Are you planning to embark on a memorable touring adventure?
Before you hit the open road, it’s crucial to pack the right gear to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. In this article, we’ll discuss ten essential items that every motorcyclist should have in their touring kit.
You don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere without the proper equipment, do you? And you certainly don’t want to compromise your safety or comfort during long days on the bike.
That’s why the team here at Wild Roads have put together this list of must-have gear for your next motorcycle touring adventure.
From high-tech gadgets to tried-and-true apparel, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s cut right to the chase!
1. A Reliable Helmet
When it comes to motorcycle touring, your helmet is hands down the most critical piece of gear you’ll bring along. Not only does it protect your noggin in case of an accident, but it also keeps you comfortable during those long hours on the road.
I always look for a helmet that fits snugly and securely on my head. Trust me, you don’t want it wobbling around when you’re cruising down the highway. Make sure it has a clear, scratch-resistant visor too, so you can see the road ahead without any issues. And don’t forget about ventilation – you’ll want plenty of airflow to keep you cool and comfortable.
Oh, and get this – some of the latest helmets even come with built-in Bluetooth technology. How cool is that? You can stay connected with your riding buddies or jam out to your favorite tunes while you’re on the go.
If you’re really looking to up your game, consider investing in a modular helmet. These bad boys let you flip up the chin bar when you stop for breaks, making it super easy to eat, drink, and chat with your fellow riders without having to take off your entire helmet.
Check out some cool helmets for your next adventure here, at HelmetCity.
2. A Durable Jacket
Imagine you’re cruising down a winding road, the sun on your face, and the wind whipping past you. Feels great, right? But without a good motorcycle jacket, you’ll be at the mercy of the elements – and trust me, that’s not a fun place to be.
When you’re shopping for a jacket, keep an eye out for high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials like leather or Cordura. These will protect you from the wind, rain, and any unfortunate spills you might take.
And don’t forget about pockets! You’ll want plenty of space to store essentials like your phone, wallet, and maps. Plus, if you can find a jacket with removable liners, you’ll be able to adjust your level of warmth depending on the weather. Pretty nifty, huh?
Now, if you really want to feel like a superhero out there on the road, look for a jacket with built-in armor. These babies have extra protection for your back, shoulders, and elbows, just in case you take a tumble. It’s like having your own personal bodyguard, without the hefty price tag.
3. Sturdy Boots
Alright, let’s talk about your feet. They’re your direct connection to the bike, so you can’t afford to neglect them. That’s where a good pair of motorcycle boots come in.
Look for boots that are sturdy, comfortable, and offer plenty of ankle support. You want something that will keep your feet planted firmly on the pegs, even when you’re tackling tough terrain.
And while you’re at it, make sure the soles have a good grip. The last thing you want is your feet slipping off the pegs mid-ride – talk about a buzzkill.
If you’re planning on riding in wet weather (and let’s face it, if you’re in the UK, you probably are), it’s worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than riding with soggy socks. With waterproof boots, you’ll be able to keep your feet dry and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
4. Versatile Gloves
Your hands are your first line of defense against the elements when you’re out on the road. That’s why a good pair of motorcycle gloves is an absolute must-have for any touring adventure.
Not only will they protect your hands from the wind, sun, and debris, but they’ll also give you better grip on the handlebars. And when you’re on a long tour, that extra grip can make all the difference.
When you’re shopping for gloves, keep an eye out for ones made from durable materials like leather or Kevlar. These will hold up against the wear and tear of the road, and keep your hands safe in case of an accident.
And if you really want to geek out, opt for gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. That way, you can use your phone or GPS without having to take your gloves off every five minutes. Pretty cool, right?
5. A Comfortable Seat
Let’s be real – if you’re going to be spending hours on end in the saddle, you’re going to want a comfortable seat. And I’m not talking about one of those flimsy stock seats that come with your bike. No, no, no. You want a seat that’s designed specifically for your riding style and your bike.
If you really want to treat yourself, consider investing in a seat with a gel or memory foam cushion. These bad boys will absorb all those pesky vibrations and reduce pressure points, so you can ride in comfort for hours on end.
And if you’re really looking to up your game, keep an eye out for seats with built-in heating elements. Trust me, there’s nothing better than a warm tushy on a chilly morning ride.
Oh, and don’t forget about ventilation! Some seats come with special holes or channels that allow air to flow through, keeping you cool and dry on hot summer days. It’s like having your own personal air conditioning, right there on your bike.
6. A Reliable GPS
Picture this: you’re out on the open road, ready for an epic adventure. But there’s just one problem – you have no idea where you’re going. That’s where a reliable GPS comes in.
