A Guide to Packing for Your Motorcycle Tour

Riding motorbikes is both intriguing and enjoyable. Bikers love riding through twisting mountain passes and winding roads. With so many beautiful landscapes to explore, it becomes a pleasurable ride for any biker. However, when you are all set to hit the road, there are certain pre-preparations that you must do so that you are ready to combat any unsolicited situations. Besides, if you are planning a road trip via bike, you need to pack well.

Packing for Your Motorcycle

Early preparation, planning, and excellent space management are essential. Most importantly, you must pack small, but pack well.  When it comes to motorbike packing, it’s critical to carry everything you think you need to; especially if you’re embarking on your first road trip.

Having a checklist ready with you will be easier for you to cross-check and ensure that you don’t miss out on any essential stuff. First of all, you must have built-in bags. We advise you to use proper motorcycle backpacks for a comfortable journey.

When you are packing for your road trip, considering the following factors will help you pack well.

  • The distance – This is an important factor that will impact the packing that you need to do. For example, if you plan a short 2-3 days’ trip, your packing will differ from a two-week or month-long journey.
  • Trip location and terrain – What you pack for a journey to Baja California on a dual-sport bike vs. a Route 66 trip on a touring cycle might be quite different. You may, for example, choose a different sort of protective gear.
  • Traveling solo or with a companion – Whether you’re riding solo or with a companion also matters.

What are the things to pack for your motorcycle road trip?

When it comes to packing, you must set your priorities right. Since usually you will be confined to the available storage capacity on your motorbike, you need to decide prudently. Here are a few items to pack for your bike trip

  • Carry all the essentials

Support can, water, and a first aid kit must be included in all trips. When going on a guided group trip, one rider can carry specific items for everyone. One of those items is a first aid kit; furthermore, not everyone should carry their pump; one is plenty. Next, you can’t guarantee that the weather will be ideal, and it’s a good idea to include a few emergency clothing, but you can’t pack a separate item for every type of weather. Instead, bring all-weather gear and toss out the items you’re unlikely to use. You’ll have more room for other things this way.

Travel Bottles

Travel size bottles

These are essential for storing various things. You can buy insulated bottles, plastic bottles, or squeezy travel bottles for a longer journey for hassle-free usage. There are several travel-size bottles available for carrying toiletries as well. You can search for the best ones. You can go for small travel-size bottles for storing cream, shampoos, lotions, etc. If you are buying plastic travel bottles, make sure that they are BPA-free. Travel size bottles are smaller and can easily accommodate in your backpack.

Tank bags

The name says it all: these bags rest on your bike’s tank and provide a handy way to transport your belongings. They may be attached to your bike via straps, clips, or magnetically attached to the tank. Most tank bags come with a transparent panel for use with a map or a set of pace notes, so if you’re a fan of utilizing a map or a set of pace notes, a small tank bag will offer you more than enough area for the necessities.

Tail bags

Tail bags attach to your bike’s passenger seat or rear rack, providing additional less distracting storage than other bags, and don’t extend out to the side like panniers to keep the weight centered.

Multipurpose items

The finest items for road journeys are those that serve several functions. A waterproof bag, for example, can be used not only as a washing bag but also as a raincoat on occasion. A multi-tool kit is a fantastic item to have in your bag and can prove life-saving.

Clothes

Folding and rolling are essential for a good storage situation! It saves room while preventing crinkling in your t-shirts and pants. If you’re taking a pair of boots or gloves, put smaller objects inside them to create an extra pocket of space that also protects your accessories from injury. Having trouble fitting your clothing in? Making a lot of little changes adds up to a huge difference: Replace your trousers or sweatshirts with lightweight ‘outdoor’ clothes.

Tools

It’s usually a good idea to bring a few basic tools with you, but don’t go overboard. Trim the fat and just carry the basics because weight and space are your biggest enemies.

Electronics

Carry important items like batteries, chargers, cameras, laptops, etc. If you absolutely must bring your gadgets, make sure that any enclosure you use to put them in is waterproof. The best alternative is to leave all of your electronics at home and become a nomad, but we like the comforts of home.

Extra tips: When looking for travel bottles, consider the size, material, and utility. If you are looking for travel bottles for toiletries, go not more than 100 ml capacity. You can also go for complete sets of portable travel bottles. You can simply fill them with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shaving gel and lotion. It makes carrying all these things so convenient. Moreover, since they are reusable, buying them is not a waste. You can also buy silicone travel bottles as they are leak-proof and easy to clean.

Camping Gear Checklist

Here are some of the motorcycle camping gear essentials:

  • A Mesh Laundry Bag
  • Rolls of Quarters for quick payment
  • Pods of Laundry Detergent
  • Wet Wipes
  • Plastic containers
  • Refillable travel size containers
  • Bottles for liquid that are leak-free
  • Essential medication
  • Portable travel bottles
  • Tan Towels – Ideal for sand and beaches
  • Extra camera batteries
  • Zip-Closure Bags for storing valuables
  • Sewing Kit for Travel – You never know when you’ll need one
  • Bring an extra gallon of gas! Gas is necessary
  • Silicone travel bottles

Conclusion

We hope that the information contained in this mini-guide will help you pack well for your next motorcycle road trip. Just keep a handy checklist to ensure that you don’t leave anything important behind.