| Driving
How to Prepare for a Motorcycle Road Trip

Are you planning a motorcycle road trip? There’s nothing like hitting the open road, but just like any long-distance excursion, a motorcycle road trip requires some planning to make sure you have a carefree, fun-filled experience.

To help you get ready for your road trip, Direct Auto is sharing this helpful guide to make packing a little easier.

How to Prepare for a Motorcycle Road Trip

How to Prepare for a Motorcycle Road Trip

Hitting the road? Follow these tips to get ready for your motorcycle road trip!

1. Bring Weather-Appropriate Gear

A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure you’re safe and comfortable with the right gear for sun protection, rain, and other weather. Don’t leave your driveway without:

  • A poncho
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain or night vision goggles
  • A cooling neck wrap
  • Gloves to prevent sun damage

2. Pack Essential Items

You want to avoid adding extra weight to your bike by packing light, but you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort or safety. Pack these must-have personal items and safety essentials:

  • Helmet
  • GPS
  • Paper maps
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Required medications
  • High-protein snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Lip balm
  • Earplugs
  • Phone charger
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Blankets

3. Pack a Motorcycle Maintenance Kit

Make sure you’re prepared for road trip emergencies with a motorcycle safety kit that includes:

  • A toolkit
  • Jumper cables
  • Extra oil
  • Extra spark plugs
  • A tire plug kit
  • Duct tape
  • Bungee cords to secure luggage

4. Inspect Your Bike

Make sure your bike is road-trip-ready by taking it for a test drive around your town. You may want to get it serviced, or you can check things out yourself. Remember to consult your owner’s manual before attempting any DIY repairs.

  • Check tire pressure
  • Top off fluids
  • Check all lights
  • Replace air filters
  • Charge your battery

5. Map Out Your Route

Unless you want to wing it, it’s smart to have a plan and map out your route. If you’re traveling on scenic routes, gas stations and rest stops could be hard to come by. Get ahead of the game by finding spots to refuel and take breaks.

6. Bring Necessary Documents

Don’t forget to keep important documents like your license, registration, and insurance information in a safe, waterproof location.

7. Get Motorcycle Insurance

A motorcycle insurance policy* delivers peace of mind and financial protection during your travels. Don’t forget to add roadside assistance* for things like emergency battery jumpstarts, fuel delivery, towing, and more! Visit our FAQ page for more about motorcycle insurance. Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT (1-877-463-4732) or visit your local Direct Auto to learn more about motorcycle insurance or add roadside assistance to your policy today!

 

*Not available in all states