How to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip

A real motorcycle trip with tents and sleeping bags, versus motels and mini-bars, is an adventure. On this trip, luxuries are the sun and sky, not a portable trailer with a double-bed. Packing for a motorcycle adventure can be challenging. Read on to learn how to pack for a motorcycle trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Saddlebags
• Elastic cords
• Travel sized toiletries
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Real sense of adventure

1. Plan on packing light. Pack only what you can carry in your saddle bags. At the same time, you will still need the necessities.
2. Think travel-size. Small bars of soap and shampoo can be packed in a small plastic bag. Any convenience store carries items such as these if you need more.
3. Plan on doing laundry on at least one of your stops. Purchasing laundry soap at a laundry facility is much easier than dealing with a container of laundry soap spilled inside your saddle bags.
4. Roll your clothes, don’t fold them. You can roll jeans and a shirt together and slide them into your saddlebag easier than folded clothing.
5. Pack clothing, towels and bedding in the bottom of the saddlebags, then place toiletries and maps toward the top of your saddlebags.
6. Use elastic cords to tie down your tent and sleeping bag. If you have a sissy bar, place these items ahead or behind it and attach them to it. They will ride more securely this way.
7. A motorcycle trip is always memorable. Get on the road. Enjoy the sun on your back and the wind in your face. No other type of transportation gives you the experience that a trip on a motorcycle can give you.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list and double check necessary items. Don't leave home without prescription medicines or other necessities.
• Carry a list of phone numbers in case of an emergency.