For starters, most bikes are fairly limited in their storage capacity. Though all-out touring bikes such as the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT offer more luggage space than your average station wagon, long distance riders are often forced to make some tough decisions about the details of their trips, and how much of what items they need to pack.
Points to ponder
The first questions you’ll want to ask yourself when planning a trip is how long you plan on being gone, where you want to go, and where are you going to stay.
First on your list of “must pack” items is a safety and repair kit (check out what we recommend for this further down).
Unless you’re riding a fully fledged touring motorcycle, you’ll probably need to invest in some type of storage bags; backpacks don’t count, and having ridden from the top of the country to the bottom with one strapped to my back, I can tell you its bloody hard on the shoulders.
Options include panniers or saddlebags, and a tank bag, which sits directly atop the fuel tank (and often have handy clear plastic windows for displaying maps.) While hard bags offer more weather protection than soft bags, they also cost more, add more weight and require more involved installation. Top boxes are another option if you need even more storage.
Inspect your bike
Follow the T-CLOCS method of checking your ride before you embark on that round the country trip this summer:
T: Tyres
Make sure both tires are properly inflated, using an air pressure monitor that you bring with you on rides. Don’t risk riding on tires that might need replacement; if you suspect a tire might pack it in on the desert road, have it replaced.
C: Controls
Make sure all your cables and controls are in working order
L: Lights
Make sure your headlights (high and low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work
O: Oils and fluids
Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid
C: Chassis
Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact.
S: Stands
Make sure the side stand isn’t cracked or bent, and the spring is working properly to both hold it away from the road when stowed and securely hold the bikes extra weight when down. There’s nothing more embarrassing than pulling into a gas station, flicking the stand and hopping off, only to have it spring back up and dump the bike, and possibly your better half (who may be still on it), onto the forecourt.
Packing tips
Packing for a long distance motorcycle ride is a delicate balance between bringing enough items to ensure comfort (clean undies, beer can cooler, condoms, etc) and not overloading yourself with unnecessary weight and bulk (Aunty Kath’s knitted cardy you got for Xmas, the complete collections of Mozart on tape, the missus, etc). After you’ve planned your route, you’ll want to check the weather forecast and get an idea of what to expect in terms the elements.
A good touring suit is an excellent investment, and when choosing your clothes, consider packing several thin layers of clothing, rather than a few thick ones. Flexibility is the key to staying comfy; it’s far better to have the option to stop and shed or add layers as necessary, than to shiver or sweat your way through what would otherwise be an enjoyable, scenic route.
Be sure to bring energy bars or trail mix and water; if hunger or thirst strikes while you’re halfway along the Te Anau/Milford highway, the nourishment will come in handy and keep your riding skills sharp.
When loading up your bike, always put heavier, more solid items on the bottom and sides closer to the bike (to centralise weight.) Lighter items should go on top. If you don’t have saddlebags or tank bags, you should consider using bungee nets or tie-downs to secure loose items. If you must travel with items secured by a bungee net, ensure that they are snug and will not get loosened by winds or g-forces. Again, placing heavier, wider, and more stable items at the bottom (oh, I could make so many ex-wife jokes right now!) will provide an anchor for looser, floppier pieces (like sleeping pads, pillows or that blow-up ‘friend’).
Plan, plan, plan...
Though it’s tempting to hit the open road and simply follow your nose, don’t forget that you’re more vulnerable to the elements, fatigue, and, potentially, serious injury on a motorcycle.
Prepare yourself with the right clothing for the weather. Plan a route and, if you don’t have a portable GPS system, do whatever it takes not to get lost – even if it means taping directions to the top of your fuel tank. Also, make sure you fill up frequently; unless you happen to be on the latest BMW R1200 GS Adventure (see our test in the previous issue of MTN) most bikes have around a 250-350km range. When in doubt, fill up.
Pace your ride realistically. Don’t try to ride the whole South Island in one hit; after all, the reason you’re on your bike instead of the car in the first place is the journey, not simply in reaching a destination. While riding, be sure to stop whenever necessary-- whether for a snack, a stretch, or a nap. The simple act of taking a breather will make the ride all the more enjoyable.
...But don’t overplan!
Once you’ve sufficiently prepared, enjoy the possibility of the unexpected. Riding requires a certain amount of discipline and logistical planning, but part of the joy of the journey is the process. Be open to re-writing your plans when necessary and you’ll have a blast no matter where you end up.
Here are a few items to pack so you’re covered in case something goes wrong:
Toolkit
Most bikes come with toolkits, but you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with pliers, wire cutters, and various wrenches (including allen keys). A small, all-in-one Leatherman-style tool can be a handy complement to a traditional toolkit, and is easily accessible for quick repairs or adjustments.
Key mechanical spares and lubes
Bringing along extra fuses, bulbs, spark plugs, and chain oil can make the difference between traveling securely and limping to the next service station
Flashlight
Ever been caught in the dark? A flashlight will save you the hassle of trying to use your cell phone for illumination.
Tire repair kit
Blowouts are an all-too-common occurrence, and a flat kit that includes C02 cartridges for tire inflation will get you on the road again
Duct tape
If it’s good enough for MacGyver, its good enough for you. Unexpected mechanical failures or breaks can sometimes be held together with duct tape, providing a low-tech solution for potentially crippling problems.
First aid kit
A first aid kit is something you never want to be without – whether its mozzie bites or an ankle burn from an exhaust pipe, the cliché about an ounce of prevention is absolutely true. Rather than assembling your own supplies, an easier and more thorough solution is to purchase a pre-assembled kit, which will ensure that key items are not missing.
Consider this short list of items as insurance: hopefully you’ll never need to use them, but if you do, they will be worth their weight in gold.
