Have Bike Will Travel: 4 Tips To Ensure The Perfect Road Trip
If you recently purchased your first motorcycle and you're eager to take off on a road trip, make sure you're prepared before you hit the road. There's more to a road trip than just packing a few things and leaving. Road trips require a lot of careful planning, if you want to really enjoy the trip. Here are four steps you should take before you leave your first motorcycle road trip.
Perform the Maintenance
Even if your bike is brand new, you'll still need to perform the basic maintenance before you take off. This step should include checking the tires for proper inflation, adjusting the headlamp for maximum visibility, and lubricating the brake and clutch cables.
Know Your Limits
If you're going to be packing supplies and luggage onto your bike, make sure you know its load limits. The load limit will tell you exactly how much total weight your bike can carry at one time – this includes you and any gear you've packed. If you're not sure what the load limit is for your bike, check the owner's manual. Carrying too much weight on your bike could cause an accident, especially if the load shifts and causes your bike to lose proper balance.
Have the Right Gear
When you're traveling on a motorcycle, you're completely exposed to the elements. If it's raining, you're going to get wet. If it's snowing, you're going to get cold. Before you take off on your road trip, make sure you have the proper gear for all types of weather conditions. If you're traveling in the winter, make sure you have protective gloves, heated vest liners and waterproof outerwear. If you'll be traveling during the summer, be sure you have plenty of sunscreen, UV-protected goggles, and a cool wrap for your neck.
Map Out the Route
You may be tempted to take off without a clear idea of where you want to go. While that might sound adventurous, it can turn into a disaster if you encounter problems along the way. Before you take off on your road trip, take the time to map out the route you plan on taking. If you'll be traveling alone, give the details of your trip with a friend or loved one. This will allow them to follow your tracks if they lose contact with you.
Now that you're planning your first road trip on your new bike, take the time to fully prepare for the adventure. Follow the tips provided here to make sure you're ready for the road. For assistance, talk to a professional like Triumph Detroit.