Travel by Motorcycle
A three-part series.

Part II

Tips on motorcycle luggage

By Corey Eastman
MSF Director of Rider Education Expansion

Luggage can be a confusing part of traveling on your bike.
What is too much? 
What is not enough? 
To get more ideas, we once again asked our Motorcycle Safety Foundation Facebook followers for their advice on luggage and packing for a multi-day motorcycle ride.

luggage
Two approaches to motorcycle luggage. The bike on the left used dry-bags borrowed from other activities and attached with quality straps. A great solution for a couple night trip Lee was taking. The bike on the right used factory accessory panards (the aluminum boxes) and a motorcycle specific top bag. This was for an eight day trip of over 2500 miles, including work materials for presenting at a conference. Both are good solutions, it just depends on the trip you are taking.
comment bar
Comments

John Melin
Put a t-shirt, a pair of underwear & a pair of socks in a ziplock and press all the air out before sealing. Do this for all that you take. Put them in one bag. As you use them, put the dirty ones back in the bag and put it in a different location. The tight packages take up less room. I am old so I have to pack meds. I use a small insulated cup to carry meds that need refrigeration. A small ice pack or a few ice cubes keeps them cool all day.

Terry Leach
Do a shake down ride with your bike packed before heading off on any longer trips.
This should help reveal any overkill or inadequacies in either WHAT has been packed and/or HOW it has been packed.

I jumped in to offer my own thoughts on this important topic.

Corey Eastman
Bags designed specifically for your make and model of motorcycle are normally the easiest to use. However, soft bags often offer more options. Pack with weight in mind. Heavier the weight, lower it should go in your bags. Divide things into categories, versus having your clothes spread between multiple bags. Most importantly, ride the bike fully ready to go before you head out. Make sure you are comfortable with the load and can easily control the motorcycle.

Bob Michael
Get good bags! They are worth the money. Off-road [look for] good, soft bags that are rugged and waterproof. 

Good advice and some great tips for new and current travelers. Look for our third and final Motorcycle Travel story soon, as we take on the topic of navigation.

restaurants
Eat local or at a gas station. Many travelers look for familiar chain restaurants, and that is fine. But if you are open to more adventurous epicurean delights, pull into a local joint and check it out.
riders
Plus, it’s not unusual to find other riders at gas stations or small eateries. Stop, grab a bite, and hear about their journey.
Scenic-Overlook
Soak it in. Big skies, grand vistas. If a sign says “Scenic Overlook” pull over and see for yourself. 

Follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at Facebook and Instagram

For Questions Contact:

Corey Eastman
Director of Rider Education Expansion
Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Monday-Friday
9 AM – 5 PM (West Coast Time)