5 tips before your next motorcycle road trip
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2018
- 5 things to consider before your next motorcycle road trip.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin 
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I need me a 91 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy like Arnold Schwarzenegger there.. :)
Kmkjkk
I joined to get the field guide and support has not helped me. I'm really frustrated now.
The number one tip is NEVER pass a gas pump if you have less than 1/4 tank. Number two tip is KEEP HYDRATED. All that air going past you sucks the water out of your bloodstream faster than Dracula can (ATGATT helps reduce this). With water, take SALT (salty snacks work fine). Number three, stop every 2 - 3 hours for a minimum of 5 minutes. Get off, shuck the helmet and jacket, check tire pressures, do a walk around inspection, munch a snack, drink a lot of water (and deposit whatever water managed to reach the bladder rather than the sweat glands). Check your map before you mount up.
A wise person!!! Good Rides
Great thoughts, Thank you!
Foam earplugs always help to keep down fatigue and ringing in ears, and are there if you need to kill the sound of snoring in the motel room
So true. I wear them when I ride all the time. Never thought about the motel room though. Handy little tip right there.
One thing most people never think about, toilet paper. I carry a half roll in a saddle bag for that "emergency" or when the rest stop bathroom is out of paper. It doesn't take up any room and it can save your day.
I quickly became a hero once by producing this miracle paper. I even keep some in the car when traveling.
I carry baby wipes they are handy for many different things
Baby wipe showers
loool my friend is the same. middle eastern butts are not accustomed to toilet roll so water saves the day haha.
loo roll is also helpful as a fire starter if you have nothing to burn in the night.
What do you do with the trash?lol
a piece or two of paper towel in your left rear pants pocket is more useful, all the time (not just on road trips)
A tool kit on the bike that you have actually used to perform maintenance. Try performing maintenance on the bike with only the tools in your kit. If you find you are missing something, add it to the kit.
Thanks. Going to Sturgis again (in 2021).
I did this last week in preperation for a ride from CA to Texas. I was expecting more trouble with the travel tools, but they worked reasonably well compared to my garage tools.
One thing to consider about planning a daily distance is if you plan too many miles per day, you won't see much except for the road. You won't be able to stop at interesting places you've spotted from the road or to take a detour or two that caught your interest. And that part with unforeseen encounters is what makes motorcycle trips fun. So save your 500-700 or even 1000 miles days for the roads you know well and want to skip as fast as possible (or if you're a member of the Iron Butt Association). And for the main part of the trip plan much shorter distance to cover in a day. 200 miles is probably more than enough for a day, assuming you're going to enjoy the ride and not force yourself through it.
Well said
The distance that one rides is greatly dictated by the bike. A large touring bike can enable me to do 650-800 miles in a day . If I am on my Sportster, I have more fun and look for side roads and twistys but then 400 miles is plenty.
I almost always know where my bike and shotgun are, but at my advanced age, I can't remember my clothes on a regular basis.
Also don’t carry tools for things you don’t know how to fix
My personal limit when riding highways and interstates is approx. 700 kms (450 mls).
When riding only local roads, the limit drops to approx. 300 kms (200 mls) as the average speed is about cut in half too.
Also, when the weather is perfect (dry and 15-24 C / 60-75 F), I can ride up to 10 hours a day, several breaks included. But when it's colder, hotter or wet, that shortens riding time also substantially.
Safety is key.
Ride only in daylight. Too many unforseens at night.
Excellent point. I stick to riding during the day on road trips. I stick to roads I know when riding at night.
I enjoy riding in the cool of the night. I slow down to ride within my headlights with the side benefit of getting better gas mileage to boot.
Night riding is certainly not for everyone but when I need to cross a dessert that get up into triple digits mid day then I plan my trip to hit that section at night and just ride across. I get bored riding the deserts in the daylight anyway...there is nothing to see other than flat sand, more flat sand and even more flat sand but at night I focus better by needing to stay focused riding within my headlights.
I have to confess my machine has a few additional driving lights that when all on can light up any road almost like daylight so there it is. WHY? Because I can but honestly because I ENJOY the COOL desert temps when the Sun goes down it gets very nice and cool. My machine likes it better as do I. So, I mounted a couple of extra small but super bright LED Light Bars to see the road at night.
I'm an Old School Rider and at times just enjoy THE constant riding and riding and riding..I've been known to ride steady for 30hrs before resting but then this is what I've done my entire adult life, logging just under 284K in only two of my three Log Books.
I'm one of those guys that lives to ride and the longer the trip so much the better. I've spent a few Summers just on the Bike eventually visiting about every state two to three times, including Alaska four times just for the heck of it.
There are a few other riders that I've made friends with over the years and we all know where we all live so we can usually crash for a night on a couch....Yeah, I'm also one of those guys that stops to help anyone on the side of the road on a Bike. ANY BIKE!
