If you’re the proud owner of a motorcycle who also happens to be a camping enthusiast, why not combine your two passions into one amazing experience? After all, motorcycle camping is the perfect way to see more of the country in a minimalist fashion. You’ll be more limited in what you’re able to bring with you since you’ll be on your bike, which means you’ll need to be ready to trim it down to the bare necessities. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about complicated accommodations or pricey transport. Keep reading to learn more.

Pre-Ride Inspection

You don’t want to get on your motorcycle and head out on a long-distance trip without making sure it’s ready for the occasion. Take the time to perform a thorough inspection before you depart. If you happen to find any problems, you’ll want to address them prior to leaving.

Plan Ahead

While it might seem fun to be spontaneous and see where the road takes you, this isn’t a good way to go. You’re much better off planning your ride ahead of time. You need to make sure you have places to stop for food, fuel, rest, and so forth. It’s also wise to plan any stops you might make to visit tourist attractions along your route.

Another key part of the planning process is to check the weather forecast before you head out on your motorcycle. This will help you dress appropriately based on the conditions, whether it’s rainy, hot, or cold. The weather can have a big impact on your comfort level during your ride. Remember to pack some waterproof gear in case you need it.

Additional Storage

While your bike might be equipped with a few storage options, these are mostly intended for short commutes where you don’t have a ton of extra gear and clothes. You’ll likely need additional storage for a long-distance motorcycle camping trip. Fortunately, there are various options, including cargo racks and side boxes that are meant for longer adventures.

Choose a Location

Lastly, make sure you take the time to choose your location and accommodations in advance. It’s important to know you’re going to have a place to stay each night. If you’re booking a campsite, you’ll need to confirm that it’s motorcycle-friendly as some are not. You’ll also want to check and see that they offer the amenities you need, like bathrooms, water, laundry facilities, and electricity. When you arrive, you’ll want to get a good spot to camp that’s not too far away, but isn’t in an area where you’ll feel cramped.

We hope this guide has been helpful. For those who need assistance with parts or repairs before their next trip, Nielsen Enterprises is here to help. You’ll find us in Lake Villa, IL, where we serve all those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.