Beginner’s guide to motorcycle touring

by Ravi Singh Rana Digital Marketer

The roar of the wind, the views of the world going by, and the thump of the motorbike engine, the road ahead and you - there is an immense amount of romantic freedom and solitude that travelling by MT15 offers. Even if you’re riding with your buddies, the moment when you’re on the saddle, it’s just you alone with your thoughts. If you’ve always fantasized about travelling the distant places on a motorbike but didn’t know how or couldn’t do it, then read on. Here’s the best beginner’s motorcycle touring guide for you to get you started.

Why go on a long distance motorbiking tour?

The reasons to go on a motorbiking road trip are many. But the biggest of them is getting to see a place up close, personal and an opportunity to see a lot more. Where ever in the world you might be, when it comes to travelling we’re always off to famous places, unmissable landmarks and monuments. But there is a whole wide world between your home and let’s say the city you always wanted to visit.

Packing for motorcycle touring

Unlike road tripping in your car, motorcycle touring presents a different challenge. You don’t have the luxury of a large car trunk to put all things you don’t need. Therefore, you have to pick and choose what you can take with you.

Also developing a packing system is important. Divide your stuff into two sets. One which you’ll need while riding like water, snacks, registration and insurance papers, phone and money. These should be quickly accessible and can go in a small backpack or a tank bag. The second set can be saddle bags – the one you can only access at the end of the day. This can be your clothes, toiletries, camping gear or whatever else you think you need only once you’re done riding for the day.

Route planning

It’s important to have a plan when you go riding a motorbike for a few days. While visiting cities or popular places, you are assured knowing where to get food, water or a bed for the night. But riding the highways and country roads you don’t have that comfort. Therefore, it becomes important that you research well ahead and have a clear idea of your route and all the challenges that’ll come along.

You don’t need to have a day to day plan but it is highly recommended getting to know as much as you can about the area you’ll be riding.

Group vs. solo rides

For starters, it is suggested going for a few group rides before you go riding alone. If you don’t have any friends who’re into riding, find a motorcycle group/club around you. Most of them have some rides planned every weekend or month for the members. It’s a great way to meet new people and also some experienced riders and learn from them. Many of members of such clubs might look like some gang members, but in all fairness, they’re really nice people. All they want to do is travel by their motorbike.

However, while riding in groups it becomes important to set a system and makes sure everyone follow the rules with regards to riding. This helps in avoiding delays, ride being smooth and having help at hand when needed.

Have you ever been on a ride? Are you planning to go on one in near future? Take your Yamaha MT 15 and get going.