There’s no better way to see America’s amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties than on a Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycle. A vast network of highways and interstates crisscross the country, making long-distance land travel both easy and appealing. But there’s a whole lot of America to explore, and if you want to see even a fraction of the sites you’ll want to plan ahead for your trip. So put on some Steppenwolf and get ready for a grand adventure in preparation!

At Texoma Harley-Davidson®, we understand America’s countryside calls to many motorcycle riders. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide for long trips on your tour bike.

If you have any more questions, or you want to look at the best new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson® tour bikes around, stop by Texoma Harley-Davidson® in Sherman, Texas

It’s hard to get anywhere without knowing where you’re going. Having a rough itinerary will help you determine any other planning and organization necessary before setting out. Start with the specific places you want to visit then figure a route to take. Factor in rest periods and leave room for unplanned activities. This is also a chance to make any reservations or bookings for lodging, food, camping, or whatever else you’re planning for the trip.

Plan on what to bring with you once you know where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Settling on what you’re bringing and packing it up can be a hassle, especially with a motorcycle’s limited cargo space. Start with the essentials. You’ll need clothing appropriate for the weather at your destination (as well as proper riding gear). Toiletries and medication are also important to remember.

Make a packing list to keep track of everything once you settle on what you’re bringing. Include important items like tool and first aid kits. Go with lightweight items over heavy ones and cut out anything too bulky that takes up additional space. If you just can’t make room for everything you need, consider purchasing additional saddlebags or a cargo rack. Once everything is on board, test your cargo to make sure it’s secured. You don’t want something coming free on the road!

Having a pre-ride check is part of any good rider’s routine. Any damaged equipment or component can cause a whole lot of problems on the road, so take care of anything in advance of your trip. Start with checking the tires. Make sure they have enough pressure and look for debris stuck in the treads. Any cracks or tears should give you pause to consider replacement before a long trip. Next look for fluid leaks. Check your brake lights and turn signals as well as all fluid levels.

There are enough physical threats to worry about while riding a motorcycle without worrying about your eating habits and hygiene. Learning to take care of yourself on the road will keep you feeling good and able to hop back in the saddle each day with the morning’s freshness.

Bring along hearing protection for the ride (foam or silicone earplugs work great) and keep hydrated, especially when it’s hot out. It can be dangerous to take a swig of water during a ride, so consider a hands-free thirst-quencher, like a hydration pack. Proper sleep is important too, as even mild sleep deprivation can be just as impairing as alcohol. Eating healthy on the road can be difficult, but that’s no excuse to throw all attempts out the window to get down to business on that 72oz steak special. Good eating habits will help you keep focused on the road and not on the next rest stop!

While proper eating and checking tire pressure are great tips for keeping on task during a motorcycle tour, the most important thing is to get on your bike and enjoy yourself. Still feeling unprepared? Head to Texoma Harley-Davidson® in Sherman, Texas, where you’ll never ride alone. We’re also proud to serve the area of Denison and Gainesville, Texas as well as Durant, Oklahoma. Our expert and helpful staff are ready to answer all your questions and get you on the Harley of your dreams today!