Long-distance motorcycling isn’t for everyone, and honestly, it’s probably not for most people.
At some point during your tour, you’ll face a monster day of 400 or 500 miles with no way around it. If luck’s not on your side, it could be even more miles – and maybe for several days in a row.
If you’ve got a few big riding days ahead, there are two key things to keep in mind: efficiency and comfort.
In this page, we’ll cover both aspects of long-distance motorcycling.
1. Build Stamina For Long-Distance Motorcycling (Pre-Tour)
If your weekly ride is just a 40-mile sprint on Sunday mornings, jumping straight into a long-distance tour could be a recipe for trouble.
Like anything in life, you have to build up gradually. Start with a 50-mile ride, then work your way up to 100. Push for 150, then 200, and keep going until you can comfortably cover a long distance in a single day.
Practice helps you get comfortable with long-distance motorcycling and gives you the chance to try different luggage setups, so you can figure out what works best for you in real-world conditions.
2. Refine Your Long-Distance Motorcycling Set-Up (Pre-Tour)
Most people don’t head out for Sunday morning rides fully loaded. If you’re not used to riding with all your gear, it’s worth getting comfortable with how your bike handles when it’s carrying panniers, a top box, and a roll bag.
Try riding with luggage as you gradually increase your distances to build stamina. This not only helps you get comfortable with the feel of a fully loaded bike, but also gives you the chance to fine-tune your setup.
Use these practice rides to experiment with different setups. See if you prefer a tank bag or a tail pack, and try riding with your top box and a waist belt to figure out what works best for you.
3. Improve Your Riding Fitness (Pre-Tour)
Riding fitness is one of the most overlooked parts of long-distance motorcycling.
As mentioned earlier, long-distance motorcycling can be very demanding both physically and mentally. In the months before your tour, aim to get yourself in reasonably good shape.
You don’t need to run a marathon or compete in an Ironman, but having solid cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance will really help when it comes to long-distance motorcycling.
Good fitness levels help you tackle long-distance trips safely by keeping your focus and concentration sharp. Plus, you’ll have the energy to fully enjoy your destination once you arrive!
4. Implement Your Long-Distance Motorcycling Set-Up (On Tour)
So, you’ve experimented with different luggage setups and now you know exactly what works best for you.
For the actual trip, make sure to pack your kit efficiently so everything you might need is within easy reach. A checklist is definitely a good idea, and if you’re camping, you could use one from Bikers Rights.
There’s nothing worse than reaching a border crossing and discovering your passport buried at the bottom of your roll bag. Keep anything you might need in a spot that’s easy to grab.
5. Look At The Bigger Picture
It’s easy to lose your cool when everything goes wrong. But relax—things can still turn around!
First, grab your map—whether it’s a paper one or on your phone—and check your route. Pinpoint your current location and your destination, then figure out the distance in miles.
From here, consider making small adjustments. On long-distance motorcycle trips, minor changes can have the biggest impact on the overall route. For example:
- Can you replace any scenic routes with motorways or highways?
- Steer clear of roads or mountain passes known for being especially tough.
- Are there any obvious shortcuts you can take?
- Toll roads can be a hassle, but in certain situations, the extra cost is often worth paying.
6. Long-Distance Motorcycling = Early Starts
Waking up earlier is one of the simplest ways to get more miles in during the day.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a morning person. I prefer to wake up around 8 a.m., have a coffee, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and maybe then—after another coffee—I might think about getting on my bike.
If you need to travel, start early—head out in the dark if you have to. This way, you’ll have a much better shot at covering as many miles as possible while there’s still daylight.
I’ve noticed I tend to cover more miles in the morning than later in the day. In the morning, I’m energized and excited to start my day, but by the afternoon, fatigue creeps in. I slow down and lose the momentum I had earlier.
7. Plan Smarter Breaks For Long-Distance Motorcycling
Many people take separate breaks for fuel, lunch, coffee, and stretching. But if you’re on the move, it’s smart to plan stops where you can take care of all of these at once.
Motorway service stations are excellent for making time-sensitive breaks.
Make it a priority to refuel, grab a bite or drink, use the restroom, and stretch your legs, all in the shortest time possible.
Bonus tip: Don’t let your breaks run too long. The more time you spend off the bike, the harder it is to hop back on. Keep them brief to stay in the groove and keep your touring momentum going.
8. Eat Little And Often
After riding all morning and working up a huge appetite, it’s tempting to dive into a massive lunch. And sure, that big glass of ice-cold beer looks inviting as you soak up the sunshine. But a heavy meal and beer will just leave you sluggish and drained. Save them for dinner instead, and opt for small, healthy meals paired with plenty of water.
9. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is absolutely essential. It’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll burn through on a bike, especially when touring in hot climates. Add to that the heat radiating from a scorching engine beneath you, and you’ll be sweating more than usual. All that lost fluid needs to be replaced.
