, we do have a list of the best touring motorcycles for beginners.

An adventure tourer that is happy on the pavement, but can also get dirty if needed

Why We Picked It:

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is one of the two pure adventure bikes that we think also make great day tourers. This stems from the fact that the engine of the V-Strom is the same one that lives at the heart of the Suzuki SV650 , a very rider-friendly V-twin that puts out 70hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.

The rider-friendly power delivery and torque curve, combined with the more relaxed standard seating position and the windshield deflecting all the air that would otherwise be hitting your chest, makes for a bike that can take the miles. With 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, the V-Strom 650 is also well equipped to go off-road, should you ever choose to tread off the beaten path.

Specifications:

Price: $9,104

Engine: 645cc V-twin

Power: 70 HP

Torque: 46 lbs-ft

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Curb Weight: 470 lbs

Newer riders that want a comfortable and capable adventure tourer that is capable of both on and off road activity

Highlights:

Uses the same 645cc V-twin from the SV650, meaning it is a bulletproof, proven, reliable engine

Standard seating position and mid-mount pegs makes it comfortable even for the heaviest and tallest of riders

Traction control, stability control, and dual zone ABS are all standard

Learn More:

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 specs, features, & pics

2023 Suzuki USA V-Strom 650

An adventure tourer that prefers pavement and day trips out of the city

The other adventure bike, the Kawasaki Versys 650 , is in the same school of thought as the Suzuki. Rider-friendly power, comfortable seat, more suspension than its Z650 and Ninja 650 brothers, and a windshield to keep the air off you, so you don’t feel like you’ve been through a hurricane after a day of riding.

The only significant difference between the Versys 650 and the V-Strom is that the former uses a parallel twin. The minor difference is that the Versys, with 17-inch cast alloy wheels at either end, is a little more road-oriented than the Suzuki.

Note: As of April 24, no 2023 base model Versys 650 has been announced by Kawasaki, however there is still a lot of dealership inventory of the 2022 model across the USA. The 2023 Versys 650 LT is also available, however it is more oriented towards multiple days on the road instead of a single day trip.

Price: $8,899

Engine: 649cc parallel twin

Power: 66 HP

Torque: 44.8 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 483 lbs

Beginner riders looking for a more road oriented adventure tourer

Standard seating position and very comfortable saddle made this a perfect day-trip motorcycle

Can fit almost any rider, from the short and light to tall and heavy, and any combination in between

ABS and traction control are standard

2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 specs, features, & pics

2022 Kawasaki USA Versys 650

When it comes to ADV bikes for all situations, you can never go wrong with a KTM

The KTM 390 Adventure is one of my favorite motorcycles in the entry-level adventure segment. It may feature the smallest engine on this list, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t handle nearly anything thrown at it. The 373cc, liquid-cooled, single produces 43.5hp and 26lb-ft of torque, more than enough to get you up to (and keep you at) highway speeds all day long.

The Austrian company also didn’t skimp on the goodies on the bike just because it’s the entry into its “Travel/Adventure” range for 2023. It comes equipped with a steel trellis frame, WP Racing suspension, switchable ABS, and traction control.

And on top of all that, KTM Motorcycles has equipped the 390 Adventure with the same easy-to-read TFT dash, excellent LED all-around lighting (headlight, indicators, brake lights), and lightweight but strong aluminum handlebars that all the big adventure bikes also get. If you’re looking for your first adventure motorcycle, this may just be the perfect option for you.

Price: $7,399

Engine: 373cc four-stroke single

Power: 43.5 HP

Torque: 26 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 371 lbs

New riders looking for an ADV that can handle every type of terrain from pavement to no-trail off-road pathfinding

Designed from the outset with serious adventure touring in mind

A very good starter ADV bike that might just be a "keeper bike" for day trips if you get a larger ADV for more serious multi-day riding

Dual zone and switchable ABS, traction control, KTM's very easy to read TFT digital dash, and LED lighting all around

2023 KTM 390 Adventure specs, features, & pics

2023 KTM USA 390 Adventure

One of the best beginner sport cruisers in a generation, perfect for all day riding

The Honda Rebel 500 is a beautiful bike you can ride day in, day out, and never get tired of for the smaller beginner rider. One of the classic Honda 500cc series of bikes that shares engines with the likes of the CB500X , and the CB500R, it has a 471cc parallel-twin that produces 46hp and 32 lb-ft of torque.

The Rebel 500, from the very outset, was designed to be approachable and fun for the newer rider. It doesn’t have much in the way of distractions, which allows the rider to just… ride. It also offers excellent fuel efficiency, and a seat that seems to be made out of magic allows the under 6 foot, under 220 lbs crowd to have the same enjoyment of the open road and a day out on the bike.

If you like the Rebel 500, don’t forget to check out Honda’s 2022 lineup .

