Key takeaways:
- Long-distance motorcycle trips are great fun, but they require preparation.
- How many miles per day you ride during a long-distance journey will depend on your experience level.
- Checking your motorcycle before the trip is essential. Think about ergonomics, too.
- Make sure to rest enough, keep hydrated, and avoid beginner mistakes during the ride.
Are you planning a long-distance motorcycle trip? Kudos to you: doing high miles on a motorcycle and exploring new places is a bucket-list dream for many riders. Whether you're planning a cross-country ride or a transcontinental adventure, riding long distances on a motorcycle is no small feat.
You'll be covering some serious miles, battling different road and weather conditions, finding places to stay, maintaining your bike on the road, and dealing with all sorts of unexpected challenges along the way.
We love long-distance motorbike trips for the same reasons as you: the freedom, the adventure, and the pure, unadulterated motorcycling bliss. But keep in mind that a road trip spanning several thousand miles or several countries requires some prep and planning, and if it's your first time riding long distances, you'll need a little help to get started.
What Is Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding?
The answer may vary depending on the rider, but generally, long-distance riding is 200-300 miles (300-500 km) a day and takes from 3 to over 6 hours.
Long-distance riding can have different goals, and depending on that, riders choose different bikes. For example, touring motorcycle riders focus on the journey, which can take multiple days or even weeks. Touring motorcycles are built for comfortable riding, have larger fuel tanks, and more storage space than everyday bikes.
Endurance riding focuses on the miles. It’s competitive, and the goal is to crush as many miles as possible in a day, i.e., 1,000 miles in 24 hours. Endurance riders who participate in rallies choose sport or adventure bikes. These motorcycles offer better agility and prioritize fuel efficiency over comfort.
The goal of your journey will define your preparation, which is key to any long trip, especially when you have limited storage space.
Preparing for Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding
Before you swing that leg over the saddle and ride off into the sunset, make sure you're prepared for the long haul. If you’re touring, you don't need to meticulously plan out each day armed with Excel sheets and precise routes, but think about your daily mileage, your end destination, and what you'd like to see and experience along the way.
How Many Miles a Day Should You Ride?
Beginner riders should aim to ride 200-300 miles/day. Doing more than 350 miles a day may result in fatigue and even burnout. If you’re new to riding, plan shorter routes and pepper the trip with exciting things to see and do along the way. After all, you're traveling, not just riding your bike.
Intermediate riders who are more comfortable on the bike than novice bikers should plan to ride 300-400 miles/day. This distance will be enough of a challenge, but it won’t make you exhausted after the first couple of days.
Advanced motorcycle riders may spin 500 miles or more a day, but should do it with caution. Leave some space for rest and prepare to be flexible with your plans in case something unforeseen happens and your bike needs fixing.
Regardless of your experience, the exact mileage will depend on various factors such as terrain, weather, and your bike type. Take these into consideration when planning your daily routes.
Designing a rough route you want to follow will help you define your daily mileage. It doesn't have to be perfect, but having a general direction and some interesting stops along the road is an excellent way to go.
Getting Your Motorcycle Ready for the Long Haul
Do a quick motorcycle inspection or take it to a garage for service before you go: checking the essentials like your tires, brake pads, turn and brake signals, fluid levels, and the battery doesn't take long, but it's best to make sure your motorcycle is in top shape before you leave for the trip.
Here’s a quick pre-ride inspection checklist:
- Tires – check their pressure to ensure it’s set to the manufacturer’s PSI recommendations, that the tread depth is adequate, and that they’re generally in good shape. Also, keep in mind that your tires shouldn’t be more than 6 years old.
- Brakes – check the fluid levels and test the brakes to ensure they feel firm and have no visible leaks.
- Fluids – make sure the oil level is within the safe range, the coolant level is correct, and there are no visible leaks under the bike.
- Chain/belt – should be properly lubricated, tensed to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and in good condition.
Lights and battery – all lights should work properly, and the battery should be in good condition.
As you're inspecting your bike, think about ergonomics, too: depending on what type of bike you own, your riding stance may make a difference in how fast you'll tire over the long haul.
- Seat comfort – a comfortable motorcycle seat can be a lifesaver on long rides. You should be able to rest your feet on the ground for stability.
- Handlebar position – make sure your arms aren’t hyperextended. For an optimal reach, they should be slightly bent over the elbows when seated.
Footpeg position – your knees should be bent over the knees to form a roughly 90-degree angle.
Essential Gear for Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding
To make sure you're geared up well, choose durable motorcycle gear that offers excellent protection, especially when it comes to helmets, boots, pants, and jackets. After all, there's nothing worse than finding your motorcycle gear isn't up for the job in the middle of the trip.
Riding Gear That Reduces Fatigue
High-quality motorcycle gear is essential for long-distance motorbike trips, as you will be experiencing varying road conditions, temperatures, and weather.
- Helmet fit & ventilation – a comfortable, well-ventilated full-face helmet is essential for a safe, comfortable ride.
