Motorcycle Camping Guide
Camping is one of the best ways to spend time in nature. Sleeping under the stars, waking up next to a babbling brook and spending the day hiking trails can be a whole lot of fun. The next time you go camping, leave behind your bulky, gas-guzzling truck and use your motorcycle instead. Bikes are more fuel efficient, take less space at the campsite and provide a more enjoyable form of commuting.
At Toad Suck Harley-Davidson®, we love going everywhere on our motorcycles. We’ve made this guide to help you get the most out of your camping trip when travelling by bike. If you want your motorcycle to be properly tuned up or need some gear for the journey, come to our dealership in Conway, Arkansas.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Before you set out on your journey, ensure your motorcycle is in good shape. Otherwise, you could find yourself running into problems constantly. Give your bike a good lookover before you leave. Check the tire pressure and looks for warm spots on the treads or any objects lodged in them. Fill your gas tank, check all fluids and make sure the oil is clean. Ensure all your lights and signals work properly. If you haven’t ridden your motorcycle in a while, take it out for a short spin and listen for any strange sounds or jerky moves. If you notice anything off, bring your bike to Toad Suck Harley-Davidson® and we’ll whip it into shape in no time.
Plan Ahead
As with any other kinds of trips, you should have some plan in mind to make the most of it. If you just decide everything at the last minute, you could end up bouncing from campsite to campsite, looking for a vacant spot. You might not pack enough food so you’ll have to spend a big part of your trip driving to the nearest store that’s far away from the campsite. You may also miss out on seeing the best attractions of the area because you didn’t take the time to learn more about it.
Make a list of the things you definitely want to do on this trip. Are there some hiking trails you really want to conquer? Is there some local cuisine you definitely want to try? Are there any tourist attractions you’ve been wanting to visit for a while? Make a list and then find a campsite that is closest to the areas you want to visit and make a booking immediately. Be sure to check the weather forecast so you don’t spend your days avoiding extreme weather like thunderstorms.
Storage Space
Nowadays, many riders use their motorcycles to travel great distances and bikes are being built with enough storage options, like saddlebags, top side boxes and cargo racks. If you need more storage space, you can get upgrades like leather cargo bags. These are aesthetically appealing and pair really well with vintage motorcycles. However, they need special care and can be damaged by road salt, rain and rough handling. If you’d rather have hassle-free storage options, get dry bags that are waterproof and will keep your valuables dry.
Where To Camp?
Before you finalize a campsite, make sure that it is motorcycle-friendly. Most campsites are, but a few aren’t; you don’t want to arrive at a place and realize you can’t stay there. Ensure that your campsite offers the amenities you need like electricity and water. When you arrive, look for the ideal spot to park. Find a place that is level and flat so you can get a good night’s rest. Be close enough to camp to avoid animal encounters, but not so close that you get disturbed by the other visitors walking around.
We hope these tips help you have an awesome camping trip! Before you head out, come to Toad Suck Harley-Davidson® in Conway, Arkansas, and let us make sure that your motorcycle is in the best shape possible. We proudly serve the good people of Conway, Searcy and Hot Springs!