Price: $6,449 to $6,949

Engine: 471cc parallel twin

Power: 47 HP

Torque: 32 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 408 to 416 lbs

Beginner riders that are looking to get into cruisers without needing to think of a big American chunk of iron

A very simple, pure motorcycle that doesn't distract you with settings and features, but lets you just ride

Designed from the outset to be extremely beginner friendly, and as you grow your skill set, the bike transforms into a raw, pure, enjoyable sport cruiser

Dual zone ABS is an option for $6,749 on the ABS and $6,949 on the ABS SE variants. The only other real rider aid is a standard assist and slipper clutch.

2023 Honda Rebel 500 specs, features, & pics

2023 Honda USA Rebel 500

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (INT650)

A modernized model of a classic british b-road bomber from back in the day.

Known in the US, due to trademarks, as the Royal Enfield INT650, this bike is a modern take on one of the most influential and classic of day-trippers out there. Way back in the 1960s, if you wanted to take a ride between cities on the West Coast (i.e., the classic LA to San Diego day blast), you had only three or four real choices, of which the original Interceptor 650 was one.

Retro styled with modern touches, the INT650 is the quintessential British roadster . Comfortable seat, standard riding position, high and wide bars, a 648cc parallel-twin thumping out 47hp and 38 lbs-ft of torque under you. The modern touches include fuel injection, modern brakes with ABS, external reservoir rear shocks, and a wet multi-plate clutch that allows all six gears to engage much more smoothly than in days past.

Price: $6,149

Engine: 647.9cc parallel twin

Torque: 37.4 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 445 lbs

Beginner riders that are looking for a classic British day-tripper meant for long distance riding in comfort

The parallel twin is a "lazy" engine in that it responds instantly to input, but the powerband is very spread out, making it very easy to control

Despite it's weight, it is a very agile neo-retro bike, designed to attack British B-roads away from the motorways, plastering a huge grin on your face

Dual zone ABS and not much else in the way of rider aids. A very purist motorcycle that is very beginner friendly

2023 Royal Enfield INT650 specs, features, & pics

2023 Royal Enfield USA INT650

One of the friendliest beginner "sportster" cruisers out there

What may look like a big, intimidating, aggressive muscle cruiser is actually one of the friendliest beginner cruisers out there. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is meant for the open road, plain and simple. It has the nigh unkillable Kawasaki 649cc parallel twin as its power unit, with 54hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.

What prepares you for the long-distance day trip is the surprisingly plush suspension, despite looking like a girder at the rear, as well as the wide, comfortable seat. Another great thing about the Vulcan S is that if you do buy it new, you can customize it to fit you with Kawasaki’s ergo-fit options so that it will give you the confidence to ride it all day.

Price: $7,349 to $7,899

Power: 61 HP

Torque: 46.3 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 491.7 to 498.3 lbs

Beginner riders wanting a "sportster" style cruiser with the smooth and linear power of a parallel twin

Features Kawasaki's "Ergo-Fit" system, meaning that with some time and a few tools, you can adjust the bike to fit you perfectly

Extremely reliable engine that will keep going for thousands of miles as long as you stay on top of maintenance

Few rider aids to give you a more pure feel. ABS is not standard, but is available as an option.

2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S specs, features, & pics

2023 Kawasaki USA Vulcan S

A very friendly introduction to big American iron that is also a mile-munching day tripper

You really can’t talk about distance riding without mentioning one of the big American cruiser companies . While most of Harley-Davidson’s model range is meant for the experienced rider or multi-day touring, the Iron 883 is a Sportster bike designed for the new rider to get onto a Harley and enjoy being able to use most, if not all, of its power.

The 883cc V-twin that gives the bike its name has a reasonable 49hp and 54 lb-ft of torque. This allows the new rider to get used to the thundering torque of a V-twin without sending their bike sideways into a guard rail. Add on that classic Harley comfort and a seat that belongs on an armchair, not a motorcycle, and this entry-level bike will get you cruising all day with a grin on your face.

Note: The Iron 883 has sadly been discontinued, but are still being produced until Summer 2023. That means that there is more than likely still some in inventory at your local Harley dealership.

Price: $10,749 (2022 MSRP)

Engine: 883cc V-twin

Power: ~50 HP

Torque: 54 lbs-ft

Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

Curb Weight: 564 lbs

New riders that are wanting an American city cruiser that can also be just at home on the highway as it is downtown

Surprisingly friendly, mostly due to "just being an American cruiser," but can still bite if you don't respect it

Smooth and tractable engine that responds instantly and predictably

A more standard style seating approach than the forward controls most cruisers use, making it very controllable and even agile

2022 Harley-Davison Iron 883 specs, features, & pics

Powerful but quite friendly to the beginner if you respect the right wrist

Yes, we already mentioned a Harley-Davidson in the list. However, Indian has a superb introductory cruiser in the Scout Sixty . Powered by a 999cc V-twin, it sounds imposing with 78hp and 65 lb-ft of torque going through a five-speed box. However, the Scout Sixty is astonishingly forgiving and never really seems to flex its muscles fully.

The power delivery is linear and smooth, and you also get a lovely burble from the engine as you apply throttle. Speaking of throttle, with a cruiser like the Scout Sixty, you really will never crack it open 100%, which is why Indian tuned the throttle response and engine on this introductory bike to be responsive without being scary. And if you do crank it open fully, the traction control and engine management systems are programmed from the factory not to allow the rear wheel to spin up.

