Remember my post about taking a motorcycle road trip a few weeks back? I went through some of the basics of buying or
hiring a bike, planning your route and performing your basic safety checks. But
I did forget one huge topic - what are you supposed to bring?
So, today, I'm going to follow up that post and
reveal the essential gear and equipment you will need for the perfect motorbike
road trip. Read on to find out more and ensure you have everything you need
before you ride off into the sunset!
Toolkit Essentials
I’d like to think everyone is sensible enough to
carry out their motorcycle safety checks for a road trip. But even so, that
doesn’t guarantee you will make it from A to B without any incident. Bikes
break, and if your road trip is taking in any rough terrain, you are more
likely to experience problems. So the first thing you should pack is your motorcycle tool kit. It’s just as essential as your helmet in my opinion, and it
might just keep you out of some sticky situations.
Clothing
You can’t guarantee good - or bad - weather. And
if you are traveling far, the chances are you will cross through many different
climates. So, make sure your bags are packed with a variety of options to make
your ride more comfortable. Leathers will be essential for colder weather,
while a robust pair of biker jeans should do you when it’s sunnier. Also, bring a second pair of
gloves. When it rains, there is nothing worse than having a long road in front
of you while wearing a soaking pair of gloves.
Navigation and Tech
Chances are, you’ll be taking your smartphone
with you, along with Google or Apple Maps. But make sure you have a backup with
a physical map, too. Phones die and get lost, and without a map, you are
looking at a lot of potential issues. Butler Maps are made for motorcyclists,
and they are a great resource for riders trying to find their way through
unknown terrain. Other technologies to consider are Bluetooth headsets - especially if you are traveling in a group. They'll help you
communicate with each other as you ride from place to place. It can get lonely
out there on a bike, so why not make the most of your journey by adding in some
small talk? Finally, bring along a battery pack for your phone. As I
mentioned above, your phone will die - more than likely several times. A
battery pack will give you the extra power you need to take photos and videos
for those all-important memories.
Extras
Of course, what you take depends on what you
think you will need. But there are some essentials. Cash will allow you to pay
for anything, anywhere. Not everywhere accepts cards, especially in more remote
areas. A torch is another essential - what happens if you need to fix a flat
during the night time? A big water bottle is also critical, and make sure you refill it when going off-road
or driving long distances. rp.5 Finally, bring your sense of adventure - and get
ready for a great road trip!
