Moto Travel - How to get started

The dream of riding off into the sunset is in every motorcyclist. Our founder and lead coach, Cassie Maier has done a lot of motorcycle travel, both on pavement and dirt. In fact a long road trip is what catapulted her into the motorcycle industry and eventually into coaching. Traveling by motorcycle pulls at our CLEAR Moto’s heart strings, so we’d like to share a few tips to help you plan and complete your very own motorcycle trip.

• Little or Big, a trip is a trip

• Hotels or Tents

• Consider the distance

• Pavement, dirt, or both

• Mapping systems

• Communication systems

• Luggage

Little or Big, a trip is a trip

Don’t feel like because all you can squeeze out is a one night trip, that it ins’t a trip because someone on TikTok is traveling the world. Your motorcycle trip is still a trip, and it fits into your schedule, your skill set, or wants. Besides, if you are new to moto travel it’s advised you start small anyway. Add more days as you become more comfortable and knowledgable.

Hotels or Tents

Be honest with what you really want for your moto travel experience. If you already love sleeping on the ground, tent camping will be an easy plug in. However, if the sound of critters in the night isn’t your thing, hotels, motels and the like might be more you jam. Or mix the two, if anything, for that hot shower.

Consider the Distance

The number one question I ask is “what do you want from your miles?” Think quality over quantity. That will mean something different for every rider. Your moto travel is yours and you can do what you like with it. However, consider the distance regarding fuel mileage, available fuel stations, and other services. Plan your days best you can, even if you are winging it day-of.

Pavement, Dirt, or Both

This is an important factor to weigh when it comes to sorting out the best tire for the trip. There are many elements that will help you hone in on a tire or tire type. Road surface, weather conditions, total distance, and if you want or need another set of tires during your trip (availability).

Mapping Systems

Pick any GPS system that you like and slap it on your motorcycle. Or go with your phone mounted to your bars as your navigation system. Lastly, you can stick to good old fashioned maps. We personally love Butler Maps because they are waterproof, tear resistant, beautiful and created for motorcyclists.

A quick note between GPS and using your phone. GPS functions by way of satellite, while your phone must have cell service. Depending on where you intend on riding, might steer you in one direction or the other. Honestly many riders use both systems.

Communication Systems

Sometimes the whole point is to through your cell phone into the river and ride away, however, emergencies can arise and you likely don’t want to be stuck without a way to call for help. Sometimes your cell phone won’t be enough, regarding cell coverage. You can get a small, or large, satellite communicator. There are many to choice from, though we use the Garmin InReach.

Luggage

What do you need, not what do you want. It is easy to keep adding things to your “take with” pile. All that stuff adds up and it weighs more than you may think. That extra weight will affect the way your motorcycle handles. Be honest with yourself about what you need and what you can do without.

There are also hard or soft luggage options. Each fits will with a certain type of riding. Hard luggage is lockable and typically weather resistant, and great for pavement travel. Soft luggage is not typically lockable (though Mosko Moto makes a lockable accessory), can be weather resistant, and is great for dirt travel.

So grab your things and ride off into the sunset!! If you are looking to get your feet wet with some long day rides or group rides first, check out our calendar for rides.

Packing

What you decide to pack is entirely up to you. However, if you are looking for guidance on that as well, please check out “Cassie’s Moto Camping List.” What is on the list is not required, and simply what Cassie takes with her on moto camping trips. Remove what doesn’t suit your needs and add what does.

Where to Next

That’s the best question! Whether you are a planner and organizer, or someone that just points in the direction of good weather, enjoy your motorcycle trip. See you out there.