20 Most Common Motorcycle Camping Mistakes to Avoid

Table of Contents

1. The Essential Motorcycle Camping Guide
2. Common Motorcycle Camping Mistakes to Avoid

2.1 Packing Too Much Stuff
2.2 Not Packing Enough Stuff
2.3 Taking the Wrong Motorcycle
2.4 Not Planning Your Destination
2.5 Not Properly Researching the Route
2.6 Going By Yourself
2.7 Not Eating Fresh Food
2.8 Setting Up in the Dark
2.9 Lack of Water
2.10 Not Wearing the Right Gear
2.11 Not Checking the Weather
2.12 Not Checking Your Motorcycle
2.13 Not Following the Map
2.14 Not Charging the Battery-Powered Equipment
2.15 Forgetting the Food Storage Container
2.16 Forgetting to Fold Your Trap
2.17 Not Taking Motorcycle Accessories
2.18 Not Having an Emergency Plan
2.19 Taking An Uncomfortable Sleeping Bag
2.10 Bringing Unnecessary Tools, Accessories, or Kits

3. Bonus Points

3.1 Not checking fire restrictions
3.2 Not taking enough pictures

4. FAQs

4.1 What equipment is needed for motorcycle camping?
4.2 How to prepare before going on a motorcycle camping trip?
4.3 What is essential camping gear?

5. What Are the Tips For Trouble-Free Motorcycle Camping?
6. Conclusion

1. The Essential Motorcycle Camping Guide

“If you want to be happy for a lifetime, ride a motorcycle.”

Going on a motorcycle camping trip is one of the best touring experiences you can go on. It is a chance to have fun, relax, and test your current riding skills.

Whether you choose an off-site spot or a public campground, motorcycle camping is a simple, efficient, and affordable way to travel. On your first camping trip, you may make mistakes and learn from them. The more motorcycle camping trips you go on, you will become more experienced.

This article covers the most common motorcycle camping mistakes to avoid to ensure a comfortable vacation.

2. Common Motorcycle Camping Mistakes to Avoid

What are the foremost things that you need while going out camping? Shelter, eat, drink, sleep, and basic accessories. Just focus on the following five basic things that you need to survive.

Let’s dig into the common issues that most riders, commit while going on a camp:

2.1 Packing Too Much Stuff

Riders often want to take as much as possible on a camping trip. But it is best to only bring the essentials. The basic essentials should help with shelter, food, drink, sleep, and repairs.

Overpacking can be dangerous because carrying extra weight could affect the handling, balancing, and turning capability on paved and off-road trails.

2.2 Not Packing Enough Stuff

While going on a tour, be careful to not forget essentials at home and make sure you bring everything on your camping checklist.

Also, you need to focus on what you are taking. But it is not about leaving everything at home.

Just get conscious about the amount of stuff you bring, and don’t leave the necessary items.

Many people believe that suffering on a trip is equal to gaining more experience and memories.

Experts contradict here and always mention that “you are the one responsible for your comfort.”

Depending on how far you are traveling, make sure to store your belongings in appropriately-sized saddlebags or backpacks.

2.3 Taking the Wrong Motorcycle

Before going on a trip, make sure that your motorcycle is capable of long-distance touring, carrying lots of luggage, and suited for off-road terrain.

How will you manage too much heavy cargo on a dirt bike? How will you manage to go on a motorcycle that is not made for long-route travel?

Though there are hundreds of motorcycle types and models, you need to choose an appropriate one that has reliable handling, safety, and comfort. Choose a motorcycle based on its features and specifications rather than its appearance.

2.4 Not Planning Your Destination

Before leaving home, make sure to determine a final destination. Research where you want to go, how long it will take to get there, and what precautions you should take.

How to Plan a Cross-Country Motorcycle Trip

When planning a cross-country motorcycle trip, make sure to do the following:

Select the appropriate gear
Pick up the right accessories
Check your vehicle
Bring food
Go on a test drive with luggage mounted
Go on the journey!

2.5 Not Properly Researching the Route

Most riders get lost or travel aimlessly because they did not prepare by learning everything about the route. There are some basic things that you should ask when deciding your route to a motorcycle campsite:

Which route are you going to follow?
What will the weather be like?
Which type of surface will the route have?
What security precautions are required for the route
Where will you get firewood?
Where can you stay overnight?
What are the nearby public places?
Where can you get water

What do you do if it suddenly starts raining?

2.6 Going By Yourself

Never go on a solo tour on your first tour. You may find it difficult to handle changing weather conditions or stay at a camp overnight if you are inexperienced.

When going for an off-road tour, you might stay at the top of the mountain, in any urban area, in any place with no humans around, but you have animal companions (as there is a threat of dealing with wild animals or other creatures).

Facing all these challenges alone the first time can make for a poor touring experience. Try to bring friends or family along if your motorcycle is capable of two-up riding.

2.7 Not Eating Fresh Food

Never just rely on dehydrated backpack meals. Eating freshly cooked food is healthier and more satisfying. Also, it is necessary to enjoy the journey and make it remarkable. Going on a long trip, facing hurdles all day long, having a very tiring day, what will give you relief at last? Of course, fresh food!

Try to bring pre-cooked sauces, meat, noodles, or other food rich in carbohydrates and proteins.

You should make your journey of motorcycle camping an unforgettable one. It is not possible without treating yourself to the best food.

2.8 Setting Up in the Dark

Never set up your tent at night! It is bested to know your campsite before you leave home and should have the tent set up before sunset!

At night, you would need to use the motorcycle’s headlight to illuminate the campsite as you set up your tent, which could cause your motorcycle’s battery to run out.

