Riding in a group can be excellent fun, but a solo motorcycle tour can be just as satisfying. Riding a motorcycle can bring a massive sense of liberty and also when you explore solo for longer distances over lots of days this feeling is even better.
The obstacle for lots is tipping outside the team riding "comfort zone" as well as raising many what-if concerns-- suppose I break down? what happens if I obtain lost?
If you have actually not taken a trip across countries by motorcycle solo prior to as well as are somewhat nervous about the proposition, Keep reading.
Here are 8 tips you can beat those fears and cram in more enjoyment on your solo motorcycle tour!
1. Let Others Know Your Plans
Share your travel plan with at the very least one other person as well as sign in with them daily.
When you're placing in huge miles in unfamiliar areas, especially in remote locations, it's an excellent suggestion to offer family and friends a suggestion of where you'll wind up every day, as well as when you'll be checking in.
At the least, this will certainly give your loved ones a sense of simplicity about you riding alone. If you go missing out, they will recognize your general place as well as can notify the proper authorities.
2. Check Your Bike
Obtain your bike checked expertly prior to your leave. Check the chain regularly and lube it up when it requires it. Watch on the tire stress and liquids.
Learn just how to fix your own puncture as well as other standard moto upkeep issues that you could experience on a flight.
Ensure you have all the tools you need in your motorcycle on-bike tool kit. Several cyclists neglect to check these.
Related: Motorcycle Pre-ride Checklist
3. Plan Your Route
Hang around on Google Maps as well as prepare a route ahead of time, whether it's for your sat-nav, phone, paper maps or directions taped to your storage tank. Exercise where you intend to go, whereby communities, keep in mind some prospective pitstops for lunch, breaks, and fuel.
Check sunset times as well as prepare your path to complete at least an hr or so in the past. Riding strange courses at night can raise anxiety.
The, even more, you acquaint yourself with a course prior to you go, the more secure you'll be with the path when riding it.
When it involves holiday accommodation, it's ideal to additionally intend in advance and publication each night beforehand. Recognizing you have a warm shower as well as a bed awaiting you at the end of a long trip absolutely places one mind at rest.
4. Begin Early, End Up Early
If you're preparing to do huge miles, the earlier you begin, the earlier you can end up. If you leave late, it implies you will come back late. As well as it doesn't take a genius to figure out the troubles that might emerge throughout the hrs of darkness.
If you get shed in daylight, at the very least you can see where you are. If you get shed in the dark, it's an entirely different story.
Dusk is when animals like to go out before bikes. The changing light can likewise make it harder for drivers to see you, and also it's tougher for you to see roadway dangers.
So, In the late afternoon, pick a place to stay at leisure, a warm shower, and a bed waiting for you.
5. Pack Light and only Essentials
When traveling alone on a motorcycle, try not to carry too much. Because, there is no one to help you share the weight. Also, less luggage will make your motorcycle lighter and easier to move. Below, I will list the most sensible packing strategies:
- Pack the essentials first: First, pick out the items on your list that you will definitely need. Make sure to pack these things first and put them in your travel bag.
- Reduce or eliminate non-essential items: Carrying less of these non-essential items can help you save space and avoid overpacking.
- Carry versatile clothing: Versatile clothing can be worn with different weather conditions. This will reduce the space occupied by clothing.
- Use lightweight equipment: Lightweight equipment designed for motorcycle travel is the best choice. They help reduce the total weight of the luggage and make it easier to move.
The most important thing is to find a balance between the weight of the luggage and the load of you and the motorcycle. Different people and different motorcycles have different carrying capacity. Therefore, you should consider your actual situation and pack the luggage that best suits your needs.
No long-distance rider's checklist is complete without an excellent motorcycle Bluetooth communicator. Fodsports makes systems for riders that can not be defeated, you'll never be left in a lurch out on the open roadway.
Do not neglect your first aid kit as well as a microfiber towel for cleaning visors as well as windshields!
Related: Essentials To Put In The Motorcycle First Aid Kit
6. Eat Healthily And Stay Hydrated
Encountering a health issue while on a solo tour is a particularly lonely experience. Being in the ER is definitely not the means you want to satisfy new people. So care for yourself on tour.
Try to have a sensible breakfast, eating hefty carbs like pancakes or potatoes in small amounts. Lunch needs to be light, and also daytime snacks should be healthy and balanced power like fruit, granola, or yogurt. Dinner is where you can spend lavishly. Consume a huge dish just before bedtime-- steak, pie ... as well as you'll have a rough evening's sleep.
Get sufficient water. Extremely few people consume sufficient water every day, as well as this is a blunder you can not make on a motorcycle. Dehydration also in its onset generates exhaustion, and as it progresses you can obtain headaches, muscular tissue discomfort, nausea, and also pass out. None of these things are great on a bike!
It seems like a motto, however in the warm weather condition, if you wait until you're dehydrated to take a drink of water, you're currently too late. You require to consume alcohol a liter an hour in hot weather. Also, don't forget that you need to consume alcoholic water in the winter as well, as problems are typically really completely dry.
Related: Tips For Riding Motorcycles In Hot Weather
7. Ride in Comfort
If you're not comfortable on your bike, it is difficult to have fun. When riding solo, comfort plays a lot more essential function since there's nothing to sidetrack you.
Yes, various other riders are interruptions as well- they take your mind off the road, etc. Plus when riding in a group there often tend to be many more roadside stops.
However, when riding alone, it's just you, your aching bottom and hurting throttle hand. To avoid experiencing discomfort, use the appropriate gear as well as great motorcycle gloves that fit. It's not a great time to barge in new gear.
Hang out adjusting your motorcycle to fit you. An excellent ergonomically equipped trip guarantees you are riding capably while decreasing your possibility of experiencing tingling, pains, as well as discomforts.
8. Take Break
When riding alone, don’t forget to stop and take a break. Pick a scenic spot to stop your motorcycle. This way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. These moments of pause are exactly the satisfaction and enjoyment you want when riding alone.
Moreover, you can also take the opportunity to stretch your body. Because sitting on the bike for a long time without resting can cause saddle sores.
However, remember to control the rest time. Don’t rest too much, because this will prolong your journey.
Also, when you rest, remember to check the remaining oil in the motorcycle and whether the motorcycle is in good condition. This will avoid unexpected situations.
9. Carry Identification
If a solo biker is associated with a crash, this information is essential for initial responders.
Have your vehicle driver's certificate and emergency situation call and clinical info stored on your person in a location that's easily available and recognizable. If you require specific medicine for a condition, ensure this detail is there also.
The best method is using a small bag that sticks to the outside of your helmet as well as consists of a kind inside that you fill in with the relevant details. By doing this emergency situation personnel can get your information before they also eliminate your helmet.
Motorcycle mechanic, writer. Interested in motorcycle gear for years. Like to stay up to date with the newest products and techniques of the motorcycle.