How to Prepare For Your First Motorcycle Road Trip

There’s no time like the first time. I remember my first ride – the excitement and the feeling of a dream coming true.

On a motorcycle no one ever asks ‘Are we there yet?’  A motorcycle trip is not a race but it’s a journey  –  a journey of fun, adventure and passion.

To turn a good trip great, one needs to have a proper planning before you go out on the road. And in case you are a new rider, you need to take in a lot of information.

So, you must be super excited to try your hand on your first trip! What to take? How to pack? The Dos! The Don’ts! Phew….that’s a lot of things. But hey, don’t worry. Here are some tips to guide and prepare you in the art of motorcycle ride.

1. The bike, the machine – choose wisely.

There are a lot different types of motorcycles out there. It all depends on your needs, style of riding, what kind of ride you want to do and your experience level. Choose one which suits your idea of a trip – a cruiser, tourer or an adventure bike. There are light and heavy ones in terms of weight, or stronger ones in terms of the engine capacity. It also depends on your height and build. Take test rides and learn about them before you buy one.

2. Plan your route.

You got the machine and planning for your first road trip. Cool ! Now it’s time to decide where you want to go and how to get there. So plan your route well – the directions, the stoppages, the distance, the traffic on the route, etc. Proper planning will make your journey a memorable one. Be reasonable with the distance, one which you can cover during the daylight. Just keep in mind that you will not be riding the whole time – there are the food breaks, nature calls, stipulated breaks during the journey and some forced breaks; so plan your distance for each break and then the total for the day. Even on a highway, do not calculate the distance with max speed but with an average speed considering you might face the traffic. And don’t forget to add the time to stop to take in the beauty of a place.. this is what makes the ride memorable.

Be realistic about your mileage and enjoy the ride.

3. Get your bike checked before you ride.

About a week before you start the trip, get your motorcycle thoroughly checked and serviced. Check the oil levels, brakes, tyres, lights, horn, mirrors – change whatever is worn out and do as advised by an expert/mechanic. Do not keep anything that needs to be changed or added, to the last minute or for during the ride. You do not want additional tensions on the trip, right. Your bike should be as much ready as you are.

4. Stay protected.

Safety first is safety always. Invest in an appropriate riding gear – Jacket, Boots, Gloves, Helmet. Helmet is the most important safety equipment that you need to wear. Wear certified helmets with a good visor. A full mask helmet is preferred but it’s up to your preference. It should fit comfortably without being too tight or loose. You can go for a rain proof breezer jacket with detachable layers which you can add or remove depending on the weather. Wear laced up boots for protection and comfort while riding, shifting gears, braking or balancing on the road. A good pair of gloves not only gives you a good grip but protects your knuckles from being hit by flying pebble or objects, protects from the sun as well as protects your skin in case of skidding on the road. Wear fitted comfortable and breathable clothes inside. Riding pant is a better option but if you are going with jeans, suggest you add the knee guards. Geared up you might feel a little heavy or warm. But once you start the ride, it all becomes comfortable.

5. Tool pouch and Emergency kit.

Carry the tool pouch provided with the motorcycle along with the manual. Keep a spare key with you. You can carry along some basic spares like cables, fuse, tube, portable air-pump, head light bulb, just the ones for minor repairs. Carry a basic first aid kit along for unexpected problems. It would be prudent to have a power bank for unexpected draining of your phone battery, and a note pad with emergency numbers.

6. Pack light and in waterproof bags.

A bike trip is totally different from a car trip. In the latter you have the luxury to pack a lot of things with extra pairs too. But on a bike, it’s the saddle bags you have got and the tank bag, if you prefer one. So pack light, minimum of things you would actually need, as it is the only place you have to pack your clothes, toiletries, spares, emergency items, documents. Get waterproof saddle-bags or if not available, pack the items in water proof packets, before putting them inside the saddle-bags.

You might have to unload – reload every day, and you wouldn’t want to carry heavy stuffs daily, right!

Always put the heavy items in the bottom and towards the motorcycle with the lighter ones at the top and towards the outer side. And do ensure you tighten your bags properly before you start your trip.

7. Stay hydrated.

It’s better to stay hydrated and avoid heat related problems. Drink water in reasonable quantities, and frequently. This will also keep you alert. Whenever you take a break, stop in a shade and then remove your jacket. Removing your jacket in the sun will make you feel cool as the sweat evaporates from your skin. Once that happens, you will feel dehydrated. Start drinking water as soon as you wake up and sip at regular intervals instead of guzzling it just before you start your ride. Avoid alcohol the night before you ride and definitely while riding. You have the option of a hydration back pack too.