Price: $11,749

Engine: 999cc V-twin

Power: 78 HP

Torque: 65 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 544 lbs

Beginner riders wanting a premium cruiser that is approachable and, when respected, can provide thousands of miles of joy

Torque is very present down low, but with a sensible amount of throttle, is very controllable and linear

One of the best saddles this side of $20,000, with an optional passenger seat available

Base model has very few features, including a digital dash, LED lighting, and that's about it. ABS, ride-mode select, infotainment, and more are all optional add-ons.

2023 Indian Scout Sixty specs, features, & pics

2023 Indian Motorcycles USA Scout Sixty

An adventure tourer that is also a sport tourer, a bike that combines two classes into one

The Tiger Sport 660 is a brand new model from the British manufacturer . It joins Triumph’s recently introduced 660 platform and sits below the Tiger 850 and the Tiger 900 range, which require a more experienced set of hands to tame. Triumph categorizes the bike as one of its ‘Adventure’ models, but with 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels at either end, this is a motorcycle that thrives on the highway.

At the heart of the Tiger Sport 660 is a sweet inline-triple that produces 80hp and 47 lb-ft of torque, enough to get you up to triple-digit speeds with ease. That said, this engine has a linear power curve, and it’s not going to surprise or scare you. Triumph, as always, offers a host of storage accessories to choose from so you can extend your day-long trip without worrying about how you’re going to carry all your stuff.

Price: $9,695

Engine: 660cc inline triple

Power: 80 HP

Torque: 47.2 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 455 lbs

Beginners riders looking for a European sport tourer/adventure tourer that uses an inline triple engine and can go on very long rides

660cc inline triple engine is very smooth and has a very progressive and predictable torque curve

Huge 4.5 gallon fuel tank for extended inter-city or even inter-state rides

ABS, semi-adjustable suspension, shift assist quick shifter, selectable riding modes, and LED lighting all around are all standard

2023 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 specs, features, & pics

2023 Triumph Motorcycles USA Tiger Sport 660

One of the best beginner dual-sport motorcycles on the market

The only sport-oriented bike we will list is the Yamaha MT-07 . Supersports and most nakeds are meant for city trips or short blasts around some twisties near town. Where the Yamaha differs, however, is through some magical Japanese engineering that allows the bike to be supple and supple over distances and rough roads while also being aggressive and eager when carving a corner.

Powered by a 689cc parallel-twin that makes 73.4hp and 47.4 lb-ft of torque, the MT-07 is surprisingly easy to ride. It has enough torque and power to let the shorter, lighter rider get some good fun out of it while also allowing the taller, heavier rider to learn all about the intricacies of the naked bike world.

Price: $8,199

Engine: 689cc parallel twin

Power: 73 HP

Torque: 47.4 lbs-ft

Curb Weight: 406 lbs

Beginner riders looking for a naked sport bike that can both be a comfortable day-tripper and a corner-carving scalpel

A bike of two personalities merged into one: comfortable for long duration trips, up on its toes and ready to attack when shown a tight corner

Torque is delivered smoothly, although there is a notable increase as the revs get into the midrange, but not enough to be scary

ABS and all-around LED lighting is standard. Comes pre-wired for optional Yamaha QuickShift feature

2023 Yamaha MT-07 specs, features, & pics

2023 Yamaha USA MT-07

Other Best Motorcycle Lists

See all our motorcycle lists .

10 Awesome Motorcycles For Long Distance Riding [2024 Edition]

10 Reliable Used Motorcycles You Can Always Count On [2024 Edition]

6 Automatic Motorcycles That Are Perfect For New Riders [2024 Edition]

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

5 Of The Top Honda Motorcycles For Long-Distance Cruising

Honda has long been associated with the growth and success of cruiser bikes — from its early ventures into the cruiser industry, to the iconic status of bikes like the Rebel and Shadow. In fact, some models even belong to the best motorcycles for long-distance riding of all time. Historically, Honda's approach to developing bikes suitable for long-distance touring has been marked by a desire to experiment and, on occasion, take the road less traveled. 

Unlike its competitors, Honda frequently experimented with new engine layouts and designs that deviated from the standard V-twin layout preferred by American manufacturers. The flat engines on some of the company's most iconic cruisers are a good example. While Harley-Davidson has dominated with a focus on heritage and legendary V-twin engines, Honda has carved itself a niche by offering diversity, ranging from the high-powered Magna models to the more affordable Rebel series. This flexibility enabled Honda to appeal to a wide range of riders.

Since Honda makes a lot of cruisers and touring bikes, what's the best? The ultimate long-distance cruising motorbikes combine comfort, reliability, power, and style. These bikes are designed for long miles of road, with a smooth ride that minimizes tiredness. A comfortable seating posture, enough wind protection, ample storage, and a powerful engine capable of handling highway speeds with another gear and a passenger are what we look for. Here's what we think are the best Honda Motorcycles for long-distance cruising.

Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Honda Gold Wing has been one of the go-to long-distance cruising motorcycles since the GL1000 was introduced in 1975. Originally launched with a 999cc flat-four engine, the Gold Wing has undergone many transformations over the years. 

With the introduction of the 1,833cc, 24-valve SOHC Flat-6 engine in the latest models, the Gold Wing Tour makes sure you have enough performance tailored for the long haul: 101 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. This is complemented by a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, hence the DCT title. Its 42 mpg combined fuel consumption is a bonus.

As a tour bike, the Gold Wing's ergonomics are designed for long-term comfort, with a spacious seat and adjustable windscreen. The trunk capacity has been increased to 61 liters, capable of storing two full-sized helmets. You also get some neat tech like a 7-inch full-color TFT display, navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an upgraded audio system to make sure you are all set when it comes to entertainment on long-distance rides.

Safety features are a highlight as well. The Gold Wing Tour DCT is equipped with an industry-first airbag system and dual LED fog lights. Interestingly, the bike has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which adds an extra layer of safety for even the longest cruises. Priced at $28,700 for the base 2024 model, the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is pretty premium compared to other motorcycles.

Honda VTX 1300

The VTX series, inspired by the Honda Zodia concept initially shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was introduced in 2003 and designed to be a great cruiser. Unsurprisingly, it quickly became popular among fans. When it comes to performance, the VTX 1300 has a 1312cc liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin engine that is known to produce excellent low-end and mid-range torque — good news for long-distance cruisers. This engine generates 74 horsepower and 91 pound-feet torque.

Cruising comfort is something the VTX 1300 is good at — wide ergonomics and a well-padded seat. The suspension system, which includes a 41mm front fork and dual rear shocks with preload adjustability should also absorb bumps and be stable over long distances. The bike's heavy weight often means a smooth ride, but it can be difficult to handle on twistier roads, as some owners have mentioned. You get some practical features that improve its long-distance traveling capabilities, too; including a 4.8-gallon gas tank for increased range, and low-maintenance features like automatic cam-chain tensioners and "maintenance-free" batteries.

That being said, the VTX 1300 is not without its downsides. The unlinked braking system is adequate, but it falls short of other competitors' more complex systems, according to some reviews . Also, the standard setup may disappoint those looking for cutting-edge tech and the lightest possible ride. Since 2009 was its last year of production, you can find a used bike anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000 on sites like Cycle Trader .

[Featured image by Mrswampy via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Honda Rebel 1100

The Rebel 1100 is Honda's modern cruiser that has great things going for it, especially for its starting price point of around $9,500. It's not quite as cheap as finding a used VTX 1300, but cheap enough to make it to our list of " 5 Honda Motorcycles You Can Likely Afford " for those looking for something brand new.

The Rebel 1100's heart is its high-performance 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, which is based on the engine from the Africa Twin adventure bike. This configuration packs a punch, with 86 horsepower and 72 pound-feet of torque. The engine's design has a unicam valve train and a 270-degree crankshaft, which is meant to improve efficiency and torque delivery — decent specs for those extended journeys. 

The Honda Rebel 1100 is offered in both manual and DCT configurations, as well. The DCT, in particular, is a noteworthy feature for reducing rider strain on lengthy travels. In fact, the 1100 DCT is one of the best automatic transmission motorcycles you can buy right now . The motorcycle also comes with cruise control to help relax your throttle hand.

For those planning long rides, this motorcycle features an ergonomically designed seat and a smart handlebar-seat-foot peg triangle for max comfort. Storage is great, too, with options like saddlebags on the touring (T) model that has 35 liters of secure storage for personal things. Despite its many advantages, the bike's lower saddle height of 27.5 inches and unusual control configuration may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for taller riders.

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L

This Honda motorcycle is perfect for off-road adventures , but that doesn't mean it's not great for long-distance rides as well. The CRF1100 was introduced in 2016 after a long line of Africa Twins, but it's the more recent upgrade that enthusiasts really like — it now sports a 1084 cc engine. The updated engine offers 100.6 horsepower and 77.4 pound-feet of torque. This increase in performance also comes with an improved throttle-by-wire system and, like the Gold Wing Tour, offers a DCT.

The bike also has a suite of advanced electronics. Notably, its 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ensures precise handling by adjusting ABS, traction control, and other systems according to real-time conditions. Its ergonomic design and thoughtful features make the Africa Twin, particularly the Adventure Sports version, suited for long-distance cruising. It has a large fuel capacity of 24.8 liters. However, some owners have complained about the seats not being as comfortable.

With options for both aluminum and plastic pannier cases, riders can have enough storage should they need it for extended trips. However, it's reliability that you look for when it comes to long-distance tours. Fortunately, the Africa Twin's reliability is backed by its sturdy build quality, as noted in owner reviews on MCN . The price point of the CRF1100, as of 2024, comes in at $14,800. All things considered, this is one of those unique adventure motorcycles that might tempt you to trade in your cruiser .

