Taking a long trip on your motorcycle sounds like an awesome adventure, and it can be. However, it's not quite the same as driving a car on a long road trip. There are some very important differences that new bikers may not know about. If you haven't ridden your bike on a long journey before, here are a few things you should take note of before you leave.
You're not going to be able to carry as much luggage as you would in a car, even if you have a trailer behind your bike. This means you'll want to pack light. Pick a few different shirts and pairs of pants, etc., and then mix and match them as needed. You'll also want to pick up small, travel-sized versions of toiletries to save space. If you plan on purchasing souvenirs from your trip, you'll want to leave some space in your saddlebags for them. If you do run out of room, you can always mail some items home, but this can get expensive.
Be sure to include a heavy jacket and some rain gear. You never know what the weather may do, and you're not very protected from the elements when riding. Also be sure to use sunscreen, especially if you're wearing a half-shell or three-quarter-shell helmet that doesn't fully block the sun from your face. You may want to invest in a wind protector for your helmet since you'll be riding for long periods of time.
Be prepared to be stiff and sore, especially if you haven't made long rides before. Your body is going to be in more or less the same position for hours, especially on the highway. Be ready for sharp pains when pulling into a gas station and getting off your bike.
These are just a few things a new long-distance rider may not think about, but they're important to know when you're planning your first long trip.
