Tips for Long Distance Motorcycle Riding

Sometimes the same old scenery gets tiring and you just need to put some more miles between yourself and the every day. Long distance riding on a motorcycle is one of the most rewarding ways to see new scenery in a unique way that most people will never experience.

Long distance riding does have challenges, though, and it's important to put a little bit of planning into your trip before you head out. We've collected our best advice for successful touring trips, from packing to weather preparedness to keeping yourself and your bike in good condition to ride.

Before you head out, make sure you bring your bike into Durango Harley-Davidson® so our team of certified Harley-Davidson® technicians can make sure it's in good shape. We're located near Cortez, Colorado, in Durango, and we proudly serve the areas of Alamosa and Montrose, Colorado, as well as Farmington, Bloomfield, and Aztec, New Mexico.

Plan Your Route

Before you hit the road, you'll want to know what roads are the best to take. Some roads, especially in mountainous areas, close down seasonally as the weather gets worse. Other roads are worth avoiding because they provide an unpleasant or dangerous ride. Imagine riding through Death Valley in the middle of August and you'll realize how important it is to find the right road for the right season. Having your route planned will also help you keep from getting off track.

Prepare for Different Weather Conditions

The more miles you put on your bike, the more diverse weather conditions you'll encounter. It's important to be prepared for whatever situation arises. Even if you are riding through a relatively dry region, it's important to bring at least some basic rain gear. No one wants to get caught a hundred miles from the nearest town in a rainstorm. If you're going to be riding through a snowy area, you'll want to double check your gear to make sure you have every piece you need. Gloves, insulated boots, and neck protection are especially important.

Efficient Packing

Long trips require more gear, and efficiently packing that gear can be a challenge. The most difficult part is to reduce the size and weight of your luggage without hindering your preparedness. This task is a little bit easier if you're planning on staying in a hotel. If you're going to be camping, you might want to invest in some backpacking gear. This type of ultralight camping gear is specifically designed to be extremely small and lightweight while also providing the best performance possible.

Maintaining Your Health

Many people don't take into account how physically demanding long distance riding can be. It's important to stay hydrated throughout your trip, especially when riding in hot weather. Getting enough sleep will help you to stay focused and alert as you ride. You'll want to eat before you get out on the road every morning, too. Even if you're not normally a breakfast person, it's important to have your strength when you are going to be riding for many hours in a day.

Maintaining Your Bike

Breakdowns can put a big damper on your trip, so make sure your bike is in good condition before you head out. Of course, you'll want to cover the basics like making sure your engine fluids are topped off and your tires are correctly inflated. If you're going for a really long trip, it's worth it to seek professional servicing.

Durango Harley-Davidson® provides top-notch service to Harley-Davidson® owners. Stop by our service center before you head out on your next touring trip so we can make sure your bike is in good shape. We're located near Cortez, Colorado, in Durango, and we proudly serve riders from Alamosa and Montrose, Colorado, as well as Farmington, Bloomfield, and Aztec, New Mexico.