Motorcycle Road Trip Checklist: Before You Go, What to Pack, and Every Morning

A motorcycle road trip checklist has four parts: prepare the bike, papers and route before you leave, pack the riding kit and a small road kit, check the bike each morning, and check yourself and the load at every stop. Work through it in that order and nothing important is left at home or left loose on the bike. This checklist is part of our motorcycle touring gear and road trip checklists hub.

Key takeaways

• Plan the day by hours, not miles. Experienced riders seldom ride more than about six hours a day.
• Check tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stand before every ride (the T-CLOCS routine).
• Wear the full kit and carry a rain layer, because leather is not waterproof.
• Stop and get off the bike at least every two hours.

The checklist at a glance

Want it on paper?

Two weeks before: bike, papers and route

The bike

• Get any service done early, so problems show up at home and not on the road.
• Find the label near the steering head. It shows the bike's weight ratings (GVWR and GAWR). The tire size and recommended cold pressure are on that label or on a tire information label next to it.
• Ride a loaded test lap. With a heavy load, set tire pressure, shock preload and dampers as the manual recommends for the weight.
• Taking a passenger? Check that the bike is built for one, and adjust the shocks and chain slack.

The papers

• Call your insurer and confirm what your policy covers.
• Make copies of your license, registration and insurance card, and keep them apart from the originals.

The route

• Plan each day by riding time. About six hours a day is a common ceiling for experienced riders.
• Google Maps lets you add up to 9 stops, including the destination, and avoid tolls or highways.
• Download offline maps. They only guide you if the whole route is inside the downloaded area.
• Helmet rules change at state lines. Only 17 states and the District of Columbia require every rider to wear one. Check each place on your route in our guide to required motorcycle equipment.

What to wear: the riding kit

You wear this kit for hours a day, so comfort counts as much as protection.

Keep the full kit on in hot weather too. It helps prevent dehydration and sun or wind burn. For what to look for in each piece, see how to choose proper motorcycle riding gear.

What to pack: the road kit

• Tools. The bike's own tool kit, a tire gauge and a puncture repair kit for your tire type. Add the tools your bike's fasteners need.
• First aid kit. The Red Cross family kit lists dressings, bandages, tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, an emergency blanket and more. A rider's kit can be smaller, but keep the basics.
• Documents and money. License, registration, insurance card, cards and some cash, in a waterproof pouch.
• Power and navigation. Phone, charger and cable, and a paper map as backup.
• Clothes off the bike. One set to wear in the evening and one to wash.
• Personal. Sunscreen, medications, earplugs and a water bottle.

Camping on this trip? Add the shelter, sleep and kitchen kit from our motorcycle camping gear list.

Load the bike

1. Heavy items go low, over or in front of the rear axle. A load behind the axle affects turning and braking and can cause a wobble.
2. Balance weight between the two saddlebags.
3. Keep the tank bag load forward and clear of the handlebars and controls.
4. Use elastic cords with more than one hook point per side, not rope.

Every morning: the 5-minute bike check

Run the same check before every ride. It follows the MSF's T-CLOCS pre-ride checklist:

1. Tires and wheels. Pressure checked cold and adjusted to the load, tread, and no bulges or embedded objects.
2. Controls. Throttle moves freely and snaps closed. Each brake on its own holds the bike.
3. Lights. Headlight, taillight, turn signals, and the brake light on both front and rear brakes.
4. Oil and fluids. Oil level and no leaks.
5. Chassis. Chain or belt tension and lubrication.
6. Stand. Kickstand springs back and holds.

Then check the straps, clean the visor and look at the day's weather.

Every stop: rider and load

• Get off the bike at least every two hours.
• Drink water. Riding in heat can dehydrate you even in full gear, so don't skip it.
• Check that the load hasn't worked loose or moved.
• Skip alcohol until the day's riding is done. As little as one drink can affect performance.

Build the riding kit

There are no ready-made road trip kits or bundle offers yet . Pick each piece from the Leather Collection touring jackets and the store's pants, gloves and boots. Everything is made to order, with custom sizes. Helmets, rain suits and luggage aren't sold there.

FAQ

What should I bring on a motorcycle trip?

The full riding kit, a rain layer and a warm layer, a small tool and puncture kit, first aid, documents and a charged phone. The tables above list each item.

How do I map out a motorcycle trip?

Set a daily limit in hours, not miles: about six hours a day is a common ceiling. Plot stops at least every two hours. Then build the route in a maps app and download offline maps for the whole area.

Is 200 miles a long motorcycle ride?

It depends on the roads and on how long it takes you. Count hours instead: experienced riders seldom ride more than about six hours a day, with a break off the bike at least every two hours.

What is the 70/30 brake rule for motorcycles?

It's shorthand for the front brake doing most of the stopping. Saskatchewan's rider handbook puts the front brake at about three-quarters of your stopping power, and says to use both brakes every time you slow or stop.