Whether you are a new motorcyclist or a seasoned rider, long-distance motorcycle trips should be part of your yearly activities. There’s just something refreshing about seeing the country on the back of two wheels. To fully enjoy the experience, experts suggest that you pack enough gear you may need 1000 miles away from home.
The last thing you want on a motorcycle trip is having an “oh no” moment because you forgot something that will interfere with the entire experience. Essential motorcycle gear can range from safety equipment like clothes, helmets, and gloves. As part of gearing up adequately, should you encounter an accident along your trip, you need to have tools to fix minor problems and a Houston motorcycle accident attorney when you need legal representation.
Riding Gear
When packing for a motorcycle road trip, riding is one of the most critical equipment you need to make sure of. When deciding on riding gear, the climate along the way and destination determine the gear, so consider that when packing. However, there are a few essentials that you will need regardless of the weather or climate. You want a nice lightweight helmet with a good sound block from the top while vented well and aerodynamic at high speeds.
Considering the long travel, a comfortable, heavy-duty leather jacket is a must and serves a protection purpose. Though there are many good-quality boots, riders have their own preferences for comfortability and shin protection on long hauls. Protective and comfortable are two qualities you’re looking for in a boot, allowing you to walk around all day if needed. Last but not least of the essential riding gear, a good pair of gloves makes your riding experience that much enjoyable and warm
Storage
You may be wondering where to put your bags on a bike. Saddlebags are great options for riding; they are versatile and provide additional storage as needed, strapped on a sissy bar with a luggage rack. A medium-sized travel bag, clothing for the trip, toiletries, a small, and a tool kit are a few examples of items that need storage for your trip.
To strap almost anything on a bike, consider using strong cargo nets, which come in various sizes. To figure out what works best for your luggage, you may need to experiment and try a few sizes. To avoid any paint scratches, try to find cargo nets with rubber ends.
Tools
Packing a tool kit as part of your travel gear is essential; however, packing your entire toolset might not fit your bike, so choose only the valuable tools. Valuable tools to bring on a motorcycle trip include vise grips, electrical tape, zip ties, extra spark plugs, and a tire repair kit, to mention a few. You don’t have to be a mechanic to use these tools, but basic roadside maintenance comes with practice, like plugging a tire or changing a battery. Bringing the right tools and doing basic maintenance by yourself saves you a few bucks compared to the cost of paying a dealership to fix a simple DIY problem.