Tips for Motorcycle Touring

If you're looking to explore the country by motorcycle, there's plenty of American highway out there. From coast to coast and everywhere in between, motorcycle touring is one of the best ways to take in all the wonderful sights and scenery of our country. But spending all that time on the back of a motorcycle requires a little bit more preparation than taking a road trip in your car. You'll need to plan ahead and invest in the right equipment, and aside from these, there are plenty of other useful tips to consider. This short guide will help you understand the ins and outs of motorcycle touring and give you some advice for making your trip comfortable. We here at Durango Harley-Davidson® understand the joys of motorcycle touring. Stop by our showroom and service center in Durango, Colorado if you're from Alamosa or Farmington, Colorado, or Aztec, New Mexico.

Plan Your Route

Route planning is an underrated skill for motorcycle touring. Yes, in the era of the smartphone, it's easy to simply plug in your next destination and let the computers and satellites guide you. But there are a lot of variables that modern tech doesn't account for. The interstates might be the quickest way from point A to point B, but they rarely offer the best scenery. Smaller highways and backroads often provide much better views. If you're riding in the summer, you often can make the ride much more comfortable by simply choosing a route that runs through a higher elevation where it's a little cooler. There are other factors, too. Sometimes it's worth taking a slightly longer route so you can stop at a legendary roadside restaurant along the way.

Weather Preparedness

The more hours you log riding your bike, the more likely you'll be to encounter some inclement weather. And as most riders know, it's the storms you see coming but don't prepare for that will bite you the hardest. Even when you're planning a summer trip through desert, it's important to at least carry some basic protective equipment in case you get caught in a cloudburst a hundred miles from the nearest town. On the other hand, you'll want to prepare for hot weather rides, too. It's foolish to spend hours in the heat without sufficient water. Before you leave, always check the weather forecast and plan your schedule to avoid the worst weather whenever possible.

Efficient Packing

It's not always easy to pack efficiently because things you think you'll depend on sometimes aren't needed and there's always something you didn't think about needing that you forget to bring along. In general, try to pack items that can serve more than one purpose. Don't fill your saddlebags with things you can pick up along the way, like food and reading material. When possible, take things out of their packaging and reduce them down so they take up less space. You don't have to go gear crazy when preparing for your trip, but if you plan on sleeping outdoors, a superlight sleeping bag and tent are always great investments.

The Pre-Ride Inspection

As you spend days at a time on the road, you'll want to keep on top of your motorcycle inspections. The only way you'll know what needs fixed is to actively check on your bike on a daily basis. Motorcycle components tend to wear out much more quickly than car parts, so daily inspections are vital. Make sure to check your tire pressure, engine fluid levels, air filter, and spark plugs. If you see something that needs fixed, don't try to ride it out. Find a fix and make sure you do the job right.

Health

Life on the road can be taxing. Because of this, riding a motorcycle long distance demands special care for your own health. It's crucial that you get enough sleep, eat, stay hydrated, and stay current on your prescriptions. You don't want to have a health crisis at highway speeds!

Motorcycle touring is a great American pastime, and hopefully these tips will help you have great trips every time. Before you head out on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, bring it by Durango Harley-Davidson® for a check up. Our team of skilled technicians will hunt down any problems and fix them so you can have confidence in your bike again. We're located in Durango and we proudly serve Alamosa and Farmington, Colorado, as well as Aztec, New Mexico.