For those planning their first long motorcycle trip, we’ve prepared a series of tips and recommendations to help make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Tips for Planning a Long Motorcycle Trip

If you ask seasoned riders—those who embark on the kind of long-distance journeys we organize at IMTBIKE—they’ll tell you to lay out everything you plan to pack on the bed and then only take half of it…
Jokes aside—or not—you need to be very selective with what you bring. Your motorcycle’s storage capacity is limited, so only pack what’s truly necessary.

Special attention to your bike

The most important part of any motorcycle trip is the motorcycle itself. It must be in optimal condition to avoid unpleasant surprises. While all rides require preparation, long trips demand extra care.

• Tires

Critical, as they’re your only contact with the road. Ideally, start your trip with new tires. At the very least, ensure the current ones are in excellent shape—with over 90% tread life remaining.

• Brakes

If the brake fluid looks murky, it’s lost viscosity and effectiveness. Bleed the system and replace it with fresh fluid. As for brake pads, if they’re thinner than 4 mm, replace them before the trip.

• Fluid levels and transmission

Check the engine oil and coolant levels and top them off if needed. The drive chain should be clean, well-lubricated, and properly tensioned. Also, inspect for any leaks, especially in the front suspension seals.

• Spare parts

Depending on your bike’s load capacity, it’s smart to bring some basic tools and spares: a tire repair kit is essential, as well as engine oil (especially if your bike tends to consume it), spare brake and clutch levers, zip ties, duct tape… For truly remote adventures, if possible, bring spare tires and brake pads—some areas may not have easy access to these parts.

Preventing problems

The beauty of traveling by motorcycle is feeling the raindrops, smelling the local cuisine as you ride through small towns, and experiencing the cold of winter or the heat of summer—traveling on two wheels engages all five senses.

The unexpected is also part of the thrill: discovering new places, feeling butterflies in your stomach from the uncertainty of what lies ahead, the people you’ll meet, and the situations you’ll encounter. That can’t be predicted—and that’s part of the magic. What can be anticipated—and is much less fun when it happens—are mechanical problems. These are often avoidable by following the maintenance tips above.

More reliability and peace of mind

Ensuring your bike is mechanically sound before hitting the road puts you in a safer, more relaxed mindset. You’ll ride with confidence, knowing your motorcycle will perform at its best—both engine and chassis.

These are just some helpful tips for prepping your bike for a long journey. But don’t forget to bring the most important tool of all: common sense—the best way to prevent any kind of mishap.