How does the motorcycle trip begin?

Each trip begins with questions: Where to go, what things to take, how to provide everything on the road, how to prepare for a motorcycle trip. In this article, we will talk about preparing for a motorcycle trip.  How to prepare and where to start.

Step 1. Moto journey.

The very first step to the journey begins with the answer to the question "Where to go, with whom and on what?". I will note right away that what to drive on is of fundamental importance, how and where. We will go anyway, as a rule, on what we have. But this moment affects where we can go.

It all depends on the class and condition of the motorcycle. First, let's look at the classes.

Motorcycle classes or which motorcycle to choose.

Sport, classic, road builder – this class of motorcycles is the least adapted for long-distance tourism. As a rule, it will be a route of no more than 500 km. As you understand, this is primarily due to the technical features of motorcycles. The absence of trunks, trunks, or a recumbent landing as on sports bikes, or the physical inadequacy of a city motorcycle. I do not want to offend the owners of these classes, but few people can disagree that each class will be good in its element. Although I have met bikers who have run 3000 km. on this class of motorcycle.

Enduro, pit bikes, etc. – this class of motorcycle is certainly indispensable off-road. Cross-country ability of this class can be envied even by four-wheeled SUVs, but when this type falls on the asphalt it becomes, at least useless. Usually this class can be seen traveling on a cart, behind any sofa.

Chopper, cruiser – I would not be able to call them tourists, but there are such cars on the road, far from home. The guys on them travel, and successfully. What are the disadvantages of this class in travel. On the highway there is a small speed and poor wind protection, in the mud low cross-country ability. But if you take into account these points and plan your route, then these disadvantages easily turn into pluses. For example, poor cross-country ability is compensated by a low landing and a center of gravity, which increases comfort. And the low speed is the measuredness of the trip and the pleasure of the road and the trip itself.

Tourists, sports tourists – motorcycles that were specially created for this purpose. They provide everything: from the comfortable movement of the rider to the control of the motorcycle by electronic assistants. The presence of giant luggage compartments and various glove compartments, heaters and backrests, thoughtful wind protection, a huge motorcycle resource makes this motorcycle mega comfortable and convenient. Large volumes of the engine generate as a result high speeds and excellent traction of the engine. The heavy weight and low center of gravity make the motorcycle convenient for the highway. But this class has one minus the lack of permeability. This class does not tolerate broken roads and the so-called roads – directions. Therefore, owners of this class should always take into account this nuance.

Tour enduro is the king among tourists. This class of motorcycles has repeatedly circumnavigated the globe. A strong, passable iron horse, with a straight rider landing, large luggage bags and the endurance of a "rabid dog". Owners of this class of motorcycles are practically not interested in the condition of the roadway, since this motorcycle wants to go always and everywhere. This species is also characterized by a large motor resource, but relatively not a high speed of movement. And this fact also makes its imprints on the time limitation of the route.

Let's make a journey.

Having decided on the class of the motorcycle, the question arises that I want to consider, this is where to go and why. I met travelers who themselves did not know where and why they were going. When I encountered this kind of traveler, I always felt sorry for them. After all, all the interesting things that could be seen, they passed, not even knowing about the existence of such places. And it doesn't even matter where you travel, whether it's South America with its unique culture and nature or the endless steppes of Mongolia and their harsh climate, a very small population. Everything that can and should be seen such guys pass by. As a rule, they always have a standard phrase like "This is a spontaneous journey at the call of the soul." But is it possible to treat your soul like this? Okay, it's their business, time and money, though.

I approach the preparation of routes primarily based on the technique on which I will have to travel, what I want to see, the budget of the trip, free time, fellow travelers and my physical condition. My criteria for evaluating and planning a trip are as follows:

• Motorcycle class
• Technical condition
• Luggage capacity
• Infrastructure of my path (cafes, services, gas stations, overnight stays, shops)
• Travel experience
• Availability of a fellow traveler (second number or independent rider)
• Availability of technical machine
• Time period of the trip
• My interests and what I want to see
• Travel budget
• Availability of the right equipment

If everything is clear with the class, personally I prefer the sport of a tourist, or a tourist, then the next step is to evaluate the technical capabilities of the motorcycle.

How to prepare a motorcycle for a long trip?

The motorcycle must be ready for the trip and fully operational. Of course, everyone understands such obvious things, but the roads show the opposite. To begin with, I change all the liquids and dishes before the trip. Be sure to pay attention to extraneous noises and knocks, cracks in the iron, plastic, dangling wires. In a word, any weaknesses that are present on the motorcycle. Before leaving, everything must be eliminated. Particular attention should be paid to the rubber, if the rubber is not the first season, then you need to pump the liquid from punctures into the wheels. If the motorcycle is not very familiar, then it will not be superfluous to use the Internet and find out the weak points of this motorcycle model. So, to summarize: In the case of long trips (for me personally it is more than 1000 km one way), I usually take with me spare parts relating to the factory sores of the motorcycle (clutch disc), a set of pads, a camera, a belt. Set of cameras, oil in the engine and transmission standard set of keys. In principle, this is enough for me, but everyone determines for himself what to take. Because you have to be sure of your return.

