Motorcycle Camping
If you’re a camping enthusiast who also loves riding a motorcycle, why not combine your two passions? Motorcycle camping is a wonderful way to see the country in a minimalist fashion. You’ll be limited to what you’re able to carry on your bike, so you’ll need to pare down to the bare necessities. On the plus side, you won’t be worried about complicated accommodations or expensive transport. In addition to being minimalist, it’s also cost-effective.
When you embark on a long trip on your motorcycle, you’ll need to make sure you’re fully prepared. Your friends at Rock City Harley-Davidson have provided the guide below to get you started. If you’re still in the market for a bike, stop by our dealership in Little Rock, AR, near Benton and Hot Springs.
Pre-Ride Inspection
You certainly don’t want to hop on your motorcycle and head out on a week-long journey without confirming it’s ready to ride. Perform a thorough inspection of your bike from top to bottom before you go. If you run into any issues, you’ll need to address them before you depart.
Start by checking your tire pressure and air up the tires to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure levels. While you’re at it, you should be looking for worn spots or embedded objects that could call for a repair or a replacement. Next, fill up your gas tank before you take off. You never know when you’ll have to skip a scheduled fuel stop or take a detour that adds unplanned mileage to your ride. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Go for a ride around your neighborhood a couple of times to check the functionality of your brakes, lights, and signals. If you discover anything problematic during your inspection that requires professional maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Rock City Harley-Davidson. Our team of professionals would be glad to assist you.
Plan Ahead
It can be tempting to be spontaneous and see where the road takes you, but this isn’t a sensible decision. You’re better off planning your ride out ahead of time so you can ensure that you’ll have places to stop for fuel, food, rest, and so on. It’s also helpful for planning what tourist attractions you’d like to check out along the way.
Always check the weather before you leave, too. You’ll want to dress accordingly for cold, hot, or rainy conditions. This can have a major impact on your comfort level during your ride. Pack some waterproof gear in case you need it.
Add Storage
Your motorcycle probably has a few storage options, but these are often intended for short rides where you won’t need to pack a lot of extra gear of clothes. You might need to add some storage to your bike to make it more camping-friendly. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for this, like cargo racks or side boxes that are meant for long trips.
Where to Go
Last but not least, it’s a wise choice to book your preferred campsites in advance so you know you’ll have a place to stay each night. Make sure that any campsites you choose are motorcycle-friendly because some of them are not. You’ll also want to confirm they offer the amenities you need, such as electricity, water, bathroom, or laundry facilities. Take your time when you arrive and get a good spot to camp that’s not too far from civilization, but isn’t in an area where you’ll feel crowded.
Still looking for the perfect bike to go motorcycle camping with? We’re here to help. Visit Rock City Harley-Davidson to check out our inventory. You’ll find us in Little Rock, AR, near Benton and Hot Springs.