Tips For Your First Motorcycle Trip

There aren't many better ways to see this country than on the back of a motorcycle. When you're new to riding, there are a few things you'll want to know before you head out. Every element of your trip, from planning to packing to the actual ride, can benefit from a little bit of experience. We here at Destination Powersports designed this short guide to help share some of our experience with you for your first trip! Read on to learn our most important tips for motorcycle touring, and when you need gear or maintenance for your bike, stop by our dealership and showroom Punta Gorda, Florida. We're near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida, so stop by today!

Inspect & Maintain Your Bike

One of the most important elements of long distance riding is having faith in your equipment. You should inspect every morning before you head out to examine things like the engine fluid levels, tire condition and inflation, and brake pad condition. At the first sign of anything being "off," make sure to get it fixed.

Stay Hydrated

Taking care of your body is just as important as taking care of your bike when you're on the road. It's much easier than you might expect to get behind on your hydration and before you know it you could be dealing with a serious medical condition. Make sure to drink lots of water consistently throughout your day.

Get Your Rest

Rest is an underrated part of riding. Motorcycle riding is both physically and mentally demanding, and you'll want to be fully rested before you ever step on your bike. Just a little bit of sluggishness or a lack of focus can lead to an accident, so be vigilant and don't be afraid to stop for a nap.

Bring Ear Protection

Many new riders don't take the threat of hearing damage seriously, but they'd be wise to reconsider this. It's not just the noise from the engine the wind at highway speeds has an even more damaging effect on your hearing than the bike itself. Just a few cheap foam earplugs can really save your ears in the long term.

Invest in Dry Bags

If you're planning on doing some lots of motorcycle touring, you'll want dry bags. You can't control when the rain will come out, and you won't always be able to pull off into shelter, and sometimes the only option is to keep riding. Dry bags are somewhat expensive, but they'll make it so you'll always have dry clothes and they can even protect your electronics and other sensitive belongings.

Carry a Spare Key

The last thing you want when you're on the road is to lose your only key. It's easy for a key to fall out of your pocket when you pull out your wallet, or get lost in some other way. A spare will make it so you can always count on being able to ride home.

Wear the Right Apparel

Another form of equipment you'll want to have faith in is your riding gear. You might be able to get away with using an ill-fitting helmet for a short weekend ride, but if you're going to spend days or weeks on the road, you'll want something better. Make sure you invest time, money, and thought in finding and purchasing the right helmet. You'll also want a pair of quality shielded gloves, waterproof boots, and an insulated riding jacket.

Mind the Weather Forecast

The weather is extremely important in motorcycle riding because you're so much more exposed to it on a bike than you would be on a car. As much as possible, try to check the weather forecast before you ride every day. If it's going to be a hot day, get your riding out of the way early, or wait till late in the day. If heavy rains, wind, or other inclement weather is expected, it might be best to wait until conditions improve.

Ready for your first motorcycle touring trip? Stop by Destination Powersports to make sure you have everything you need. We're located in Punta Gorda, Florida, near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida. Stop by today!