The excitement of the open road and the liberty of the vast outdoors are combined when motorbike camping. Motorcyclists who want to add some real-world experience of living off their bikes to their journeys have taken an increasing interest in motorbike camping recently. For those who have never done it before, it may be as intimidating as it is exhilarating.
Therefore, read this post so that you will be better prepared before you go on your motorbike, which promises to carry you everywhere, and go on your camping experiences. Let’s have a look at the top ten motorcycle camping tips. We’ll cover everything you need to know to go on your adventure with confidence, from packing smartly to selecting the appropriate gear and locating the best campsites.
Top 10 Tips For Motorcycle Camping
1. Make The Right Motorcycle Gear Investment
There is a rationale behind the wide variety of motorcycle accessories that are offered on the market. This is so that different equipment can be used in various scenarios and goals. For example, if you plan to take your track gear out for an adventure ride, you will not only make your friends laugh at you, but it will also be a very uncomfortable and unpleasant experience to ride.
Thus, the first step should be to invest in the appropriate equipment for you. Selecting multipurpose equipment is preferable since it can withstand the rigors of both camping and off-road motorcycle use while also saving you space by requiring you to carry fewer items. Whatever gear you decide on, be sure it is waterproof if you plan to spend time outdoors under the open sky.
2. Avoid Packing Too Much
Motorcycle camping’s worst enemy is over packaging. It is the most common problem that motorcyclists worldwide face, and the only way to become more proficient at packing is through experience. Anticipating your vacation schedule and preparing your luggage appropriately is an intelligent place to start.
In general, it is best to steer clear of bulky clothing items like pullovers and sweaters in favor of lightweight fleece or Merino wool layers and multipurpose waterproof liners. Investing in packing cubes to organize all of your necessities and help save space is another excellent suggestion. Recall that it is preferable to bring less, ride a lighter bike, and make a few purchases while traveling than to bring much more, handle a heavily loaded bike, and have to send stuff back.
Also, know: What Should a Woman Wear On a Motorcycle
3. Pay Attention To The Weather
The fact that you will be camping outside is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind when motor camping. Thus, pay attention to the weather report and pick a suitable time to camp. Drizzles should encourage you to the tent because most contemporary models can tolerate quite a bit of rain.
Avoiding putting up your camp at the incorrect time is another crucial camping tip. You might only be able to locate flat land to set up your tent if you pitch it too late at night or in good sight. In the unlikely event that you should find yourself camping amid a downpour, make sure your campsite is away from large trees in case lightning strikes.
4. Always Have A Fire Starter On Hand
It is impossible to overstate how much a bonfire can improve your camping trip. No, a campfire is not just necessary for cold weather; in fact, lighting a modest bonfire any time of year is a terrific idea, especially if you’re wild camping. It provides adequate warmth in the late hours of the night and aids in keeping wild creatures at bay. Knowing which way the wind is blowing is crucial at this stage so you can keep the campfire away from your tent. Firestarter kits are a valuable tool for all types of motorcycle campers because they are waterproof and reasonably priced.
5. Pick Wisely Where To Set Up Camp
When people choose poor campsites, it’s the main reason why most camping trips end poorly. A campground can be found practically anywhere in the nation these days. There are paid and free wild campsites; moreover, only some campsites will be to your liking.
For example, there might be better ideas to camp at a location where there are a lot of trailers and campers if you are a person who prefers peace. Thus, picking a good location for your camp is a crucial first step. A well-organized physical map of the region is a valuable tool for understanding the locations of campsites along your route.
6. Prepare Well
This is general motorbike advice for anyone preparing to go on any trip. More precisely, though, it becomes an even more crucial component of your pre-ride routine when you camp out on a motorcycle. Good planning includes not just your route and destination but also making the necessary arrangements to ensure that you can take good care of your motorcycle while traveling.
In addition, you should consider the route’s grocery stores, rest areas, and the weather. Since motorbike camping is predicated on the idea of independence, you cannot afford to take the chance of ill-preparedness when it comes to setting up camp far from any assistance.
7. Select The Camping Gear That Works For You
There are many different forms and sizes of everything, from tents to sleeping bags to mattresses to water bottles to fuel canisters. This is because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to camping. Because they have the luxury of four wheels, some people decide to haul heavy equipment.
Also, Riding a motorcycle requires you to be aware of the weight you are carrying behind the vehicle. This implies that you will need to choose the lightest equipment that works best for you. A multi-person tent configuration might also be helpful if you are riding with a pillion or a group of other riders. Therefore, it’s vital to know what kind of camping you intend to undertake before making any equipment purchase.
8. Be Aware Of The Indications
This advice is applicable both literally and figuratively. In a metaphorical sense, you must exercise caution and watch out for any warning indications of hazards when going motorcycling or camping. This can include things like unexpected weather shifts, being lost in a location without traffic lights, or even encountering a motorbike problem that could have been fixed sooner.
Literally you should also be aware of nearby road signs. The signage in your camping area will assist you in identifying the type of area you are in. For example, there will be indications indicating that you are in bear territory. Or, you will need to be alert to watch out for signs like that if you are in a paid camping area.
9. Understand Your Motorcycle
Knowing your motorbike inside and out is one of the most vital pieces of advice when it comes to motorcycling and camping. It’s easy: you’re a long way from the conveniences of mechanics and convenience stores. Therefore, you should be able to fix your motorbike on your own in the unlikely event that an issue arises. Until you can transport your bike to the closest town, you should be able to make a temporary patch.
For this, you must know how to troubleshoot common motorcycle problems. Smaller, lighter ADVs and dual sports are more accessible to repair than large, expensive adventure motorcycles.
10. There Is A Learning Curve
The most crucial piece of advice when it comes to motorbike camping is to keep in mind that it’s all a learning process. You won’t become an expert at it quickly or after just one ride around town. Your skill set will grow more varied the more you explore the realm of motorbike camping. You’ll eventually be able to conduct your do-it-yourself camping experience hacks thanks to this.
Keep in mind that you can only prepare for an adventure if you embark on one. Thus, set modest expectations and be prepared to pick up new skills as needed.