I was given the nickname TEAL by one of those couples because I rode a TEAL Goldwing around for about 6yrs and everyone knew my bike better than me. I'm getting ready to paint my present Goldwing TEAL and riding another round-robin next month...so if ya-all see a TEAL 84 Goldwing Aspencade cruising give me a honk or a wave...Laughter suggested here...
Riding at night is actually not a good idea if you're not used to it and that is not a slam of any kind towards anyone. I just happen to enjoy riding at night mostly for the road being clear of the heavier and stupidity of the day time traffic and I can see headlights coming my direction at blind corners at night better too.
I only ride in the day time...
I made a trip from the Houston area to McAllen TX, about 330 miles one way. On that trip I managed to run out of gas just south of the US Border Patrol Checkpoint. By the time the low level indicator light came on, I was way too far from a source of fuel. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s very desolate with few places to fuel up. I had inadvertently zeroed the trip indicator, losing track of the miles since my last fill-up. God bless the Hidalgo County Sheriff that gave me a round trip to get gas.
"Where's a cop when you need one?" "Oh, he's out helping a stranded biker." How cool was that? If that deputy is reading this, well done, you are shining example of a servant of the people. My son, who was a sheriffs explorer and wants to be a deputy, would be proud of you sir/ma'am!
For a long(er) trip, give some serious thought to some kind of cruise control/throttle lock. Stretching/flexing the right hand while riding helps a LOT.
I use a Crampbuster for longer rides. What a relief.
Try the “Cruisy EVO 2” to maintain the speed on longer motorway legs😎✌️
Oh yeah...my Touring Cruiser has cruise control and I love it.
I consider myself an experienced rider with 30+ years under my belt but it’s still nice to have a refresher video, this is why I like your channel.
👍👍👍
I've been riding bikes 55+ years, and I agree with you. Only a fool thinks they have nothing more to learn.
Some additional items that I carry… I carry a sectioned Tupperware box with a wide variety of fuses… blow a fuse in the middle of nowhere... Anti-gravity battery for jump starts or recharging... Tire plug kit & 12 volt air pump... a small tool kit... all this gear takes up about 25% of a saddle bag on my Harley… a 12 volt socket is cheap & easy to install... With reference to packing from last week’s episode... I recommend looking into compression packs or space bags… If you’re staying at a hotel you can pack your stuff in a space bag and then borrow a vacuum from housekeeping to evacuate the air reducing the bag down to 20%... ROLL clothes, do not fold, uses less space... Wear synthetic underwear... you can wash it in the bathroom sink, hang it on shower rod & have clean, dry undies the next morning... the you only need a a couple of pairs for a week... space is a premium...
cotton underwear and pants will dry overnight hanging in a hotel room
But cotton underwear doesn't dry overnight on a humid summer night camping. Same with cotton t-shirts. I've been using some 32 degree cool brand T's which is a big improvement for my style of travel.
How could anyone not like that epic intro? Instant like!
Ever read how they got that FatBoy to do that jump in the movie? It's great!
Always carry Good PAPER maps of the state(s) you will be traveling through. Don’t rely on electronics.
I used to do that, but now I have three different ways I can navigate (Garmin, iPhone and iPad) so no need for paper maps anymore. I still use a Road Atlas for planning, but I almost never carry paper while on the road. My iPad works fine for trip adjustments while on the road. It even does the “big picture” planning reasonably well, but I still like a large format paper map for the big picture planning.
BC2017AT Case
Elaborate why with your experience...
I just have a spare battery bank in my bag as a backup for my Galaxy and never needed paper
Mike L : 1. Paper maps, I find make it easier to explore places off my planned route. 2. Roads closed, due to construction, accidents, etc. 3. Good paper maps will sometimes point out points of interest GPS maps breeze by. 4. I go through a lot of “no service” parts of the US (Nevada, UT, WY). 5. Dead batteries. GPS will get you where you want to go. Paper maps relieve me of stress.
BC2017AT Case There are no parts of Nevada, Utah or Wyoming that lack GPS coverage. The entire world has GPS coverage. The only exception is very narrow canyons or cities with lots of skyscrapers. I have not found more points of interest on a couple of years out of date paper map as compared to maps on my Garmin or iPhone when there is cell coverage. And if you expect to be out of cell coverage, Google lets you download maps for your region so that you don’t need cell service to navigate. Paper gets the job done, no doubt, but you simply can’t compare paper to modern electronics for capability. As for dead batteries, I have chargers on my bikes so if the battery is dead, I have much bigger problems than navigation. And the electronic maps and databases are far more up to date than any paper map. GPS databases aren’t as real-time as a cell phone, but if you update as you should, the GPS databases are pretty good. I’m nearly 60 so I grew up on paper maps and still like them for planning, but for on the road navigating, paper is simply inferior.
BC2017AT Case. Totally agree that a good paper map is worth it's weight ... Having used good GPS maps and good paper maps, the advantages of both types gives the best combination IMO. There's a similar debate between raster and vector emaps. Some raster and vector maps are technically the same, but can be different in pratice.
