Motorcycle Vacationing on a Harley

from flickr

There’s nothing like the back to nature feel of the wind in your face, leaving your cares behind, and seeing the world from the seat of a Harley. If you’re considering taking a motorcycle vacation, planning and preparation are important to your success and enjoyment. Below you’ll find information on how to prepare and plan a great Bikers vacation.

Preparing the Bike
Make sure your motorcycle is road worthy and reliable before setting out. Ensure all equipment is working and can withstand the rigors of the road. The tires should have plenty of rubber and be properly inflated, the oil and other fluids should be clean and topped off, and all lighting should be working. If your bike has a chain drive, the chain should be properly tensioned and lubricated. Make sure all nuts and fastening hardware is tightened. Especially the license plate, it’s usually the first thing to fall off.

Packing for Travel
Unlike other types of vacations a Harley motorcycle vacation is one of necessities and essentials only. You’ll not be packing multiple suit cases for your trip. On the contrary, you’ll be packing several small to medium packs or bags. The type of packing you do is dependent on the bike you own. Some bikes are equipped with saddle bags, while others are only equipped for places to lash down soft packs or bags. In either case your packing space is limited; you’ll only have room for the essentials.

So what are the essentials of the road?

• Warm clothing, includes jacket and gloves adequate for the extreme cold temperatures you might face.
• Helmet, this of course is an optional device but when it rains, gets cold, or some little old lady runs you over you’ll wish you had it.
• Rain gear, you don’t wish to get wet, and make sure your packed items are protected from rain as well.
• Motor bike tool Set.
• Personal hygiene articles, this should include any medications you normally take.

Planning Your Trip
everybody has someplace they’ve always desired to visit. This could be a beach, a mountain range, a forest, a city, a monument, a desert, an amusement park, an ocean or lake. The list is endless, heck it could even be grandma’s house, no matter your destination, you should take time to plan a travel route. This is where the adventure of motorcycling becomes fun and exciting. Instead of traveling the freeways straight to your end point try the back roads, take the alternate route that leads to places unknown. You’ll be amazed at the scenery, the quaint villages and towns and the friendliness of people along the way.

Before you swing a leg over that bike make sure you know your route, it’s very difficult to read a map while traveling at 60 mph on a motorcycle. Have a good idea of the areas you wish to visit. Try to plan your days travel so that you end up at a location where lodging is available. advance. Knowing where you are going and where you will stop helps make the trip less stressful.

Taking Precautions
Carry a list of your emergency contacts and numbers. Put these in a safe place. Include any important medical information about yourself. Be sure your license and insurance documents are up to date and are with you at all times.

It’s also wise to inform your family or friends of your travel plans and route, just in case you get lost they’ll know where to search.