Heres your packing list for your next adventure!
The long motorcycle trip. A rite of passage to the seasoned rider. The pursuit of exploration on two wheels. These are various forms, from sightseeing to camping to commuting. Regardless, the journey comes to the forefront in its purpose, and a lot of preparation before that. Here are the 10 things you should pack for your next motorcycle walkabout.
This is a must for those seeking to bring home the extra trinket. The extra bag can fulfill every need, from a dirty clothes sack to get to the laundry, a storage spot to keep your boots dry at night, to your shopping bag in a pinch. The extended-range traveler always has one handy. The best options in this category are collapsible and cheap (think of a nylon duffel or athletic bag). Some companies have even implemented these bags into a Riding Jacket. To accompany this bag, one must have the appropriate straps. Ratchet straps are preferable in a pinch, but Bungie cords do the trick quite nicely. Find your nearest Walmart and grab a few to accompany your new excess luggage.
The Windbreaker is an excellent option to accompany your favorite Mesh Riding Jacket. The windbreaker has multiple uses, from helping with the cold wind on a highway pull to keeping the rain off in a nasty bout around town. I always keep one of these in a saddlebag or riding backpack. The best windbreakers pack into a small package and can even fit in an extra pocket. These are best for those seeking the long-range ride through the mountains or the midwest, where weather predictions are few and far between, and preparation is paramount.
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Aren't tint visors beautiful? There is nothing like a poignant helmet graphic and a loud tinted visor to exude style and finesse. The only downside is the coming nightfall that blinds the rider and prevents good reflexes in darker conditions. This is easily remedied by lifting the visor but leaves the rider's eyes naked and exposed to mosquitos, rocks, or rain. The solution is simple, grab some glasses from your local hardware store or Walmart. More premium option Night Glasses can work well too. The purpose of these glasses is a last-ditch effort to protect the rider's vision during night riding. They are easily stuffed in a pocket, a bag, or below the passenger seat on a sport bike. Don't leave home without them!
Long used in the bicycle world, this packing item is a valuable asset to the rider on uneven road surfaces and cluttered highways. Shrapnel from car wrecks and random screw litter the streets of America, and the day will come when your tires are the victims. This leads to needing a tow truck or a friend to help push you home. In a pinch, the best solution is the fix of a bacon strip tire patch. The rider need only add some rubber cement to the compound, puncture the tire at its newfound hole and leave the bacon strip to clog the damage. Although not advised for extended-range use (like your Civic's donut tire), this will get you to the nearest tire shop for a quick change. This, along with a CO2 Canister for inflation, is a godsend when in the direst of straights on your journey.
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The modern motorcycle is much more focused on the MPG than previous iterations. Regardless of this newfound advancement in the industry, the rider dictates when the fuel is refilled. Due to negligence or pure focus on the road, the gas runs empty, leaving the biker stranded on the shoulder. Some older bikes and dual sports allow the rider to switch to the reservoir tank and get them to the nearest gas station. For this example, let's say you chose to ride the supersport instead of the KLR. Without a reservoir to take advantage of, you need fuel to get you to safety. The modern invention provides this very thing in your saddlebag. Many companies now offer this upgrade in various sizes and colors, allowing you to quench the thirst of your engine on demand and in any condition. Ensure the canister is intended to hold fuel to prevent any explosive mishaps.
As said previously, the weather is unpredictable, especially on a long motorcycle trip. The most excellent afternoons soon turn to thunderstorms in the blink of an eye. The rider is exposed to the elements and soon becomes soaked by the falling precipitation. The worst part is the newfound soaking wet socks filling the rider's boots. This problem causes discomfort and adds to the risk of hypothermia or the catching of the common cold. As a proud Eagle Scout, I advise all riders to carry an extra pair of socks in their pack (whether hiking or riding the twisties). All that is needed is for the rider to pull over to the nearest rest stop, wait out the rain, and put on some new socks to maintain body heat on the way home. Soaking shoes? Wrap your feet in a newspaper or grocery bag to amend this problem until you get to a cozy garage.
A tired rider is just as dangerous as an intoxicated rider. Although too much caffeine can have adverse effects, a simple energy shot in a saddlebag can come in handy during the long haul in the middle of the night. I usually have two bottles of five-hour energy in mine for this reason. Remember to hydrate and get some protein in your system first to prevent stomach issues or headaches, as seen below.
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Protein isn't just for your neighborhood gym rats! All humans need to have a healthy amount of protein in their diets. Motorcyclists especially. As mentioned before, protein and hydration are necessary before consuming caffeine on the road or in life. Pick up some raw protein bars to take you on your journey. If anything, this is an easy way to stretch your mileage before taking a pitstop for a meal. While we don't recommend replacing your basic meals with this option, this is a quick fix for those in dire need. Beef Jerky provides enough flavor to make the rider reach for it in their pack, but Huel makes a decent meal replacement for those seeking a scientific solution to their hunger pains.
With the modern rider cruising along the highway with a cell phone attached to their handlebars, one must consider the daily longevity of the gadgets we rely on. If possible, the cell phone should be packed away in a bag to prevent it from being exposed to freezing or hot temperatures and out of the rain. In most new bikes, a USB charge port is provided from stock, but many bikes don't have this option, making this option a necessary accessory. We recommend a battery that can charge your phone twice if you are in a pinch and need to rely on directions to get you home, but a single charge is a great place to start.
You would be surprised how quickly your body can lose its hydration, even on the coldest days. Unknown to most, hydration is proactive, not reactive. For this reason, I always chug a water bottle or two before getting on a long ride to prepare for the process of dehydration that is about to occur. Due to direct sunlight, heat, and body fatigue, this process happens quicker than you think. If you can stop and grab a drink of water or two on the road, Thirsty Rock has you covered. The Tank Bag Hydration Pack offers the rider a quick solution without having to stop. This is a godsend to those seeking long rides through the desert in Arizona or the beautiful stretches in Utah. Pick one of these for the day you need to wet your whistle.
Jean-Luc has been riding a variety of motorcycles over the past few years but tends to lean Kawasaki. He is passionate about rider education, industry innovation, and the open road. Find him riding the twistys in Provo Canyon, or on his yearly ride through Yellowstone. Find his digital content @motowidelens on Youtube.