Riding a motorbike is all about freedom. A chance to explore the unexplored, travel the roads less travelled and venture into the unknown. However, when it comes to discovering places away from the usual destinations, effective motorbike route planning keeps you safe and ensures you can get the most from your trip.
In this article, we thought we’d take a closer look at some of our top touring tips to help you on your next adventure on your Harley-Davidson.
Why is Motorbike Route Planning Essential?
Before we explore some of our top bike touring tips, why is motorbike route planning so important? Effectively planning your next trip is essential to maximise your safety. When taking on unknown roads, you’ll be travelling through regions and over surfaces you don’t know. Depending on where your adventure takes you, you might even be tackling changing weather conditions. Careful planning will ensure you’re aware of these changes and can adapt your riding accordingly.
It’s not just about improving safety either. Motorbike route planning will also help you maximise your riding experience. Whether it’s ensuring you’ll never run out of petrol, avoiding potentially congested areas or incorporating more scenic roads, sitting down and planning your route will enhance your entire journey.
While careful planning is important, it doesn’t mean you can't improvise. Part of the joy of riding is heading out into the unknown, so leave some things unplanned and see where the road takes you.
Pre-ride Motorbike Route Planning
One of the most important bike touring tips is to thoroughly plan your journey ahead of time. The last thing you want to do is get hopelessly lost. We recommend using a combination of online maps and route planning software to outline your journey. Undertake some research from other riders who may have travelled similar routes to source out recommendations - and roads to avoid!
If this is your first big adventure, you might want to be more comprehensive with your planning. However, if you are an experienced rider, plotting a start and end destination for each day may be sufficient. Whatever you choose, make sure you make a note of fuel stations, attractions, rest stops and emergency services.
Prepare For The Unpredictable
While mapping out your journey is important, even the most carefully curated plans can go off the rails, so be prepared for the unpredictable. Rapidly changing weather conditions, traffic jams or mechanical issues could force you to change your plans, so mitigate these risks as much as possible.
Depending on where you are going and at what time of year, consider packing lighter armour to wear during the heat, wet weather gear for the rain and even thermal layers and extra gloves for those dawn starts or cooler months. Being safe and comfortable are key to enjoying long rides. Check the weather forecast every day so you know what you’re heading into. Having essential tools, spare fuses and bulbs and the means to repair a damaged tyre will help to keep you going in the event of an emergency.
Must-have Tools and Gear
When it comes to motorbike route planning, having the right tools and gear is essential to ensuring safety and reducing delays. What should you consider packing, though?
Standard Gear
The first things that you should pack are the basics. Standard riding gear consisting of motorcycle helmet, riding jacket, riding jeans, gloves and boots is essential. However, you could well face inclement weather, so make sure you invest in quality weather-resistant gear to ensure you don’t get wet and cold while riding. Having clothing with integrated armour will also help to add an additional layer of protection in the event of an accident. Riding the right model from the outset goes a long way for comfort.
You should also make sure that you have enough essential clothing to wear underneath your riding gear. There’s no better feeling than putting on fresh clothes after a long day of riding!
Portable Tyre Repair Kit
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s one of the most important bike touring tips, so we’re underlining it here again. Your adventure might take you across different road surfaces, which could increase the risk of a puncture. However, rather than letting a deflated tyre ruin your day’s riding, a portable puncture repair kit and an inflation pack will help to get you back on the road and provide you with enough protection until you can find the nearest garage.
Multi-tools or Compact Tool Kits
A versatile multi-tool or a compact tool kit can make all the difference while on the road. Motorcycles go through a lot during long rides, so having a handy tool close to by will allow you to tighten bolts, adjust cables or fix a mirror that’s vibrated loose.
Other Items
Other essential items that you should consider while motorbike route planning include a first-aid kit, a high-capacity power bank, flash light, straps, bungee cords, emergency blankets and some water. All of these are small and lightweight additions that can make a huge difference in an emergency.
Embracing the Harley-Davidson Community
Motorbike route planning isn’t something that you need to do on your own. Embracing the Harley-Davidson riders community can be a great resource for exploring uncharted roads. Connect with fellow riders through forums, social media groups and local rider clubs to get recommendations on scenic routes, must-see destinations and paths that might not be marked on conventional maps.
Another great resource is to participate in local rides and rally events. This will not only help you to gain some like-minded friends but can be a great choice for exchanging tips and recommendations.
Embrace the Unknown with Confidence
When it comes to motorbike route planning, being as thorough as you can will help you embrace the unknown with confidence. That doesn’t mean you need to plan every minute, though - keeping room for spontaneity will let you embrace all of the exciting benefits motorcycling brings.
If you’re heading out on an adventure and want a new Harley-Davidson to enjoy, or you want your current machine serviced by professionals, then Perth Harley-Davidson is here to help you. So, come and pay our team a visit today or get in touch to find out more.