The Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Touring

There's nothing quite like the thrill of motorcycle touring—just you, the open road, and endless possibilities ahead. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country journey, planning and preparation are key to making the most of your adventure. Every small detail matters, from choosing the right motorcycle gear and mapping your route to ensuring you have a reliable power source.

One essential piece of gear that is often overlooked is a portable solar-powered generator. The Jackery Solar Generator is a powerful portable power supply that keeps your GPS, phone, and other essentials powered without relying on fuel stops. The guide covers everything you need to know to plan, pack, and ride with confidence so you can focus on the road, the adventure, and the freedom that comes with it.

Key Takeaways 

• A well-planned motorcycle tour ensures a smooth, safe, and enjoyable adventure.

• Comfort, fuel efficiency, luggage capacity, and terrain adaptability are key factors in selecting a touring motorcycle.

• Proper route planning, weather checks, and regular bike maintenance help prevent unexpected issues.

• Protective riding gear, rainwear, and navigation tools enhance safety and comfort on long journeys.

• Jackery Solar Generators provide reliable, portable power for essential devices while touring off-grid.

What is Motorcycle Touring 

Motorcycle touring is a type of tourism involving riding a motorcycle on a long trip. It involves traveling across continents or just within a continent or country. However, motorcycle touring often varies in terms of distance and traveling distance. While some people love to travel alone, others prefer to join a group. 

Why You Should Try Motorcycle Touring 

Motorcycle touring is worth trying because it offers a sense of freedom and allows you to explore the landscapes at your own pace. If you are unsure if you should try motorcycle touring, here are a few reasons to check out: 

• A motorcycle tour allows you to explore the beautiful and diverse landscapes at your own pace. Whether you want to cross 20 km per day or 100 km daily, you can choose your own traveling style. 

• Going motorcycle touring lets you visit places that you would have missed otherwise. And who knows, you might discover a hidden gem that no one else has been to. 

• Compared to other forms of travel, motorcycle riding is a lot more affordable. This is because of its fuel efficiency and ability to camp or stay in budget-friendly accommodations. 

• While riding a motorcycle, you can meet fellow riders at rest stops or biker hangouts to create a sense of camaraderie. 

What to Look for When Choosing a Touring Motorcycle 

Touring bikes are extremely comfortable and can carry luggage on long-distance trips. If you are planning a motorcycle trip for the first time, choosing the right touring bike is of utmost importance. You will need to consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure you select the best motorcycle for the tour. Here are a few factors to keep in mind while choosing the bike: 

Engine: Sport touring motorcycles come in different engine sizes, so riders can start from a bit smaller and work their way up. These bikes are quite heavy and large, so make sure to have enough power for what you bring on. 

Average MPG: Touring motorcycles, on average, get 54 - 66 mpg, which is great gas mileage for the power any bike can offer. They are ideal for long-distance rides, and you don't have to pull over every 150 miles to refuel. They generally have large gas tanks to hold more fuel and reduce the number of times you will need to refuel in one trip.

Style: Touring bikes have a classic and relaxed look. They are generally dressed up with many options, including heated seats, stereos, windscreens, GPS, automatic transmission, and lots of carrying capacity. Whether you are a professional rider or an aspiring traveler, you will find the best touring bike for you. 

Comfort Level: Since you will be sitting for long periods of time on the bike, the arms and wrists will be in the same position, and you will stay strong enough to control the bike. You need to double-check to ensure the bike is comfortable for long trips. 

There are many motorcycles available, but your choice depends on your traveling style, distance, luggage needs, etc. 

Yamaha Tracer 7:  The Yamaha Tracer 7 is clearly one of the most practical, comfortable, and versatile motorcycles for trips. You can find a range of features, including a clear dashboard cruise control, heated grips, and a quick-shifter that makes journeys easy and fun. 

Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT/GX: The Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT/GX is the taller, rounder version of the GT, built with semi-active suspension for longer travel. The GT is slick, sporty, and fast with great breaks, while the GX is more relaxed and comfortable for longer travel. 

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello: The all-new motorcycle is like an exotic curio disguised as a Grand Tourer. Its elegance and attractiveness make it a popular choice for motorcycle touring. 

What is Motorcycle Touring Like 

A motorcycle tour usually looks like a rider comfortably settled on a large, well-equipped bike with ample storage space for gear. However, for added convenience, here are other things that one must know before planning a motorcycle tour: 

Comfort of Your Motorcycle Touring Bike 

Whether you want to enjoy a short or long trip, you need to focus on comfort for yourself and your passengers. Generally speaking, longer trips are much more convenient on large touring motorcycles. 

A few things you want to look for when selecting the motorcycle touring vehicle include a larger motorcycle touring fuel tank, weather protection, a low center of gravity, and plenty of available storage. 

Big or Small Storage for Your Motorcycle Touring Experience 

The second thing to look after when going for a motorcycle tour adventure is the size of your storage. A full luggage set might be expensive for beginners, especially if they are not planning to travel regularly or on long trips. It's best to test different luggage types to decide which one is comfortable. 