Take sun block & chapstick. Also, a Yeti mug to keep ice in for cold water when you take rest stops. Also carry snacks such as almonds or trail mix. Gets you through until the next meal.
All good advice that I’ve experienced Kevin. And remember, it’s the journey not just the destination, so you need to be enjoying where you’re riding too otherwise it can be hell.
New rider here and wanted ro thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos. You've probably saved hundreds of people from accidents and injuries and my family and I really appreciate it. Keep it up.
Good info in your video and in the comments by others. I’d like to reiterate what some have said in that hydration is very important regardless of the temperature. Obviously in greater amounts when it’s hot but the very nature of being in the wind will evaporate so much from a rider. Though I have a thermos I can access while riding, I only use it when it’s most safe, I much prefer my hydration pack. It can be worn on my back or left in a tank bag but it is easy to use and keeps both hands in control. Also while most areas have cellular service, there are still places that don’t. I like to either pre plan my trip and leave that info with someone so that I have certain check in points or I carry a dedicated GPS locator with a communication option, such as a SPOT device. Lastly, I think it’s very important to carry a simple tire plug kit and air pump. Something to help you limp into a town where help can be had. Being prepared for a long road trip isn’t hard but it isn’t something to be left to chance. Be safe and keep up the good work Kevin.
It is entirely possible, and very bad, to fall asleep while riding a motorcycle. Try to get some proper sleep before a long day, take rest stops during the ride, drink coffee if needs be, and move around a bit on the 'bike even if the road is miles of straight motorway / highway. Some energetic but non-aggressive music and a bit of 'bike boogeying can really help to wake you up - although you may get strange looks from other road users.
When in any SERIOUS doubt about your level of fatigue…pull off somewhere and catch a nap somehow. That's always better than pressing on when you know you're too tired, and the possibility of falling asleep is just one of the dangers-so are mental lapses and underperformances of various kinds. Motorcycling requires mental alertness and good functioning/judgment.
Happened to me in 2009, coming from NY and trying to sleep in St Louis the same day. At some point, you might succeed in keeping your eyelids open, but it's your brain that will shut down with zero warning. I brutally awoke when my grip loosened on the throttle and the brutal deceleration of my KTM 950 got me to lurch forward, almost getting over the handlebars, I was eventually able to regain control. Fortunately I was alone on that section of Ohio highway, and it was a straight!
Some good advice there. Also consider that you can be fatigued at the start of the ride. Happened to me once, jumped out of bed to get to a meeting, fell asleep not even 5 minutes down the road on my bike. Went down going around a corner, woke up on the road.
Love your videos! Complaining is not a substitute for strategy.
Good video. I've traveled several long distance trips and I can tell you that you are guaranteed to run into different weather conditions on the road. I traveled 123,277 miles in 2019 and spent 2 months riding my bike exclusively. This past year had me sidelined because a deer jumped on my bike while I was on the Interstate at 70mph. My bike and I both got banged up pretty good, but I'll be back on the road in 2021.
Deer jumped on my bike...ouch! Have you made it back out on the road?
Make sure your windscreen is right for you. Turbulence around your helmet is no fun. Not even for short trips.
Totally agree. Wind noise and turbulence can become very fatiguing
Rolf Høvring dude amen for that. I recently embarked on a Canada trip and swapped my new windshield out the day before for exactly that reason, real glad I did 1000+ miles later!
It is. I've done an hour and a half on the highway with a shitty face shield (and a very small Guzzi windscreen) and it really takes a toll. Really bad when you do a quick shoulder check at 120 kph.
I bought a Freedom Shield windshield and it got rid of the wind. Excellent product!
@@kazzazzabikozaiyo682 I'm assuming all those reverse curve windshields are the same (at least they all look the same). Why did you choose that brand? I'm gonna get one soon for a 2700 mile trip in August to Sturgis
This was done a few years ago and it aged well. I have to smile a bit when you say 500 miles is a long riding day. I'm routinely riding 800, 900 or 1000 miles days and consider that a routine pace. Of course, for me the ride is the vacation, the destination is just somewhere to turn around and head back.
If I could add one more thing to this list it would be get into a riding routine. My routine becomes the pacing. Up at sun-up, no more than 2 hours between breaks, get off the bike and walk around a few minutes before getting back on and riding the next 2 hours, then look for a place to bed down for the night just as the sun is setting. This gives you enough light to get holed up for the night and ensures your not trying to push things when deer are out and about.
Cheers
Thanks again, Kevin. I look forward to your posts and I get happy when I see one.
After buying my first bike in Febuary (Well one that isnt a shitty farm bike), Ive been binge watching these videos. Been abusing my bike offroad, but going for my licence in a few days so I can ride on the road. Honestly, I feel like Ive learned heaps. Thanks so much for making these videos!
