Camping with Motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are designed to deliver the utmost comfort for those long distance rides. Endurance rides are fun, but eventually you reach your destination. What better endpoint than a campsite? Imagine being able to ride all day, then curl up under the stars at night. To make the most of your camping trip, keep reading! We gathered up the top tips for camping with touring motorcycles. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in San Diego, Carlsbad, and Encinitas, California.
Planning
A short cruise around the block doesn’t require much forethought. But an endurance ride that ends in a weekend trip does! You need to coordinate (and pay for) your meals, lodging, gas, and any tourist attractions along the way. Planning helps you maximize your fun while reducing the funding required.
A strategic place to start is pinpointing the places you want to see, such as a tourist attraction or a scenic vista. Then seek out campsites that are in a convenient location nearby those spots. Try to book in advance. It secures your spot (and can earn you a discount).
While you plan, it’s important to account for the weather as well. Avoid traveling on days with extreme weather, such as thunderstorms, snow, or high heat. Touring motorcycles aren’t meant to plow through weather warnings!
Storage on Touring Motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are built for long rides. Long rides require gear and these motorcycles are built with this in mind. They offer options such as saddlebags, a top side box, and a cargo rack. If this doesn’t cut it, you can buy storage upgrades.
One common upgrade to buy is leather cargo bags. They can hold items, of course. But their main draw is their aesthetic, which pairs especially well with vintage motorcycles. Before you buy, take into account that they do require special care. They can get damaged by road salt, rain, and other substances commonly found on a ride.
Another common upgrade is dry bags. As their name implies, they are waterproof. Toss in your valuables, such as your cell phone, to keep them dry.
Packing Motorcycles
The ultimate goal is to minimize the weight placed on your motorcycle. The more weight you pack onto motorcycles, the more their performance will get compromised. There are some essentials you’ll need like shelter, clothing, medications, toiletries, food, and water. You can condense these as much as possible. Use travel size versions whenever you can. After all, you don’t need a full bottle of shampoo when you are only gone a few days. Another strategy is to opt for backpacking equipment. These products are designed to take up as little space as possible. They will be lightweight options to use.
Your Camping Location
Before you book a campsite, make sure they allow motorcycles (as not all do). Consider as well the amenities you need, such as water and electricity. It may take some research, but you can find a campsite offering what you need.
When you arrive at your campsite, be intentional about where you set up camp. Seek out flat ground as it’ll be more comfortable to sleep on. Avoid slopes at all costs. If you set-up too far from the group, you increase the risk of an animal encounter. If you set-up too close to the group, it may be tough to sleep with all the noise and light. It may take some time, but a perfect spot awaits!
For everything related to motorcycles, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson®. Check out our new and used motorcycles for sale. Get your motorcycle fixed through our parts replacement and service departments. We proudly serve those in San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, Santee, and La Mesa, California.