Touring Motorcycle Riding Tips

Long-distance rides are some of the most fun a touring motorcycle owner can have on their bikes. We know you’re eager to hop in the saddle and hit the open road. It’s the natural tendency for a rider to head out into the grand splendor of nature and see it for yourself. In that spirit, we’ve put together this list of tips and tricks to get the most out of your touring experience.

Planning Ahead

Any adventure without a proper plan is destined to go haywire. Planning will reduce stress and anxiety so you can focus on the feel of the wind on the road rather than the confusion of missing your exit. Start with the locations you know you want to hit—parks, landmarks, or whatever else is on your to-do list. This is also a great time to plan out and book any campsites, tours, eateries, or whatever else you’re planning for your trip.

Packing Efficiently

Packing can be an issue for bikes on account of their limited cargo space, but touring motorcycles offer up an extra bit of storage for just such occasions as the trip you’re sure to be planning. Still, you won’t have the same cargo area as a larger vehicle, so it helps to pack smart. Start with the essentials, like clothing, medicine, toiletries, and whatever else you must have with you for an extended journey.

Maintenance equipment can be a great addition to any bike’s cargo, as a few choice tools can mean the difference between solving a quick bump in the road and needing to end a tour early to take your bike into the shop. If you just can’t make enough room for everything you want to bring along, then you might want to consider upgraded or additional saddlebags and cargo racks. They can drastically increase the cargo space of your touring bike if they don’t already come standard.

We hope that this guide has been useful. If you’re looking to buy a touring motorcycle, be sure to visit St. Charles Harley-Davidson to check out our selection of bikes. You’ll find us in St. Charles, MO, where we serve all those in St. Louis and St. Peters.