On a long trip most problems begin not on the road but in the preparation: a forgotten charging cable, a badly loaded bag, an unchecked chain. Good preparation keeps the small problems you may meet on the road small.
1. Checking the motorcycle before you set off
Check the motorcycle a few days before a long trip (not the night before); that way you have time if a part is needed.
- Tyres: Tread depth, cracks, nails, ageing. Don't set off with a tyre that will run out in the middle of a long trip.
- Tyre pressure: Measure when cold. When carrying a load and a passenger use the loaded value given in the owner's manual.
- Brakes: Pad thickness, brake fluid level and colour.
- Chain and sprockets: Tension, lubrication, wear. Details in the chain maintenance guide.
- Oil and fluids: Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic clutch fluid if fitted.
- Lights: Headlight, main beam, brake light, indicators, horn.
- Battery: A weak battery is one of the most frequent problems on long trips. See battery care.
- Periodic service: If the service is due during the trip, have it done beforehand.
To remember it easily: Tyres, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands (TCLOCS). Take a quick look at these six headings every time you set off.
2. Bag types
| Type | Advantage | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tank bag | Instant access to things you need often, such as phone, wallet and documents. Map/phone pocket. | Magnetic ones don't stick to a plastic tank and can scratch the paint; prefer a strap or ring-fitting system. |
| Panniers (hard) | Lockable, waterproof, high capacity. | Need a carrier frame, widen the motorcycle; watch the width in tight traffic. |
| Panniers (soft) | Light, cheap, fit most motorcycles. | Must not touch the exhaust; heat protection is essential. Waterproofing varies by model. |
| Top box | A helmet fits, lockable, practical for daily use. | The weight is at the highest and rearmost point; don't put heavy things here. |
| Seat / tail bag | Fastens without a carrier, flexible. | Check the fastening straps often. |
| Waterproof roll bag | Ideal for camping equipment, fully waterproof. | Awkward to get into. |
3. Loading rules
- Heavy things low and central: Put them at the bottom of the panniers and on the side nearest the motorcycle. Weight that is high and behind makes the motorcycle unwieldy and unstable.
- Left-right balance: Distribute the weight equally between the panniers.
- Maximum load: Don't exceed the total carrying capacity in the owner's manual (rider + passenger + luggage) and the carrier's load limit.
- Suspension: If adjustable, increase the rear suspension preload according to the manual.
- Headlight aim: Check the headlight, because the load makes the rear sag.
- Fastenings: Use cam straps instead of bungee cords; a bungee can work loose and wrap around the wheel and chain. After the first 20–30 minutes, stop and check all the fastenings again.
- Trial ride: Take a short ride on the loaded motorcycle; braking distance and cornering feel change.
4. Tool kit
- A spanner and socket set that fits your motorcycle's bolts (on most motorcycles a few specific sizes are enough)
- Allen and Torx bits, a multi-bit screwdriver
- Pliers, long-nose pliers, a small utility knife
- A tyre repair kit (a plug kit for tubeless, or patches and tyre levers for tubed tyres) and a small compressor or CO2 cartridges
- A tyre pressure gauge
- Cable ties (plastic clamps), electrical tape, strong tape
- Spare fuses and bulbs
- A small can of chain lube and a cloth
- Jump leads or a small battery jump starter (power bank type)
- Gloves, a torch or head torch
Try the tool kit once at home: don't make yourself learn tyre repair and jump-starting for the first time on the road.
5. Luggage list
Documents and money
- Licence, registration document, ID, insurance policy (digital copies on your phone and in the cloud too)
- Cash and card, in separate places
- A spare key (kept apart from the motorcycle or with a travelling companion)
Electronics
- Phone, phone holder, charging cable and power bank
- A suitable cable if the motorcycle has a USB socket
- Intercom and its charging cable
- Offline map (for areas without coverage)
Clothing
- Rain suit (top and bottom) and rain gloves or glove covers. See riding in the rain
- A thin fleece or warming mid layer; in the mountains and at night the air cools quickly
- Technical underwear, spare socks
- Comfortable shoes or flip-flops
- Neck tube, spare clear visor or internal sun visor
Personal and health
- First aid kit, medicines you take regularly
- Sun cream, earplugs (wind noise tires the hearing on a long trip)
- Water and snacks. For summer trips see the riding in the heat guide
- A cloth for cleaning the visor
6. Route and break plan
- Set the daily distance according to your experience; don't push yourself on your first long trip.
- Take a short break every hour or two.
- Identify in advance the regions where fuel stations are sparse; refuel when the tank drops to half.
- Let someone close to you know your route and estimated arrival time.
- Check the weather not only for your destination but also for the mountain passes you will cross.
If you are going in a group, lighten the luggage by sharing the tool kit, and talk through the group riding rules beforehand. To estimate the cost of the trip, take a look at the calculators on the tools page.