9.1. Replacing Electrolytes
In hot climates, it’s not unusual to go through five or six liters of water—or even more. While staying hydrated is important, drinking that much water can often leave you short on salts.
Be sure to replenish those salts with soluble tablets or an occasional electrolyte-rich drink.
9.2. Hydration Packs For Long-Distance Motorcycling
The easiest way to stay hydrated on long-distance motorcycle rides is with a 2-liter hydration pack. Just fill it up and take a sip every 10–15 minutes to keep your fluids topped up.
Stay hydrated during your breaks, and remember to refill your hydration pack before each leg of your journey.
10. The Hare & The Tortoise
The best way to cover distance is to keep a steady speed. I often see riders who hit the throttle hard and then slam on the brakes just as aggressively when approaching a bend.
The fastest riders are those who keep a steady, consistent pace all day. Consistency isn’t just quicker—it’s safer, more fuel-efficient, easier to sustain over long distances, and less exhausting. The same goes for breaks: avoid pushing hard for an hour only to stop for an hour because you’re worn out.
Build up time by riding longer and more consistently, then pair that with shorter, more efficient breaks.
11. Choose Your Riding Buddie(s) Wisely
You don’t want to ride with buddies who don’t match your style. It’s tough to make up time if they want to stop every thirty minutes.
On top of that, if you’re trying to make up time but your buddy insists on stopping every 30 minutes, it’s bound to cause arguments and disagreements. No matter what, never ride angry!
That’s why I usually prefer to ride alone.
12. Caffeine And Long-Distance Motorcycling
Caffeine can be great, but it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. If you usually avoid it, an espresso can give you a real boost when you’re starting to feel tired. Just be careful not to overdo it!
For me, caffeine works a lot like sugar or alcohol. I get a quick burst of energy, but if I have too much, my mood takes a big dip, and soon I’m sleepy and irritable. That’s why it’s best to spread out your caffeine intake over the day, leaving a few hours between drinks so you can enjoy the boost without the crash.
13. Wear The Right Gear
Having the right gear for the conditions makes all the difference. If you can stay warm, ventilated, cool, and dry, you’re set for success!
Having the option to swap out gloves is also handy if you’ve got space in your top box.
If you can get riding gear that’s both waterproof and breathable, even better! If not, keep your waterproof gear handy so you can throw it on quickly if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
13.1. Helmets For Long-Distance Motorcycling
Don’t choose an open-face helmet just for the style. Make things easier on yourself and go for a full-face helmet. It offers complete protection for your head, eyes, and face, and even shields your lips from the sun.
It not only shields you from wind, rain, and any random debris flying your way, but also keeps you safe from bugs on a kamikaze mission to attack your eyes.
14. Long-Distance Motorcycling: Ride With A Screen
Screens are tricky because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has their own preference for screen height, and the reasons vary widely. The smartest move is to get an adjustable one or stick with something you know feels right. Cruising without a screen on quiet country roads is fine, but tackling 700 km on the motorway at 130 kph is a whole different story. Make sure you’ve got a screen that takes the wind and debris so you don’t have to.
15. Wear Earplugs
Like with screens, you can skip the earplugs on a relaxed trip to the countryside. But spend hours on the motorway, and the steady hum of the engine, the rush of traffic, and the roar of the wind can really drain your energy.
Constant noise can physically give you headaches, and mentally, it can be draining and even disrupt your sleep.
Earplugs help you stay alert longer by blocking out the constant barrage of noise in your ears, making your ride safer.
16. Tailor Your Bike For Comfort
During your pre-tour stamina rides, jot down anything that makes you uncomfortable on the bike. Maybe your wrists get sore, or your backside starts aching after a few hours in the saddle. Make any adjustments you can to fix these issues before setting off. I always make sure my handlebars are set at a comfortable height and adjust the levers to match the natural angle of my hands. Vibrating footpegs are another annoyance, so I recommend finding ones with rubber tops to help absorb the vibrations while riding.
16.1. Consider An After-Market Seat Or Seat Pad
A seat pad isn’t always essential, but it’s a nice luxury if it fits your budget.
It’s especially important if you can’t ride for long without feeling pins and needles or numbness.
If your motorcycle seat isn’t comfortable, replace it before heading out on your tour. Skipping this step could make for a very unpleasant few weeks!
17. Power Up For Long-Distance Motorcycling
If your bike doesn’t come with a built-in power port, it’s worth adding one. They’re incredibly handy—if the hard-wiring for your GPS fails, you can just plug it in and keep going. I also use mine to charge my phone or camera gear while on the move.
If you’ve got heated gear like a jacket or gloves, a port can be a handy way to power them. Having power means more options, so be sure you’ve got a way to keep those devices running!
