What Is The Best Bike For Motorcycle Camping?
Can "My" Bike Take Me Camping?
How do I store camping stuff on my bike?
Any special gear I should consider for riding and camping?
What are the fundamentals I should know about my bike in regards to camping and riding?
Let's get some answers to these questions and more, by considering the basics...
Basics
- The Best Motorcycle
- Motorcycle Storage
- Riding Gear
- The Best Motorcycle - Revisited
- Motorcycle Safety
The Best Motorcycle
So, what is the best bike for motorcycle camping?
A more complete answer would be "It depends." A simpler answer would be "Whatever you are riding now." (We'll revisit this later on the page).
Stated briefly, if you have a motorcycle, you can go camping.
The point is that you "can" go camping on practically any motorcycle. Some bikes will have limitations compared to others, but instead of getting concerned about real or perceived limitations, the best thing is to load up some basic camping gear and just go! You'll have fun, and more importantly, you'll realize it's not difficult. After your first motorcycle camping experience you can then evolve towards refining what's best for your particular needs and wants.
Here in the 21st Century we face myriad options amid an ever-expanding and ever-specializing universe of motorcycles and motorcycle gear. It could be daunting for a new rider, or even an experienced rider who may be new to camping, to consider even a fraction of the choices.
Having started my motorcycle camping in the 70's, I began with a lot less available choices. My first coast-to-coast, motorcycle-camping, summer-long excursion was on a 550cc, 2-stroke, 3-cyclinder, Suzuki GT 550. Nowadays that size seems small, but back then it was midsize, and riders went cross-country on smaller bikes than that. The basic point to appreciate is that you can go camping with whatever motorcycle you have available, presuming that it is mechanically in good working order.
Motorcycle Storage
Unless you have a motorcycle trailer, you will be stowing gear on your bike. Not all motorcycles can accept a luggage rack, but they are a simple and inexpensive add-on accessory to increase your storage potential. Hard saddlebags are even better (and considerably more expensive). And soft bags can be added to any bike.
A tank bag is a great way to increase your storage. Typically, they are either attached to your gas tank via straps or, in the case of magnetic bags, they are readily attached and removed. Note, magnetic tank bags only work on steel gas tanks. Your tank may not be steel, and you might not even know it. Also, tank bags have a tendency to scratch your paint, no matter how careful you are with them. But they are convenient! You can keep sunglasses, snacks, water, maps, extra gloves, ear plugs, flashlight, etc., all within easy reach. Tank bags come in a lot of sizes and some are expandable and collapsible to neatly handle changing load sizes.
Elastic bungee cords are a staple in strapping gear to motorcycles, although tie-down straps are more stable. Note, regardless of which you use, pay close attention to where the ends are and how secure your load is. Never have loose ends dangling around. Bad things can happen if those ends get tangled with your wheels, brakes, cables, chain or you. I'll say it again, "Never have loose ends dangling around your motorcycle."
Always inspect your load stability whenever you stop for a rest or for gas. Make sure everything stays secure, and if thing loosen, re-secure it!
Riding Gear
You may already be a properly prepared rider for camping. Because, excluding specific camping gear, the actual motorcycle gear that you will need is essentially the same as you may already bring with you when you are going out for a pleasant day-ride: Helmet, boots, gloves, armor-reinforced jacket and pants.
You will need gear to keep you comfortable as the temperature gets warmer and cooler. That means layered apparel options such as an extra sweatshirt, different gloves, and especially for anyone who lives outside of the Southwest, good rain gear.
Don't skimp on the rain gear. Get the best you can afford. And it needs to be manufactured specifically for motorcycles. You can ride a long time in the rain, quite comfortably, with good gear. And it won't take very long at all before things get uncomfortable with non-motorcycle specific rain gear.
Do you have a tire-repair kit? How about a tire-pressure gauge?
Perhaps you consider your cell phone to be your best defense against a necessity for such unpleasantries. I never ride without a phone, but you may be surprised to find out how much geography in North America, outside of the metropolitan areas, where there is no cell phone service. It is a very good idea to have some kind of tire repair and tire inflation capabilities. There are various such kits at your local motorcycle dealer.
And the BEST defense against tire problems is standard tire maintenance. Ensure you have plenty of tread left on your tires before you leave home. And always ensure that your tires are properly inflated! (I emphasize this through hard-won experience).
The Best Motorcycle - Revisited
OK, you should have grasped that you can go camping on practically any motorcycle. But regardless of what motorcycle you have, are there any fundamentals you "must know" about your bike in regards to camping?
Yes.
Before you go for your next ride, consider these basics about "your" motorcycle:
- Mechanical Condition
- Tires
- Brakes
- Oil/Gas
There is a considerably long list of maintenance items that your bike's manufacturer suggests to keep your bike in optimum condition. Bikes are lots of fun. Riding has inherent dangers, but when your motorcycles isn't working correctly, the inherent dangers of being out on the road can be magnified considerably.
Keep your bike in top running condition at all times, and especially if you are going on a longer trip fully loaded with gear. Does your bike need a tune up? Get it done!
Those two tires and the few inches that it contacts the pavement are all that keep you upright and going in the right direction. Tires wear much faster on a bike than a car. Do not attempt to save time or money by riding on that last 10% of tread. Get new tires! It's the most basic thing you can do to make your riding days last much longer.
Motorcycles go fast. Most modern bikes can stop very fast - as long as your brakes are in good order. Inspect your brakes or ensure that your mechanic does. You cannot be too cautious about maintaining your brakes in excellent condition.
When was the last time your motorcycle oil was changed? A well-maintained motorcycle engine can give you years of riding enjoyment. And the most elemental thing you can do is to keep changing the oil when needed. (Check your owner's manual or ask your mechanic.)
Have you ever run out of gas? It doesn't need to happen. But it can. Keep an eye on your gas. Also, be wary of the source of gas you use to fill your tank. Many of us take gas for granted, but if you have ever been the victim of bad gas, or gas that has gotten water in it, your bike will not be friendly. (And it can result in costly repairs).
Motorcycle camping is a lot of fun! But don't make it any less so by neglecting your bikes mechanical condition, tires, brakes, oil and gas.
Motorcycle Safety
Regardless of what motorcycle you ride; regardless of where you ride or go camping; regardless of how experienced you are as a rider; keep this short, easy-to-read, reference card of safety tips handy for review. You will receive your reference of "Motorcycle Safety Tips" in about 7-10 days in the mail.
Click Here For Motorcycle Safety Tips