Motorcycle Touring Essentials

Published: 10 October 2023 Updated: 10 October 2023

There’s a lot more to heading off motorcycle touring than simply chucking a few bits of clothing in a bag, strapping it to the bike and chucking a leg over.

It doesn’t need to be a particularly complicated affair but with some carefully chosen bits of kit and some pre-trip planning, you can make it a delight rather than a task, whatever the weather and wherever you stay.

Luggage is part of it of course but so is clothing, helmet, whether you take any tools or spares, how you’re going to find your way. A lot will depend on personal preference but there are some basics to take into consideration.

We’re going to assume for the purposes of this feature that you have accommodation taken care of; you’ve either booked a series of hotels or B&Bs en route or you’re camping and have your gear for that sorted – if not, check out our motorcycle camping essentials, too.

We’re going to concentrate more on the essentials that everyone will need regardless of their sleeping arrangements.

Motorcycle touring during the Covid-19 pandemic

Although the current travel situation is far from clear when it comes to heading for the Continent, the basics of what to take with you remain the same. You can find out everything you need to know about riding in Europe in our guide.

A word on routes; for many, touring is about the journey, not the destination and so they tend to avoid motorways. Generally speaking, there is far more to enjoy, see and do on the smaller roads than long, straight two-lane blacktops.

However, if you are heading for a specific region to tour and it’s a distance from your landing point – for example, the south of France or Spain – then however monotonous they are, European motorways tend to be an excellent way to get somewhere fast.

When you’re planning your tour, be realistic about daily distances and average speeds. While you can reckon to do anything up to several hundred miles a day if you’re on motorways, an enjoyable day’s riding on fun roads may well be a fraction of that, depending on where you are heading for.

You’re better off to end the day early and enjoy your overnight stop than arrive shattered after 18 hours in the saddle and nowhere is open for food or a relaxing beer. Build in time to stop, look around and have a coffee or lunch.

It’s also a good idea to have a rough plan but not one that you have to stick rigidly to. Perhaps you may know roughly where you want to go and have booked a couple of nights of hotels ahead so you know you’ve got something sorted.

However, if you can, go with booking with no cancellation charge so that if the weather turns, for example, you can change your plans and head elsewhere without forfeiting your booking fee or the cost of a hotel.

Make sure the bike is up to the task before you head off. If you’re likely to hit a service mileage while you’re away, consider getting it done before you go. Similarly, if your tyres are starting to look a bit squared-off, then replace them before you saddle up – you want to do jobs like this on your terms, not at an unfamiliar tyre shop in the depths of an emergency.

Motorcycle Touring

Price: £4.25

Motorcycle Touring Essentials

Motorcycle touring during the Covid-19 pandemic

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