How to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip

! Space is limited when you're packing for a motorcycle trip, so you need to know how to pack well. If you're taking a tent and sleeping bags, you'll need to pack even more sparingly. Know your motorcycle's weight limit and don't overload the back of the bike.

Packing for a motorcycle adventure can be challenging, but if you know a few trips, you'll soon be feeling the open road under your wheels.

@! Instructions

Things You'll Need

Saddlebags

Elastic cords

Travel sized toiletries

Tent

Sleeping bag

1Make a list of the essential things you need for your trip. Depending on the length of your trip, you may need to plan to do laundry at one of your stops. This cuts down on the amount of clothes you'll need to take.

2Plan on packing light. Pack only what you can carry in your saddle bags.

3Think travel-size. Small bars of soap and shampoo can be packed in a small plastic bag. Any convenience store carries items such as these if you need more.

4Roll your clothes, don't fold them. You can roll jeans and a shirt together and slide them into your saddlebag easier than folded clothing.

5Pack clothing, towels and bedding in the bottom of the saddlebags, then place toiletries and maps toward the top of your saddlebags.

6Pack anything you don't want to get wet in plastic bags. If you're riding in the rain even stuff inside your saddlebags can get wet.

7Weigh your saddle bags to make sure the weight is evenly distributed and doesn't go over the recommended weight for your motorcycle.

8Use elastic cords to tie down your tent and sleeping bag. If you have a sissy bar, place these items ahead or behind it and attach them to it. They will ride more securely this way.

9Place your rain gear somewhere on top, tied down with bungees. You don't want to have to unpack your bags in the rain to get to your rain gear.

@! Tips & Warnings

Don't leave home without prescription medicines or other necessities.

Carry a list of phone numbers in case of an emergency.

How to Plan a Motorcycle Road Trip

When planning a trip, motorcyclists have to take many more precautions than people taking a road trip in a car. Motorcycle storage is much more limited, so if you are planning a motorcycle road trip, you must pack light and leave a lot of items behind that you would normally take in a car.

@!Instructions

1Decide where you want to go. Several motorcycle rallies are held in the U.S. each year, the largest and most popular being the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota each August. Or, maybe you want to ride to a certain attraction or to visit family members. Have a destination in mind, or at least a general direction of where you want to go.

2Decide how long you will be gone. This is important if you need to take time off work, or make other arrangements for people to take care of your house during your trip. This is also important to consider for your motorcycle; the longer you are gone, the more wear and tear you will put on your bike, and if it is getting old, a long trip may not be possible.

3Invest in proper equipment. You already have the motorcycle, but do you have saddle bags to store items in while you are riding? If not, purchase some saddle bags, tank bags and/or tail bags, which fasten to your bike for extra storage. Hard bags are more protective but are heavier and more expensive than soft bags.

4Inspect your bike a few days before you leave to make sure it is in proper working condition. Use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS method: T stands for Tires; C stands for Controls; L stands for Lights; O stands for Oils and Fluids: C stands for Chassis: and S stands for Stands. Be sure your tires are properly inflated, all of your clutch, brakes and controls are working properly, your lights are working, all fluids are full, your frame is secure and intact, and your center and/or side stands are working properly. Take your bike to a motorcycle repair shop for an inspection if you are not sure.

5Check the weather along your route for your trip. If the weather looks bad, consider moving the trip a few days to take advantage of better weather, if possible. If the dates are not flexible, pack rain gear.

6Pack for your trip. Bring what you need and not necessarily what you want. The more you pack, the more weight you add to your bike. Plus, space is already limited. When you are riding, dress in several thin layers that you can peel off as the day gets hot, or add if you are cold. You want to be comfortable; otherwise, you will miss the experience of being on the open road on your bike because you are shivering or sweating too much. Pack a few bottles of water and energy bars. You can replenish this supply at most gas stations along the way. Centralize the weight of your belongings on your bike; do not put all the heavy things on one side. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your saddle bags and lighter items on top.Always wear a proper riding suit (usually leather) and a full face helmet to protect you from accidents and bad weather.

7Know your route. Bring a map with you in case you get lost, or a GPS system. Tape directions to the top of your fuel tank if you need to. When you are riding, fill up often. Motorcycle tanks do not hold as much gas as cars, so fill up whenever you have a chance, especially in sparsely populated areas.

8Pace yourself. Do not overdo it or test your stamina. Stop at least every few hours for a break to eat, fill up and stretch your body. Take a nap if you have to. You need to be alert at all times on a motorcycle, so do not push yourself to the brink of fatigue. If you feel yourself getting tired, stop for the night.

@!Tips & Warnings

Plan, but do not over-plan. One of the best things about a motorcycle road trip is the freedom of the open road. If you come across a detour or attraction you had not planned on, allow enough room in your trip to explore that new adventure.

Use caution, especially around other vehicles. Motorcyclists are much more exposed to injury from accidents than passengers in other vehicles. Wear proper safety equipment and be alert.