Motorcycle Touring….You ever wake up and feel that itch—like I need to go somewhere but also I don’t wanna talk to anyone while I do it?
That’s basically how motorcycle touring started for me.
Just me, the open road, and a highly questionable sense of direction.
Okay, and a GPS. And three backup paper maps. And snacks. A lot of snacks.
But here’s the thing: if you’re gonna take off on a two-wheeled adventure across state lines (or even just down the coast), you better have your gear, gadgets, and some road-tested tips. Otherwise, you’ll be that guy stranded in the middle of Utah with a dead phone, soggy socks, and a sunburn shaped like a raccoon mask.
Not that I’d know from experience… ahem.
🧥 Gear That Doesn’t Hate You
Look, you can ride cross-country in jeans and a hoodie. But should you?
Short answer: Nope. Not unless you enjoy windburn and regret.
🪖 Helmet (Because Your Brain Is Kinda Important)
I rode my first long trip in a half helmet. By hour five, the wind noise had fully convinced me I could hear colors. I’ve since leveled up.
What I use now:
- Full-face helmet
- Drop-down sun visor (hello, lazy sunglasses)
- Built-in comms (so I can yell at Siri without pulling over)
Bonus points if it has a pinlock insert so your visor doesn’t fog up like a bathroom mirror during karaoke night.
🧤 Gloves (Because Hands Shouldn’t Look Like Road Pizza)
Two pairs, minimum. Always.
- Lightweight mesh ones for hot days.
- Waterproof gauntlet-style ones for when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum mid-trip.
I once rode 60 miles in rain without gloves. It was like trying to throttle a bike with two damp dish sponges. Never again.
🥾 Boots That Can Survive Apocalypse-Level Puddles
My current pair are waterproof touring boots with ankle protection and zippers on the sides—so I don’t have to wrestle with laces while bent over like an aging ninja turtle.
Also: walk around in them before your trip. If you can’t make it through a gas station snack run without limping, they ain’t it.
🩳 Pants (Yes, Real Riding Pants—Not Just “Tough” Jeans)
I tried to be the cool guy who wears Kevlar-reinforced denim.
Reality? I got a saddle sore from denim seams and sat funny for a week.
I now ride in textile pants with vents, knee armor, and the ability to unzip from the ankle like I’m about to walk into a NASCAR pit stop.
📱 Gadgets You’ll Thank Yourself For Later
These are the things I didn’t know I needed until I got stranded in Nowheresville, Nevada with 6% battery and a half-eaten granola bar.
🔋 Portable Power Bank
Not all chargers are created equal. Mine’s beefy enough to charge a phone and my helmet comm system and possibly power a small city. (Okay, maybe not, but it’s a lifesaver.)
Pro tip: keep it in your tank bag. That way you can plug in mid-ride without disassembling your luggage like a squirrel searching for an acorn.
🧭 GPS (The Real Kind, Not Just Your Phone)
Phones die. Reception disappears. The universe mocks you.
I use a dedicated GPS with a glove-friendly touchscreen and preloaded maps. It talks to me like a bored coworker, which honestly? Is perfect.
🎧 Bluetooth Comms
I resisted this for years. I was all, “I ride to get away from people.” But now?
I blast music, take calls, and occasionally yell “WHERE’S THE NEXT GAS STATION?” at Google. It’s glorious.
Also handy if you ride with buddies and want to argue about which diner has the best pie without frantic hand signals.
📸 Action Camera
Not for the ‘Gram (okay, a little for the ‘Gram)—but mostly for memories and maybe catching that one deer that almost took you out in slow motion.
Mine mounts to my helmet and records on a loop. Bonus: it makes people give you more space on the highway because they assume you’re a moto-blogger or a secret cop.
🚧 Tips You Only Learn the Dumb Way about Motorcycle Touring
Ah yes. The “I’ve made mistakes, now here’s how you can avoid them” section.
🧻 1. Always Bring Toilet Paper (Trust Me)
One time, I ended up at a gas station with no TP, no paper towels, and no dignity. Since then, I carry a tiny roll of emergency TP. Fits in my tank bag. Total game changer.
💦 2. Hydrate or Turn Into a Cranky Cactus
Especially on summer rides. I’ve passed out before. Like, full wobbly-head, blurry vision, questioning-my-life-choices level.
Now I ride with a hydration pack. Sip while you ride. It’s not glamorous, but neither is passing out next to a tumbleweed.
🧰 3. Pack a Basic Tool Kit
I’m not saying you need to rebuild your engine on the roadside, but at least carry:
- Tire repair kit
- Zip ties (always zip ties)
- Multi-tool
- Chain lube
- Duct tape (because of course)
🧦 4. Spare Socks = Sanity
Wet socks are the actual devil. Bring two extra pairs minimum. Don’t argue. Future you will cry tears of joy when they realize they don’t have to stuff their feet back into swamp boots after a surprise rainstorm.
🧺 5. Overpack Snacks, Underpack Ego
I once packed an entire French press and forgot toothpaste. Don’t be like me. You’ll survive without fancy coffee. You won’t enjoy waking up with fuzzy dragon breath and nothing to fix it.
🛣️ The Road Will Surprise You (and That’s the Point) about Motorcycle Touring
The most magical part of motorcycle touring? You never really know what’s coming.
Like the time I accidentally joined a parade in a small town in Iowa. Or when I found a roadside diner shaped like a UFO and had the best grilled cheese of my life.
Or when I ran out of gas 12 miles from anywhere and ended up hitching a ride from a retired magician who pulled an apple out of his ear like it was totally normal.
Point is: be prepared, but also be flexible. The best stories usually start with “So this weird thing happened…”
Useful Stuff You Might Actually Enjoy Clicking On:
- RideApart’s Touring Tips from Actual Riders — No fluff, just road-worn advice
- ZLA’s Motorcycle Touring Gear Guide — For when you wanna go full gear nerd
