Motorcycle Camping Tips
Looking for a new way to escape the daily grind with your motorcycle? Many people like to take their motorcycles out to a remote campground where they can sleep under the clear night sky and relax amid the gentle sounds and scents of nature.
However, camping with your motorcycle does require some careful preparation on your part to ensure that you’re safe and that you can carry everything you need to bring with you on your bike. Here are some tips to make sure your motorcycle camping adventure goes off without a hitch.
Inspect Your Bike
Before you take a long journey, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect your motorcycle so you can ensure it’s in good working order. You don’t want to suffer a breakdown when you’re miles from a city and have to call for a tow truck. Make sure your tires are aired up and not balding, your oil is clean, your fuel tank is full and your chains are lubricated. Take a short ride around the block to check the brakes and signals and listen for any strange sounds that need to be addressed.
Make Plans
It’s always a good idea to plot out your destination and your route in advance, rather than just winging it and going where the road takes you. You can still have some freedom to explore; you just don’t want to wind up lost somewhere with no idea how to get back to the main highway. Figure out what roads you should take and check that they aren’t under construction or closed off. You should also find some back-up routes just in case.
Look up some gas stations, rest stops, restaurants and repair shops on your route so that you can figure out which specific services are nearby if you need something.
Pack With Care
Your motorcycle doesn’t have a lot of space on it for cargo, so you have to be judicious about what you bring with you. You’ll need to look for lightweight backpacking gear that won’t add too much bulk to your bike. Take small versions of everything possible.
Some things to pack include:
- Your phone and charger cord
- Your GPS unit
- Toiletries
- Medications
- A tool kit to repair your bike
- A few changes of clothes
- Bad-weather gear like a poncho
- A collapsible tent or sleeping bag
Want a professional mechanic to look over your bike before your camping trip? Contact the Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County service department to make an appointment with us. When you’re ready to visit our dealership near Westminster, CA, we can show you our current stock of new and used motorcycles for sale. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County serves all of Orange County and greater Los Angeles, CA.