5 Inexpensive Motorcycle Road Trip Essentials to Carry

If you dream of taking a road trip to the open road on a motorbike, a well-packed bike can take you on the trip of a lifetime. But you don’t have to spend a lot to make your ride smooth, safe, and fun. The right road trip essentials can help you travel light, save cash, and be prepared for whatever adventure your trip brings.

This article dives deeper into the five must-have and budget-friendly essentials for your next road trip on your bike. Whether you are a long ride lover, a weekend bike warrior, or looking for the ultimate adventure ride, this guide features the most crucial and affordable items you will need.

Each pick in this guide will help you increase your comfort, add safety, and allow you to pack smart for any journey ahead. There is also a useful trip packing checklist and smart packing tips for any road trip on a bike

Road trips on a motorbike offer a different kind of freedom. However, unlike cars, every inch of space is crucial. Your packing list needs to be compact and contain only items that you really need on your trip. But with the right checklist of road trip essentials, you can keep your load light, stay organized, and breeze through any and every adventure, without breaking your bank.

From rain showers that come without notice to flat tires late at night, the right packing means fewer concerns. This also helps you focus more on the ride and the views instead of what you left behind. Read on to learn about the 5 inexpensive road trip essentials to carry on your bike.

A flat tire can make a dream bike trip a worst experience. However, a lot of riders neglect to take a tire repair kit on their road trip. This cheap tool kit is among the most crucial bike trip essentials that every rider should have on their bikes.

What to Look for in a Flat Tire Repair Kit:

• Tubeless tire plug tools.

• Extra rubber plugs.

• A small air pump is a CO2 inflator.

• Valve core repair tool for quick fixes.

A tubeless tire repair kit, along with a compact air pump, will get you moving again in no time. The best kits will cost less than $30 and can be found in most auto or bike shops. Make sure to include the routine tire checkup in your pre-trip checklist to have a stress-free ride on your cross-country adventure.

Your phone does more than just share updates on social media. It guides you as your map, lifeline, and navigator. Phone mount bracket and charging solution keep you connected to the phone and your loved ones. It informs your friends and family who are worried about your wellness and safety.

The portable phone mount and a charging system are not expensive. However, they keep your phone from falling off and your GPS running throughout the trip.

What a Phone Mount is Crucial for the Road Trip:

• Does not require you to take your hands off the bars while riding.

• It allows you to have easy access to the maps while riding without getting distracted.

• Allows you to be able to see texts or calls without any issue.

• Keeps your phone safe and within easy reach.

Get a mount for your phone that comes paired with a USB charging system. You can also get one that supports wireless charging to get rid of the cable. Lots of good phone mounts with anti-slip grips are less than $40. Some also include a built-in cover that protects the phone from water, perfect for adventure bike trips in all weather. Some of these covers have touch-sensitive transparent covers so you can also use your phone while riding. However, avoid using your phone while riding!

Rain and storms without notice are just one of the many surprises that nature can throw at you on your road trip. Getting soaked in the rain will badly affect your ride, your mode, and handling. Lightweight rain gear that packs easily is a crucial item to have on a long road trip to help you fight such extreme weather. The best rain gear is the one that keeps you dry, stops cold wind, and is compact.

What to Seek in Rain Gear:

• Not only water-resistant, but waterproof.

• Easy to wear over your riding gear.

• Should be bright colored or have bright stripes for safety.

• Must be compact and light to fit easily in a tank bag.

A good quality rain suit that includes both top and trousers can be bought for as little as $25-$50. Don’t just settle for rain ponchos from a gas station. Try to find gear designed for bike riding so that it does not flap or snag at speed.

A good multi-tool is a must-have and is usually carried by almost all seasoned riders. Along with a couple of wrenches and screwdrivers, a good multi-tool is able to fix most minor problems while on the road.

It is a one-stop toolbox, saves space, reduces weight, and there is no need to search for a nearby shop to do small repairs.

What Tools to Pack for Your Road Trip:

• Multi-tool (pliers, knife, screwdrivers, wire cutter, and mini saw).

• 2-3 sizes of Allen wrenches.

• Small adjustable wrench.

• A few zip ties and a roll of duct tape.

Most multi-tools are pocket-sized and cost no more than $15-$40. Add a few extra tools mentioned above. Put it inside a separate tool bag and fit it somewhere more accessible in your packing so they are readily available when a bolt comes loose on your bike.

Most riders take this lightly, but hydration is very crucial on long trips, especially if the weather is warm. Lack of water can make a rider lose their focus in a short time. Therefore, riders must carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter to stay hydrated. It is better if you can get one with the sipper.

Keeping a reusable water bottle with a filter will not only help you keep the packing lighter, but also help you save money and reduce plastic waste.

Why the Reusable Water Bottle Is a Must-Have on a Road Trip:

• It will fit in most tank bags or in the sleeves of backpacks.

• If you run out of water, you can easily refill it from any drinking water source.

• Many of these bottles have built-in water filters to purify the water.

There are many brands of water bottles that offer replaceable filters for under $25. In case you need to take longer rides or travel in hot weather, look for insulated bottles to keep the water cold.

• Helmet (DOT-Approved).

• Riding jacket and pants.

• Gloves, boots, and rain gear.

• Clear visors for night riding.

• Tinted visors for daytime riding.

• Earplugs for long highway riding.

• Tire repair kit.

• Portable air pump.

• Basic tools for repair.

• Phone mount and charger.

• Water bottle with a filter.

• First-aid kit.

• Multi-tool.

• Sunglasses.

• Bungee cords por straps.

• Compact flashlight or torch.

• Extra cash.

• ID.

• Extra locks and cords for security.

• Snacks that last longer.

• Backup keys.

Proper packing for a bike trip can make a good trip into a great one. Below are some tips to help get the most out of your motorcycle road trip essentials:

Use some soft bags or dry bags to keep the weight down, as well as make the gear safe. Fixed hard side cases are suitable for adventure trips, but they are heavy and increase the overall weight of the bike.

Stick to what you need for your trip. Stick to the prioritized packing checklist for the road trip. Do not include anything that you may not need during the ride. Only pack those things that you may require if you have to travel a different route.

Place the stuff/luggage that is heavier down in your bags and at the center as much as possible. This helps ensure the balance while riding. Also, it is crucial to distribute the weight evenly to ensure the handling of the bike is not compromised, especially while maneuvering twisty roads.

Check the luggage one last time before leaving for the road trip. Make sure to have the checklist in hand so you can verify if there is anything missing. Make sure that the things fit in properly.

Plan your ride and pack your luggage according to the weather conditions. Check the forecast before leaving for the trip. You are not only supposed to be prepared for the weather at your destination, but you have to be prepared for everything that may come your way during the whole ride.

The best of the open road does not require you to spend a lot. By sticking to the above five inexpensive motorcycle road trip essentials, you can keep things light, safe, and stress-free. Smart packing allows you to ride peacefully and safely. Whether you are getting ready to go for your first adventure ride or you are regularly touring on your bike, having the right essentials always makes your journey easier.

Remember, the best trips aren’t always the longest trips. The best trips are the ones that you are prepared for. Pack your essentials, check your luggage list, and then hit the road. Start packing your trip today with these must-have road trip essentials and see where your next trip can take you!