Decide where you want to go. Several motorcycle rallies are held in the U.S. each year, the largest and most popular being the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota each August. Or, maybe you want to ride to a certain attraction or to visit family members. Have a destination in mind, or at least a general direction of where you want to go.
Decide how long you will be gone. This is important if you need to take time off work, or make other arrangements for people to take care of your house during your trip. This is also important to consider for your motorcycle; the longer you are gone, the more wear and tear you will put on your bike, and if it is getting old, a long trip may not be possible.
Invest in proper equipment. You already have the motorcycle, but do you have saddle bags to store items in while you are riding? If not, purchase some saddle bags, tank bags and/or tail bags, which fasten to your bike for extra storage. Hard bags are more protective but are heavier and more expensive than soft bags.
Inspect your bike a few days before you leave to make sure it is in proper working condition. Use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS method: T stands for Tires; C stands for Controls; L stands for Lights; O stands for Oils and Fluids: C stands for Chassis: and S stands for Stands. Be sure your tires are properly inflated, all of your clutch, brakes and controls are working properly, your lights are working, all fluids are full, your frame is secure and intact, and your center and/or side stands are working properly. Take your bike to a motorcycle repair shop for an inspection if you are not sure.
Check the weather along your route for your trip. If the weather looks bad, consider moving the trip a few days to take advantage of better weather, if possible. If the dates are not flexible, pack rain gear.
Pack for your trip. Bring what you need and not necessarily what you want. The more you pack, the more weight you add to your bike. Plus, space is already limited. When you are riding, dress in several thin layers that you can peel off as the day gets hot, or add if you are cold. You want to be comfortable; otherwise, you will miss the experience of being on the open road on your bike because you are shivering or sweating too much. Pack a few bottles of water and energy bars. You can replenish this supply at most gas stations along the way. Centralize the weight of your belongings on your bike; do not put all the heavy things on one side. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your saddle bags and lighter items on top.
Always wear a proper riding suit (usually leather) and a full face helmet to protect you from accidents and bad weather.
Know your route. Bring a map with you in case you get lost, or a GPS system. Tape directions to the top of your fuel tank if you need to. When you are riding, fill up often. Motorcycle tanks do not hold as much gas as cars, so fill up whenever you have a chance, especially in sparsely populated areas.
Pace yourself. Do not overdo it or test your stamina. Stop at least every few hours for a break to eat, fill up and stretch your body. Take a nap if you have to. You need to be alert at all times on a motorcycle, so do not push yourself to the brink of fatigue. If you feel yourself getting tired, stop for the night.