What kind of baggage should it be?

The luggagecapacity of each motorcycle is different, but the total set of personal belongings is as follows. Two sets of underwear, thermal underwear, spare gloves, a small towel, gloves for repairing a motorcycle two pairs, light sneakers and a pair of T-shirts. Be sure, there should be a standard first-aid kit and of course supplemented with medicines, as they say to "your taste", personal hygiene items, a knife and a spoon.

The stock of products can be different. It all depends on how you decide to eat, but personally I prefer to take with me a high-calorie dry ration for dinners and replenish it in passing cities. And lunch and breakfast in roadside cafes.

It is also necessary to find out information about pharmacies, hospitals, police posts and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It is possible that this information will not be useful to you, but it is necessary to possess it.

I keep various gadgets, devices and documents in a bag on the tank, which makes it possible to constantly monitor them and makes them easily accessible for use.

Navigation of the route can be any. From a banal map and compass to cutting-edge navigation. But I will note that once, I broke my navigator on the road, and had to look for a map. Fortunately, I was lucky. Since then, the card with me is sure to go.

The next issue in the luggage is the supply of water and gasoline. I have it at five liters. Here are the highlights in the luggage that are present in my travels.

How to make a travel itinerary?

Infrastructure and composition of the route.

During the preparation of the route of my trip, I am engaged in a separate chapter on the study of road infrastructure. As mentioned above, the need for information about pharmacies, hospitals, police posts and the Ministry of Emergency Situations is sometimes difficult to overestimate. But you also need information about parking lots, campsites, motels, cafes, gas stations, services along the entire route. Any information fits. Starting from the number of ad views to the reviews of other travelers. This will allow you to plan the route more clearly and correctly distribute food and rest during the trip, which can not but leave a pleasant impression, although it is not a fact that you will follow your plan. As a rule, everything develops spontaneously on the road, and the principle of food is "Where there are more trucks there and feed."

Travel experience.

When planning a trip, it is necessary to take into account. To begin with, I would try to plan routes for two days and up to 1000 km. This will allow you to get a little physically used to the bike, since the experience of city trips can not be taken into account. The monotony of the track can play a cruel joke. In a day for myself, I plan segments of 500 – 700 km. Since this allows me to relax on my trip, but I know bikers who are not averse to rewinding 1000 km a day. Personally, this style does not suit me.

The composition of the group.

In my opinion, the experience of the group should be no more than three people. Preferably with the same and shared driving experience, as they say rolled. Psychological understanding of each other should be unconditional. Personally, I saw groups that crumbled after the first 500 km of the road.

There should be certain roles in the group, both on the road and in everyday life. Usually riders with extensive travel experience go in the group closing. In everyday life, all responsibilities are distributed on the land. Who monitors the maintenance of motorcycles and overnight accommodation, someone is engaged in food, someone performs the role of an administrator. Only with distributed responsibilities will the group be viable, and it can be called a group.

Sights. 

Study the video and photo reports of other travelers, which will give you an understanding of whether it is worth spending money and precious time to view a particular attraction. Study the reference books and encyclopedias about the presence of attractions on your route. Choose and prioritize your places you want to visit. And another small tip, study the history of the region and the places that you want to visit it will bring you a lot of good acquaintances, and possibly friends.

How much money to take on a trip.

Next, I plan the budget of the trip. It can be different for each group, or a single traveler. But it is necessary to calculate it, and + 20% for unforeseen expenses. So, what are the main costs formed from.

1. Gasoline and oil
2. Meals and overnight stays. And here the arsenal of methods is wide. Starting from tiles and tents, ending with hotels and restaurants. Prices can be found on the Internet.
3. Visiting attractions. Usually, there is a fee for this, although there are also options for freebies. Do not forget to also take into account the mileage of excursions, it will not be a pleasant surprise.
4. In case you go abroad, also take into account all fees. If there are ferry or air crossings on the way, take them into account.
5. Souvenirs.

What equipment to take on a trip on a motorcycle?

As for the equipment, the choice of it is huge. From personal experience, I want to say that there should be two sets insulated and not, as well as consider moisture and wind protection. I prefer separate protection, as it is easier to wash and dry on the road. On all my trips, I take on the road a two-seater tent, a sleeping bag, a mat mat, and a cover for a motorcycle. With these things, I have more freedom to choose overnight stays.

So, from all that I have stated, we can sum up:

technical capabilities of the motorcycle	Ideal
luggage	Motorcycle sores, camera, first aid kit, water and petrol supplies, repair keys, personal belongings
Infrastructure and route composition	Emergency services and services
Travel experience	Everybody starts out at some point.
group	Rolled and cohesive, with a distribution of responsibilities
Sights	You need to determine in advance
Budget	Costs + 20%
Equipment	Two sets are warm and no.

Perhaps I did not reflect everything in my article, so share in the comments tips and experience from your travels, subscribe to the news of the site. If you liked the article, mark it using the buttons at the bottom of social networks.

Have a good trip, and remember that the best road is the way home.