I'm planning a 2,200 mile tour of the Pacific Northwest and came across this very useful video. Thanks Kevin! I'll add one other item that has been most welcome on all of my tours. I use two Crampbuster throttle assistants (a lot of other brands would work too, I'm sure). I use these even though my RT has cruise control. I put one of the Crampbusters on the clutch lever side and one on the throttle. On the open road I can put the bike's cruise control on and have a resting platform for each of my hands. When the road starts to twist around, or when going through towns, I take the bike's cruise control off and can control the throttle with the palm of my hand instead of having to grip it with my fingers. At the end of a long day, my hands are not sore or tired.
You're a gift to the community. Thanks Kevin!
I always take a small thermos with ice water and snacks like granola bars
Good advice. Riders lose a lot of water with wind wicking moisture away from our skin
Hey Kevin
A buddy and I just finished a 1400 mile trip around Lake Michigan. We took a test ride a few weeks earlier to make sure our gear worked for us before the longer trip. It helped us plan how long we could ride before stopping for gas and to stretch our legs. The other best thing to have is Google maps, you can’t get lost with that guide along for the ride. It was my first multi day ride and it was great.
I've gotten lost with Google maps !!
@@OlderShadowRider Are you an Asian female? My girlfriend is Chinese and can't navigate her way out a mall parking lot.... LOL... just Kidding, but just saying.....
If you are planning a substantial road trip, make sure that your tires will last. Sourcing tires when on a trip and having to pay through the nose for them is a real pain. Put new rubber on before you leave and then swap back to the partially worn ones when you return in order to get your money's worth.
Great video and great tips Kevin. Thank you and ride safe.
Thinking of doing my first road trip from Oklahoma to Florida next summer. This helps a lot. Thank you for the great content!
Did you do the ride Debby ?
Excellent advise. Wisdom is born from experience, vowing never to repeat the same mistake(s).
Great info, Kevin... my longest single day ride was 600 miler on the interstate and I was wiped out the next day primarily because of a cold rain I encountered the last 100 miles or so. For me, 1500 in a week or 10 days on back roads is more my style as I get older. Windshields and rain gear are a must!
100% on everything you touched on! Great advice.
Another great vid. Thanks for your touring clarity!
Hey Kevin, nice video. Here where I am at, in Nigeria, Western Africa, you have to ride with a lot of loose change. We have police and military check points all across the highways and boy do they beg for money. Their lingo goes like "Oga, anything for your boys?" (Translation: "sir, can I have some money?").. so, in addition to all you've listed above, change at hand is an additional requirement here in Nigeria and the whole of Western Africa I assume.
All good points that may seem like common sense to experienced riders. I’m retired and have the luxury to travel a lot on my motorcycles and am always amazed how ill-prepared some of my fellow riders are out on the road. Thanks!
Another thing you have to do whether you're new at this or not is be flexible. I'm 62 now but my first long ride was when I was 21. I lived in Sydney, Australia and the destination was Cairns some 2,200 kms (1,630 miles) away. Double that for the round trip. A bit ambitious for one's first trip at such a young age? Well, I made it there and back with no real problems and I liked it so much I wanted to do it again two years later and this time, my younger brother came with my on his bike. I was riding a 1981 Honda CB-750 which was a UJM or regular sit-up bike but with no luggage but for throw-over saddlebags and my brother rode his 1982 Suzuki Katana. That's right, he rode a cafe racer that distance. I doubt he could ride one around the block now. So much for having the right bike for the job but as for being flexible, when we set off and on day two it began raining and of course we hoped it'd be just a passing shower or last the day at most. No, it was still raining five days later when we decided to cut the trip short around 620 kms (385 miles) short of Cairns and head home. It did not stop raining for one second from the time it began on day two and was still raining when whe arrived home ten days later. That's right, one fine day followed by ten days of continuous, unrelenting rain. What has this to do with being flexible? Well, we cut the trip short so we were flexible in that regard but where we weren't was the destination itself. Australia has a mountain range running almost the entire length of the east coast, around 50-100 kms inland and it never occurred to us that rain clouds rarely get over mountains. In other words, it was raining along the entire east coast but ONLY on the coast. If we'd thought to cross the mountains after say, two days in the rain and go somewhere other than Cairns, the rest of the trip would've been fine until the last couple of hours when we'd have to come back over the mountains to get home. Instead, we stuck to our guns and headed for Cairns and wasted ten days of our lives. The only good to come of that trip was it taught me that lesson; be flexible in your destination and if for some reason you can't go there then go somewhere else, and we got home in one piece. The same thing happened in 2010 when myself with wife and kids were in the US. The weather reports said it was raining from Alaska to Mexico and so driving from LA to San Francisco, it rained the whole time but activities and accommodation was pre-booked so we had to stick to the plan but luckilly, we were in a car. Crossed over the mountains and never saw rain again for the next five weeks.
