Motorcycle Touring Tips
Exploring country roads and scenic highways is a quintessential American experience, and there’s no better tool for the job than a touring motorcycle. Nothing compares to the freedom and exhilaration of taking your touring motorcycle on a long-distance journey. This beginner’s guide to motorcycle touring will help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Looking for touring motorcycles for sale in Southern California? Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County is your source for great deals on Indian® touring motorcycles. Visit our dealership in Westminster, CA, to find the perfect bike for your upcoming adventures.
Get in Shape
Covering long distances on your motorcycle is a full-body workout! Touring motorcycles are designed with comfort in mind, but you can still find your arms and legs becoming tired and sore after a long day’s ride. Pushing past your physical limits can cause muscle cramps, which can in turn lead to accidents and injuries, so take care not to overtax your body. Build up your endurance by taking shorter trips before you embark on your cross-country odyssey.
Map Your Route
When it comes to quick day trips, spontaneity is a fine approach, but it pays to plan ahead before embarking on a multi-day trip. Once you’ve chosen your destination, make a list of all the attractions you want to visit and plan your route accordingly. Study a map of the region and take note of gas stations and restaurants along your route. Make all the necessary lodging arrangements well in advance, whether you plan to stay at campgrounds or luxury hotels.
Inspect Your Ride
Thoroughly inspect your motorcycle to catch any possible maintenance issues before you hit the road. Check the air pressure in your tires and look for any damage to the tire treads. Test your lights, ensure your brakes and throttle are in good working condition, and top off any fluids as needed. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring your bike in for servicing.
Pack Light
Your touring motorcycle might be bigger than the average bike and have more storage capacity, but you still want to travel light to avoid weighing down your machine. Stick to the essentials, and plan to hit up grocery stores as needed. Your packing list should include water, food, a mini toolkit, a first aid kit, riding clothes, and any necessary medications and toiletries. When you’re all packed up and ready to go, double check that everything is stored securely so you don’t leave a trail of luggage behind you!
Protect Yourself
As well as wearing all your standard personal protective gear - your helmet, gloves, boots, pants, and jacket - it’s worth investing in some ear protection for long-distance travel. Riding at speeds above 40 mph comes with the risk of hearing damage due to the volume of your motorcycle engine combined with the roar of wind and traffic. Your helmet alone doesn’t do much to muffle all that noise.
Fortunately, preventing hearing damage is as easy as popping in a pair of earplugs! Standard earplugs block about 30 decibels of noise, enough to protect your ears while allowing you to still hear sirens and other important sounds in the environment.
Check the Forecast
Riding your motorcycle means being exposed to the elements, and that’s especially important to factor in when you’re planning a motorcycle tour. While a little rain won’t spoil a trip across town, you don’t want to wind up soaking wet in the middle of a long ride. Keep tabs on the weather forecast, and be sure to pack plenty of water-resistant clothing if it’s likely to rain on your parade. Hot weather might call for a change of itinerary, as you probably want to avoid riding in the heat of the afternoon. On the other hand, if there’s a serious storm in the forecast, you’re better off postponing your trip altogether.
Take Breaks
Riding nonstop for hours on end might be no problem for your motorcycle, but it’s rough on your body and mind. Frequent breaks are vital for beginner bikers, and experienced veterans know better than to spend all day riding. The best way to break up your trip is to pack plenty of meals and tourist attractions into your itinerary. If you ever feel drowsy or achy between destinations, pull over and take a quick breather.
With ample planning and preparation, you can enjoy a worry-free trip on your touring motorcycle. Just be sure to take plenty of photos for your friends back home!
Ready to begin your journey to becoming the proud owner of a touring motorcycle? Your first step is to schedule a test ride at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. Our dealership offers a wide selection of new and used touring motorcycles. We proudly serve Westminster, CA, and our neighbors throughout Orange County and the Los Angeles area.