Packing for a Motorcycle Tour – Top Ten Tips

Travel Lightly

When packing for a motorcycle tour, it's crucial to keep your load as light as possible. Overloading your bike can negatively impact its handling and your overall riding experience. Focus on packing only the essentials. If you're part of an organized tour, check if there's a support vehicle to carry additional luggage.

Pack Sensibly

To maintain optimal bike handling, place heavier items at the bottom of your panniers. This helps in keeping the center of gravity low, which is essential for stability.

Plan Ahead

Start making a list of items you might need weeks before your tour. This allows you to refine your list over time, ensuring you don't forget any essentials. A well-thought-out list reduces the risk of leaving behind important items.

Motorcycle Luggage Options

Using panniers and a back box is generally more comfortable than riding with a rucksack. Detachable panniers are convenient as they can be carried like suitcases. Belt bags are also useful for keeping money, credit cards, and your phone within easy reach.

Rolling vs. Folding

Decide whether to roll or fold your clothes. Rolling can save space and reduce wrinkles. Some riders use vacuum-sealed bags to compress their clothes, which can be particularly effective for saving space and keeping clothes wrinkle-free.

Tank Bags

Tank bags can be useful for carrying items you need quick access to, but they can also be cumbersome. If you're on a tour with a support vehicle, you might only need to use the tank bag until you reach your starting point.

Use Plastic Sealable Bags

Keep your dirty clothes separate from clean ones by using plastic sealable bags. This simple step can help you stay organized and ensure your clean clothes remain fresh.

Don't Forget Small Items

Small items like phone chargers, camera batteries, first-aid kits, and toiletries are often forgotten. Make sure these are on your list. If you're traveling to a hot climate, don't forget insect repellent and bite/sting cream. A pack of tissues can also be surprisingly useful.

Essential Documents

Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your bike documents, driving license, and passport if you're traveling internationally. Forgetting these can ruin your trip before it even starts.

Be Prepared to Buy Forgotten Items

While it's best to pack everything you need, remember that you can usually buy forgotten items at your destination. However, try to keep this to a minimum to avoid unnecessary shopping trips.

Interesting Stats

• According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, there were over 13 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. in 2018 (source).
• A survey by the American Motorcyclist Association found that 78% of riders prefer multi-day tours over single-day rides (source).
• The average motorcycle tour lasts about 7-10 days, covering approximately 1,500-2,000 miles (source).

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable motorcycle tour. Remember, the key is to pack smart and light, keeping only the essentials. Safe travels and enjoy the open road!

This article is designed to help you pack efficiently for your next motorcycle tour. For more detailed information on motorcycle touring, check out resources from the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association.