The Ultimate Checklist for Planning a Winter Motorcycle Trip

Winter is perhaps the best time to go on a road trip and we completely agree! If you are planning to go on a bike trip this winter, here is everything you need to check, plan & arrange before heading out for your destination.

Get Your Riding Gear In Order

Before planning anything else, the first thing that you need to take into consideration is whether your motorcycle riding gear is in place or you need to invest in better alternatives. The first among them is a motorcycle helmet that has to be safe and secure as well as well sealed to keep you protected against the cold wind. Since you will be exposed to the elements for most of the trip, you need to cover your body with the proper motorcycle riding jacket and inner apparel so that you stay comfortable even when the mercury drops through the floor!  Consider investing in a motorcycle luggage box which will give you ample space to carry your winter riding gear as well as other things that you need to be comfortable during the trip.  One thing to remember here is that if you are riding with a pillion rider that space has to be divided among two people so pack smartly and pack light.

Plan Your Accommodations Early

One thing that you can be sure of when going on a winter road trip is that you won't be alone. In a hot and humid tropical country such as india everybody postpone their road trips until winter and so there is a very good chance that you will find a lot of people at the destination jostling for the same hotel room as you! It's always a good idea to book your hotel rooms in advance at least a month before actually heading out on your trip. Find out if your office has a corporate tie-up with hotel booking service providers and use it to save a little money on your hotel accommodations.

Find A Travel Partner

Are you comfortable riding alone? Everybody is different, while some people prefer to ride alone, others find it more enjoyable when they have a companion to share their experiences during the trip. If you can convince your spouse or friends to come with you then nothing better, otherwise you can find a travel companion in motorcycle riding communities on facebook and other social media platforms, or in relevant motorcycle forums online. 

Rethink The Luggage Situation

Unlike riding in the summers, you need to pack the proper winter clothes for travelling during the month of november through january. Since you do not have a lot of space to stuff in a lot of clothing, be very smart about what you carry in the little luggage bags. If necessary, buy a top box which can be affixed to the rear grab rail. Top boxes can carry a lot more stuff then you can usually accommodate inside a pair of side luggage bags.  Under special circumstances, you can also get mesh cargo nets and bungee cords to tie down extra cloth bags to the real seat of the motorcycle if there isn't a pillion rider to accompany you.

Prioritize Safety: For Both Man & Machine

Winter means slippery road surfaces because of dew drops, snow sleet, which means there is a greater risk of losing your grip on the surface and falling down. Get a pair of motorcycle riding boots with good grips. While you are on the topic of gripping surfaces, how do your motorcycle tires look? Have they gone completely bald due to prolonged use? If that's the case, it is highly recommended that you resole the tires or fit the bike with a new set of winter riding tires especially if you are planning to go to a place where it snows. Do a little bit of research on the topic of travel insurance and purchase one that suits your needs and one that has a reliable track record of paying out without hassles.