INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Austin & Kyle, TX | (800) 890-0220

OUR BLOG

7/10/2017
This post if full of tips to help you plan the perfect summer escape on your motorcycle. Learn everything from what to eat to what type of synthetic oil to use.

Plan a Great Motorcycle Road Trip

If you've ever taken a long distance trip on your motorcycle, you know just how much of an adventure this is. For those who have never done it but hope to soon, it's best to prepare early. Use these tips to help you get ready for your long distance motorcycle trip.

Make Solid Plans

Last minute trips with little planning can sometimes be the most fun, but if you're taking a long trip on your motorcycle, you will definitely benefit from planning. Start by deciding where you want to go and then research different routes. Choose a route that is safe and that won't leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Once you have your route settled, figure out how much riding you will do daily and where you will stop along the way. This will make it easier to reserve hotel rooms and plan activities. We recommend booking your accommodations in places that are close to restaurants and other points of interest so that you can take a break from your motorcycle.  Be sure to carry a physical map with you just in case your GPS runs out of battery or your phone loses reception.

Don't Push Your Limits

Even the most experienced motorcycle riders have their riding limits, so don't push yourself beyond what you're comfortable with. When planning your trip, be sure to keep the miles you plan to ride daily within your limits. Although riding for five consecutive hours may not sound so bad, it can feel awful if you've never done it before. If needed, try taking trips longer than your daily commute to test out how comfortable you are riding for hours at a time. This will help you decide how much to ride daily during your trip.

Perform Regular Maintenance Inspections

Have your motorcycle inspected and serviced at least a week before your departure date. This will help ensure that your motorcycle is in good enough condition to take on your plans. While on your trip, take the time to visually inspect your bike daily before taking off. Use this T-CLOCS inspection checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to guide your daily inspections. Before heading out on your trip, its very important that your fluids are at their proper levels. If necessary, get a synthetic oil change. For the best oil around, check out AMSOIL's full range of synthetic motorcycle oils. If you are looking to give your motorcycle a synthetic oil change in Buda, contact Syntex Lubricants at (512) 848- 8240 to find the perfect synthetic motorcycle oil. Browse their full range of synthetic oils by visiting their online shop.

Carry the Proper Gear

Motorcycle riders are all aware that they lack the protection other drivers have on the road. Because of this, it's imperative that you always wear the proper gear and are prepared for changing weather conditions. If you're expecting rain on the road, carry waterproof gear, but also be prepared to pull over if conditions get bad. Remember to keep yourself covered and protected no matter how hot it gets.

The Importance of Meals

There's no doubt you will need to stay fed in order to stay alert and awake on your trip. However, what and when you eat are key. Avoid eating large meals before a long ride. Large, heavy meals can make you feel drowsy or groggy, so it's best to save these for the end of the day. If you're planning to get most of your miles out of the way in the morning, stick to a light breakfast. Be sure to carry water and snacks with you in order to stay hydrated and prevent getting hungry as you ride. Try to stop for an early lunch in order to avoid the lunch crowd and get back on the road faster. Finally, enjoy a larger and heartier dinner before setting up for the night. For help picking a destination for your trip, click here.

Pack Light

Telling a motorcyclist to pack light sounds like a joke because there really isn't a way around it. Motorcycles don't come with the trunk space of a car, so you can't pack as much as other motorists. With that said, pack strategically. Avoid packing things you can purchase along the way so that you can save space for things that are absolutely necessary, like an emergency kit. When deciding what type of bags to use to carry your items, consider the weather. If you're expecting rain, it's best to use hard bags so that your things stay protected. Avoid strapping too many bags onto your motorcycle since this can add too much weight to your ride.

Synthetic Oil Change in Buda

Don't leave town before giving your motorcycle a synthetic oil change. To find the perfect products for your motorcycle, contact Syntex Lubricants at (512) 848- 8240. They can recommend products like AMSOIL's 15W-60 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, made to protect your motorcycle in all conditions. To browse all of their top quality products, head over to their online shop.