How to prepare for a long motorcycle ride (10-Points Checklist)

If you are planning for a long motorcycle Ride then you would probably have some confusion like how to prepare for the ride, how to manage money for the ride and how to get yourself physically prepared.
Don’t worry in this post I will cover all your doubts right from Choosing a bike, destination and taking care of your health during long motorcycle rides.

Ops! Did I mention about the Money saving hacks during the long rides?

Yup! Don’t forget to read some of the few tips and tricks I have a shared in this post to save your money on petrol and accommodation during long motorcycle rides.

So let’s go step by step on how to get started and prepare for a long motorcycle rides.

1. Get the documents ready for long motorcycle rides

Before You start your motorcycle ride make sure you get all the documents ready. For long rides you need to have various documents like Registration Certificate, Licence, permit papers, Bike insurance papers, Aadhaar card etc ( Documents differs according to country rules and regulation)

Planning to travel to another country by motorcycle? – Make sure you carry these documents!

If you are travelling to another country by motorcycle make sure you carry the documents which are required as proof of identity and legal documents of your motorcycle.

For example, While going to Nepal through your own motorcycle you need documents such as Passport, Driving licence, Voter Id card as a proof of nationality and in addition to that you should have Registration Certificate of vehicle, Driving license, Customs permit and Vehicle Permit in order to enter Nepal with your own motorcycle or vehicle.

So, Make sure you do your homework before and carry all the necessary documents required to enter the country where you are going.

2. Choose your destinations for the ride

While you choose your destination for the long motorcycle trip, make sure you do your homework before you are heading out for the ride. Know what type of motorcycle tour you want to do and what type of motorcycle will be suitable for that area.

For example, the Motorcycle road trip to places like Ladakh is full of hurdles because of the treacherous roads. So when you choose your destination just make sure you keep in mind a few things such as:

• The climate condition of the place where you are planning to go and the places from where you will cross.
• In some places, you need a special permit to enter so make sure you carry all the documents required.
• While choosing a destination make sure you plan you’re itinerary accordingly.

3. Choose your motorcycle for a long trip

Choosing the right motorcycle is very important. Once you have chosen the perfect destination for the motorcycle ride then you have to choose the perfect bike for the ride.
There are various types of bikes according to the uses. You can choose a good bike for your ride according to your destination and preference.

Here is a dedicated post Which will guide you to buy a motorcycle like a Pro even if you are a beginner!

When you choose the bike make sure that the motorcycle should be good for the long-distance ride and most importantly it should be comfortable.
It is good if you already have a motorcycle but if you haven’t you can hire a motorcycle.

4. Get your motorcycle ready

Before you head out for your long motorcycle trip make sure you get your motorcycle serviced.

There are a lot of things which you have to test in the motorcycle. For example:

• Use the bike for at least 1 week before the ride so that if any problem occurs you can get it fixed.
• Check the wheel and the shape of the rim
• Inspect the tyre and see if it is new and have the proper grip 
• lube the chain
• Inspect the engine performance and fuel efficiency 
• Test your front and back brakes and if it is loose make get it tight

It is best to give your bike for a detail inspection to a mechanic and you can tell him personally about your long trip, so that mechanic can fine-tune your motorcycle for the long ride.

5. Get physically prepared for a long motorcycle ride 

It is very important to take care of your health while a long motorcycle ride. Because you have to drive your motorcycle for so many days continuously. So you must stay healthy and do exercise regularly.

If you are suffering from any type of health issues it is better that you take some rest and postpone your ride. Taking care of your health while long motorcycle ride is so important that I have shared some tips below on how to physically prepare for a long motorcycle ride.

6. Take care of your health during the motorcycle ride

Taking care of your health during a long motorcycle is very important so make sure you follow all these tips.

• Drink water frequently
• Do some exercise for your back and shoulder
• Take a break during transition time (During sunset)
• Don’t stretch just be calm take rest and go slowly and just enjoy the ride.
• Take Stretch Breaks During Long Rides
• Take it easy!

Use complete motorcycle gears

• Wear proper riding gear, which will keep you safe from changing climate. 
• Always wear a good ISI marked comfortable helmet.

