Long Distance Riding
Half the fun of owning a motorcycle is hitting the road to adventure and seeing some of the best sights this country has to offer, all from the saddle of a awesome Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The balance of nature’s splendor with the unbeatable thrillride of a Harley is hard to beat, but there’s a lot that can happen on a long distance ride. There’s more to consider, more planning, and more that can go wrong if you’re not prepared.
At Roughneck Harley-Davidson®, we understand these concerns because we’re more than just a dealership — we’re riders too! We know the call to adventure is often irresistible, and we can help you prepare for the grand journey ahead.
Read on for a short guide to keeping things handled while on a long distance motorcycle trip, or head into our Waco, Texas location for the best new and used Harley motorcycles. We’re proud to serve Longview, Hallsville, Marshal, and Tyler, Texas.
Practice
New riders can find surprising difficulty on longer trips. Between wind fatigue, engine heat, and a sore keister, there are a few issues that can creep up on riders used to urban rides. So it doesn’t hurt to get in a bit of practice before setting out on a multi-day trip for the first time. Take a few mini-trips to get a feel for how longer rides go for you and your bike. You could find your cruiser just isn’t up for anything more than an hour on the road, or maybe that touring bike is finally making sense — whatever you discover, it will be practice toward those marathon rides that seem so appealing.
Packing Efficiently
Motorcycles just don’t have the kind of cargo capacity we’re used to with cars and trucks, so it can take a bit of work to get everything you need stowed adequately. Stick to the necessities, like clothing, food and water, riding gear, first aid and emergency gear, and anything you’ll definitely need. Creature comforts can be added if there’s room, but unless you know you’ll need it, leave it at home.
Earplugs
If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle on the freeway, you might be surprised to discover just how loud it can be. Between the roar of your bike’s engine, passing traffic, and the whip of wind, you’ll be pushing 100 decibels, more than enough to do serious damage to your hearing. A helmet does not constitute effective hearing protection, and most helmets will actually increase the intensity of sound you experience. Pick up some foam plugs, which fit easily and comfortably, and they’re cheap to boot!
Weather
No matter when you ride, weather will be even more of a factor than when you ride short distances. If the weather is on the warm side, then you’ll want to look at bringing along a ventilated jacket, soft colors that reflect light, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Cold weather requires something waterproof to keep your dry. Make sure you check the forecast beforehand, and even if the forecast shows non-stop sunny weather, you should still wear the right equipment.
Time for Rest
Plan for plenty of opportunities to take a break from riding. Ambitious riders will want to power through from gas-up to gas-up, but reality will skew toward the necessity of more breaks than you might expect. If you’re not used to the long haul, you’ll probably need to stop three or four times as often as you think to keep in healthy shape. When you do stop, take the time to stretch your legs, give your back a break, and hydrate!
With a few of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a long distance ride on your own terms. Take in the sights and enjoy the thrill of powering down freeways and backroads alike. If you’re still after more riding tips, or you’re just after the best new and used Harley motorcycles around, head into Roughneck Harley-Davidson® in Waco, Texas, near Longview, Hallsville, Marshall, Tyler, and Lakeport. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are here to answer all your questions and help you find the bike of your dreams. Come in today and experience true customer satisfaction!