Eager to hit the road on an adventure bike expedition, but not sure where to begin or even what adventure bike ride essentials you should pack?
Regardless of whether you’re new to riding and still building your confidence on two wheels, or an experienced rider – with a few motorcycle essentials you can enjoy an epic overnight or multi-day adventure bike ride comfortably and safely.
To help plan your next trip, adventure bike expert and Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service owner, Adrian Cash has shared his packing essentials to ensure a smooth trip.
And don’t forget to ensure your scheduled servicing is up-to-date and bike is fitted with the most suitable tyres. Our new service centre and store in Lawnton has all the equipment and advice you need for an unforgettable adventure.
5 packing essentials for an adventure bike ride
Having clocked up hundreds of thousands of kilometres over the last 35 years, Adrian is no stranger to cruising the open road and unearthing prime off-road tracks. He regularly leads small groups of riders for overnight adventure bike trips through to week or month long sojourns both locally and abroad.
So what should you pack?
“It’s a no brainer, but when you’ve only got two wheels you have to be savvy about what items you carry to keep you out of trouble,” said Adrian.
- Riding gearIt’s paramount you are kitted out correctly with good boots and riding gear with different liners. This will not only to protect you and minimise harm, but also shield against the weather.“The weather can turn pretty quickly and I’ve seen plenty of occasions when conditions have gone from summer to winter in an instant. Waterproof jackets and pants are essential, as are warm layers for the cooler months or when riding in the early morning or late evening,” he said.
- Basic tools Items such as lightweight tyre levers and spanners are a must. If you’re riding in a group, share the load and ensure at least one person has them on their bike as a precaution. And of course – don’t forget spare tubes.“The most common issue we encounter on the road is a flat tyre. Being caught out without the right size spare tube is not only a pain but often causes delays or could mean you have to cut short your trip. You don’t want to be THAT person in the group.”
- A can of chain lubePerhaps the most important, yet most commonly overlooked item. Chain lube is a must after riding in wet conditions. According to Adrian it should be applied liberally if you’ve been out in the rain, or if you’ve been off-road.“Rain washes all your chain oil away and dries it out much quicker than what it normally would. Similarly as soon as you go through dirt, dust and debris can start to build-up on the chain and impact its ability to function so make sure you remember to reapply the chain lube as a priority,” he said.
- Small luggage with the correct straps (if travelling overnight)Stowing your luggage safely and securely also rings true on the bike. And pack smart – if you’re travelling with your partner or mates, reduce your cargo and avoid doubling up by sharing toiletries such as toothpaste.
- Interphone headsets (optional)
While not essential, interphone headsets can make the ride more enjoyable by giving you the freedom to communicate with your fellow riders with minimum fuss.“We find the headsets really handy off-road on narrow tracks. When you’ve got multiple riders you can notify each other of oncoming 4WDs or other bikes, plus makes it easier for the sweep rider at the back of our group to communicate with those upfront and ensure everyone makes it safely to the next checkpoint,” said Adrian.
And before you hit the road…
It’s crucial your bike is in top nick and up-to-date with it’s scheduled servicing. Your tyres should also be checked before you venture off.
Did you know Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Servicing can also assist in identifying the correct tyre option to suit your destination – on or off-road, or even finding a tyre that can do both. Contact us here.
Stay tuned for more adventure bike blog posts from Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service including some of our favourite South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales routes.
