4 Tips for Traveling With Your Motorcycle This Summer

Prepare Everything Before Starting

Are you thinking of taking a motorcycle trip this summer? There are many aspects to take into account in order to prepare this getaway correctly and not encounter any inconveniences along the way. Read along for some tips to plan everything in advance and so your trip consists only of enjoying the road.

From short routes to long tours, including the right tire pressure, the necessary documentation and the most appropriate equipment to protect you without being too hot. Don’t make trips without preparing everything before starting, both for safety and for a better enjoyment of the trip.

1. Organizing the Route

The first thing is the destination, that place you want to visit, whether it is your first time or your favorite place to disconnect. It is important to be aware of the distance and the route to be taken, whether it is on the freeway or on the curves of conventional roads. Now this part is important! Be realistic with your experience and capabilities, we recommend you not to risk planning longer or more difficult routes than you are used to. Vacations are to enjoy, not to suffer! You should also take into account the weather forecast before setting off. While it’s true that summer usually has low rainfall and high temperatures, do not be confident because the weather at your destination can often play tricks on you, especially if you are going to go to high altitude areas. Obviously, the weather will not be the same in different states. And be careful, because summer storms are also common in many areas.

2. Necessary Documentation

It may seem unimportant, but it is essential to carry the proper and valid documentation. You should always carry your driver’s license, as well as the vehicle’s documentation and insurance. If you’re going to another country, always have your passport or passcard ready for the border crossing in a place easy to reach and remember. A measure that can save you from a scare in case you have to provide your documentation for a traffic stop or a border crossing.

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3. Equipment

This is one of the most controversial points: safety vs comfort. The heat does not exempt you from equipping yourself properly! It is very important to have the right equipment to face the high temperatures, from your jacket to your boots and gloves, make sure your gear is properly rated for crashes and the season. Last but certainly not least, always wear a helmet with good ventilation. We always advise you to be well protected, regardless of the time of year, with the specific equipment to suffer the least possible damage in the event of a fall. We also do not recommend riding with winter protection in the summer either, as it could cause heat stroke and can be very dangerous while riding long distances. Choosing the right equipment is crucial. Research different options, compare brands, and select what is most suitable for your trip. There is a wide range of summer products on the market, so don’t gamble.

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4. Checking the Tires

Now to the tires, the only thing on our motorcycle that will be in contact with the asphalt during the trip. The most important thing to take into account if you are going to make a trip in the hot months is the pressure. In the summer heat, we must be more careful with the pressures that we ride with, since the heat can affect the pressure of your tires quite drastically when riding. Incorrect tire pressure can have serious consequences, increasing the risk of a flat, excessive wear, and affecting the motorcycle’s handling. In summer, especially in mountainous areas, very high temperatures can be reached during the day, while they can be very low at night, with differences of up to 20°. This means that tire pressure can vary by up to 8% due to the effect of temperature alone. It is essential to check the pressure regularly. You can do this at service stations or with your own pressure gauge if you have it packed among your belongings. The recommended pressure is always available in the user’s manual or somewhere on the chassis or frame of the motorcycle, and the adjustment of the tire pressure should always be done when cold and if possible in the shade, thus avoiding that the heat of the sun modifies the basic pressure parameters. Pressure variations should not be made outside of what is specified by the vehicle manufacturer.