Honda Valkyrie F6C

The Valkyrie, which debuted in 1996 and was previously known as the Honda F6C outside of the United States, basically grew out of the Honda Gold Wing. The Valkyrie's 1,520cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine produces an impressive 100 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, while the bike's motor and five-speed manual transmission — which includes a reverse gear only in Japan — should provide a smooth ride no matter where you choose to go.

The bike was initially available in many varieties, including a separate touring version with a big windscreen and lockable saddlebags for storage space. These models had a larger gasoline tank and an extra fairing for better wind protection. The Valkyrie's suspension system, huge brakes, and solid construction should also interest long-distance travelers. While the bike's fuel efficiency is not the best (about 33 miles per gallon), it is pretty respectable given the performance potential.

However, some cruiser enthusiasts may be turned off by the lack of a V-twin engine and classic rumbling. Its bulk may make it less maneuverable in congested urban areas or meandering rural roads, too, although it performs well on highways and straightaways. In terms of cost, the Valkyrie — while no longer in production — still has a high resale value, particularly for well-maintained machines and those fitted with touring kits. You can find this motorcycle anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on Cycle Trader , depending on the year and condition.

TheCoolist is a mood board for your headspace.

16 Best Touring Motorcycles for Long Rides and the Open Road

Any motorcycle can technically be taken on an extended journey, but go touring with the wrong bike and you’ll soon find your muscles cramped, your body burnt, and your groin utterly unusable. The multi-faceted beauty of a touring bike is that it keeps you comfortable for the long road ahead, gives you plenty of space to stash your specialized gear, and adds a sense of fun to the winding ways you’ll encounter.

More than ever, the touring segment of the motorcycle world has been experiencing a renaissance, with sport tourers adding in elements of fun, big tourers giving you a lot of power, and the cruiser/tourers giving you a mixture of commuter bike and cross-country marathoner.

Best Touring Motorcycles

Whatever your flavor, here’s 16 of the finest touring motorcycles you’re going to find.

1. Honda NM4

Under those debonair Dark Knight-inspired looks lurks everything you’d want in a tourer from Honda. The six-speed dual-clutch tranny lets you climb through gears with fluid grace and then stop as sleek as you started with their anti-lock braking system. Integrated storage offer nooks and crannies for all your belongings in a balanced way that keeps your wheels straight on and cuts windshear down to a minimum. It even has a 25-color LED display you can customize for extra style points.  MSRP:  $11,000

2. Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer

If you fancy tailoring your ride while on the run, a flippable backrest and removable windscreen let you do just that, for customizing how you live out your Easy Rider fantasy. An inexpensive choice to be certain, with a belt final drive that cuts noise way down and reduces the amount of maintenance, giving it a gold star as far as “tour bikes for beginners“ go.  MSRP:  $12,600

3. Suzuki Hayabusa

A polarizing choice, the GSX1300-R, or Hayabusa has looks that you either love or loathe, but which are intended to do their job and provide everything you need when riding through the varied terrain of Europe and Asia. It’s a fairly old design, having only been overhauled a little bit since 1999, which is reflected in the small price point, but be not afraid. The 1,340cc water-cooled V-twin has 194 bhp ready and waiting, along with spry handling that doesn’t show its age.  MSRP:  $14,600

4. Yamaha FJR1300

Die-hard sport bike riders will love the FJR which has captured a sport bike feel in a touring model. It’s sleek and slick, made for speed as much as comfort, with folding mirrors and quick-release luggage mounts that can be dropped in a moment for a little light track work.

5. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

Superbikes got nothing on the Vulcan with its 107-lb-ft of torque and throaty 1,700cc V-twin. Truly a new work up top, with an intercom headset system and cruise control, it gets older as you look lower. That’s a true teardrop gas tank and frame-mounted fairing sitting beside those hard case saddlebags and top case.  MSRP:  $17,400

6. Ducati Multistrada

It’s hard to envision something that the Multistrada can’t do. Daily commuters will find the zippy feel good for navigating city streets, with enough sport bike soul to add pleasure to every flat run. As a touring bike, it has the dandy self-adjusting windshield, semi-active suspension, ABS, and traction control that is necessary for chewing through blacktop and chasing the horizon. As far as import motorcycles go, it’s a multi-bike winner.  MSRP:  $18,000

7. Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring

Moto Guzzi went so big in making the California that they had to use cut-outs on the fuel tank to make space for the heads and rocker covers. They’ve managed to fit their signature 90-degree V-twin and classic stylization without scrimping on ABS, cruise and traction control, or ride-by-wire throttle.  MSRP:  $18,490

8. MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso 800

There’s true ingenuity in the Veloce Lusso that shows it comes from a sport bike company. Using a counter-rotating crankshaft design that is as rare as a unicorn, the steering is as tight as it gets on a sport tourer and allows for navigating the treacherous streets of Vienna at speed. Semi-active suspension completes the package.  MSRP:  $19,300

9. Triumph Trophy SE

Riders who long for a super touring option will find the 1,215cc inline triple mounted on the twin-spar frame to be a unique addition to the family. Stuffed with electronics, traction control, cruise, ABS, a tire-pressure monitor, adjustable headlights, and a ride-by-wire throttle will get their money’s worth with the Trophy. The turn signals even shut themselves off, and an anti-theft lockdown option keeps it safe when you crash at a seedy motel off Route 66.  MSRP:  $19,500

10. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

It hasn’t been easy for the Super Duke, but the scrappy youngster has proven again and again that it has what it takes for life on the lonesome road. The V-twin has a satisfying level of torque, with a stable chassis that won’t wobble even if you do. Semi-active electronic suspension is the real star of the show, beating out rough canyon roads or tackling the salt flat straightaways with a wink and a glide. A true pleasure to ride.

