Whether you’ve deceived to make a cross-country trek or are idly dreaming about your next grand adventure, it’s always a good idea to plan before hitting the road. When traveling across the country, there are many things to prepare for.
Weather changes, road work, breakdowns, and more are all part of planning for any long trip, and this is doubly important when making the trip on a motorcycle. Unlike a car or RV, your bike is largely exposed to the elements, and you’re limited on what you can bring.
Thankfully, we’ve gathered a list of the necessities to pack before hitting the road. So, without further ado, let’s get into the top 4 necessities for a cross-country motorcycle trip.
A Comfortable Cross-Country Motorcycle
Driving 4,000 miles requires a comfortable, reliable motorcycle. While traveling from one coast to the other sounds like a grand adventure, you may stop short if you don’t have the right bike on your side.
Be sure to make sure your motorcycle of choice is made for long-haul trips and has plenty of storage, as well as comfortable seating. It would be best if you also got your motorcycle tuned up before hitting the road to avoid any technical issues.
If you’re worried your bike won’t make the trip, consider renting a motorcycle or purchasing a new one if it’s within your budget. Remember, you’re going to spend at least 6 hours a day on this bike for several weeks, so you want everything to go as smoothly as possible.
Clothes and Gear for All Weather
Be sure to pack the necessities for your ride, including safety gear like a helmet, gloves, and leather protective gear. You also want to bring anything you may need to keep cool or warm along the way, like a cooling vest or added layers. Be sure to get any ear protection you may need with you as well. Finally, if you’re planning on riding solo, bring everything you need for stopping at night, including a book to read to help you wind down after a day of traveling.
Generally, be sure to have a helmet, rain gear, extra gloves and clothes, riding gear, and anything else you’ll need while on the road. Since you have limited space on your bike, keep your clothing choices as multipurpose as possible. While it may be tempting to pack an outfit each day for two weeks, plan on doing laundry on your trip and pack outfits you don’t mind wearing all day under your road leathers.
Map, GPS, and Other Navigation Gear
Plan your route ahead of time, and program your trip into your GPS or another navigation device. While relying entirely on electronics is tempting, have a set of maps and backup directions with you. You should also have an emergency compass, flares, and a weather band radio to help you in an emergency.
When planning your route, prioritize what you want to see on your trip. While driving highways is a quick way to get from one end of the country to the other, taking backroads can provide new and exciting views and let you see parts of the country you’d never see otherwise. Combining a few side routes with major highways is an excellent way to balance your time on the road with plenty of side adventures and experiences along the way.
Pay attention to any repair shops, emergency stops, lodging locations along your route, rest areas, and food stops. You want to make sure you can find what you need when you need it instead of panicking last minute trying to find a place to stop, only to realize you’re dozens of miles away from the nearest mechanic.
Emergency Equipment
Make sure you have a first aid kit, any medications you may need, and all identifying paperwork you may need for yourself and your motorcycle. In addition, be sure to pack a motorcycle repair kit, including tire patches and plugs, a way to inflate your tires, and anything else you may need in a pinch. Also, packing spare batteries and solar chargers can make a massive difference if you’re between stops on your trip.
Remember, while traveling cross-country on a motorcycle is all about packing light, you should never skip out on the essentials. Make sure to have any water and backup food on hand. In general, be prepared to have to stop a couple of times unexpectedly on your trip, whether due to weather, mechanical issues, or being more tired than you thought.
Taking more stops than you think you need is always a good idea, as driving tired can be incredibly dangerous. Traveling across the country is only fun if you make it safely to your destination, so be sure to take care of yourself and your bike while on the road.
If you’re interested in getting a tune-up before hitting the road, visit Good Sense RV. While we specialize in RV servicing, we can give your motorcycle a once-over to ensure everything is in order. Plus, if you’re looking for great places to stop in and around New Mexico, check out our other articles. From natural hot springs to seasonal activities, we cover everything you want to know about traveling through the New Mexico area.
