Solo Motorcycle Touring Tips for Beginners

Most riders love to go on motorcycle tours with a partner to make their journeys more memorable. However, some riders prefer to travel solo on a motorcycle. Solo motorcycle touring can be harder than riding with a passenger or group, especially if you are a beginner. As a beginner, you must have a basic understanding of how a motorcycle works. If you encounter difficult situations during a motorcycle tour, you must be capable of dealing with them without help. For example, if your motorcycle breaks down in the middle of the road with no mechanic shop nearby, you will have to fix your motorcycle by yourself. Read this article to learn the best solo motorcycle touring tips for beginners.

If you are a beginner who typically goes on casual motorcycle rides during the weekends, solo riding is the safest option. However, going on a motorcycle tour alone can be challenging. Make sure to consider the following tips if you are planning to go on a solo motorcycle tour.

To go on a solo motorcycle tour, you must possess adequate knowledge of how to repair your motorcycle. You also have to be able to deal with situations by yourself.

Before going on a trip, makes sure to familiarize yourself with the route to take to your intended destination. Being familiar with the route can help you from getting lost. Even if you often use Google Maps on your phone, you should still memorize the directions to ensure you are going the right way.

Make sure you have good-quality riding gear and always wear it while riding. Appropriate riding gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, leather jacket, pants, gloves, and riding boots. You should also wear other gear depending on the weather. For example, carry a rain suit in case of downpours and tinted glasses to shield your eyes from the sun.

In case you need to contact your family and friends, make sure to carry a fully-charged phone. Take a portable mobile phone charger with you if the battery gets low.

When traveling, make sure to pack light to avoid weighing down your motorcycle with too much cargo. Make sure you have adequate storage capacity on your motorcycle.

If you do not want to pay for accommodations and food, carry a portable tent and provisions that can survive extreme temperatures for hours. You should also carry snacks and water to keep you full and hydrated throughout the ride.

Make sure to also bring an extra pair of gloves and white visors for riding in the dark. In case of breakdowns, you must carry motorcycle repair tools and a tire repair kit. You must also carry a first-aid kit in case you find yourself too from a hospital.

Viking Bags offers several luggage bags, including saddlebags, tank bags, tour packs, baggers bags, tool bags, trunk bags, and sissy bar bags to transform your motorcycle into an ideal touring bike.

While you plan your ride, make a budget listing all of the possible expenses and how much each will cost. As you calculate the total expected cost of a motorcycle tour, make sure to carry extra cash as an emergency fund.

Your motorcycle must be well-maintained to reduce the risk of mechanical issues and breakdowns during the ride. Always perform a detailed inspection of your motorcycle before you go on a tour.

Several motorcycle training institutes offer safety riding courses for beginners. Taking such courses can help you learn skills on how to ride safely. Highly-qualified instructors can teach you various riding skills, including cornering, leaning, maneuvering on rough terrain, and hanging off a motorcycle.

It is better not to ride in the dark as you are less visible and more aggressive drivers frequent the road. Riding on highways and open roads at night can be dangerous as most riders and drivers travel faster and the lighting provides less illumination than in cities and busy roads. Make sure to wear bright-colored clothes and a reflective vest to be more visible to others.

During your journey, you can also engage in camping, hiking, kayaking, and visiting places. You can take pictures and record videos to remember your solo touring experience. Stop regularly during the ride to avoid becoming fatigued.

Being a solo rider does not mean you have to isolate yourself. You can make new friends to converse with or ask for help in case of an emergency. Communicating with others will improve your social skills and expose you to different motorcycles if you meet other riders.

Use earplugs to reduce loud noises while riding. Being exposed to traffic noise for hours can damage your hearing even if you are wearing a helmet. However, if you get easily distracted, it is best to not use earbuds to listen to music while riding.

Several items must be carried with care, including your wallet, money, documents, and motorcycle key. Carry a shoulder bag or waist pack to keep these items safe. Also, make sure your motorcycle is securely locked when you are not riding it.

Solo motorcycle touring can be challenging if you are a beginner. To reduce the risk of dealing with issues during the trip, plan your ride and pack all the essentials. Being prepared will help you stay safe and ensure a pleasant touring experience. Besides motorcycle repair tools, you must have adequate knowledge of how to perform basic motorcycle repairs. Make sure to inspect your motorcycle and that it is in good condition. If you are a beginner going on a motorcycle tour for the first time, follow the tips mentioned in this article to make your experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable. You can also make your touring experience more comfortable by installing a sissy bar, backrest, fairing, and crash bar available at Viking Bags.