Ready for the Road

Getting Your Bike and Body Ready for Longer Rides

Touring comfort starts well before you leave the driveway. A few hours in the saddle will expose anything that feels slightly off on a short commute, so it pays to prepare both the motorcycle and yourself with the same care.

A pre-trip check that actually catches problems

Many riders use the T-CLOCS approach as a memory aid: tyres and wheels, controls, lights and electrics, oil and fluids, chassis, and stands. In practice that means:

• Tyres: set pressures cold, using the figures in your owner's manual. Some manuals give a higher figure for carrying luggage or a passenger. Check the tread depth and look for cuts or embedded objects.
• Chain or belt: check slack and lubrication. A dry chain on a long motorway stretch wears quickly.
• Fluids: look at engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels, and check for weeps around seals.
• Lights and controls: test the indicators, brake light and horn, and make sure the cables move freely through full lock.

If you are unsure what wear looks like on a particular part, our notes on what to look for in a used motorcycle cover the same warning signs.

Comfort is about fit, not just padding

Fatigue on tour usually comes from small mismatches that build up over the day. These include a lever angle that strains the wrist, a screen that sends buffeting onto your helmet, or footpegs that keep your knees too bent. Adjust the levers so your wrists stay roughly straight when you cover the controls. Try the screen at different heights before a big trip. Consider whether a gel seat or a sheepskin cover would help on longer days.

Pack light and keep the weight low

Put heavy items low and close to the centre of the bike, and balance the weight evenly between the panniers. Keep the load within the manufacturer's limits. A full load changes how the bike brakes and steers, so do a short loaded shakedown ride first. Keep rain gear, water and a basic tool kit where you can reach them quickly.

Plan for breaks

Stopping every hour or two to stretch, drink water and eat keeps you alert, and alertness matters more than mileage. Layered gear helps you adapt as temperatures change through the day. If you are choosing a bike with touring in mind, our comparison of standard, cruiser and adventure bikes explains how riding position affects long-distance comfort.