5 Things You Do Not Need to Take on a Motorcycle Trip

Taking a long trip by motorcycle is a wonderous thing! No matter if you're going it alone or with a group of friends, you're going to have the time of your life.

Although you might be a seasoned traveler, successfully navigating through airports, TSA, flight delays and lost luggage, trekking by bike is something else all together. 

Photo by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash

I remember when I first started traveling by motorcycle, packing everything I could fit into my bag, straining it to the seams. Now, nearly 10 years later, I know exactly what I don't need to take with me. And they are:

1. Hair Dryer
Why? Because your hotel room will have one and space is a precious commodity on a motorcycle.

2. Towels
Again, your hotel room will have them and the more space you save the better. There's only one towel you need to bring, a small one - or better yet a travel chamois cloth - to wipe the morning dew off your bike. 

3. Books
You might be thinking you'll have time to read once you check into your hotel. And then you realize you just got to your destination -where are you going to eat dinner. Oh -and there's that live music you just found out about. Planning to read in the morning before check out? Remember that you'll be packing your stuff onto the bike... Unless it's your H.O.G. Touring Handbook, you're not going to have time to read it.

Photo by JJ Jordan on Unsplash

4. Clothing that doesn't do double duty
You'll want to bring a sweatshirt you can wear on cold days while riding and cooler temps at your location. Not that special cashmere sweater or silk blouse that cost over $100 and you plan on wearing only once. 

5. Too many shoes
This is a hard one for me! But I have to remember I really only need 3 pairs: my riding boots, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of flats. The temptation will be there, so just remember you're going to want to save as much space as possible. And also remember to put your socks and/or underwear inside your shoes -again, to save space.

I think it must have been a biker who came up with the phrase, "Less is More," because it is absolutely true on a motorcycle!

My 2018 Heritage all ready for our next adventure!

5 Packing Mistakes to Avoid when traveling by Motorcycle

Baseball's Opening Day is tomorrow, there's the promise of Spring in the air, I'm all set to get on my new bike and start the Riding Season.... But all I can think of is my trip to Milwaukee, happening in six months!

2018 is is Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary year. That's over a century of continuous motorcycle manufacturing (unlike what some other brands that try to claim). And to celebrate the MoCo is throwing one heck of a party!

So for my vacation this year, some NNY H.O.G. friends and I are riding out to Milwaukee to join in the festivities. And while we're planning the route & stops, one thing you definitely don't want to overlook is how and what to pack on your bike.

Here's five mistakes to avoid:

• You just throw it all in... You're gonna want a way to get your stuff from your bike to your hotel room (or campsite). You might think those plastic shopping bags are just for that purpose, but you'd be wrong! They rip, they never hold enough, their cheap, and you're not going to look anywhere near as glamorous as this woman -not that Bikers care... What I advise instead is to get yourself a set of Saddle Bag Liners to pack your stuff in... sssooo much easier!

• You bring everything & the kitchen sink... There's a finite amount of room on your bike, so think carefully what clothes you're going to bring. Just two pairs of shoes (in addition to your riding boots), clothes that can do double-duty -like windproof jackets or vented and moisture-wicking shirts. Pack your underwear & socks into your shoes -you'll want to use every bit of space! You will need two pairs of gloves, a small first aid kit, and don't forget your meds. Take with you travel size toiletries. Plan to do laundry. Less is way more in this case.
• You don't save space... When you travel, do you buy souvenirs? Shot glasses, fridge magnets, dealer tees, etc. are going to be taking up space in your bags on the way home. Consider buying that dealer tee to wear on your trip (one less shirt to pack), or mailing your goodies home. 

• You didn't check the weather... Say you're riding to a rally and all you pack is tank tops- chic yes, but not so good when they're getting a good sized rain storm!! It's always a great idea to pack a rain suit, because waterproof equals windproof and it'll help keep you warm. Still, check the weather on the way out & back as well- you might want your full leathers rather than your light-weight nylon jacket.
• You make your bike lopsided... Remember that you'll be balancing on two wheels, so you don't want a bunch of weight on one side, or heavy stuff up high. Put shoes and toiletries at the bottom of your saddle bag, towards the front (closest to your bike's center of gravity). You'll want to save the lighter stuff- maps, charging cords, gloves- for windshield bags and your tour-pack/trunk. Never hurts to have extra bungee cords or cargo nets to help keep stuff in place.

Do you have questions or other packing tips to share? You can contact me at FXCHD!