11. Victory Cross Country Tour

Victory has come alive in making a cruising motorcycle that can jump into the touring scene. If the forward-leaning position doesn’t appeal to you, then the Cross Country will send you into fits. Those that like the bulky build and want to customize it to the hilt will be laden with options. Among the notable features are cruise control, standard ABS, and an upgraded exhaust that pulls more horsepower out of the engine so that the wolf can hunt.  MSRP:  $22,000

12. BMW K 1600 GTL

BMW has come to reign supreme in the land of touring bikes, thanks to a nimble sport body capable of taking on curves along with all the luxurious amenities you want for hard miles out on those open highways. The adjustable suspension and duolever front end handle high speeds and tight angles, backed by an inline 6 that sings. It’s big, but carries its weight well, remaining airy and fleet where it counts.  MSRP:  $23,200

13. Honda Gold Wing GL1800

If a Gold Wing isn’t in the conversation, you aren’t talking about touring bikes. Continuing to impress year after year, the Gold Wing is the platinum standard for putting creature comforts onto your steed. Huge seats and low floorboards cradle your whole body, cutting road sores and stiffness down to the minimum. A flat six provides the power, which isn’t going to scream, but rather carry you on cloud 9.  MSRP:  $24,000

14. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide

You can’t help but love the badass image that Harley has created, but the ability to continue to innovate is what has given the brand continued life in an ever-changing world. Among the Glide line of bikes – all of which are respectable tourers – the Electra Glide stands out as an opulent place to park your seat. Chromed wheels complete with look of this next-generation Hog for the luxury rider who wants a touch of rebellion.  MSRP:  $24,149

15. Indian Roadmaster

Don’t get thrown off by the vintage appearance of the Roadmaster. It’s as contemporary as they come. A six-speed transmission offers up loads of torque, and then it lays on the creature comforts with a Bluetooth stereo, keyless start, remote locking hard bags, heated seats, and Pandora pre-loaded for your listening pleasure.  MSRP:  $29,000

16. Can-Am Spyder RT-S Special Series

A tri-wheel can be a tough sell to many purists who only want vintage cycles that stay with the two-wheeled pack. If you’re among them, then the Spyder is ready to change your mind. 41 gallons worth of storage space allow you to live out of this indefinitely while all that bike is managed by a inline-triple Rotax 1330 ACE motor with a specialized Bosch system that mixes up traction control and stability to keep it moving mellow mile upon mile.

Late to the thread but Harley is in some trouble that I think relates not just to a demographic that’s aging out but to the issues you mention with QC and basic construction problems right down to the motors and drivetrains. Their bikes are still iconic, especially in the U. S. but the metric bikes, and particularly the Yamaha Star line-p show much higher build quality overall and come with motors that don’t leak either. I want HD to continue and they’re working harder than ever at it….. hopefully it’s not too late.

Sure do, have 2020 CVO Tri Glide, BIG POWER, Very Comfortable

Im really tired of the crapy motocyces that harley puts out they put in crapy parts from china and sell them for megabucks the front forks come from japan they use substandard engines hell all the metric bikes are a lot better built then harley ,they dont put out junk

Tri Glide is a great touring bike also

That goes without saying. I’m on my 3rd wing. 1st touring was a Suzuki cavalcade. I have owned 3 Harleys and 1 80″ Indiana flat head. So I’ve done the comparisons. The GoldWing was an upgrade each time

1800’s are nice, a little pricey, and for me not as comfortable as the GL1500’s. My last Wing is a 1992 1500A. Yup, last bike, I’m 76, life, and an industrial fall ended my working ability and ruined my retirement but I ride as much as I can these days. This is just my opinion of the “best” ride, don’t care what you’re riding as long as you’re riding I’m a retired truck driver and bikers and truckers are Brothers when it comes to the highways. PLEASE Y’ALL!

Victory is making motorcycles again

Where’s the BMW r1250rt?

1500 goldwing is ultimate cruising bike for comfort and storage

TheCoolist is a mood board for your headspace . We help curate your cool through deep dives into topics of self-actualization, lifestyle, and interpersonal intelligence. Our articles maintain a high degree of informational integrity, deconstructing complex topics such as personality types, spirituality, socialization, culture, and much more.

Subscribe to our newsletter

At TheCoolist we are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Editorial Guidelines
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 thecoolist.com - All Rights Reserved

TheCoolist.com is operated by Bon Ventures SRL, a registered company in Romania (Company No. 37394109), Str. Barbu Vacarescu 164A, Cladirea C1, 020285, Bucharest. Telephone +40 745 310 155

The 12 Best Beginner Motorcycles For Long Road Trips

Starting off and want to jump into the deep end? These motorcycles need to be on your list for the long journey ahead.

