Road trips can be the ideal escape from the hectic routine of a busy city. The exposure to open grounds and the thrill of being on the road for long intervals has a certain charm. While long trips are more convenient in four-wheelers, many also prefer motorcycle trips. If you are planning such a trip, there is a motorcycle trip checklist you should follow to avoid any inconvenience on the road.
You can get the best out of our trips if you are well prepared for the journey. If you have all the necessary items in your luggage then you can avoid getting stuck in the middle of the road and waiting for assistance. No wasted time on unprecedented events would mean more time for you to enjoy the trip.
We have a compiled motorcycle trip checklist that can help you prepare better for your journey.
What to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip?
Motorcycles have evolved over the years. Technological advancements have seen motorcycles get bigger and better engines with improved mileages.
There are certain things to consider when going on a motorcycle road trip. First of all, when travelling across the country, you will be exposed to different climatic conditions. This means you won’t have the luxury of pulling up the mirrors in the event of a dust storm or any other thing which can be avoided in the closed interior of a car. You will also not be able to turn on the AC should you feel warm.
Other than the climatic conditions, your motorcycle would require intervals to cool down. If you have planned a motorcycle trip around the world or across cities, you should consider adding the following items for your journey. Let’s go through a detailed list of items and the reasons you need them on your long motorcycle trip.
SAFETY GEAR
Safety is first and foremost for a long trip or any trip for that matter. Keeping all the safety measures in check, you can reach your destination safe and sound. You can wear the complete motorcycle gear to ensure safety. Here is a list of the parts of the motorcycle gear.
HELMET
Safety is first and foremost for a long trip or any trip for that matter. Helmets are an essential part of a biker’s safety gear, and you should never travel without one. You can also avoid heavy fines and conflicts with the law by simply abiding by the laws. Dubai, for instance, imposes a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points on your licence for not wearing a helmet.
Additionally, you can ride your motorcycle in style as you can choose a helmet matching your gear from the many types of helmets available.
PROTECTIVE PADS
Another important part of your safety gear is the protective pads. These sturdy elbows and knee pads can protect you in the event of an accident. Manufacturers understand that it can be hard for riders to wear all the gear so they have introduced lighter and breathable pads. You won’t even know you’re wearing them and your safety will be in check.
GLOVES
Don’t forget to pack your gloves before you head off for a motorcycle road trip. Among the different types of gloves available, there are breathable ones with full knuckle protection. You can also access your device’s touch feature without taking the gloves off. Gloves can also protect your hand’s skin tone on sunny days. You can also add a pair of summer and winter gloves for your journey.
BOOTS
Another important part of the motorcycle trip checklist are the boots. You may pass through different terrains on the trip and that’s where boots come in handy. They can protect your feet in an accident and are helpful for climbing on rough surfaces too. You should consider sturdy boots with good ankle protection.
JACKET
Jackets are a must-carry item for all your motorcycle trips. Motorcycle jackets provide you with protection that none of your regular shirts can. The material used in the jackets is designed to protect you from potential bruises, scratches, and injuries caused by accidents.
You may find it difficult to wear a jacket in the humid weather of the UAE but it is an essential part of your safety gear that should not be left behind. You can also select from various styles of jackets to suit your preferences.
MOTORCYCLE PANTS
Different types of motorcycle pants are also long-trip companions. If you are involved in an accident, these pants can protect your legs. While people consider jeans pants to be safer for bike rides, leather pants can add a proper safety layer for your safety.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR MOTORCYCLE TRIP
Once the safety is in check, you can start with the other essentials you need for your trip. Here’s a list of things you should bring along:
LICENCE AND DOCUMENTS
Your licence and documents should be on you for all the trips. You don’t want to spoil your trip in conflict with the law. If you don’t have a licence, you should apply and get your driving licence in the UAE before setting out for the trip. The absence of necessary documents can cost you a fair amount of money in fines and even land you in jail in some cases.
SADDLEBAG AND PACKING CUBES
If you have a long journey planned ahead, you will likely require more luggage. The luggage can get bigger if you are going on a motorcycle trip around the world. As motorcycles aren’t as spacious as cars, you might want to use a saddlebag and packing cubes along with your other luggage bags.
You can get extra storage space with saddlebags and packing cubes can help you organise your items. You can put your items according to their usage in separate packing cubes and tag them. Packing cubes come in different sizes and you can fit many of them inside your storage bag.
SNACKS AND WATER
Long trips can get the better of you if your preparations are not in check. Especially, travelling under the sun can get you exhausted. You can avoid this hassle by carrying water and snacks with you. You should be hydrated on your journey and the snacks come in handy if you feel hungry midway. A well-hydrated and well-fed body will ensure a smooth trip.
TOILETRIES
Toiletries are an essential part of your motorcycle trip checklist. You may have to make unexpected stops during your journey and you should be prepared for that. You can also be affected by certain weather conditions. Therefore, you must have the essentials to look after yourself. The basic items you should carry are:
For oral care
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Mouth wash
For skincare
- Soaps
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Body lotion
- Deodorant
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
TOOLKIT
Toolkits are a must-carry item for all road trips. They can be helpful if there is an issue with your motorcycle. You can use the toolkit to change motorcycle tyres, plugs, or batteries. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the road miles away from home. However, for issues beyond your understanding, you might end up causing more damage than good. In such an instance, it is advisable to take your motorcycle to a mechanic for repairs.
FIRST AID KIT
A small first aid kit wouldn’t take much space on your trip but it can come in handy in the event of an emergency. You are likely to drive through different terrains on a long trip so you can end up with scratches or bruises if your motorbike skids. It is highly recommended to keep the first aid kit with you for such events.
POWER BANKS
One important part of road trips is capturing the moments. You are likely to carry several electronic devices such as your mobile phone, camera, laptop, etc and they will lose battery charge with usage. This is where power banks get useful. You will always stay connected with your friends and family back home, thanks to charged devices.
GPS
You can avoid many “oh no” moments if you carry a GPS on the trip. You can go for a portable GPS that easily attaches to your motorbike. GPS can make your trip safer and enjoyable as you will not get lost along the way. GPS can also warn you about curvy or hilly roads so you can be prepared beforehand.
Other than these, make sure to carry the following items:
- Extra pair of clothes
- Quick dry and cooling towels
- Bike cleaner
- Rain jacket
- Flashlight
If you were wondering what to pack for a motorcycle trip, these are all the answers you require. This brings an end to our motorcycle trip checklist. Motorcycle trips can be an experience of a lifetime, and you don’t want to spoil the moments by going unprepared. Your choices can vary in clothing as per your destination but safety should never be compromised.
If you are planning a long trip and want to get a motorcycle for yourself, you can check out these used motorcycles for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety. Besides, here is a list of common motorcycle slang terms for bike enthusiasts.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for travel tips and more on the automobile industry.
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