Enjoy the open road: Tips to avoid common motorcycling pitfalls

June 21 is World Motorcycle Day! And this edition comes on the longest day of the year, no less. To honor our two-wheeled friends, we’ve put together a list of handy tips so that you can make the most of your days out on the open road chasing the sun.

Road trips on your motorcycle should always be fun. And in the summer when it’s great weather and the sun is shining, you’ll want to take to the road every day. But it doesn’t take much to turn your perfect ride into more of a chore than a treat.

Mostly, the success of a road trip can come down to the tools and supplies you have with you. While it might seem like it’s just you and the road and nothing else, you could very quickly find your journey ruined by small things, such as dehydration, an empty tank or even an inability to talk with your riding buddies. The longer your trip, the more chance there is that something unexpected will happen – such as a breakdown. But if you’re prepared, and have all the right things with you, you can get going in no time.

Motorcyclists who talk together, stay together

Being alone on the open road, feeling at one with the world and your thoughts is what draws many to the motorcycle. For some, riding with their friends or making friends along the way is what it’s all about. Gunning your engines with lifelong and new riding mates alike can bring you to life.

Regardless of who you like to travel with, it’s always a good idea to have a reliable and safe method of communication, especially since you can’t exactly pull up next to your companions on the highway for a casual chat.

So get yourself a Bluetooth headset.

It’s always a good idea to have a reliable and safe method of communication.

They’re also an asset to your safety and allow you or your companions to share tips with inexperienced riders as you ride along. The benefits of Bluetooth headsets are obvious. They keep your hands free, so you can concentrate on riding and the road ahead. They’re also super useful when you have to call your riding buddies and let them know if you need to take a break or fix your bike. Other uses like listening to music are also a plus – so despite their cost, these devices may be worth the investment.

There are also other ways you can communicate on the road if you don’t feel like cashing out on a headset. It’s a good idea to refresh your knowledge of universal motorcycling signs. A simple one to learn is putting your hand down in a two fingered salute – a downward peace sign- which is a simple way of saying thank you to other motorcyclists on the road.

Forget packing light, go maximalist all the way!

There’s never too little space on a bike, just too few straps. You don’t have to skimp on what to bring on a ride by taking enough straps with you, maximize the size of your bike! It's quite trendy nowadays to travel as light as possible, but to that we say, "You can never be too prepared!"

Make as much use of the space on your bike as you can, who knows if that bottle opener you were otherwise going to leave at home might come in handy?

And speaking about making use of the space on your bike, let’s not forget the most important thing to a motorcycle: gasoline. It’s incredibly important that you have enough gas, just in case you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere and running on fumes. No matter how well you plan, sometimes things just don’t happen the way you plan. Always bring an extra canister of fuel that will help you reach the next gas station in times of need.

Stick to the dress code

Protective gear while on a motorcycle is a priority, and it might seem like an obvious one. But seriously, wear the right gear. When involved in a motorcycle accident, the rider is extremely exposed and vulnerable. Denim might seem tough, but it’s nothing compared to proper leathers or biking kit. Wearing items such as a helmet, jacket, long pants, gloves and boots helps to keep something between you and the road, as well as potentially preventing more severe injuries such as broken bones or teeth.

And on long, arduous journeys, you’ll also want that kind of protection to keep you safe from smaller things such as dust, rocks and bugs.

By wearing protective gear, you are also doing everything in your power to make your journey a safe one. If you are, in an extremely unfortunate situation, involved in an accident, then wearing protective gear can protect you from not only physical dangers but accusations such as contributary negligence. You can stop insurers from claiming that you were at least in part to blame for your injuries because you didn’t take necessary protective measures, if you do end up in an accident.

Safety is cool! Trust us – helmets are totally hot right now, and you don’t want to be behind on the newest motorcycling fashion trends, now do you?

Be safe on the road and wear protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, long trousers and a jacket.

Refreshments are always a must

It’s a simple one, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget to hydrate. On summer rides, especially on the longest day of the year, the heat can get overbearing. Water is a must – dehydration can cause dizziness, as well as disorientation and an elevated heartbeat. Having those kinds of symptoms on the road aren’t only distracting, they’re potentially life threatening if they happen on a ride.

It’s not hard to stay hydrated though, once you make the effort to remember. Although a traditional water bottle may work for you, something like a wearable water bladder (like a CamelBak). Drinking and eating enough will also increase the time you can stay on the road throughout the day and keep your energy levels stable. Don’t forget your well-being, no matter how mesmerizing your trip may be.

Making memories last

And last but not least, remember to have fun! Yes, it’s cheesy, but the memories you get from your trip will be ones you won’t want to forget. So, remember to pack your camera, and convince your buddies to stop for an impromptu photo op every once in a while. Enjoy the scenery, the fact that you can do anything and go anywhere you like. Sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down, take it all in and enjoy the ride.

Hopefully, by using the tips above, you can make sure to have the best time possible and get the most out of your trip. If you are going on a motorbiking adventure this summer be sure to check out our rider products, and tag us on Instagram so you can share your favorite pictures from your trip.

Now get riding!