I use a simple formula that makes a huge difference...I look up my 'potential' route ahead of time, leaving out major highways. Google is great for that and gives you the estimated travel time. Then I take that travel time number and divide it by 1.5 hrs (approximately how often I may need to stop for gas/break on my bike). Then I multiply 30 times that number (this is a stopping time of approximately 30 minutes at each gas/break point). Example - 6 hrs of drive time divided by 1.5 hrs = 4 stops x 30 minutes = 2 hrs. Add 2 hrs break/gas to 6 hrs of drive time and that gives me a total riding time of 8 hrs. This formula is usually spot on so I know approximately when I will arrive at a destination. Then I can back track when I need to leave based on weather, wind, activities, etc.
Just finished a trip from Salt Lake City to Seattle. Planning another trip for next summer right now. Thanks very helpful
Riding out to Sturgis in 2020 from Ohio, this will help me tremendously. Thanks for this video!!
I love that intro Classic T-2, great tips again, thanks MC rider. I have a 2014 CBR500R and I went on a trip up to Silverstone race track, from home it's about 150 miles. I didn't have any saddle bags for a two night stay so I had everything in a big back pack and all the way down the M4 motorway and the A roads I was sort of leaning back so that it would rest on the pillion seat, this worked ok for the most part but it wasn't that comfortable so I invested in some saddle bags, I really recommend having enough secure storage for long rides.
Recently I went for another long trip up to a big theme park called Alton Towers, this time with sale bags but from home it's about 170 miles and even though I stopped in services every so often just to stretch my legs, by the time I got there my legs felt so stiff. Just the position you're in on a sports bike it's just not that nice for long rides and I'm quite young, only about 5'8" and 145 pounds, I don't want to imagine what I'd be like for taller people.
Have as many stops as you can if you're travelling by sports bike, drink loss of water to encourage stopping just to have a p**s and to move about and stretch your legs, it's an awful position to be in, how motorbike racers ride for about an hour straight in those positions is ridiculous, they must have physiotherapy after every race 😜
I'm planning my first trip in 2 days, northern Ontario! Great advice, thanks for everything!
Great advice. Thanks for sharing
Spot on! All the way through. I just got back from a roughly 2500 mile ride from Reno, NV to Eureka, CA to Portland, OR, drifted over into WA and back to Reno in 5 days. I had limited gear space since it was a work trip, and bought a new helmet for the ride. It was down right hot the first day, but soon as I dropped over the mountain to the coast it was cold. All I had was a flannel shirt, and a down vest. I wore BOTH with two tee shirts. The rental was a Triumph Bonneville T100. It appeared in great shape, and sat fine on the test ride. The chain and sprocket appeared brand new. Tires neat and well treaded. Brakes worked well. No throttle lock. A small grip. I still can't feel my thumb. The seat went flat in about an hour and I rode the frame for the majority of 5 days. I had no clue on the fuel capacity, or the range so I just filled up every 100 miles. I needed the breaks anyway. Those neat looking road treads were a VERY hard compound that never seemed to warm up and made the 101 seem like riding glass in a rain storm. The tar snakes were worse. By the time I dropped the bike off, the chain was making as much noise as the exhaust from it being REALLY new, and stretching a bit. I did the first two ways with my book bag that had cloths, work computer (am I ever really off?), and cooking gear in it. Occasionally, I'd get it propped on my sleeping bag that was strapped to the back seat for some relief, but it still torqued on my lower back pretty good. The afternoon of the second day, I figured out how to secure it so I didn't have to carry it on my back, and put in and extra 100 miles that I missed the day before from too frequent breaks. The last evening of the trip before I planned on turning the bike in the next day was the first time I saw wet weather, and in 2 hour I rode in rain, hail, and enough packed hail on the road that it became a solid sheet of ice all in a tee shirt and a thin flannel. I gave up, went back to the nearest town and warmed up at a restaurant while watching the radar on my phone until the storm had passed. All this with no major mishaps, or downs. The last 5 miles are the hardest. On the 80, 580, 395 interchange in Reno I locked the bike up. Both tires in full slide for almost 100 feet when traffic in front of me stopped suddenly. Just because you are almost there, you can't let your guard down. I split the lanes and was glad no one was in the next lane even though I could have held my position safely between the car I was avoiding and the lane divider for much longer than I did. The bike and I arrived in one piece. It was a great trip. I'd upgrade to the tiger next time though.
First things first... Make sure all your lights are working, especially that HEAD LIGHT! I spent two years straight with nothing but a Yamaha V-Star 1300. First big trip was from Mobile, AL, to my childhood home near Ft. Wayne, IN. The first day was over 9 hours on the bike, going a little out of my way on the first day, and then staying at Mammoth Cave National Park for two nights. I also work out of state for a week at a time. 200 miles away from home. So I've done some riding... in all kinds of weather. It takes that kind of riding to determine what works, what doesn't, and what you'd like done differently. On rain gear... buy it and then ride in it. My first rain suit was a Nelson-Rigg. It didn't breathe well (PVC) and in hot, humid climates I'd be soaked in sweat rather than rain. I also had additional velcro added to the wrists and ankles, so I could get it tighter; otherwise it allowed road wind in and it would balloon. My newest set is Frogg-Togg. It breathes much better, but I still need to get velcro added to it for the same reasons.