8. Avoid riding into the Sun.

Avoid riding towards East in the early morning and towards West in the late afternoon as the Sun glare tends to be the worst at these times. If you are riding in those directions, it’s better to schedule your food breaks during those times. Wear a sun-glass or a clip on tinted glass above your spectacles.

9. Take breaks and eat at odd hours.

You should be taking frequent breaks during your ride other than your breakfast and lunch breaks. Signs for taking break are – when your butt is getting sore, you are having difficulty staying focused, you are feeling thirsty, feeling tired, etc. If you get a feeling of any of these, just slow down and take a break. Never ride in such situations.

Do know your fuel capacity and the distance it will cover. Refill it at the right time.

Eat before you get hungry. To avoid the rush in the restaurants or eating joints, a good idea would be to eat your main meals at odd hours. This way you get the food served on time, don’t have to stay hungry, and you save your time as well.

10. Rules of the Road.

When you are riding in new, unfamiliar locations, it is a good idea to check out the route, roads and traffic conditions beforehand. When you are on the road riding through cities or highways crossing through small towns, be focused as vehicles might just come up on the highway from the side roads or openings. Intersections are the most vulnerable point for accidents.

Look ahead on the road to know any bad patches and traffic to avoid using sudden brakes. Ride defensively and in the safest lane. If you are planning to ride in a different country, be thorough with their traffic rules and riding conditions.

If you are riding in a group, follow the directions of the leader and understand the different hand symbols used by riders. Remember, it is a journey and not a race; enjoy the ride, the views and follow local customs.

Always be ready to offer your help to your fellow riders, drivers and the public.

11. Stay Connected.

Whatever route you take, check out the network connectivity in those areas and always stay connected. If it is a route you have never been to, it’s always good to have the GPS / map working on your mobile. If you find beforehand that the network might be an issue, a physical map is an alternate option. It is always good to share your route plan with someone back home. If you are riding in a group, the route details should be shared with all the riders.

12. Carry your docs safely.

Carry all the bike and personal papers, safely. Ensure it is updated and correct. Keep them in an envelope, serially, as per the requirements, like, if there are any permits to be shown on the way or your hotel bookings, and they are one after the other. Better to keep them where you can find them easily and in waterproof envelops.

If you are doing a ride across countries, ensure to check out what documents are required to enter and ride in that country. It is better to get guidance from riders or companies who have experience in organising international rides; and have all the formalities completed well ahead. Have a good travel insurance cover.

13. And also….

Additional tips you can follow –

• If you have to ride in low daytime light or at night, wear high – visible clothes.
• Check your bike every morning for the fuel level, oil level, tyre pressure, loose nuts, etc.
• Stay focused and inspired.
• Get plenty of rest the night before you ride.
• Always preferable to take short trips with your bike, fully geared up, before any long ride.
• Stop; take photos to relive the moment later on. You can get a helmet mounted camera.
• Carry some local currencies if you are riding across countries. Keep your identification papers and mobile phone where it is easily accessible.
• Carry a rain wear for yourself and a pack-able bike cover.
• Carry some quick snacks and energy bar.
• Be flexible with your itinerary.
• Group ride is different from a solo ride – follow the group riding etiquette, connect with your fellow riders and you will love the motorcycling.

For some it’s an adventure, for some it’s a way of life. What’s it for you?

Motorcycling is a connection between you and the machine; you learn, you grow with each ride you take. Motorcycling comes with a lot health benefits, not just

the thrill of riding. You will meet some of the nicest people and your bond just grows with time. You connect with the world around you and you become a part of the beauty. Go through the above tips and you will be much prepared for your first ride. Ride safe, ride smart and enjoy your first ride!

Kindly put in your comments and let me know how your first ride went. Found this article useful? Please share with your friends on your social media.

Happy Riding !!

Suranjiv Bhuyan

Earthly Diaries

The writer is a seasoned rider experienced with riding on super highways to gravel trails, on the highest motorable roads to the coastal plains, riding cross countries in Asia. He is a member of one of the oldest Motorcycle Clubs of the region, the Rhino Riders, and the organiser of the first RIDE EAST – Indo ASEAN Motorcycle Expedition 2019.

 If you are planning for a cross country motorcycle expedition in India and South East Asia, I would be happy to share my expertise to make your expedition a memorable one.

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