Motorcycle Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to get out into nature and see more of the scenery. Incidentally, it’s not the only good way to see more of the countryside: motorcycle riding is another great option. When you combine the two activities, you’ll get an unparalleled experience of the landscape.
If you want to take your first motorcycle camping trip, there are a few things you should be aware of that can make your experience much better. You’ll need the right gear and you’ll need to know how to pack it for maximum efficiency. As motorcycle enthusiasts, we love motorcycle camping, which is why we made this short guide for our customers.
If you’re in the market for a new touring motorcycle or just need maintenance on your bike to make sure it’s in good condition before you hit the road, stop by Cycles of Jacksonville. We’re located in Jacksonville, Florida, and we proudly serve the areas of St. Augustine and Orlando, too.
Cargo Options
Camping requires a decent amount of gear, especially if you want to stay relatively comfortable. And while motorcycles are built for many things, hauling massive amounts of weight isn’t one of them. For this reason, figuring out what gear to bring and how to pack it is one of the biggest challenges for motorcycle campers.
The first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what are the best cargo solutions for your bike. The classic solution is saddlebags, which usually feature leather, metal, or fiberglass construction. Leather saddlebags are great for anyone with a bike that has classic styling. Leather has a timeless look that goes great with vintage bikes but the problem with leather is that it can be somewhat labor intensive to maintain.
If you’re looking for a lower maintenance solution, go with metal or fiberglass saddlebags. These can be paint-matched to your bike, which helps them fit in with your bike’s individual aesthetic. Many models can also be locked, meaning you don’t have to worry about people stealing from you if you need to leave your bike for a moment.
You’ll need more space than what is offered by saddlebags, and dry bags are another great way to haul cargo. Dry bags are a type of soft-sided luggage that’s designed to remain completely dry inside no matter what the outside conditions might be. Because of their soft construction, they can often hold items that might have too unusual of a size or shape to fit in a traditional saddlebag.
Packing Tips
When it comes to packing your bike, you’ll need to figure out ways to cut weight, save space, and distribute weight correctly around the bike. One of the best ways to pair things down is to invest in better camping gear. Ultralight camping and backpacking gear is a great option because it’s specifically designed to be as lightweight as possible. Just compare your average sleeping bag to one designed for backpacking and you’ll immediately see the reduction in size and weight. Another way to cut down on weight is to bring along a water filter pump instead of carrying all your water with you. Freeze dried foods will help to cut down weight over canned or fresh foods.
You’ll also want to distribute the weight correctly on your bike. It’s important that the weight is distributed evenly from side to side because if your bike is heavier on one side, it will favor that side when you turn, which is a good way to dump your bike. It’s also helpful to pack the weight as low on the bike as possible. This will give your bike a lower center of gravity, making turns much easier and more predictable. For this reason, saddlebags are a good choice for carrying cargo: they put the weight much lower than your standard cargo rack.
Motorcycle camping can be an enjoyable experience if you make a plan and pack correctly. When you need maintenance for your motorcycle, stop by Cycles of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. We proudly serve the areas of Orlando and St. Augustine and we’ll make sure you find everything you need.