There are few things in life that can give as much joy as a long distance motorcycle ride when done right. The key here is “doing it right” as otherwise, it will end up feeling more like a chore than something worth remembering.

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid any headaches and get the maximum out of your trip.

#1 Choose your motorcycle wisely!

As Triumph owners we could just tell you which Triumph model to choose for the long trek, but really there is no rule of thumb here and what might work for one person might not work for others.

However, this decision can be simplified by taking a few things into account and they are as follows.

The Route

The motorcycle should be able to tackle the road conditions that are likely to be encountered on the ride. If it involves a lot of highways then choosing a motorcycle with a big engine like the Speed Triple or the Tiger Explorer is a good choice. If there will be a lot of off-roading involved then it comes down to your skill.

If you know how to ride a powerful bike over loose terrain then go for it by all means but if you are unsure then stick to a lower cc bike like the Triumph Tiger 800. Keep in mind that the looks of the motorcycle do not really matter here. The Triumph Daytona 675 R may look great but in the long run, will leave you with a sore back and pain in your wrists and neck making the whole journey an unpleasant ordeal.

The choice of tires is also important and it is best to go for an option that is versatile and can handle different weather conditions and road surfaces with ease.

The Distance

This will decide the amount of extra luggage you need to carry. These include supplies like food and fuel. The motorcycle should be able to carry all of these without affecting the ride quality too adversely.

If you intend to travel with a pillion then that should be taken into account as well. The motorcycle should be equipped in such a way that it is self-sufficient and you can mend it by yourself in case of minor troubles. Keep in mind that the motorcycle will be put through a lot and it should be able to stand up to the rigors of continuous hard riding.

The Triumph Tiger is renowned for its ability to be tough and is a great option.

The Terrain

Not all motorcycles behave the same on all types of terrains. For example, the Triumph Daytona feels at home on the highway but becomes almost undriveable on loose surface. Another thing to keep in mind is the elevation changes.

If a lot of climbing has to be done then a motorcycle like Triumph Speed Triple is a great option thanks to its low-end grunt. If a lot of level-road riding is involved then a motorcycle with a cruise control can be a blessing.

Be Prepared To Fall

This might be an odd thing to say but it is the ugly truth of long distance riding.  In unknown area, chances are higher that you’ll fall on the trip.  Be prepared for it both physically and psychologically. Always wear the proper gear and make sure your motorcycle is equipped to handle crashes as well. Crash guards on the fairing can go a long way in preserving the structural integrity of the motorcycle. This will allow you to continue on your journey without having to do any major repair work.

Often this will happen off the road and you can reduce the chances of having a crash by conditioning your riding style. Go riding on trails and unpaved roads on a mountain bike to get a feel of what it is like to ride over a loose surface.

Once you feel confident switch to a motorcycle and eventually you will be well equipped to tackle pretty much any type of terrain.

What’s The Right CC?

Again, there is no right or wrong here. It all depends on your skill level. If this is your first time going on a long ride then stick to a sub-750cc motorcycle while for the more experienced riders, a more powerful motorcycle is better.

Trip Preparation

Just choosing the right motorcycle is not enough. It has to be in top condition as well. The chain and tires should be in optimal riding condition. There should be no leaks and all the electrical components should be working fine. In short, it should be in the best shape of its life and so should you.

A long ride is a test of physical and mental endurance. So, do not embark on a 1000 mile ride right away. Build up to it by going on shorter rides first.

There you have it…

No motorcyclist’s journey is complete without a long distance ride and these tips will make sure that you get to extract the most out of these rides while avoiding any unfortunate events.

Enjoy and cheers!