Taking a long bike ride trip is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous experiences you’ll ever have. You may traverse across the desert or hilly mountains and enjoy nature. While this can be fun, there are many things to consider before you hit the road. Those who like to travel by motorcycle know that safety is fundamental and that high-speed highways require even more care on the part of motorcyclists. If you’re going on a long trip, here are ten solo bike riding tips that make a difference.
Basic Solo Bike Riding Tips
Every driver should follow some solo bike riding tips so that the trip goes without risk. Those who are doing this adventure for the first time must follow the essential solo bike riding tips to ensure safety throughout the journey.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Before embarking on your trip, ensure your paperwork is up to date. For instance, your driver’s license and motorcycle insurance, etc. With your paperwork in hand, it’s time to overhaul your bike.
Moreover, please take pictures of your passport, motorcycle document, etc. and save them on a pen drive. You can also send the files to your email, like Gmail or even Dropbox. If you lose the originals, these digital copies will help you.
Check Your Bike’s Condition
The motorcycle inspection ensures that no part will go bad halfway through.
- Check the condition of the tyres: The tyre condition should be checked carefully. If the rubber is worn, that means the tyre is bald, and it’s time to replace it. In inspection, look for deformations, cracks and holes. Change motorcycle tyres because the damaged tyre can also compromise motorcycle safety.
- Lubricate the chain: It is also important to carry lubricant, especially on long trips. If the weather is rainy, lubricate your motorcycle chain every 300 kilometres. In the case of paved roads and dry weather, this can be done every 1,000 kilometres.
- Pay attention to cables, oil and brake: The clutch, brakes and accelerator cables of a bike should not be squeaking or be hard. Lubricate them properly or, if necessary, replace them before hitting the road.
- Check electrical system: For electrical wiring, know where your motorcycle’s fuse box is located and carry some spare fuses.
Keeping the tyre calibrated and chains lubricated also makes the motorcycle fuel efficient.
Start with smaller distances
One of the useful tips for safe solo bike riding is to cover small routes. If you’re not used to staying longer on the bike, creating travel itineraries requiring 800 km a day is not a good idea. The distance that each motorcyclist can travel in a day varies from person to person, as several factors come into play: your motorcycle, your physical preparation, weather conditions, and roads, among others.
Therefore, start slowly, covering about 400 km a day and taking breaks to walk and get to know the places you pass. Over time, you will get used to it, get to know yourself and you can define the ideal distance to travel on your trips each day.
Avoid Riding Bike at Night
If you need to transit on the longer route, start your journey as early as possible. It will give you a chance to cover the distance during the daytime. The dimming light can make it more difficult to check into a hotel or lodging or even set up your camping tent.
Wear Appropriate Clothing and Accessories
The clothes used on trips must protect the motorcyclist from the wind and any small object that projects towards the driver. Some still bet on the old combination of jeans and leather motorcycle jackets — but the ideal is to look for complete motorcycle gear made with resistant material that protects your cervical spine and ribcage. You can find different types of gloves, and get a breathable one for the trip.
Wear boots with a higher shaft, which protects your feet well. The travel helmet cannot be forgotten under any circumstances. There are different types of motorcycle helmets, the ideal helmet, therefore, is the fully enclosed one.
Take only what you need
When it comes to packing your bags to travel by motorcycle, the main rule is ‘less is more’. After all, you’ll need to find a place on your bike to fit your luggage,
Hence, only take what you need. Choose to change clothes that can be used more than once. As for how to carry your luggage, you can use your motorcycle’s luggage rack, side bags (called saddlebags), travel bags or even backpacks.
However, be careful with your backpack. Try to find padded ones so that you won’t get tired just carrying them on your back all day. If possible, adjust your straps so your weight rests on the bike seat behind you. Here is a motorcycle trip checklist you must follow before packing your backpack.
Take care of your body
Don’t forget to take breaks to eat, stretch your legs, stretch your body and rest after certain periods of riding. Hydration cannot be neglected either.
Pack some healthy snacks in your luggage to snack on when hunger strikes and you don’t notice any stops and, above all, water to stay hydrated.
With this, we come to the end of our solo bike riding tips. The other things you must carry include GPS, a flashlight, power banks and a first aid kit.
Now it’s time to put fear aside and hit the road. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes on your first motorcycle trips and learn from these mistakes. At the first opportunity, you will see how all this is worth it.
If you are planning to take a solo long trip, here is a list of used motorcycles for sale in the UAE to buy as per your need.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more tips for solo bike tours.
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