Keeping your motorbike in great condition is important if you plan on going on a long-distance tour. When you prepare your motorbike and take care of it properly, you avoid certain mechanical issues that make your tour uninteresting and could leave you stranded.
If you love motorbike tours and are planning on going for one soon, we have a few tips to help you prepare your motorcycle for the journey ahead.
Carry out Thorough Inspection and Maintenance
Mechanical issues can be avoided when you carry out proper maintenance and inspection.
By checking your motorbike thoroughly, you can take your vehicle on a ride without any issues.
You need to check some of your bike's components before heading out. These key components will reduce the chances of you dealing with mechanical issues. So, check the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil levels. Also, take a look at the tires. Check for punctures or damages to avoid troubles along the way.
Check the Electrical System and the Battery
Before you begin your tour, also check that your motorbike’s electrical system is in perfect condition. Inspect components like the indicators, headlight, and brake lights. Faulty lights can put you at risk of motor accidents. Check the battery before you start your tour, too. Make sure that it is fully charged and has the capacity to last you throughout your tour.
Luggage Options
You need space to carry some essentials when going on a long-distance tour.
Essentials such as food, toiletries, and extra clothes, among others, are important to sustain you as you travel. So, you need enough storage space to carry them.
Depending on your financial capability or the region you’re visiting, you usually have two options - the hard and the soft option. The hard pannier is easier to pack, more secure, and waterproof. However, they might add some extra weight to your motorbike. Soft panniers, on the other hand, are the exact opposite - lightweight, hard to waterproof, and difficult to mount on the bike.
Prioritize Comfort
You will spend a lot of time sitting on a motorcycle. This means you need to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Upgrade your seat to something more durable and comfortable. You can either use gel pads to achieve this or pay for custom-made seats. Also, ensure that your helmet, gloves, boots, and jackets are just as convenient, too, as you’ll be having them on for a long time.
Ride with Spare Parts and Tools
Mechanical issues are sometimes unavoidable on long-distance tours. You need to have a backup just in case anything comes up. Some spare parts you need to go with include a tire repair kit, bulbs, fuses, and a brake bleeding hose. You can also go with a pair of rear pads, just in case.
Conclusion
You get to enjoy your long-distance tour when you make proper preparations for it. Charge your phone, get a backup power source, and install a GPS unit to make navigation easier. Also, don’t forget to take regular breaks; you need them, and your motorbike needs them, too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton
Content Creator / Editor
Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the motorbiking adventure space, focussing on all types of biking both on and offroad. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.
