Planning a long-distance trip on your motorbike but trying to identify what problems do motorcycle bikers face during long-distance rides? We will highlight such issues to sort everything out before it goes wrong for you when you are out there.
Long trips on your motorcycles are fantastic, but you need to be well prepared for them. There are various problems that motorbike riders have to face while being on the road. Issues like uneven pavements, ruts, puddles, potholes, debris, oil sticks, and those railroad tracks can’t be a thing when you are in a car.
But it’s a completely different ball game when you are dealing with them on your bike. Speed accidents are huge concerns for motorbike riders as well. But how to stay safe from all these concerns?
In this guide, we will explore what problems do motorcycle bikers face during long-distance rides and see how you can tackle them.
What Problems Do Motorcycle Bikers Face During Long-Distance Rides?
Lack of Riding Stamina
So, how long is too long when you are riding your motorcycle? This is a pretty important question, and the answer to it varies on your riding experience and habits. For most riding enthusiasts going for a 1000-mile trip in 24 hours or even a 1500-mile trip for around 36 hours is not a major problem.
But if someone has never gone beyond 400 miles, planning for any longer trip will be challenging for riding on consecutive days. So, plan a trip according to your riding stamina and strength for a better experience.
If you are looking to improve your riding stamina, you should ride every two to three days. You can also go riding your turbo-trainer. The minimum number of times you can develop some riding stamina is three times a week.
Heavy Packing
Does heavy packing mean my ride will be comforting for me? Having all the gear you need on your trip will make you comfortable on your trip, but you might end up packing some unnecessary items.
It also means you will be unnecessarily loading your motorbike with too much weight. But of course, longer trips do need some gear and equipment, and you never know what you end up needing. So, if you will load up your bike, make sure you keep all the heavy stuff right at the bottom.
Also, make sure you pack only a couple of pants, shirts, and undergarments. Don’t stuff in too many clothes. Spread the load evenly on both sides and don’t put too much load on one side
Night Stay (Camp vs. hotel)
If you plan to stay for the night, you need to take your camping gear with you. Of course, you will have to keep in mind the overall load capacity of your motorbike as well. If you already have enough gear, it would be better to take a hotel and sleep.
On the other hand, if your motorbike can take more load, you can always go camping. This way, you will also end up enjoying and saving money for your trip.
Riding to a point and coming back on the same day is just too much. Especially if you don’t have enough riding stamina, so staying is a good option.
Weather conditions both winter and summer
You will have to consider the area’s weather conditions from where you are starting your trip to your stay point. You can always go camping in more balanced weather if your bikes can take up the camping gear.
Otherwise, it would be a better idea to stay in a hotel for the night. You need to be properly rested before you start riding the next day to your planned destination again.
If you are planning to camp, you need to have the right kind of clothing for the weather you will face. But make sure you keep your cloth packing limited and don’t overload your bike.
And for this, you will need to take only the clothes you will use there. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, making sure you have the right gear to keep yourself safe from the weather.
To exactly answer the question, it is not recommended to ride your motorbike when the temperature is under 0C or 32F. Riding in sub-zero temperatures can cause your motorbike fluid to freeze, which is not suitable for the overall health of your bike. Plus, you will end up left stranded in the middle of nowhere.
On the other end, riding under too much extreme heat, like temperatures over 50F or 122F, will be a bit too hot for you. Make sure to wear the right apparel if you have to go. But it is recommended not to travel on your motorbike in this heat.
Riding posture (back pain)
Maybe your motorcycle seat is not very comfortable? For some people riding for long hours can be problematic as it can trigger back pain. If you think that your riding position is not comfortable, going on a long trip will prove hellish.
So, you will have to be sure your motorbike seat is comfortable and maintains a proper riding posture. If not, you need to change that stock seat that came on your motorbike and go for a more comfortable option.
Route diversion (GPS not working in some areas)
You might have to deal with GPS problems in some areas as well. Therefore, relying too much on your GPS will not cut it. Some people prefer using their phones for the same purpose, which can be an ultimate space saver.
But what if you are not getting any coverage in the area where you have planned your trip? Therefore, it would be better to learn to read maps. It’s an important skill that will keep you on track no matter what. If you don’t want to go for the mass, try going for a quality GPS service that covers the area you are planning to visit.
But again, you might end up losing signals even with your GPS for various reasons like bad weather, road construction or blockage, etc. In such a scenario, it would be better to have a paper map. You must also have the skills to read it properly and find your way
Motorcycle breakdown (mid-trip maintenance and repairs)
One of the issues that riders have to deal with is performing maintenance and repairs during the trips. This can be pretty frustrating, and it wouldn’t have happened if you would have taken care of it before beginning your trip.
