Long-Distance Motorcycle Riding
Sometimes you want to start riding and never stop. Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycles allow you to enjoy comfort and high performance as you cruise around for hours on end. Your bike is ready for the long haul, but are you?
Going on long ride takes some planning. Between overnight lodging and the gallons of gas guzzled, long-distance trips require a financial investment that merits some thoughtful preparation. In all the excitement of deciding to go on a trip, it can be hard keeping all the details of the trip straight. That's why we've gathered up our favorite tips below. If you want more tips or want to look at touring motorcycles for sale, visit Wisconsin Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Build Your Endurance
You wouldn't go from sitting on the couch every night to running a marathon. Instead, you would train and build up your endurance. It's the same with riding touring bikes! Riding is an athletic pursuit and your muscles and joints aren't used to being in those unique positions for an extended period of time. You don't want to plan an epic (and expensive) trip only to discover your body tires out part way in. Spend some time going on shorter trips and getting in shape first. Take a day trip or an easier weekend getaway before you plan the several day road trip.
Design Your Route
Think about where you want to go on your Harley® touring motorcycle. Are you looking for a scenic ride with plenty of vistas along the way? Are you hoping to visit friends out of town? Are you wanting to enjoy historic destinations or tourist stopping points? It's easy to find a motorcycle route that offers what you want, but first you'll need to narrow down what you want. Some travelers pick the destination and then plan the journey while others do the reverse. Either strategy works.
After your route is made, you can look into lodging. Try to find somewhere that is conveniently located while also offering everything you need for a comfortable night's stay. If you book in advance, you may be able to get an early bird's discount. If you are traveling in a popular time of year such as spring break, you'll want to reserve your spot as soon as possible.
Prepare Your Harley® Touring Motorcycle
Before you embark on a long ride, make sure your touring bike is ready. A pre-ride inspection is useful for catching maintenance issues that can be problematic on the trip. Measure your tire pressure and tread to ensure it's within the recommendation of your owner's manual. Top off any low fluids. Test your lights to ensure they are visible and bright. Go for a quick test ride to ensure your motorcycle turns, brakes, and accelerates like normal. If you uncover any problems, take it in for service as soon as possible. Small issues can manifest into larger and more costly ones if left too long. Plus, waiting until after your trip could result in your bike breaking down part way through the trip!
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful! For touring motorcycles for sale near Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, visit Wisconsin Harley-Davidson®. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you about our various models and help you find something that works for your unique needs, budget, and riding ability. We also offer motorcycles parts replacement and service options if your current ride needs a tune-up before your journey. Whatever you need to get out on the open road, we are here to help!