HOW TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND MOTORCYCLE TRIP
So you’re finally ready to head out on a 3 day weekend motorcycle ride. You’ve got the best motorcycle roads mapped out. The question you may be asking yourself is, “How do I pack for a weekend motorcycle trip?”
Essential List for a Weekend Motorcycle Road Trip
While most of us work full-time and have family responsibilities, the occasional long weekend motorcycle road trip is our only opportunity to get out and experience the therapy of an extended, multi-day ride.
And if you only have a certain amount of time to ride, you’ll want to map out the best motorcycle routes possible. Because after all, life is short and we don’t have time to be riding just average motorcycle roads!
Packing for a long weekend motorcycle trip can be tricky. You don’t want to pack too light, but you also don’t want to overdo it. This is because most motorcycles have limited saddle bag and tail bag storage.
What Do I Need For a 3 Day Motorcycle Ride?
We’ve found this simple list of items to be effective and essential for a 3 day motorcycle ride:
- Insulating layers
- Tail bags or saddlebags for storage
- Tire gauge and tire repair kit
- Flashlight and small multi-tool kit
- Small First Aid Kit
- Helmet, riding boots and extra rain gear
- Damp hand cloth in a sealed zip-lock bag
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Chargers for your devices
- Water and power snacks
- Travel-sized personal hygiene items
- Sunscreen and ChapStick
- Physical road map
How to Have a Successful Motorcycle Trip
A long weekend ride a great way for new motorcyclists to get a feel for an extended motorcycle tour . You’ll learn a lot about you and your motorcycle, including how long you can comfortably ride your bike on long days.
It’s always best to make a small list of everything you’ll need. Clothes take up a lot of room, so be selective. When figuring out how to pack for a weekend motorcycle trip, typically you can get away with one or two changes of clothing. Packing comfortable walking shoes is important for a weekend motorcycle trip because if you ride with motorcycle boots, you may want to do a short hike or just have comfortable shoes for dinner after a long day’s ride.
A small hand towel can stay damp by keeping it in a zip-lock bag. It will be handy for when you need to wipe the bugs off your face, helmet or windscreen. If you do ride with an open faced motorcycle helmet, ChapStick and sunscreen are wise to pack. Say you’re traveling through the best motorcycle rides in Arizona , which can get hot in summer. Many riders may not realize how much sun exposure they’re actually getting when doing an all-day motorcycle ride. If you’re planning a trip up north such as scenic motorcycle rides in New Hampshire , you’ll want to pack some layered clothing for cooler mountain temperatures or passing storms.
Also, be sure to figure out your motorcycle’s MPG and fuel range . Plan fuel stops well before you’re motorcycle fuel tank gets close to empty. Remember to check your motorcycle’s tire pressure every morning, especially if temperatures get cold at night. If you’re traveling by motorcycle alone, tell someone your itinerary.
Motorcyclists may be tempted to forego a physical map, thinking their phone or GPS unit is all they need. But technical failure and batteries running out will hamper your travel plans traveling on unfamiliar motorcycle roads. So be sure to supply yourself with a physical road map of the state or region you’re riding in.
What’s the single best thing you can do to plan a successful motorcycle trip? Above all, ride with caution, and live to ride another day!
Looking for “scenic motorcycle rides near me”? Discover the best roads to find scenic routes for motorcycle travel .
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