It is always exciting to leave our mundane life and get suited for the ride either solo or along the our friends. The feeling of freedom on the road with your motorcycle can never be unmatched.

In our excitement, we tend forget to pack a few items before the ride causing inconvenience for ourselves. So, when the rides are for a few days, with limited space, it is absolutely necessary to plan and pack the items needed for the ride.

I have compiled the list based on my experience so far. Will try to update this post based on inputs and further experience.

Keep your motorcycle in top shape.

You might be riding the motorcycle daily. However, it doesn’t mean it is ready for long tours. Having a break down and getting stranded during the ride is frustrating especially when the roads are isolated. So, keep the motorcycle in top shape.

Service the vehicle if it had not been done. Check engine oil, brake oil, clutch and break pads. Look out for the wear and tear of the tyre. If it needs replacement do it.

Tighten the nuts and bolts to keep the bike intact. Your headlight(low and high beam) and indicators should work as expected.

On a highway, the rear view mirrors helps you keep an eye on the fast approaching vehicle. So, don’t compromise for style. Avoid high beams as it is an hindrance for riders on the opposite side.

Check the horns. Don’t use it unnecessarily and irritate the riders.

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Fuel and Air Pressure

Fill the tank a day before you start the journey. Check for air-pressure. Keep the ones recommended based on the bike and model.

Carry additional fuel bottle or carrier

Essentials

• Driving License
• Money – Carry Cash along with one card
• Insurance & RC
• Helmet
• Phone along with the charger
• Riding Clothes
• Shoes
• Gloves

It is recommended to have a digital copy of the Driving license and Registration book. Carry one card. Cash is always handy when dealing with small shops.

But, with digital transaction have Gpay or Paytm apps on your mobile.

Mobile tends to drain a lot when on travel especially when there is no signal or where signal fluctuates. So, carry charger and power banks with cables. In a few models, you can power up using the USB port available in the motorcycle.

As mentioned earlier, don’t rely on signals so have a downloaded copy of maps.

When it comes to gears spend it for quality full face helmets and riding clothes as they are your life savers on long trip. Shoes are mandatory and good when it is riding boots.

Hydration bag is an essential as it keep you hydrated throught the journey. Otherwise, have regular stops hydrate yourself.

The good to have.

• Camera or action camera with charger
• Sunglasses
• Fleece or Winter jacket
• Rain Jackets or coats

Jackets depends on the type of places you travel too

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth wash
• Mini soaps or use liquid body wash that comes in small bottles. Carry shampoo sachets.
• Deodorant
• Carry a comb
• Body Lotion for dry skin or Sun cream lotion depending on the location.

Clothing

• Pants Apart from the one used for riding. Carry additional pants. I prefer the cargo pants from Decathlon. It is lightweight and dry off soon.
• Shirts – Again, depending on the place of tour carry shirts and t-shirts.
• Inners – Always have additional as they dont occupy space
• Towel – Most stays provided towels but it is always good to carry one.
• Socks – For the shoes. Some prefer to wear the floor is cold. So, carry additional.
• Flip-flops or sandals – Carry one when there is space.

First Aid Kit

Like phone and charger this is one critical item that needs to be carried in all trips. We may never know when things could wrong(touchwood). But, it is a must to carry the kit.

• Antiseptic wipe
• Antiseptic cream for minor burns and abrasions
• Bandages
• Medical adhesive tape
• Pain reliever tablet (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen)
• Small cutter/knife/scissor
• Dettol
• Masks.
• Medication to handle Diarrhea and nausea
• Ointment for headaches

Apart from this carry medication specified to you by doctors to take care of your personal health.

Important: Dont carry expired medications. So, check for expiry date before you pack.

Tool Kit

Like first aid kit for us, tool kit is for bike. If you have minimal experience in handling the bike parts, it is necessary to carry the kit that came along with the bike.

But, I recommend carrying a proper tool set while you’re on the road, be it a short trip or long one. It could be for repairing your bike at home or needing the right tools when on the road.

Additional Items

Carry ziplocks and plastic bags to carry wet or dirty clothes. These don’t require much space and are useful.

I know it is a long list😁 But, I believe these needs to be your regular checklist before the start of the journey.

Pack light, start early and have a safe ride😎

Post your feedback, comments or any missing item in comment section with details. I will add them to the existing list.