Camping and motorcycle riding are two great and very different ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But what if you were to combine them? You can spend part of your time getting your heart racing with fast motorcycle riding down the interstate, then enjoy the relaxing and tranquil atmosphere of a night spent under the stars in the woods.
There’s a bit more to motorcycle camping than meets the eye, though. You’ll need to make sure that you and your bike are adequately prepared for the trip, and you’ll want to plan ahead as much as you can to avoid delays or disasters. Bright Power Sports, serving Lincoln Park, Michigan, is your local motorcycle dealership. To help you plan for your first or next motorcycle camping trip, we’ve gathered our best tips to ensure you have a great time and stay safe out there!
Your first task should be to make sure your motorcycle is ready and raring to go. Examine it from top to bottom to ensure it’s working correctly. Check the tire pressure in both wheels and air them up to the recommended psi levels. Look for embedded objects or excess wear that might merit a trip to the mechanic. You never want to ride on bad tires!
Check your oil as you would on your passenger car or truck before a long drive to make sure it’s clear and runny. If you’ve got sludge, you need an oil and filter change. Ride around the block slowly to test lights, signals and brakes. If anything seems amiss or you hear strange sounds, you’ll need to address it yourself at home or get your bike to a shop.
Before you go, you’ll want to determine your destination and the route you plan to take to get there. Look online to see what the best route would be, whether you want to take a languid scenic route or the most direct road possible. Avoid areas of construction and heavy traffic where you can. Look up where gas stations or towns are and note any sights you may wish to stop and see along the way. You can determine how long it’ll take to get where you’re going so you know how many hours you’re riding each day.
If you’re planning on getting a campsite at a park, you’ll want to register it in advance so you don’t end up with no place to pitch your tent after a long day’s ride. Make sure it has all the amenities you’ll need, too.
Now it’s time to get everything ready so you have what you need on your trip. Your bike probably has some pretty roomy storage options already on it, but you can add cargo bags or a top-side box if you need to. Use these spaces wisely, packing them with the smallest versions of everything you can take. Backpacking equipment is great for motorcycle camping since it’s designed to be both lightweight and compact. Make a packing list so you know you’re remembering your first-aid kit, repair kit, charger, medications, toiletries and riding gear, too.
With the right precautions and preparations, you can use your motorcycle as your means of transport for your next camping adventure. Still don’t have the right motorcycle for the job? Visit our Lincoln Park dealership to check out our selection of new and used motorcycles for sale. We’ve got all the top brands! If your current bike needs parts or some professional maintenance before your next ride, contact our service department so that our professional mechanics can help you out. Bright Power Sports serves the greater Detroit region and all of Wayne County, Michigan.
