There is nothing that compares to the feeling of feeling the wind on your face and the freedom that comes with riding on the bike of a bike. Traveling by motorcycle is a popular choice for solo travelers. You get to experience the freedom of a road trip in a unique way. Going on a long journey can be difficult if you don’t know how to pack everything on the back of your bike. Luckily, there are several tips you can use to pack up your motorcycle.

Roll Your Clothes

By rolling up your personal clothing, you will be able to fit in a lot more of your clothes than you would have if you had folded them. Make sure you pack up synthetic clothing instead of cotton that will dry a lot faster than other materials. This is important when the clothes are washed or rained on. Go for lightweight, non-wrinkle options and fold by outfit so you have ready to wear gear right on hand.

Choose Weather-Appropriate

Make sure you pack all your weather appropriate gear. This depends on the time of year and area where you plan to take your road trip. During the summer months when there will be sun and heat, you are going to need to pack a cool neck wrap, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Leather gear for riding can be found with breathable options for a cooler ride. If you are going to be riding in the winter months, you will need to pack some gloves, heated vest liner, waterproof outerwear, and long underwear. It might also be a good idea to pack both types of seasonal clothes.

Pack Practical

Pack all the tools and supplies you will need for maintenance while on a long road trip. Some of these supplies will include a tool kit, bike cover, jumper cables, motor oil, and the tire inflation kit. It might also be a good idea to pack some spare parts like spark plugs, clutch cable, and replacement fuses. A good long-distance bike will probably have room and places to store these items built on. Don’t forget to pack some personal comforts. This might include ear plugs, toiletries, lip balm, and some of the other things that make you comfortable while on a long trip.

Store Secure

Make sure your luggage is secured safely. Avoid the hanging saddlebags around the exhaust pipes and drive chains. You should also avoid strapping any items to the front fender where you might block the airflow to the engine. It is probably a good idea to use extra straps in order to keep the bags safe and secure. The last tip is to arrange the items based on when you are going to need them. Items that you need while riding should be on the right, while other things can be stored on the left side of the motorcycle for better safety and driving.

Getting on the back of a bike and riding off to your favorite destination is a dream of many motorcyclists. Use these packing tips to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared on your next trip.


About the Author:
Eileen O'Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.