Motorcycle Camping Guide
Camping is the best way to escape into nature and get away from the drudgery of daily life. Most people go camping in bulky, gas-guzzling vehicles, which is a totally unnecessary move! Your motorcycle is a much better camping companion than a big vehicle, and we at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson are going to tell you why. For all your motorcycle needs, come to our dealerships in Eugene, Oregon. We’re proud to serve the people of Albany and Corvallis.
Pre-ride Inspection
Before any long journey, you should always ensure your motorcycle is up to the job. The first thing to do is give it a good lookover. Check your tire pressure and see if there are any worn spots on the tread or objects embedded in it. Check and top up all fluids, including the coolant. Ensure that the oil is clean. Your lights and signals should all be functioning properly. If your bike has been lying unused for some time, take a short ride and see if the handling is still smooth. If anything feels or sounds ‘off’, bring your bike into Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson and we’ll whip it into shape in no time!
Plan Ahead
Planning out a vacation helps you to maximize your time and avoid messy situations. The same goes for your motorcycle camping trip. If you don’t plan ahead, you could end up going from one campsite to the next looking for a spot. You can also forget to pack medication or enough food, which will require a grocery run that hours away and tiring. You can also end up bypassing some good attractions because you didn’t know they were there. Plan ahead to stay ahead of any problems that could arise!
Storage Space
With more people choosing to take long rides on their motorcycles, manufacturers are now providing more storage space on bikes. A lot of bikes come with options such as saddlebags, top side boxes and cargo racks. However, if you find you need more space, you can always get storage upgrades. A common storage option for bikers is a leather cargo bag. These pair well with motorcycles but are easily damaged by road conditions and need special care. For a no-nonsense option, you have dry bags that are hardier and will keep all your gear dry.
Packing Strategies
It may seem like a daunting task to try and fit all your gear onto or into your motorcycle, but there are some tips that’ll make it work for you. First. Don’t carry full-sized toiletries. You won’t need that much shampoo or toothpaste on a short camping trip. Use travel-sized bottles that don’t take up much room. You can also get backpacking gear that’s specially made to be light, small and effective. This will save both space and weight. Finally, be selective about what you pack. It can be tempting to take along everything you need to deal with boredom, but there’s no point in carrying things that far only to bring them back unused a few days later.
Camping Spot
Before you book a campsite, check that it’s motorcycle friendly. It’s surprising, but not all campsites allow motorcycle campers. Ensure your site offers all the amenities you need (like electricity and water). When you arrive, take some time to find the ideal spot. Where you set up impacts the enjoyment of your trip. Find a place that is level and flat to help facilitate a good night’s sleep. Stay close enough to camp that you can avoid animal encounters. But don’t be so close that you’ll get woken up by people walking around.
Motorcycle Care at Campsite
When you camp, you have to store your precious motorcycle out in the open. This opens it up to two threats. First, there’s the threat of thieves. To fight this, you’ll want to lock your bike up at night. Second, there’s the threat of the weather. To protect your bike, use a sturdy cover.
Before your trip, make sure your motorcycle is running smoothly. Get any parts replacement or maintenance done at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson in Eugene, Oregon. We invite all our friends from Albany and Corvallis to check out our selection of motorcycles for sale today!