Spare parts is a good idea
I was leaving a PGR mission yesterday and got soaked! I had the rain suit in my saddle bag, but I typically don't bother to put it on unless I'm going to be riding a long distance in continuous rain. Otherwise a good power shower is somewhat refreshing when it's normally 95F outside!
Thank You For some great Tips on a long Ride
Great comonsense advice that lots probably never think of, including me, thanks Kevin.
Lots of wisdom, thanks Kevin.
Thanks for all the useful advise, your tips have really helped me on my learning experience, your words really hit me between the ear..... but your eye looks right into my soul lol almost hypnotizes me into following your advice lol keep up the good work man!
Excellent tips, spot on!
Thanks for the information.
Brilliant!! What a precious piece of information!! Thanks a lot pal!
I’m 40 years old started on dirt bikes at 4. Started sneaking fathers motorcycle out at 13. I’m a well seasoned rider. Let me say this,,, I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! Keep up the Great work
Great video, I’ve done a number of long distance trips in the U.K. where I live and in Europe. I usually have a pillion, my wife so it’s important you take their limitations into consideration and build that into your trip. All the points you raised go for the passenger too and make for a great shared trip. I’m off on a 3000 mile trip to the highlands of Scotland in a few weeks so I’ve been out with my wife on a few long runs to make sure equipment, seat, bike are all good to go. Regards. Mark H
LOL!!! The beginning is killer!!!
Damn right!
Why? That's the exhilarating part. Adventure! The return home is the hardest and longest part to not blow through, imho.
Phin Al yep. You're probably tired. I always am and I always have work early the next day.
Great intro Kevin
The longest trip I have done is a 2047km ride over 6 days. I ware full gear... but under my leggings, I ware undies and thermals. No jeans. This way I have nothing to bunch up the giblets and make for an uncomfortable ride.
Thanks a million, Kevin. Those are excellent, sensible tips. The only thing I would add is to be wise and sensible about all the added stuff you carry. Overloading with too much stuff is as bad as not having enough.
Licensed VFR pilot here who's getting back on a motorcycle. Great video. One of the things we do when going out on a crosscountry flight is to consider the terrain you're flying over and pack accordingly. It's a good idea to pack a survival kit in case, God forbid you force land. I plan on putting the equivalent of my airplane survival kit on my bike when I start long distance riding. That includes things like food and water, bivowac blanket, flashlight, charger, compass, matches, flint, mirror, even a small first aid kit. It may seem ridiculous, but it's been shown to make a difference in how well you do.
This man has it figured out. very good advice! I did 1630 km in under 20 hours last year. what i found was having highway pegs or some other means of changing seat position was very important
I set up a good playlist with a variety of different things to listen to. Music, podcast, audiobooks, etc… to play through Bluetooth…I also enjoy just listening to my natural surroundings
Having AAA/CAA or a simular service is a good idea for long trips.
seriouslyflawed AAA premiere Rv is what i have. With that they will cover motorcycles ( 100 mile towing) and will bring gas to you if you run out at no
Cost at all.
Great advice.
My first multiday trip was on a Yamaha SRX-6. a 345# 600cc air-cooled single cafe racer. A tank bag and a duffle bag on the pillion.
I enjoy it a lot more now on my BMW R1200RT.
John, exactly. I have a r1200r and anything more than 100 miles its useless. So now i mainly use it around the city. Just picked up a yamaha eluder for 10 k off two weeks ago first trip did 200 miles. It felt as though i was riding on a lazyboy chair with an engine. What a great bike
Gave you a thumbs up solely for your opening line. Laughed out loud. My first road trip worth mention was from North Carolina to Pennsylvania on a Yamaha RD 350. It was great. But that bike was one of the few that became an extension of me when I was on it.
Great video. Lots of things to consider. Couple of things you didn't mention are a hydration vest, and a water bottle you can drink from safely while riding.
I have put 30,000 miles on a Ninja Zx6r..... but never ridden more than 300 miles in a day. Your video really provided great perspective. Makes me re-think some long trip plans, thank you!!
Excellent point about the rain jacket you couple that with some Under Armor cold gear is perfect for me.
Nice Kevin. Good tips for beginners and skill riders.
Greats from Rio de Janeiro
Retired trucker, many years over the road. Plan your trip everyday. Fuel, meals, where to stop overnite. It will create time to explore if you just plan these three.
love my canvas cloth coat, it's light, got vents, warm with layers,drys fast after rain, scrunches up small to store, made by H-D so happy w/quality
Good video and all good ideas....Thanks
Thanks for the tips. I’m in DFW also. Taking my first trip up to Sturgis this year and west around the Rockies.
