If you are new to a motorbike then it can be easy to think that taking a road trip is just the same as doing it with a car. This article has more information to help plan a motorbike road trip.

What You Need to Consider When Planning a Motorbike Road Trip

The first time that a motorbike rider takes their machine out for a road trip, it often ends on a bad note. Not because their bike broke down, but just because they planned the trip as if they were taking their regular sedan. Below is a great article from USA Synthetics with some tips on what to consider when planning a road trip n your motorcycle.

How Long Have You Got in You?

When you are looking at a map and your planned route on a computer screen, it can seem like an easy trip. 5 hours on the road straight? Sure, that’s not a problem. After all, there’s cruise control, comfortable seats, climates control, cup holders and passengers to talk to...right? When you’re on a bike, it’s a little bit different. Well, a little bit in the way that you have none of those items. This includes not having easy access to simply take a drink of water as you travel. Everything requires you to stop and unpack some gear. With this in mind, look for places along your route where you can make frequent stops to get a drink, eat some food, and stretch your legs. Stopping every hour and a half is a good idea, considering the seating position. Will this mean that you won’t be able to make your destination by the same time you usually would in a car? Yes. Does it also mean that you will arrive at your destination in a good mood? Definitely! While you are looking for places to eat and drink along the way, consider any stops you may need to make to check your fluid levels. To prevent your bike from breaking down in the summer sun, click here to buy AMSOIL’s 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil. Products like these are designed to help motorcycle engines run smooth and clean. If you aren’t sure which is the right oil for your bike, give USA Synthetics a call at (405) 388-6170 and speak with an expert.

How's the Weather?

More than just considering what to bring with you on your journey, it’s important to consider the weather during your ride when planning your journey. After all, when you’re in a car you can easily drive through a heavy storm with rain falling in every direction and wind blowing in every opposite direction. Do you think that you could ride through that on a bike? Not likely. For that reason, it’s important to take note of the weather conditions along your journey. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t make your trip, it just means small changes like planning to be in a sheltered space when expected rain hits, or even changing the places you still stay along your journey to accommodate the weather patterns.

Don't Get Distracted

Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Both to themselves and other road users and pedestrians. And while cars have many technologies included that monitor driver alertness, when you’re on a bike, it’s just you. Of course, you can’t simply install a stereo system on your bike (wouldn’t it be good if you could, though!) there is something you can do. Check your local cell phone accessory store for Bluetooth headphones that you can connect to your phone. More than just answering and making calls, look for an earpiece that allows you to interact with your phone’s virtual assistant to control your device while you ride. This can include starting, changing, and stopping the music, making and receiving calls, listening to your messages being read, replying to and composing messages, speaking directions as you ride, and any other function that your device offers. If you are interested, there are helmets available which have this technology included.

Every Bike Deserves a Synthetic Oil Change in Oklahoma City, OK to Keep It Healthy

While there are many other differences between a car and a motorcycle, these are three top items to consider when planning a bike-based road trip. Of course, none of it matters if your bike isn’t up to the task. Before you head out, speak with USA Synthetics at (405) 388-6170 to find out what the best products for your bike are. If you prefer, check out the online store for products like AMSOIL’s 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil that have been purposed designed to help your motorcycle run as its best.