Long-Distance Riding on Your Touring Motorcycle

A touring motorcycle is ultimately designed to make long-distance rides over hundreds of miles comfortable and easy to do. You can tackle the interstate with ease on a touring bike, visiting tourist attractions and crossing new destinations off your bucket list. However, it is important to make sure that you’re prepared for an extended ride, and this quick guide should help you get yourself and your touring motorcycle ready.

1. Build Up Endurance

Before you tackle a ride of hundreds of miles over the course of several days, you’ll want to build up your endurance so that you can tolerate the hours of riding. Go on shorter trips at first that are closer to home and increase your traveling distance until you’re confident in your abilities.

2. Plan Your Route in Advance

Sit down with a mapping app and figure out the best route to take to get to your final destination. You’ll want to determine some backup roads in case you encounter obstacles. It’s helpful to check whether any portions of your route are under construction or inclined to heavy traffic, too. Figure out where restaurants, gas stations, motels, and motorcycle repair shops are along your route so that you always have options if you need a service.

3. Pack Your Bike With Care

Your touring motorcycle is designed to handle more cargo than a standard bike, but you still need to pack carefully. You don’t want to unbalance or overload your motorcycle, so make sure that cargo is under the weight limit of your bike. Creating a packing list can help you avoid forgetting things. Look into camping or backpacking gear, since it’s designed to be lightweight and small.

4. Maintain Your Motorcycle

Ensuring that your touring bike is ready for the road is crucial to your success. You’ll want to perform routine maintenance tasks like changing the oil and filters, topping off coolant, filling up your gas tank, checking your tire pressure, and testing the lights and brakes. 

5. Understand Your Limits

Finally, once you’re on the highway, you’ll want to pay attention to your body and be aware of your personal limits. Riding while you’re exhausted or in pain reduces your focus and slows down your reaction time, increasing your chances of ending up in an accident. Don’t be afraid to cut your riding short for a day if you can’t reach your intended destination. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Does your bike need some professional service before you head out on your cross-country adventure? Contact the Santa Maria Harley-Davidson® service department to make an appointment with us. Our mechanics can address whatever issues you may have and ensure that your touring motorcycle is safe to ride.

Visit our dealership in Santa Maria, CA, to check out our current stock of new and used touring motorcycles for sale, including the latest Harley-Davidson® touring bikes. Talk to our staff if you’d like assistance with financing options on your motorcycle purchase. Santa Maria Harley-Davidson® proudly serves our California customers in Ventura and Bakersfield.