Kevin, all excellent stuff and right on. I learned all this by trial & terror. Not a word I could disagree with. The rain gear trick for cold especially good also. The type of bike is the other biggy here. My first long trip was Montreal to Alabama on a 2001 suzuki Volusia that I set up as the current c50t versions are today. It was comfortable riding long days but the 805cc/50cuin transmission always felt it needed one more gear. Amazingly enough the torque of the engine was enough to move me and the huge load I had on it. Range was good at 380 kilometers to reserve fuel. The goldwing as mentioned is a completely better way to do it. I spent 16 days on the roads with 9 rainy with mine and it was awsome in comparison.
The power, comfort, multi-band radio, including dedicated weather bands, and most helpful cruise control is great. Thanks. There are lots of new folks out here that needs to hear this stuff to forego the learning curve us older timers learned the harder way.
Good tips👍
Honda Rebel 250 works if you stay on county and state roads.Stay off interstate. Cruises good at 55mph. 84 MPG. Not luxury but it'll get u there.
Yeah in 1992 I took a a bike with the same motor, a CB250 Nighthawk on the interstate from D.C. to Daytona Beach... I loved that little bike, put maybe 20,000 miles on it in the three years I had it but after that trip I couldn't stand to ride it anymore- I had to sell it!
I have had a full day ridning from the middle of Norway down to Oslo and directly on to Stockholm. It tallied to around 400 miles with only short stops to fill up gas and getting something to eat on the run.
Feeling homesick helped a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my Suzuki DL 1000 Vstrom, that I had bought new only a few months prior to the long trip, was comfy for a long time. I was close to home when filling up for the last time at the end of the day. I realized that my body was both tense and sore when stepping off. That made me extend the break and take it extra carefully the last few miles. Very good headlights on that bike! Anyway, the following day I could do nought, because of the physical shape of me. So putting a day or two between stages is really a good idea on your longhauls.
What have I learned after trips:
1. plan less miles per day: enjoying the time, people, nature, is much better than racing from A to B.
2. take less luggage. Don't take food with you. Don't take extra fuel, if gas stations are close enough to each other.
3. Wear ear plugs, close your visor.
4. Hidrate yourself every 30 mins to max max max 1 hour.
5. step off the bike and stretch yourself every time you stop the bike.
6. paper map: even a quick look on it can help a lot: putting down gloves, sliding and going through garmin/phone gets annoying and time wastefull.
Nice job Kevin. I really enjoy watching your channel and seeing your video making skills grow as well as getting some great advice. I like how clean and clear you are with your narration. I've got a Responseoad King similar to yours, it's got a little bit of an agressive exhaust note, that can wear on you on a long trip. I also think energy bars and water as MRE's in the event things don't go according to plan.
Great job Kevin!! After my road trip from South Carolina to the west coast an back, the tips you gave are excellent for beginners. I have a Honda Goldwing that's one of the best touring bike you can buy. I consider comfort, wearing the proper gear, and planning of the trip very important. I used a egg sitter cushion for my seat it works great. I was able to ride 1000 plus miles with gas stops around 160 miles. The proper riding gear will help extend the distance you can travel. It's important to have a clear understanding of the different environment in terms of weather you will encounter. The temperature change from hot to cold even in the summer. The last thing is a positive additude. A positive additude is critical on long trips that involves multi day traveling "enjoy the ride."
Like you, I went on a road trip right after buying my Suzuki GSF1200s Bandit, & this was after not riding for about 10 yrs.! I'm planing to do Crystal Lake, IL to Tallahassee, FL (1017 miles) in 2 days soon. Right now the only thing (besides the funds) is installing a windscreen deflector (bring the airflow upwards a bit, I'm tall) and my hard luggage (they will hold everything & lock!). Been doing all the planning & I'm ready, save the last 2 points. Thanks for all the wonderfully informative & entertaining videos, Kevin!
So many of my road trips have started like that. Gold Kevin thanks for a good laugh
Good advice Kevin. I've ridden to Sturgis SD 3 times on my 883 Sportster,from NC 1,800 miles. Those 600 mile days are too strenuous. Instead of a week,taking two is the only way I'd do it again. I did have taller gearing than stock,which helped. Once coming back,I rode 1,100 miles in under 24 hours. From eastern SD to our NC mountains. But I was so tired,I had to stop and bathe in a trout stream and sleep in the sun several hours. As you said,distance riding is something a rider must be in shape for and practiced at. 2 or 3 hundred mile days are plenty. And on a long ride,like my Sturgis trips,you are glad to make it home alive. You will encounter dangers and challenging situations. Better to opt for shorter trips unti you are certain of your capabilities. Also,things will malfunction on many older bikes that don't get ridden much. You need to take some several hundred mile rides before your big trip,and have your bike in top mechanical shape. Also,buy a quality full coverage helmet if you do or don't use a windshield. You will be warmer,safer,see and hear better,have less neck strain ,sunburn etc. Earplugs help too. Road roar will fatigue a rider. Peace.
