HOW-TO GUIDES

How to Plan a Motorcycle Road Trip in 5 Steps

If you feel the horizon calling, there’s no better way to chase your wanderlust than on two wheels. Careful planning for a motorcycle road trip is the best way to ensure that any long-distance adventure is fun and safe. Use our motorcycle road trip planning tips to help execute your next adventure and learn how to plan for a motorcycle road trip.

1. PREPARE YOUR MOTORCYCLE FOR THE RIDE

Don’t let a roadside break-down or an unplanned stop for maintenance consume your travel time. Make sure to inspect these 6 motorcycle maintenance essentials before you embark on your road trip. If you don’t have the time or skills to give your motorcycle a thorough inspection, it’s recommended to schedule a maintenance check with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer and let the shop know you are planning a long ride.

Basic maintenance – use the maintenance schedule in your motorcycle operator’s manual as a guide. If you’re going to hit a maintenance point during the ride, such as an oil change, it may be better to just change your oil before the road trip than having to schedule it during the ride. You’ll want to check tire air pressure, all fluid levels, the air filter, brake pad condition, the drive chain if your motorcycle has one, throttle and brake cables if applicable to your motorcycle, all lights and signals, and the horn. Plan to check these basics before heading out each morning of your road trip.
Check your tires - If your tires are worn, it’s better to replace them before a long trip than to try and get that last little bit of wear out of them. Check your tread depth but also consider the age of your tires. If the motorcycle tires have been on your motorcycle for more than five years, even if you don’t ride much, have them inspected by a pro. If they’re more than 10 years old, even if they look showroom new, it’s recommended to replace them anyway. As tires age, the rubber compound can start to break down, greatly reducing tire durability and performance. Learn more about when to replace your motorcycle’s tires.
Adjust suspension for the added weight of gear, luggage and a passenger. Consult your operator’s manual for specific instructions. In most cases you’ll want to increase the rear suspension pre-load to maintain a good ride and handling with a touring load on the motorcycle. The manual may also recommend increasing tire air pressure.
A dead battery can leave any rider stranded. A well-maintained motorcycle battery can last five to seven seasons. If your battery is approaching its life limit, it’s a good investment to replace it before heading out on a long adventure. An authorized Harley-Davidson dealer can load test your battery to determine its health. If you’re going to be riding all day with heated hand grips and gear, for example, a strong battery is essential.

2. PLAN YOUR MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP ROUTE

There’s something romantic about simply throwing your leg over the motorcycle saddle and riding out for parts unknown, but this spontaneous approach could lead to more adventure than you bargained for. This is not to say you need to pre-plan every rest stop on a two-week, cross-continent ride, but having a route in mind for at least the next day is a good strategy. Some things to consider:

Fuel stops. Have a good idea of your motorcycle's range on a full tank and scope out fuel stops on your intended route. This can be especially important when touring on backroads in more desolate parts of the United States. A good strategy is to get gas whenever it’s available, rather than waiting until you really need gas. There’s nothing wrong with topping off a half-full tank. If you have any questions about your motorcycle's range, consider packing a reserve fuel supply in an appropriate container.
Rest Stops. Stopping regularly for a break will help keep you more alert and may also add to your enjoyment of the ride. Some riders stop at every historical marker or curious roadside attraction – have you seen the giant ball of twine? There’s nothing wrong with a little afternoon siesta at a wayside, of even stopping for a quick swim. Study your route and plan a few stops ahead of time.
Make Reservations. It’s getting dark, you’re tired and hungry – and all the hotels are full. This can happen at popular destinations and at certain times of the year, such as “leaf-peeking” season in autumn. Book a room or campsite and you’ll eliminate one source of anxiety. Nobody wants to sleep in a parking lot.
Use a route planner. The Harley-Davidson® App features the Harley-Davidson® Ride Planner tool, which can be viewed on a desktop or hand-held device. Map a route and hit the road with GPS navigation. Add dealers, gas stations, and waypoints to create your perfect route that stays on the best roads. Then save it and share it with friends. If you are travelling in a remote area where cellular service might be spotty or unavailable, download maps to your device when you have service, or pack along a good old paper map.

3. PACK THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE GEAR

You’ll be away from your garage for a long time, so it pays to pack a few essential items you might need to keep your motorcycle in top shape.

