The Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip Packing List

Are you planning a motorcycle road trip? Then you’re in for an enjoyable time. Road tripping on your bike is an excellent way to visit scenic locations while celebrating your love for riding.

However, bringing all the necessary supplies on your trip is essential to having the best experience. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of all of the most critical items you’ll need for your trip. Read on to learn our ultimate motorcycle road trip packing list.

1. Helmet

If you forget everything else on your packing list, you should at least make sure to bring a helmet. Wearing a helmet every time you ride your bike is essential. However, on road trips, when you may be tired and have more exposure to the open road, a helmet is even more crucial to staying safe.

If you’re planning to buy a new helmet for your road trip, we recommend choosing one that is breathable and comfortable so you don’t feel tempted to remove it throughout your journey. However, any DOT-approved helmet should keep you safe

2. Tool Kit

If you do not typically keep a toolkit in your bike, now is the time to bring one along. When you go on solo road trips, you may not have friends or family members nearby to help you fix a flat tire or jump a dead battery. You also won’t have any other means of transportation to get to the nearest store and purchase the tools you need.

Your tool kit might include:

A wrench and socket set
A flat tire repair kit
An air compressor
Wheel removal tools
Screwdrivers
Jump leads
Cable ties
Spare parts

3. Clothing

Along with your helmet, you should also bring protective, comfortable clothing to wear while riding your bike. Specifically, you should be sure to pack the following articles of clothing:

A protective jacket
Riding pants
Gloves
Boots
Riding socks

These protective layers can help keep you warm on windy rides and provide a barrier against rocks and other debris you may encounter on the road.

4. Wallet and Paperwork

You should always bring your wallet, vehicle registration, and ID with you when you ride your bike. However, if you’re planning a longer motorcycle road trip, you may want to take some additional paperwork along, such as:

Copies of your driver’s license
Documents with your emergency contact information
Insurance cards
Extra cash or bank cards
Health information

These items can be helpful if you experience a crash during your road trip and cannot share your contact information with emergency responders. Alternatively, having extra cash and cards on hand can ensure that you do not become stranded if you lose your wallet.

5. GPS or Maps

Some motorcyclists prefer to use paper maps for navigation on road trips. If you do plan to use paper maps, we recommend only referencing them while parked or stopped at traffic lights.

Alternatively, you may find it easier to use a GPS to plan your route and adjust to changes in traffic in real-time. If you choose to use your smartphone as a GPS, be sure to silence texts and other notifications to eliminate distractions while riding.