7. Must-have accessories for a long motorcycle trip

While going for a long motorcycle trip always make sure that you carry all the accessories which are needed.

Here some of the useful accessories you have to carry while going for a long motorcycle ride.

Sena Bluetooth device

The Sena Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom device is designed to keep you connected to your riding squad over longer ranges for conversation and music sharing which is up to 900 meters.

This is very important in riding since it will keep you connected throughout the ride and make your motorcycle trip even more interesting

Toolkit

Keep a small portable toolkit with you, if you are going in a squad then make sure your group carry only one tool kit which is enough

Bungee cord

Bungee cord comes in hand to pack your loads and to mount it to the bike it can be used for other stuff also so make sure you carry one.

Other Useful items

While going on a long motorcycle trip you have to carry some important things like your clothes, toiletries, rain cover and mobile etc.

8. Pack Right and Light

When you are going for a long motorcycle ride make sure you pack your luggage smartly. Don’t overload your motorcycle with too much unnecessary luggage which you don’t need.

Make sure you carry only the things which you need. If you are going with your bike squad make sure you split the luggage with your companions so that one does not have to carry so much of heavy luggage.
Here is a cool video I found which will help you to pack your bag smartly! And this Guy has really explained it in detail.

9. Save your money and time where possible during long motorcycle trips

I know Long motorcycle rides cost a lot of money.

Right from petrol bills and food bills to Accommodation you have to get ready to pay so many bills. But wait! Here are some of the best tips and tricks to save your money while long motorcycle trips.

Save money on Petrol

Make sure you use some good credit card which gives cashback or offers on petrol bunks. 

Since you have to refill your petrol so many times it is the best way to save your money on petrol by using credit cards and trust me you can save a lot!!

For this, you have to find some good Bank in your country which provides offers and cashback or some incentives in petrol bunks.

Save money on accommodation

Save 100% on your accommodation! There is a great hack to save 100% on your accommodation!

Woo Super Excited to know how?

Do camping! Yes, nowadays there are a lot of small portable tents available which you can carry with you and if you find some good place to rest just put your tent there and enjoy a bonfire with your friends.

This is the best way to save your money while enjoying your bike trip to the fullest! Trust me, This will be an ultimate experience.

Now, what if you do not find some good place to put your tent?

Don’t worry here are some of the tips and tricks by which you can get a room in a hotel at a very cheap price. make sure you read this article by Curly Tales.

10. Precautions to be taken while a long motorcycle trip

Don’t rush!

Don’t rush! you are not doing any race you just have to feel the breeze and the beauty of the surrounding. Go slowly and enjoy your ride.

Know your bike squad

Don’t just rush and leave everyone behind, watch and keep a track of all your team members or Squad.

Make sure you do your planning before the ride about who will lead and who will stay at last so by doing this everyone will stay in touch and no one will be left behind.

If possible make sure you carry some Bluetooth device like Sena, So that all the members will be connected and can talk directly with everyone.

Use earplug

Sometime you will be riding inside the city area where the noise will be very loud so make sure you use earplug to avoid more stress and headache.

Stay Hydrated

When you ride in sunlight you sweat a lot so Always keep yourself hydrated while riding. Drink plenty of water, this will keep you active and you won’t get dehydrated.

Follow Traffic rules and regulations

It is very important that you should follow traffic rules and regulation and ride safely.

Keep track of fuel

keeping a track of fuel is very important! Make sure you keep a track of the petrol and if possible carry some with you for an emergency.

FAQ on How to prepare for long motorcycle rides (trips)

Final Thoughts

When you are on a long motorcycle trip, it is your choice whether you want to ride during day time or night time. Offcourse Bikers usually ride in the night to avoid traffic and to ride at pleasant weather, but still, it’s your choice.

But as a personal note. If you ride in the morning it will be a different experience.
Watching a sunrise while riding will not only give you hope but also motivates you in staying ahead in life.

Always make sure that if it is too hot and you are not comfortable Riding then just STOP and continue when the temperature is low.
Motorcycle long trips will be a life experience so make sure you enjoy it as much as possible.

We the Bike Squadron team wish you a very happy and safe ride!
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!