Read update

Road trips, in general, can be tough if you don't have the right motorcycle along for the ride, especially if you are a novice rider. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more entries of motorcycles perfectly suited for the job.

It's easy to romanticize the idea of setting off on a long road trip, especially when it concerns doing it on two wheels . It's a chance to revel in the freedom the open roads give you, explore, and, quite importantly, get to know the vehicle enabling this experience. Given that, though, it's critical to get the right kind of machine along for this trip.

UPDATE: 2024/01/26 16:17 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

This is especially true if you're a rider devoid of a lot of seat time. The last thing you want to do is bring someone's sportbike along because while it may have a lot of power and consume miles rapidly, it's something you'll tire of rather quickly because of the compromised riding triangle. Luckily, this list should help you get through that selection process. It features beginner-friendly motorcycles you can legitimately rely on for long road trips by the likes of Suzuki , Harley-Davidson , Yamaha , and even Ducati, among others.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars made a list of all the appropriate motorcycles on offer that enable long trips. While power was considered a criterion to narrow the list down, the motorcycles also needed to be beginner-friendly, meaning priority was given to motorcycles with comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel tank capacity, and easy-to-handle curb weight figures. It should be noted that this list is a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be readily found in the used market. Also, the motorcycles have been organized in increasing order of the current market values.

Top 10 Beginner Motorcycles Under 500cc

12 suzuki boulevard s40, used price range: $2,000-$6,000.

Suzuki's cheapest Boulevard doesn't leave you wanting for much. The 652cc engine is strong but not too strong for the bike's weight. It's not quite as long as other cruisers, which is nice for a beginner, and it's got a fairly affordable used price range, too. The seating is relaxed, with handles a little closer to you.

The newer ones come in a cool street-color gray and a classic blue. The way it features less chrome with a blacked-out engine and black finish on the wheels makes it look sporty and simple. A single speedometer over the gas tank is analog, and it has plates on the sides for saddlebags if you need cargo space.

2019 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs )

11 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Used price range: $2,000-$10,000.

This Harley-Davidson gets 833 America-made ccs of power and goes for well under $10k in the used market. It's one of the best Harleys to start with, and you won't get kicked out of a biker bar for owning one. The Iron 883 has a V-Twin engine. If you don't know, this is a cool thing to have if you wear a leather jacket with patches unironically.

Admittedly, you don't get quite as much for your investment as an Indian Scout Sixty, and both will always be less reliable than a Honda or Kawasaki, but there are some things that just don't compare, like the trademark Harley rumble! Plus, with motorcycles, there's always less to fix than with cars so that you can do a lot of the work yourself.

2008 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Specs

10 yamaha v star 250, starting msrp: $4,699.

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is one of the very best for uneasy beginners looking to road trip . A new one costs just $4,699, and it gets 78 MPG. That means 195 miles between stops, which is pretty decent for a motorcycle. If you haven't figured it out, most of the time, the numbers by the name represent the ccs in a bike, so this has 249 (thus, 250). That means it's a very comfortable beginner's bike that won't scare you but can still get up to cruising speed faster than most cars. It also means the bike is lighter and easier to control.

It has a decent rear seat for passengers and a good base for saddlebags and packs. The speedometer is analog, and the styling is classic, so you might get confused if you park by any V-Star from the past 40 years. Despite the timeless look, the bike holds up to aging well and won't feel rough or uncomfortable on a long trip.

2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld )

These Are The Best Cheap Beginner Motorcycles From Japan

9 ducati scrambler sixty2, used price range: $5,000-$7,000.

The Scrambler Sixty2 is a 399cc sportbike marketed more towards women. It weighs less than any on this list at just 403 lbs, which is great for people worried about laying it down on accident. It may look like a "naked" (a sportbike with no fairings or extra body covers), but this bike gets just shy of 250 miles of range, and even though the seat is a little more aggressive and won't hug your buns, the way it's shaped actually is relaxing and won't rub your behind the wrong way like a dirt bike (for men and women).

This bike won't be able to hold saddlebags, but the Sixty2 makes a great road trip bike for someone who won't spend more than three days riding in a row and wants a good in-town motorcycle the rest of the time. Surprisingly, for its size (but not for Ducati's standards), it can go up to 100 mph, so you'll never be left wanting more power on the freeway.

2018 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Specs

8 bmw g 310 gs, starting msrp: $5,890.

The BMW G 310 GS is an adventure bike , meaning with some knobby tires, it makes a decent dirt bike for trails as well. With an adventure bike, you get way more travel (7.5 inches) for smoother rides, a more comfortable seat than a dirt bike, and a more upright seating position than dirt or bullet bikes. The 310 GS is one of the cheapest Beamers you can buy new for just $5,890. That being said, it is a Beamer. This won't win any awards for reliability.