- Layering strategy – you may be planning a fair-weather ride, but even things like elevation changes can make a big difference in climate and temperatures: it'll always be cool in the mountains and hot in the lowlands, but if you're planning a long-distance ride, chances are, you'll experience it all. Wearing layers will help you quickly adjust your clothing to the changing conditions.
Waterproof gear – it's best to pack some rain apparel, too: you never know when the skies might open with several hundred miles left to your destination of the day.
Small Items Riders Often Forget
- Earplugs – it may seem like an insignificant detail, but you're guaranteed to travel along some noisy roads, and the constant wind and engine noise can damage your hearing. Pack some earplugs in your tank bag!
- Neck tubes – often also called gaiters or buffs - protect the rider's neck from harsh wind, insects, and dust. Trust us, you want to have it during a long ride.
Extra gloves – gloves are easy to lose and essential for a comfortable ride, so it’s better to have an extra pair. You can also swap them in case the main pair gets wet.
What to Pack for a Long-Distance Motorcycle Trip
Here’s a convenient checklist of essential items to pack for a long-distance trip on your motorcycle:
- Riding gear – helmet, riding clothes, gloves, riding boots;
- Weather protection – rain suit, thermal clothing layers, neck tube;
- Tools & spares – tire repair kit, air compressor, chain lube, spare ignition key;
- Personal items – first-aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, power bank;
Documents & navigation – driver’s license, registration, insurance documents, passport.
Tips for Riding Long Distances Safely and Comfortably
Managing Fatigue and Body Pain
Stopping every two hours or every hundred miles, even for a short while, helps reduce overall fatigue as the day wears on. Taking breaks and resting every once in a while is the best policy to avoid fatigue. Even if you start off feeling full of energy, don't push your limits:
Whenever you make a stop, do some stretching. It will help you relax tension in your body and avoid pain. Make sure to stretch and move your fingers to avoid hand numbness. If you feel numbness, make sure to loosen your grip when riding.
If you feel neck and lower-back fatigue after riding, take a warm shower. Warm water will help relax stiff muscles and reduce fatigue. You can also do some gentle movements – move your head from side to side or roll it in a circle to stretch the neck muscles.
Hydration and Nutrition on the Road
Try to drink water every few hours and always have a light snack within reach. Having a quick snack during the break and drinking water are key to staying focused and alert throughout the ride, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
A protein bar, a fruit, or some nuts are nutritious and will keep you going until you get a chance to eat a proper meal. Avoid too much coffee or sugary drinks and snacks, as they are likely to cause energy crashes.
Finally, be sure to get some proper rest at night: if you don't sleep well, you'll be much worse the next day, so go easy on those post-ride beers and get some quality rest.
Common Beginner Mistakes in Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding
- Planning too many miles – if you’re a beginner, plan to ride 200-300 miles per day. Riding more than that will make you feel tired, and the trip may no longer be as enjoyable as it could be.
- Riding at night – always begin riding early, regardless of what sort of mileage you've got planned for the day. You never know what delays or unexpected challenges lie ahead. So to avoid riding in the dark, just start early to make the most of the daylight hours as you go.
- Skipping breaks – make stops every few hours, stretch, drink water, and enjoy the views! Breaks are essential not just for resting at that moment but also to ensure you feel good at the end of the day.
- Ignoring weather – riding in high winds or heavy rain can be dangerous. If necessary, it’s better to take a break and wait it out rather than risking it, especially for new riders. Weatherproof gear is also essential for long rides.
Overpacking – heavy packing can have a negative impact on motorcycle handling or even cause a crash. Strategic packing can help save space and ensure it doesn’t affect your riding.
For more bike travel tips and advice, read our motorcycle travel safety tips and get inspired by other riders' epic journeys – and when you return, don't forget to share your adventures with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do riders define long-distance motorcycle riding?
Long-distance riding is a motorcycle journey that usually lasts from 3 to 6 hours a day and covers 200 miles or more. This journey may last a few days or even weeks.
How many miles should you ride per day on a long-distance motorcycle trip?
Long-distance riding is subjective, and the answer will vary, but generally, riders define it as 200-300 miles (300-500 km) a day. The ride usually takes from 3 to over 6 hours.
Is long-distance motorcycle riding suitable for beginners?
Long-distance riding is suitable for beginners, but they must prepare for it. Novice riders should aim to ride around 200 miles a day. Riding 350 miles or more may result in overall fatigue and body pain.
How do you stay comfortable on a long-distance motorcycle ride?
Motorcycle type and ergonomics, riding clothes, and packing strategy can affect how comfortable you’ll feel during a long-distance motorcycle ride. Regular breaks can also help you stay more comfortable during long rides.
How often should you take breaks when riding long distances on a motorcycle?
It’s recommended to take 10-15-minute breaks every 70-100 miles or every 1-2 hours. Regular rest will help reduce fatigue and muscle stiffness.