INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Alexander, North Dakota | (701) 770-2275

OUR BLOG

7/10/2017
Don't let summer slip away before you have a chance to take a road trip on your motorcycle. Use these tips to prepare you and your motorcycle for a summer ride.

How to Plan the Perfect Long Distance Motorcycle Trip

Whether you're going on your first long distance motorcycle trip or your fist one wasn't ideal, we have some tips that can help make it the best. From motorcycle maintenance to what you should eat, we have all of your bases covered. Keep reading to make this trip your best one yet.

Plan Your Trip

Some of the most exciting trips tend to be those spontaneous, last minute adventures that aren't planned at all. However, deciding to complete a long distance trip on your motorcycle will require a good amount of planning to be successful. Long hours on your motorcycle will be more tiring, so you can't be scrambling to find a hotel room once you reach a stopping point. To avoid spending hours looking for an open room, plan a route and your riding hours. Book accommodations at your stopping points ahead of time so that you are sure you have somewhere to stay. It's also best to be sure there are plenty of food options walking distance from your hotel so that you can put your bike away for the evening. It's also best to schedule the majority of your riding hours during the mornings so that you can get them out of the way before the heat takes over. If you're not sure where you want to go, check out these photos for inspiration.

Wear the Right Gear

As a motorcycle rider you're already aware of the importance of wearing the right gear any time you're on the road. The same goes for when you're taking a long distance trip. Things may get hot on the road, but this is no reason to put yourself at risk. If you're worried about long sleeves getting too hot, pack some shirts made out of a lightweight breathable material so that you're more comfortable. Other items you should always wear include long pants, boots, gloves, and a helmet with a visor.

Take Care of Motorcycle Maintenance

Before planning your trip, have your motorcycle inspected and serviced by a professional. They will help you figure out if your ride is in good enough shape to continue with your plans. You don't want to be left stranded in the middle of your trip or struggling to make it to your destination. Before heading out, be sure to give your motorcycle a synthetic oil change to keep your engine protected even under the most strenuous heat. Don't forget to also fill up on essentials like coolant and brake fluid. If you're not sure what should be included in your maintenance checks, this checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can help. Contact the pros at Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc for help finding the perfect synthetic motorcycle oil for your engine. They can help you find the perfect oil for all of your engines. To browse all of their quality AMSOIL products, be sure to stop by their online shop. You can also give them a call at (701) 572- 3780 for more information.

Take It Slow

If you've never taken a long distance trip on your motorcycle, it may be hard to judge just how many hours you can realistically complete in one go. It's best to take it slow and not take on too many hours if your experience is minimal. A six hour ride may not sound bad, but it can get quite uncomfortable, especially if it's quite hot out. To test how much you should plan to ride daily, take longer trips than you're used as part of your preparation.

When and What to Eat

If you're planning to take on the majority of your riding hours early in the day, it's best to have a light breakfast. This will help you stay alert and not drowsy as you take on the road. Leave the heavier meals to the evening when your bike will be put away until the next day. Always have water and snacks on hand so that you can stay hydrated and alert. It's also best to have an early lunch in order to avoid the large lunch crowds. This will help you make the most of your time.

Pack the Essentials

Packing can be a bit tough because you will be more limited on space. Start by deciding how many bags you will strap to your motorcycle. Consider how much weight you want to carry and the type of bags that will be best for your trip. If you're expecting rain, hard bags will be ideal for keeping your belongings dry. Avoid packing too much clothing since you will be able to reuse these items regularly. Things you should include in your bags include a first aid kit and a small repair kit. To find the perfect AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil, click here.

Synthetic Oil Change for Your Motorcycle in Minot

As you prepare for your trip, prepare your motorcycle with a synthetic oil change in Minot. Contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572- 3780 for expert advice when choosing the right products. If you prefer, you can browse their online shop for a full selection of their quality AMSOIL Oil products.