If you’re planning your first long trip in the saddle of your motorcycle, the best time to do so is from early summer to late autumn. This way, you’ll enjoy all the perks of good weather, including more daylight hours, clear and dry roads, and lighter clothes. So, if you decided on your itinerary, all you’ll need to worry about now is packing the right things. Here is a list of items that are mandatory for your trip.
Camping tools
If you plan on spending more than one week on the road with your bike, it could be expensive to sleep in motels and hotels every night. Therefore, camping sounds like a better idea, as long as you bring the right tools for it.
Fresh coffee, a flask, and a percolator should be amongst the first things you pack to be able to enjoy a cup of that delicious beverage in the morning. It will boost your energy levels and help you stay focused on the road.
A mini stove is another mandatory item for campers as it allows you to cook soups, meat, fish, and other dishes while you’re camping. This will help you save hundreds of dollars and also help you enjoy more time outdoors, bonding with your friends or family.
Although not the best options, dry foods are specifically designed for campers to get all their nutrients, vitamins, and energy while on the go. There is a wide array of products to choose from, including pasta, noodles, meat cans, instant soups, beans, and snacks.
The rest of your camping tools should include a fire starter, extra matches, pots, bowls, plates, and cutlery.
Clothes for the cold weather
Even though you plan on taking the trip in mid-summer, you can never tell for sure how the weather’s going to be like. Thus, it’s mandatory to prepare yourself for the worst, and this includes packing bad-weather equipment.
Windproof and waterproof jackets, boots, and gloves will not only protect your body from the low temperatures but will also allow you to focus on riding, minimizing the chances of accidents.
Gadgets
Although you won’t have to carry a physical map with you anymore, a GPS unit represents a great investment that will keep you on the right track and prevent you from getting lost.
However, if you have a good data plan and you’re looking for rather cheap solutions, a mobile phone with a good maps app will also come in handy.
A motorcycle toolkit
It’s better to be safe than sorry, and this especially applies for a long road trip with your bike. Keep in mind that the roads can be unpredictable so you’ll have to be able to handle stressful and inconvenient situations as they come along.
A motorcycle toolkit is a great option for keeping your bike running and fixing minor damage due to wearing or poor road conditions. Adjusting a loose mirror or the suspension are easy fixes you can do on your own with minimum tools.
Spares
It is always best to travel light but not at the expense of your health or your bike. Therefore, carrying some spares with you might help you along the way. Duct tape, superglue, spare bungee cords, and rope won’t occupy too much space in your backpack and satchels but can easily help you get out of stressful situations.
Depending on the route you’re going for, it may take miles until you see another car or reach civilization, so it’s always best to be prepared in case anything bad happens.