Motorcycle tool kit. This could be some basic hand tools specific to your motorcycle, or a dedicated motorcycle tool kit designed to be packed along. Don’t forget to include a tire air pressure gauge, a set of motorcycle-size jumper cables, spare fuses and bulbs, a portable battery pack, a flashlight, zip ties and a small roll of duct tape. Learn how to build a motorcycle tool kit.
Tire repair kit. If your motorcycle has tubeless tires, a repair kit with plugs, and a compact air pump or CO2 cartridges can be a roadside solution to a common flat tire.
Engine oil. Motorcycle-specific engine oil is not always on the shelf at a gas station. Pack along a quart and a paper funnel and you’ll be ready to add oil.

4. PACK FOR YOURSELF – AND YOUR PASSENGER

There’s an art to packing for a long motorcycle road trip. Luggage space is usually limited, and you don’t want to burden your motorcycle with unnecessary weight. But you also want to be prepared with essentials.

Get used to the idea of wearing the same clothes for multiple days. Fresh underwear and socks don’t take up much space, but nobody is going to notice you have been wearing the same jeans and T-shirt for three days. Don’t forget a swimsuit – a roadside dip can really be refreshing.
Be prepared for extreme weather – heat or cold. The elevation change when riding through the mountains, for example, can result in a sudden and dramatic drop in temperature. Pack layers you can wear under riding gear. A mesh riding jacket can enhance comfort in hot weather.
Dig out your hoard of motel-size shampoo, conditioner and soap. It’s time to use those compact containers. Don’t forget other essentials, including toothbrush and paste, contact lens supplies and a spare set of lenses or glasses and a razor. A package of toddler wipes can be used for a quick clean-up, and a microfiber washcloth and small towel can be handy in all sorts of situations.
Don’t forget to pack any charging devices you might need for a phone, navigation device, camera, wireless headset, etc.
A basic first aid kit plus any required medications (and prescriptions if you’ll need a refill) sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm are often necessary.
Water and snacks can keep you going when the next convenience store is 100 miles away. Staying hydrated in any weather will keep you alert, another reason to plan for frequent rest breaks.
Cash is always king, and credit cards are not always accepted. Make sure your motorcycle license and insurance card are in your wallet.

5. GEAR UP

Essential riding gear and motorcycle accessories can make any tour more enjoyable.

When it comes to riding gear, proper gear is essential to rider protection. Make sure you’re equipped with a motorcycle helmet, eye protection, a motorcycle jacket, riding pants, motorcycle gloves and riding boots.

Quality motorcycle rain gear is always a wise investment. Turning a garbage bag into a poncho is not a good option. Motorcycle rain gear is designed to keep you dry at highway speeds and often has reflective elements to increase your visibility to others.

Hand grips - specifically heated ones - can really ease the misery of riding in cold weather and can be added to most motorcycles. For comfort on long stretches in cool weather, Harley-Davidson offers a wide selection of heated riding gear.

If your motorcycle is not equipped with saddlebags or a tour-pak, adding luggage, a set of throw-over saddlebags or a luggage rack can allow you to carry your gear in a secure manner, and protect your stuff from the weather. An authorized Harley-Davidson dealer can help you set up your motorcycle with luggage accessories like a compact motorcycle cover.

Enhance your motorcycle's long-haul comfort with a windshield. If your motorcycle has a windshield, a taller version may offer more protection from insects and the elements and keep you fresh and alert as the miles pile up.

An in-helmet wireless communication device can be a great asset on long rides. Use a pair to communicate with a passenger, or with other riders in your group. Many headsets can also stream music and transmit turn-by-turn navigation prompts.

WHAT TYPE OF MOTORCYCLE IS BEST FOR A ROAD TRIP?

You can road trip on just about any motorcycle, but for long-range comfort and convenience it’s hard to beat a dedicated touring motorcycle, including the models in the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring category. A touring motorcycle is designed for long-distance travel, with a comfortable seating position for the rider and often a passenger, wind protection, dedicated luggage and often an infotainment system that includes GPS-based navigation.

An adventure touring motorcycle such as the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 model is also an option growing in popularity with long-distance riders. An adventure motorcycle can offer long-range comfort and amenities with the advantage of being a capable mount on unpaved roads – when the pavement ends the adventure can continue.