Motorcycle Touring Tips

Nothing much can beat the excitement and fun of a motorcycle ride down a long stretch of road. Touring trips bring these rides into focus with the added benefit of destination riding. That means a thrilling ride with whole extra adventure waiting for you when you arrive. However, like any travel, touring trips are filled with annoyances and hazards that can trip up the inexperienced and lead to some less-than-thrilling moments.

Here at Barnes Harley-Davidson® Langley, we’re more than just a dealership — we’re Harley riders too! So we know the call to adventure on the open road can be hard to ignore. We want our customers to be ready to have as much fun as they can, and that means thinking ahead of some of the troubles the long road will throw at you. In that spirit, we’ve put together a short guide with some tips to get the most out of your touring trip. Read on for more information or head into our Langley, British Columbia showroom serving Surrey, Vancouver, and Burnaby.

Put Together an Itinerary

A well-planned trip means getting the most out of your time on the road and not just winging it and hoping for the best. There’s too much that can trip you up to leave everything to chance, so take the time to assemble a rough route and itinerary to make sure you have enough time to do what you want to do and so you know what your path will be to get there and back. This also means calling ahead and booking any lodgings or other reservations so you don’t show up somewhere expecting availability for a rental or other activity that’s already filled up. Also, make a bit of room in your schedule specifically for unplanned events. We know that’s a bit of a contradiction, but just make sure that your schedule doesn’t require you do hit precise deadlines and instead opt for wiggle room in case you run into an unexpected activity or roadside attraction.

Pack Efficiently

While touring bikes boast considerably better cargo capacities than their urban street equivalents, you’ll still only have a limited space to pack everything you’ll need and want for your touring trip. Again, a bit of forethought goes a long way, so start with a short list of items you know you want to bring. Make sure to list the absolute necessities first and then move onto creature comforts. Clothing, food, water, medicine, riding gear, etc. should all come first, and you can add a small toolkit and first aid supplies to keep both you and your bike in working order. Once you’ve established what you’ll need to bring, start thinking about space. Try to find the lightest-weight version of everything you’re planning to bring. Cut down on bulky packaging and unnecessary equipment wherever possible. Depending on the size of your saddlebags and cargo area, you might only have a dozen or so gallons of storage.

Pre-Ride Maintenance

Hopefully you already have a pre-ride check in order. It’s much more important to check your motorcycle over before a ride than with a car or truck since the threshold for on-the-road accidents is much thinner for motorcyclists. Beyond your personal safety, you don’t want to ride your bike over long distances when a component is malfunctioning. Before your touring trip, examine the tires, engine fluids, brakes, lights, and any other components you know how to deal with. If you’re more a rider and less a mechanic, don’t hesitate to take your bike in for a service tuneup to get it ready for longer rides.

Staying Healthy on the Road

We’re tempted during travels to get lazy about a few issues of personal hygiene, including sleeping and eating. Things like fast food and roadside motels don’t provide the nourishment and rest we need to stay active and alert. A delicious yet unhealthy meal might be a guilty pleasure you’re fine indulging in, but the after-meal lull in your senses can compromise your ability to ride effectively. The same goes for rest. Vacation time might translate into party time, with a distinct lack of sleep and rest to make the most out of your time on the road. But sleep deprivation is a serious issue for motorists of all types, and it can be as inhibiting as riding while intoxicated.

Consider bringing along a backpack hydration system so that you always have access to water, hands-free. You might not feel that hungry, but if you don’t eat before your ride, you’ll end up shaky and unfocused. And if you can’t keep your eyes open due to lack of sleep, you’ll put yourself into some serious danger. If you keep a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to handle problems correctly and keep focus while riding.

A touring trip on your Harley motorcycle is about the most fun you can have on two wheels, so make sure you plan ahead and take some of these precautions into mind to ensure your adventure will be one to remember. For more touring tips, or if you’re interested in checking out some awesome motorcycles, head to our showroom in Langley, British Columbia, where we proudly serve Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford. Come in today and speak with our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals who are more than eager to answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.