A. Very good and right tip,
Excellent tips and agree with all of them! I especially enjoyed the videos and pics from your trips, beautiful country! For me it's also important to have easy access to water on long trips, especially in the summer. I have a cup holder and an rtic tumbler that I hydrate with. I also take my full face for unforseen weather and to not get beat up by the wind day after day (although I'm trying to make a habit of wearing it regularly now). Not always possible but I love my cruise control, it helps a ton on long trips. But my most important tip of all - take in and enjoy the open road!
Kevin, aren't you on the road now? I hope your trip is going well!
Not on the road yet, probably in September.
MCrider 10-4! September will make it a much more comfortable ride.
I just got back from a ten day almost 2700 mile vacation. Great video!! (albeit a bit late for me) One of the things that you did not mention was if you are riding with a passenger. That becomes a game changer because you have two people to keep hydrated and fed. The fuel economy of a loaded down bike changes slightly and even your riding position changes. The distance I can ride solo is substantially more than if I take my wife...
Always a thumbs up. I do a lot of long distance riding, including three SS1000 rides for the IBA in my 60s, and I always recommend to people planning on a long ride, to get plenty of sleep the night before leaving, have everything ready to go, so you are not feeling anxiety before you even take off, and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is very important while riding long distances. If our body doesn't get enough water, we start to deal with muscle cramps, and our thoughts can easily become foggy, and we are more prone to make bad decisions on the road.
great content boss.
I keep rain gear in a dedicated saddlebag, but I feel silly admitting that I've never thought of that rain gear as another possible cold weather layer. Thanks for the tip, I'm sure that it will come in handy up here in Northern Michigan!
Great tips. Even found some good ones in the comments. The wife and I are leaving Thursday from Phoenix AZ to Washington state. My plan is to do it in 2 1/2 days.
thank you ,, very good tips
I really appreciate your vids - all of them. My tip is for some dual sport riders. I rode a section of the TAT on a Husaberg FE390 - great dirt bike, but mid-way thru a multi day trip, my plastic subframe sagged in the heat and allowed one of my dry bags to scrape the chain. In the middle of NOWHERE, I had to rearrange things to my tank and my backpack to get weight off of the rear end. NOT comfortable! So test ride - fully packed - in the same conditions (heat/cold, etc) you will be in on your trip. (Giant look bag close behind me would have been fine.) My final solution was to buy an additional bike for trips and leave the dirt bike for day trips or supported rides. At age 71, the Versys X300 is perfect for my needs/ riding style. Thanks again, from a fellow Texan - orig from Dallas, now SW Colorado.
Great video! Would love more videos about planning long trips. I’ve been bitten by the bug of distance riding , but I have been riding long and would love to learn more.
Stop overs are so important.
Great tips especially about the helmet. My current ride is a 1999 Honda Shadow Aero VT1100C3 and it has an engine lope like an older HD 1200 Sportster. I rod that for 3 days in Las Vegas about 10 years ago. Anyway I've gotten used to that lope and have gone on 3 road trips this and the past 2 summers. I've put 12,000 miles on the VT1100C3 in the past 2 years and it still runs well. It's a very comfortable seat which helps to endure the lope. That first trip was 300 to 350 mile days and as you say quite exhausting. I did ride for 2 to 4 hours per day 3 to 4 days per week to prepare and it was worth it. And a daily exercise plan helps to keep up the endurance. I have a warm weather jacket which is very breezy and it has a liner for rain and cooler weather. I also have rain suit for the additional layer. It works.
5 suggest of common sense, really enjoyed your video and presenting style, great job!
Think you've got the major tips down pat. Thanks for the great site. As someone taking week long tours every year, I'd suggest adjusting (raising) tire pressure for your increased load or your tires wear too quickly. Low pressure tires get hot and wear faster. Longer miles wear may surprise you compared to trips around town. Consider the weight of luggage, more gear and possibly the wife. Important to check pressure daily even when not touring, but worn tire could really mess up your plans to get home. Goldwing in Wis.
MIleage isn't a good way to gauge it IMHO. There's a huge difference in the mileage you can put in in day if your sticking to interstates vs backroads. I tend to ride the backroads and shoot for 6 hrs or so. With a couple gas stops and a lunch, that's a full workday in the saddle.
I ride for enjoyment. Once it starts hurting, I'm not having any fun.
Excellent point. Six hours on two laners may net only 300 miles, but that’s equivalent to about 450 on interstates ... plus, two laners require more focus!
That’s my philosophy as well. Any more than 6 hours ceases to be enjoyable. Too old for the 12 hour days I used to do lol 😝
Good advice
Thanks
The fuel tips are really good.
Always use odometer as a backup since gas gauges can fail. Yes it happened to me on a Vrod .
I made a trip from Ottawa ON to Cleveland Ohio a couple months ago on Burgman 400. It's about 1700km in total, and planning to do a trip across Canada next season hopefully. Thanks for the video!