When you’re shopping for a GPS, look for one that’s designed specifically for motorcycles. You want something with a bright, easy-to-read screen that won’t get washed out by the sun. And of course, it should be waterproof and shockproof, so it can handle all the bumps and bruises of the road.
Some of the latest motorcycle GPS units come with all sorts of fancy features, like live traffic updates and built-in cameras. These can be a real lifesaver when you’re trying to navigate unfamiliar roads or avoid traffic jams.
But even if you opt for a more basic model, a good GPS will still be an invaluable tool for any motorcycle tour. It’ll help you find your way to your destination, discover new routes, and even locate the nearest gas station or rest stop when you need it most.
7. A Toolkit and First Aid Kit
Alright, let’s talk about the less glamorous – but no less important – side of motorcycle touring: being prepared for the unexpected.
No matter how well you plan your trip, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. Maybe you get a flat tire, or your chain comes loose, or you take a tumble and scrape up your knee. That’s why it’s so important to have a toolkit and first aid kit with you at all times.
Your toolkit should include all the essentials, like a tire repair kit, a multi-tool, and a set of hex keys. And if you’re really looking to be prepared, you might want to bring along some spare parts too, like a spare throttle cable or a set of spark plugs.
As for your first aid kit, make sure it’s stocked with all the basics, like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. And don’t forget about emergency items like a space blanket or a whistle – you never know when you might need them.
Sure, it might seem like a lot to carry around, but trust me – when something goes wrong on the road, you’ll be glad you have these essentials on hand.
8. A Hydration Pack
When you’re out on a long motorcycle tour, staying hydrated is key. But let’s be real – stopping to take a swig from a water bottle every five minutes isn’t exactly convenient (or safe, for that matter).
That’s where a hydration pack comes in handy. These clever little backpacks have a built-in water reservoir, so you can sip on water hands-free while you ride. Pretty nifty, huh?
If you’re in the market for a hydration pack, look for one that’s designed specifically for motorcycling. You want something with a low profile that won’t mess with your balance or get in the way of your riding. And of course, it should be made from tough, waterproof materials that can withstand the rigors of the road.
Some hydration packs even come with extra storage compartments, so you can stash snacks, tools, and other essentials right there on your back. Talk about convenience!
Just remember to keep your hydration pack clean and well-maintained – the last thing you want is a mouthful of funky-tasting water halfway through your ride.
9. A Satellite Communicator
If you’re the kind of rider who loves to venture off the beaten path, a satellite communicator is a must-have piece of gear.
These handy little devices allow you to send and receive messages, even when you’re miles away from cell phone towers. So if you get into trouble on a remote stretch of road, you can still call for help or let your loved ones know you’re okay.
Some satellite communicators even come with built-in GPS tracking and SOS buttons, so you can share your location with emergency services if things really go south.
When you’re shopping for a satellite communicator, look for one that’s rugged, waterproof, and easy to use. You don’t want to be fiddling with a complicated device when you’re in the middle of nowhere. And of course, make sure it has a long battery life – you don’t want it conking out on you when you need it most.
Sure, a satellite communicator might seem like overkill for a casual weekend ride. But if you’re planning a longer tour in remote areas, it could literally be a lifesaver.
10. A Camera or Action Camera
Last but not least, let’s talk about capturing all those epic moments on your motorcycle tour.
Sure, you could just snap a few photos on your phone and call it a day. But if you really want to do your adventure justice, consider investing in a high-quality camera or action camera.
If you’re a serious shutterbug, you might want to bring along a DSLR or mirrorless camera with all the bells and whistles. But if you’re looking for something a little more compact and user-friendly, an action camera like a GoPro could be just the ticket.
When you’re shopping for a camera, look for one that’s rugged, waterproof, and has good image stabilization. That way, you can capture smooth, clear footage even when you’re bombing down a bumpy trail or riding through a rainstorm.
Some action cameras even come with built-in GPS, so you can overlay your speed and location data on your footage. How cool is that? It’s like having your own personal dashboard cam, right there on your helmet.
Of course, you don’t want to spend your whole trip fiddling with your camera. But trust me – when you’re looking back on your adventure years later, you’ll be glad you took the time to capture those memories.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – the ten essential items every UK motorcyclist should pack for their next touring adventure. From a trusty helmet to a rugged camera, these gear picks will help you stay safe, comfortable, and ready for anything the road throws your way.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Get out there and start exploring – because at the end of the day, the best motorcycle touring gear is the stuff that helps you make unforgettable memories on two wheels.
Ride safe, and enjoy the journey!