It means you need to show your motorbike some love and care and make sure everything is in its place before starting your trip. Your motorbike will handle itself very well throughout your trips, and you won’t end up in any mid-trip repair sessions.
Getting too much tired
Even if you can ride for long miles, you might tend to get tired quickly. And even taking those little breaks between your trips is not helping. In such a scenario, the best option is to stretch out often during those breaks; this will keep all your muscles relaxed.
Make sure to relax all your major muscles and keep yourself hydrated at all times. You must wear comfortable clothes during your rides
Going for the right motorcycle
Not every motorbike is going to work well on your long trip. It’s just not about speed and agility when you are going for longer trips. Therefore, it would be better to go for the right kind of motorcycle for long road trips.
Your motorbike needs to be high in comfort, and it also must not halt your alertness. The ideal type of bikes for your long road trips are touring, adventure and sports touring bikes. These bikes are designed to carry plenty of loads, and you can pack a lot of stuff.
They are also equipped with plenty of onboard entertainment options like music systems to enjoy during your journey. Cruiser bikes are also suitable for comfort, but they are usually limited in terms of storage. These trips are not suitable for sports bikes and roadsters in particular.
Crashes and accidents
Motorcycles are not as safe as cars because you are entirely exposed. A crash or an accident in a car might keep you safe from any injury, but you can’t expect that to happen on a motorcycle.
So, you need to be a lot more cautious on your bike. Others also find it difficult to locate motorcyclists on the road because of the vehicle’s small size. Its visibility can be limited due to glare or obstruction in view due to other cars.
Going at high speeds, a wobble can also cause a crash to happen. Any of those potholes or bumps on the road can throw you off balance as well. So, you need to be a lot more alert on your motorbike regarding your surroundings.
High consumption of fuel
Riders also have to deal with high field consumption issues. And this most probably occurs due to the fact that they haven’t taken care of their rides properly. As fuel costs are on the rise, therefore, you must take care of your motorbike and prevent it from consuming too much fuel on your trip.
To tackle this issue, you need to maintain it properly and run it at average speed with appropriately shifting the gears. Engine oil is important in keeping the fuel consumption under control because your engine keeps working smoothly.
FAQ
Where should I sleep when I’m riding cross country?
When you are riding cross country, you can’t sleep on your motorbike and expect to get a good rest. Therefore, it would be a good option for you to consider camping in national parks or state parks.
Privately owned camping grounds are good options too. Or you can also go for roadside camping or dispersed camping. There are other options like glamping and resort camping as well. And if there is a beach around the area, you can go beach camping too.
How many miles should I travel in a day without fatiguing myself?
Some motorcyclists can ride up to 500 miles or more in a day. But their riding stamina is quite substantial, and they can manage it without taking much rest and starting early. But it’s not as if they are doing it; you should do it too.
It is better to keep your riding habits under consideration as well. Without fatiguing yourself, you can conveniently travel 250 to 300 miles in a day. And this is with proper breaks and starting early. This way, you will be able to continue riding for more days.
What temperatures are unsafe to ride motorcycles for long trips?
When it comes to long road trips, it is better not to ride your motorcycle when the temperatures are running below 0C or 32F. Similarly, riding in extreme heat where temperatures are over 50C or 122F should be avoided as well. Temperatures anywhere under these extremes are better for riding motorcycles.
Should I warm up my motorbike before I head out?
It’s good practice to warm up your motorbike before you head out. It will allow you to keep your motorbike safe from any wear and tear that comes your way in this manner. Your engine will be in working conditions before you start rolling the wheel. This practice will positively influence your motorbike and its longevity.
Is it bad to ride your motorbike rich?
Riding your motorbike rich means you have forgotten to turn the choke off. And if that has happened, you can relax because it’s not that much of a problem, not at least as big as running lean. You might end up fouling your plugs, or there might be a carbon buildup in your gas path. Other than that, it’s all just a nuisance problem.
Conclusion
What problems do motorcycle bikers face during long-distance rides might not be that big a concern if you take proper care of your motorbike and ride with alertness.
Also, plan your trip properly and learn how to use maps if the GPS is out of range. Carry all the repair and maintenance equipment and apparel and camping gear if you plan to stay outdoors. And make sure not to ride if the temperatures are too extreme.
If you follow these guidelines, take the necessary gear and equipment, and take care of your motorbike properly, you won’t end up with any issues. And if you end up in any, you will be in the position to tackle it. Keep yourself and others safe and ride at a moderate speed, and you will enjoy those long trips more than anything.
