How to pack for a long motorbike trip
Phil Smythe
Packing for a long motorbike ride across the state can be a great challenge, especially for first timers. If you have never been on a long ride, then perhaps one of the best ideas to start with is to travel with a group of riders with at least one other member who has done this before. Looking at all the aspects of the trip such as cover, food, distance, fuel and individual health should be a top priority for all members of the traveling group.
First, make a thorough inspection of the bike. Check everything carefully with the other members, and cover things such as tires, which should have the correct pressure as specified by the manufacturer. Remember on a long trip, you’ll want to make allowances for increased pressure at higher temperatures. Check for bald spot on the rubber, and also alignment of the wheel is correct.
Check with a friend that all the lights and controls are in order. The cables may not have the right tension, if the bike has not been ridden for a while. Check that the brakes are not worn out, and that there is sufficient padding. Also check that any misalignment does not cause any uneven contact between the pads and the disc. Move onto the fuel and oils. You do not want any overheating when you are in the middle of nowhere. Oil for the engine, and coolants should be topped up before a long trip.
If you are expecting a bumpy road ahead, then have a thorough check of the shock absorbers and suspension. A smooth ride will relive any back pain for not just you but also for your partner. Remember that even though you may not have experienced any issues before while going for short rides, the effects of a longer trip will challenge the mechanics of your bike. For added safety for women, invest in a good motorbike vest for ladies to give them added sense of comfort.
Be aware of the overall weight of your bike, with all your belongings packed onto it. It helps to balance the weight at all times on both sides of the bike. You can purchase bags that straddle across the seats and also lie next to the chassis. Be mindful that when you are packing, you will want to check that the heaviest items are located at the bottom of the bags or any other storage area of your bike. This will keep the center of gravity low and provide extra stability when you are cornering or traveling at high speeds.
Take a close look at all the stopping points along the map. Never assume that a place which is listed as having a petrol station will have it. It pays to be conservative and fill up if you are in doubt of the next destination point. Bring a siphon if needed, so that any fuel can potentially be taken from another bike in an emergency. With emergencies, always check that one of the riders has packed a safety first aid kit. This kit should also include medications for anyone with allergies or complications.
Water is a must for all parties in the riding party. Bring enough as to not over weigh your bike. But never bring too little, as you may also need it for other purposes such as cooling down your engine in an emergency. Keep in mind the temperature and on a hotter than usual day, bring more water. Remember that if all else fails, the only things you really need are water and a good map or GPS device. For the leader of the pack, that person should ideally have a good GPS device with updated maps. This should be mounted on the handlebars for easy navigation, or stored in a compartment that is weather proof and easy to reach into.
When spending a long time on the road, a motorbike vest is a ideal way to stay warm while providing good comfort and protection.
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