You would be surprised to see how many necessities can fit into a small tail bag. In addition, make sure the luggage is waterproof and leave some space for a helmet and jacket. Remember, while big bags might hold more items, they are strapped on the back of the motorcycle, which makes traveling unstable. 

The Weather, Road, and Terrain Ahead 

Unexpected changes in weather and terrain can ruin your motorcycle touring experience. For this reason, it is essential to align the baggage, motorcycle type, and gear to the conditions and terrain you might encounter during the tour. You need to gear up with windshield and layered clothes to safeguard yourself from the strong winds. If you are going to a desert area, wear sun protection. 

What to Pack for Motorcycle Touring 

When packing for motorcycle touring, the first thing you need to consider is the clothing requirements. Safety is the first thing you need to address, followed by comfort and usability. Helmets are indispensable elements. A good pair of gloves is the second most important thing for safe motorcycle touring. Other must-have clothing gear includes jackets, suits, pants, and boots. 

Besides clothing, there are other things that you need to pack for a comfortable motorcycle tour. 

Basics 

While you can use any motorcycle for touring, some are better than others. For instance, specific models are suitable for particular needs, like long-distance travel. Some other basic gear includes large-capacity fuel tanks, windshields, and a more relaxed upright seating position. You also need to bring other stuff like a passport, credit card, cash, and travel insurance. It's better to pack a toolkit for emergency repair and maintenance. 

Safety and Protection 

Your safety on the road is paramount, so invest in high-quality protective gear. You should start with a durable helmet that provides maximum protection without compromising comfort. Full-face helmets are generally ideal for long rides as they offer better coverage and noise reduction, whereas modular helmets offer versatility for those who prefer flexibility. A sturdy riding jacket protects you from weather elements and offers coverage. 

Riding pants with similar protection are also essential for full body protection against road debris and potential falls. You shouldn't miss investing in a pair of robust riding gloves for hand and grip protection. For long-distance travel, you can invest in gloves with reinforced knuckles, breathable fabrics, and waterproof material. There are specially designed boots available that offer reinforced soles, ankle support, and waterproofing to handle different terrains. 

Emergency and First Aid 

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for a motorcycle tour. It should include the essentials such as antiseptic wipes, bandages, tweezers, burn ointment, pain relievers, and adhesive tapes. If you are planning long trips, you should add medications for motion sickness, allergies, rehydration salts, and gastrointestinal issues. The first aid kit should be waterproof, compact, and accessible in case of emergencies. 

Communication Devices 

You should stay connected with loved ones during short or long motorcycle trips. A Bluetooth communication system integrated into the helmet helps you enjoy hands-free calling, intercom communication with other riders, and navigation instructions. You should also carry a portable power supply like a Jackery Solar Generator to keep essential devices running. 

Camping Gear 

If you want to camp during your motorcycle adventure, consider investing in compact and lightweight camping gear. In addition, carry a sleeping bag, quality tent, and portable stove to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable. Consider packing a headlamp, biodegradable soap, and foldable chairs for added convenience. 

Remember, camping also needs careful planning of the route to include suitable camping spots. A handy power station like Jackery Solar Generator can ensure your camping appliances, such as lights, fans, etc., remain powered. Don't forget to research local regulations and follow Leave No Trace to reduce impact on the environment.  

Jackery Solar Generators for Motorcycle Touring 

Motorcycle touring is all about freedom, but staying powered on the road can be a challenge. Traditional power sources like gas generators are bulky, noisy, and require constant refueling, making them impractical for motorcyclists. That's where solar generators come in. 

Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing portable power stations and solar generators. The high-quality power stations and solar panels are designed for off-grid adventures. Solar generators are a complete energy solution that combines a battery-powered portable power station with solar panels that harness the sun's energy. 

Whether you're camping overnight, working remotely, or simply keeping essential devices powered, a Jackery Solar Generator ensures you're never left in the dark. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 

For riders planning long-distance tours, camping in remote locations, or carrying extra electronic gear, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is the ultimate power companion. Its large battery capacity and multiple output ports allow you to stay off-grid longer while keeping essential devices running. It can keep your essentials powered for multiple days without frequent recharges, which is ideal for multi-day rides in remote areas where power sources are scarce.

Appliances Running Time 

• Smartphone (50W) = 17.1H 

• Small Air Compressor (450W) = 1.9H 

• Electric Kettle (600W) = 1.4H 

• Blender (300W) = 2.8H 

• Heated Motorcycle Jacket (450W) = 1.9H 

Customer Review 

"I've used it for the past month or so on different camping trips and hunting trips. it ran two CPAPs all night without any issues. Easy to use, and easy to understand, I am impressed with it overall." — Tim Gilge.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus 

For motorcyclists who prioritize lightweight gear but still need reliable power for essential devices, the Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is a great choice. This compact and powerful unit is suitable for shorter trips, solo rides, and lightweight touring setups. It is easy to pack on a motorcycle without taking up too much space. It offers a balance of portability and performance, ensuring you stay powered without adding unnecessary bulk to your bike.

