How to Stay Comfortable on Long Motorcycle Rides

Every year, many motorcycle enthusiasts set out on long rides. Some riders go on a TOUR through a city or across a state. However, some riders want to travel to the farthest edges of a country. On a long ride, riders may face many issues along the way. Therefore, it is better to make preparations before going on a long ride to ensure that it will be a comfortable one. 

As safety is a priority when riding a motorcycle across long distances, it is important that riders have proper SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Here are a few examples of motorcycle safety equipment.

It is recommended that riders wear proper riding gear for long motorcycle rides.

Always keep a first aid kit stored in the tank bag, handlebar bag , etc. In case of an emergency or accident, the first aid kit will help treat minor injuries or alleviate severe wounds that require further medical assistance.

Power banks are necessary to keep your electronic devices fully charged if there are no available outlets nearby. During long rides, it may be necessary for riders to stop at a hotel or rest stop, giving riders a chance to use their power banks. Keeping a phone fully charged may come in handy if a rider needs to contact help or needs directions to a destination.

Before going on a motorcycle trip, you need to pick out the type of motorcycle you want to ride. If the trip involves hilly areas or bumpy roads, then adventure motorcycles are the best option because they have high ground clearance and large suspension displacements. If the ride includes straight and paved roads, then cruisers and touring motorcycles are the best options because they can glide smoothly over flat surfaces at high speed. Sports motorcycles are not recommended for long rides because the design of this type of vehicle sacrifices a comfortable riding position in favor of quick acceleration.

Before going on long trips, it is better to give the motorcycle a full checkup first. Here is a list of things to check before setting out on a long motorcycle ride:

The stable air pressure for small tires is around 30 psi, 36 psi for medium tires,  and 42 psi for larger tires. 

Always check the brake pads, brake discs, and brake fluid before going on a ride.

If your motorcycle has driven more than 1,000 km since the last engine oil change, make sure to get an oil change before going on a ride.

If the motorcycle is driven with care, the chain drive will have a long lifespan but it is recommended you check the gears of the chain drive to see if they need to be replaced or not.

Check for any repairs that your motorcycle needs, such as a cable that needs to be replaced, a battery that needs to be recharged or replaced, etc.

Motorcycle suspensions should help reduce vibrations for the duration of a long ride. Check the suspension to see if it needs to be adjusted and that it’s not making any strange noises.

A comfortable riding position determines how smoothly the bike’s handling will be and how quickly you become fatigued. A comfortable riding position should include:

• Handlebars at a level height that allow the arms to be in a relaxing position.
• The riders spine should be straight and not bent forward.
• The distance between you and the handlebars should allow your arms and elbows to be in a relaxed position.

For touring motorcycles, the backrest is already installed, providing back support for the rider. However, adventure bikes and cruisers do not have a backrest, but still, have a seat that helps support the rider’s lower back.

For the first few kilometers, a rider will not feel too much discomfort on a motorcycle seat. But after an hour or two, a motorcycle seat may start to feel discomfort in the lower body. It is recommended you get a seat with a good quality cover and foam cushion.  

During longer rides, it is quite possible that a rider’s motorcycle may suffer mechanical problems with no garage or repair shop nearby. Therefore, it is recommended you carry a toolbox in case you need to tighten loose nuts, fix the brakes, or repair any kind of minor damage.

Before setting out on a motorcycle ride, always plan out the route first. Become familiar with the directions, try to remember landmarks, and also have a backup route ready. If the original route has been blocked for any reason, then knowing backup routes will save you time and help you get to your destination via an alternate way.

Bring extra clothes suited for different weather conditions. Wearing appropriate clothing in rainy and cold weather will make it less difficult for riders to travel over long distances.

Having extra pairs of socks is recommended as wearing the same socks for more than one or two days can result in an irritating smell and skin infections. The rider should also have a backup rain jacket and rain cover just in case.

During long rides on open highways or interstates, you may not encounter many gas stations. Therefore, it is better to keep the fuel tank full as much as possible. It is recommended you carry one or a half gallon of extra fuel with you in case of an emergency.

Having luggage like SADDLEBAGS, TANK BAGS, SISSY BAR BAGS, TRUNK, HANDLEBARS BAGS, etc. can help you carry belongings, like a first aid kit, cleaner & towel, flashlight, toolkit, clothes, rain jackets, and rain covers.

A rider should stay hydrated throughout the ride, especially during the summer. It is recommended you carry extra water bottles and provisions. Whenever you take a break, try to drink water and eat food to keep up your strength. Riding while hungry or dehydrated could result in fatigue.

During LONG TRIPS, it is recommended you take enough breaks so that you have the opportunity to stretch your legs and relax your muscles. Riding for a sustained length of time could cause you to become exhausted. Taking short breaks to relax your body will reduce fatigue and make it easier to break up a trip that lasts a whole day.

The ride should always have safety equipment which includes the proper riding gear, a first aid kit, and a power bank for electronics. The rider must choose the right motorcycle for the ride, if the rider wants to go on rough tracks or hilly areas then adventure motorcycles are good to go and if the rider wants to go over straight long roads then TOURING or CRUISER might be a good option. Riders must have a good inspection of the motorcycle which involves tire pressure, brakes, engine oil, chain drive, etc. A good riding position and a comfortable seat also make the ride more comfortable. The rider should also have a tool kit, extra clothes, BAGS, and enough food. A long ride gets very tiring so it is better to take enough breaks.

Most required motorcycle equipment is readily available at ONLINE STORES where riders can find accessories like SADDLEBAGS, SISSY BAR BAGS, TANK BAGS, SISSY BAR, CRASH BARS, LUGGAGE RACKS, TRUNK ,HANDLEBARS BAGS , and SEATS at a reasonable price.