2.9 Lack of Water

When going on a tour, especially in a desert region, make sure to bring plenty of clean drinking water. Make sure you have enough water to last you at least one and a half days

2.10 Not Wearing the Right Gear

When riding a motorcycle, make sure to wear full-body protection to reduce severe or fatal injuries in case of a crash. If you were weather-resistant riding gear, you should be able to ride in rainy weather. Examples of riding gear include a helmet, jacket, ankle shoes, goggles, gloves, or other gear that protects your body parts.

2.11 Not Checking the Weather:

What is the weather condition outside? Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is it hailing? Is it too cold? Is it too hot?

Preparing for every condition is important to keep yourself safe.

Before going on a tour, check the weather conditions of the route and destination. Bring appropriate clothing in case the weather or temperature suddenly changes.

2.12 Not Checking Your Motorcycle

Before going on a tour, don't forget to check your motorcycle. Not properly examining your vehicle may cause you to miss faulty or damaged components.

A motorcycle can suffer damage to various parts but they are usually easy to repair. For example, an engine oil leak must be located and fixed before you can go on a tour.

You can upgrade your motorcycle by installing parts like fairings, crash bars, handlebars, luggage racks, durable seats, sissy bars, and bar pads!

Note: If you haven't used your motorcycle for a long time and plan to go on a tour, it's the best time to give your motorcycle a full inspection.

2.13 Not Following the Map

Riders usually forget to bring or do not like to take maps with them. However, a map would provide an overview of the area, route, and destination.

Even if you primarily use electronic navigation tools, a map could be of use if you travel into an area that does not have phone service.

2.14 Not Charging the Battery-Powered Equipment

If you forget to charge any battery-powered devices, like the motorcycle battery, flashlight, smart devices, cameras, etc., you are out of luck when at your campsite. Make sure to plug in and fully charge your devices at home before setting them out.

2.15 Forgetting the Food Storage Container

Motorcycle campsites in the forests, at the top of mountains, or near off-road areas are often visited by local wildlife.

While riding to a place populated with local wildlife, make sure to take a tightly sealed food storage container.

While cooking food, be wary of any scavenging animals drawn to the smell. Store your food in an air-tight storage container to prevent the smell from attracting animals or animals getting into your supplies.

2.16 Forgetting to Fold Your Trap

When you lay the trap out underneath your tent for the night, make sure to fold the flaps underneath to prevent water from seeping in if it starts suddenly raining.

Suppose it's raining suddenly at night, and you haven't folded your trap. What will you do? Just try to ignore it and leave this nightmare here!

2.17 Not Taking Motorcycle Accessories

Don’t forget to take the accessories necessary for cooking, sleeping, and motorcycle operation.

What Are the Best Motorcycle Accessories for Novice Riders?

If it is your first off-ride tour, make sure to pack the following:

Rain guards
Tracking device
LED headlight
Storage bag
Lock and alarm system
Safety gear

2.18 Not Having an Emergency Plan

Never go on a motorcycle trip without an emergency plan. Make sure to tell a family member or a friend where you are going, when you are leaving, how long you plan to stay, the list of destinations, the intended travel route, and when you are coming back. In case of an emergency, your family member or friend can come to your aid or send emergency services to your location.

2.19 Taking An Uncomfortable Sleeping Bag

Do not bring a sleeping bag that doesn’t fit you, lacks durability, or is uncomfortable. Before going on a camping trip, test your sleeping bag to see if it works.

What Is the Best Four-Season Bag?

A four-season bag is made of durable, weather-resistant, and heat-retaining materials that make them suited for use year-round.

Do I Need a Sleeping Bag Inside a Tent?

Yes, a sleeping bag inside a tent will help keep you warm at night, provide a comfortable surface, and reduce fatigue.

Choose an appropriate sleeping bag for a motorcycle camping tour.

2.20 Bringing Unnecessary Tools, Accessories, or Kits

Don’t bring tools, accessories, or kits that will not be needed. Test everything you are going to take with you to make sure they work or if you need replacements.

3. Bonus Points

3.1 Not checking fire restrictions

Beginners don’t pay attention to some minor details, and those prove a big one at last. It all happens just because they are unaware of the reality. For example, fire restrictions.

When at a camping area, look around for signs that indicate fires are not allowed. Such areas do not allow campfires because the nearby foliage can quickly catch fire from even the smallest sparks.

3.2 Not taking enough pictures

To capture memorable moments from your motorcycle camping trips, remember to bring a camera with you. Try to take as many pictures as you can whenever you can.

4. FAQs

4.1 What equipment is needed for motorcycle camping?

Just think about the comfort and durability you can avail yourself of while enjoying motorcycle camp. Here is the list of all the equipment needed for motorcycle camping:

Appropriate riding gear
Warm clothes
Water
Food
Shelter (tent + sleeping bags)
Tools for cooking and motorcycle maintenance

4.2 How to prepare before going on a motorcycle camping trip?

Before going moto-camping, make sure to prepare by doing the following:

Pick the route
Determine the destination
Bringing enough food and equipment
Don’t overpack
Inspect your motorcycle before leaving

4.3 What is essential camping gear?

Here is the top 10 essential camping gear:

Tent
Sleeping bag
Water bottle
Firestarter
First aid kit
Pocket knife
Compass and map
Weather-resistant riding gear
Headlamp, flashlight, or lantern
Toilet paper

5. What Are the Tips For Trouble-Free Motorcycle Camping?

Here are the top tips for having trouble-free motorcycle camping:

Ensure a smooth ride
Be practical
Splurge on your riding & camping gear
Consider your food supplies
Must follow the rules of packing!

6. Conclusion:

Going on a camping trip with your motorcycle can make for an unforgettable experience. You can make your tour more comfortable by following the advice covered in this article. Now that you know the common motorcycle camping mistakes, it should be easier to avoid them. To add additional comfort to the motorcycle you can install seats, sissy bars, and handlebars.