Appliances Running Time 

• Smartphone (50W) = 10.1H 

• GoPro (100W) = 5.0H 

• Compact Travel Oven (300W) = 1.6H 

• Blender (300W) = 1.6H 

• Heated Motorcycle Jacket (450W) = 1.1H 

Customer Review 

"My new Jackery Explorer 600 Plus + SolarSaga 100 x 1 works great for setting up my telescope, cooled camera, and laptop in remote dark sky locations. It provides all the power I need to get me through long night astrophotography sessions." — Chris Moore. 

How to Travel by Motorcycle 

Traveling by motorcycle, especially for the first time, can be intimidating. Here are some of the preparation and practical tips that ensure a motorcycle tour remains comfortable: 

Route Planning 

If you are heading to unfamiliar countries, finding a place to eat, sleep, or fuel can be quite tricky, which means you need to be prepared. Motorcycle tours and camping by the side of the road are undoubtedly exciting. But you will definitely appreciate a hot shower and warm bed to get the dirt and sweat off. 

Some riders prefer to travel hundreds of miles a day, which can be easy with good planning and discipline. Understanding the ins and outs of the route allows you to travel faster and better. Traveling slowly will use less fuel, and you will not have to stop for gas often. If you find anything worth watching, take a break and see it. 

Motorcycle Check 

Before you head out, check the engine levels, brake fluids, coolant, and tire pressure. You should also inspect tire tread depth and ensure proper inflation. Don't forget to check chain tension and lubrication and look for excessive wear on the sprockets. Finally, it is essential to test the lights, turn signals, and brake lights. 

Long or Short Distance Tour 

You should try several short-distance motorcycle trips near your home before heading out on a long trip. Riding in your spare time helps you build up stamina for the trip ahead. Your body will definitely give you an insight on the motorcycle trip, whether it is through pains and aches symbolizing that the trip was too long or a feeling of satisfaction indicating that you can ride further than you thought. Remember, both short and long trips are amazing. However, proper planning and preparations for long motorcycle trips are much more extensive than the shorter ones.  

Solo or Group Tour 

Many people often wonder if they should travel alone or in a group. If you are an experienced rider, you can consider traveling on your own. The main benefit of a solo tour is that you don't have to depend on anybody. You can change routes, go at your own pace, and stop wherever you want. 

However, it has a downside: It increases the chances of vulnerability. For example, if anything happens to the bike, you can only count on yourself and travelers passing by. On the other hand, traveling in a group provides companionship, shared responsibility, and potentially a better safety net. 

Safety Tips 

Here are some other motorcycle touring safety tips that will save you time and help you on the road: 

• Wear earplugs while riding to keep your ears protected and avoid fatigue. 
• Choose a helmet designed with a tinted visor, as it is much more efficient than sunglasses. 
• Double-check your motorcycle before taking off every morning. 
• Carry a lip balm and make sure you are well hydrated to stay alert and comfortable. 
• Packing a motorcycle cover will keep the bike clean and dry overnight. 
• Always hide a spare key somewhere with duct tape on the motorcycle, or ask someone in the group to keep it safe. 
• Choose light and healthy meals during the day. Try locally owned places, connect with the locals, and dive into the culture of places. 
• Keep your family updated about your whereabouts and share your photos and stories. 
• Carry a portable and powerful Jackery Solar Generator to ensure essential appliances remain powered on the move. 
• Remember to give yourself some time off and do nothing. 

Motorcycle Touring FAQs 

What does touring mean on a motorcycle? 

Touring motorcycles are specially designed for long-distance trips. They feature large, powerful engines, an upright riding position, cargo space or luggage carriers, and a generous second seat to comfortably carry a passenger over a long distance. 

How much does it cost to do Route 66 on a motorcycle? 

The cost to ride Route 66 on a motorcycle can vary depending on the location, tour length, and whether it is guided or self-guided. For example, a trip that lasts 8 to 17 days might start from $4039.43. 

What size motorcycle is best for touring? 

For touring, a motorcycle with a displacement of around 600cc to 1200cc is generally considered the best size. It provides a good balance of power, comfort, and fuel efficiency for a long-distance ride. 

Are touring motorcycles hard to ride? 

Yes, sport-touring motorcycles are designed to be heavier than other bikes, which can be a challenge for some riders. Their extra weight and size can sometimes make them hard to ride. 

Final Thoughts 

Motorcycle touring isn't just about the destination—it's about the experiences and the stories you collect along the way. Planning ahead, choosing the right gear, and staying powered can make every ride smoother and more enjoyable. With portable solar power like Jackery Solar Generator, you don't have to worry about dead devices or searching for an outlet in remote locations. Instead, you stay connected when you need to and unplug when you want to. So, fuel up, pack wisely, and hit the road with confidence.