The 310 GS makes a comfortable 313cc that won't get you up any hill climbs but will easily take you up to 90 miles per hour. With 71 MPG, it has a range of 213 miles. The digital display shows gas, gear, and speed in bold fashion, and the LED light makes for a great off-road light in bright mode.

2024 BMW G 310 GS Specs

7 honda rebel 500, starting msrp: $6,499.

The Rebel 500 is an affordable and comfortable bike that will last you your whole life. It has 471ccs, which won't let you do any wheelies but does get you up to cruising speed sooner than you need. To keep yourself from locking up your brakes (a significant factor in motorcycle crashes), you can and should get the ABS option. The blacked-out bike may mimic a Harley, but the low seat height makes it ideal for women and the height-challenged. It is also surprisingly fitting for full-height people.

The Rebel has been around for years, so used ones aren't hard to find, and a new one will run for just $6,499. The digital cluster is simple and includes a fuel gauge (not included on all motorcycles). Honda’s slip/assist clutch makes shifting easy for the uninitiated, but sadly, this doesn't come with an automatic transmission. The manual is very forgiving, easy to learn, and worth it, in our opinion. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't plan on switching bikes for years to come.

2024 Honda Rebel 500 Specs

These are the best beginner motorcycles money can buy, 6 kawasaki vulcan s, starting msrp: $7,349.

According to their official website, Kawasaki advertises the Vulcan as being able to fit a wide range of people. The 649cc engine has a good kick at low to mid-range for city stops, but it can also get up to 100 mph. For $7,349, it will feel sportier and quicker than other bikes, but it's also reportedly fun to sit on on the freeway! It has one of the most natural seating positions of any bike under $10,000, probably because it's adjustable.

It may look nothing like a beginner's bike, but it is what Kawasaki offers as their entry-level cruiser . If you're not worried about the bike weighing a little more, it is a very forgiving and comfortable ride. ABS is available, features like a windshield and back support are easy to add, and they are a massive plus on long rides.

2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specs

5 honda nc750x, starting msrp: $9,499.

If there were a contender for the bike on this list that you could buy with your eyes closed, the Honda NC750X would be right up there at the top of that list.

It's easy on the eyes, great for beginners in terms of the riding ergonomics, is affordable enough, has a great ride, and the DCT on it is the cherry on the icing. It even includes riding modes, a windshield, and a low seat height. That the NC750X often gets discounted is a puzzle.

2024 Honda NC750X Specs

4 triumph tiger 660, starting msrp: $9,695.

The star of the show here is, of course, Triumph's lovely 3-cylinder engine, but the Tiger 660 is no one-trick pony. This is about as close to ideal for beginners to get on and go on a long trip .

Tack on luggage and load it up, and the excellent tractability of the motor will still pull you along comfortably. You can even add optional extras that will make the journey more comfortable, like additional lighting and heated grips. Hard to fault the Tiger 660, really.

2023 Triumph Tiger 660 Specs

10 best beginner motorcycles money can buy, 3 bmw f 750 gs.

BMW's GS motorcycle lineup is legendary . The F 750 GS is a natural at completing longer journeys in absolute comfort. One of the most important factors is, of course, the seat, and the F 750 GS makes do with one that's ideally suited to road trips.

At 32.1 inches, it's much lower than you'd expect for a bike this size, but if that's not enough, BMW will also sell you a suspension lowering kit and soft seat, bringing the seat height down further to 30.3 inches. In addition to that, it also gets dynamic traction control, ride modes, and adjustable brake and clutch levers, among others. For the money, it's quite a deal.

2023 BMW F 750 GS Specs

2 indian scout sixty, starting msrp: $11,749.

The Indian Scout Sixty is one "beginner" bike that will earn you a lot of respect . It starts at $11,749 and is pretty long and wide but isn't necessarily heavy. The wider handlebars give you better in-city control around corners, and ABS is an option. The engine is 1000ccs, the most of any on this list, but not something an average-fit person couldn't handle easily.

While this is more of a luxury option, it allows for things like a windshield (don't discount how useful one of these is after just two hours of 60+ mph wind in your face) and genuine leather saddlebags. The seat is wide, which benefits the narrow-waisted as well as larger people.

2024 Indian Scout Sixty Specs

1 energica eva esseesse9+, starting msrp: $16,110.

This electric bike warrants some cautionary tales: First, do not listen to music until you are comfortable with traffic flow and riding defensively! Cars cannot hear you at all, and they can't see you too well either. Also, its range is 143 miles combined, which is not the best for long trips but is still passable with some planning.

With that out of the way, you get an 80% charge in 40 minutes with a fast charge! All you need to do is stop for a meal by a power station, and you're as well off as any ICE bike. The EsseEsse9 has a nice, upright position , but you're also working with a lot of torque, so make sure you take it slow, or you can pop a wheelie. Otherwise, unlike combustion bikes, it's small and simple and won't have any mechanical issues to stump you. The gauge is simple and can tell the range so you won't be left without power.

2020 Energica EVA EsseEsse9+ Specs

(Specs sourced from Bikez )

• Source for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
• Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez, WebBikeWorld
• Source for used prices: Cycle Trader