For many bikers, a motorcycle ride isn’t about reaching a destination, but enjoying the liberating experience of traveling an open road. This is especially true for long-distance rides. However, the most experienced riders on the road will tell you that it is always better to “ride smarter, not harder." Unlike making your daily riding commutes and weekend rides, long-distance motorcycle touring takes a considerable amount of preparation and expertise to ensure a fun and safe experience. There is no doubt that having a little extra knowledge on your side can make a great ride go even more smoothly. Read on to discover a few essential preparation steps to take before hitting the road for your long-distance motorcycle ride or Bike Week!

 

1. Build up your riding tolerance.

Even though it may seem like a natural progression from regular commuting, it is important to remember that long-distance riding is significantly different from everyday riding. These journeys present several added challenges that beginners may not be fully aware of. A good way to begin preparing is to practice riding longer distances, to see how you will react to being on your bike for multiple hours at a time. Even starting with two or three hours at a time will make it easier for riders to build their tolerance for long-distance riding.

 

2. Plan out your route.

While this may seem obvious, it is always smart to plan out your travel route before hitting the road for a long-distance journey. As you map out your trip, be sure to plan gas stops, meal breaks and any other necessary pauses that you may need along the way. Even better, try to plan stops where you can accomplish multiple tasks at once to avoid losing touring momentum.

 

3. Make a checklist for necessary gear.

Making a checklist of necessary riding gear and accessories to have on hand is crucial before any motorcycle ride. Furthermore, preparing your items beforehand will also help you avoid any unwanted emergency stops that may put a dent in your timeline. When embarking on a long-distance motorcycle ride, there are a few essentials that no biker should leave, without.

 

Helmet – Even if you typically do not wear a full-face helmet while riding, it is important to always bring one along for a long-distance ride. Different states have different motorcycle-riding laws related to the types of helmets riders need to wear on the road. Full-face helmets provide maximum protection and help reduce noise and keep bugs away.

 

Communication device – No matter how experienced you may be at long-distance riding, bringing a quality communication device should be on every rider’s checklist.

 

Proper clothing – When traveling long distances, passing through changing weather and different climates is to be expected. Riders should stay away from baggy clothing and always have protective gear such as boots and gloves on hand.

 

4. Get an early start.

When it comes to long-distance travel, the earlier the start, the better. The easiest way to cover more miles in a day is to simply get an early start to your day each morning. Plus, this potentially means getting to catch the sunrise while enjoying your morning ride – what could be better?

 

5. Travel slow and steady.

Long-distance riding should always be considered a marathon, not a sprint. Motorcyclists who are familiar with the specific challenges of long-distance riding understand how important it is to never push yourself beyond your limits. At the end of the day, riding long distances really has nothing to do with speed – it’s all about enjoying the journey itself.

 

6. Comfort.

How can we discuss long-distance motorcycle riding without touching on comfort. Among other things, a comfortable seat is not only preferable, but it is also safer. A well-designed motorcycle seat with good support helps extend riding time and remove the distraction of squirming and shifting to alleviate pain. A good motorcycle seat should take you from gas tank-to-gas tank. And if you're in need of a premium motorcycle seat built with comfort in mind - look no further!