Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience. The feeling of freedom, the connection with the road and the enjoyment of every journey are hard to match. However, to travel safely and make the most of your ride, it’s important to prepare your motorcycle, plan your route and adapt your riding to the road conditions, the weather and the length of your journey.
These motorcycle travel tips will help you organise a day ride, prepare for a longer trip or plan your very first motorcycle adventure. You’ll also find practical advice for carrying a passenger, riding in the rain and dealing with unexpected breakdowns.
How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for a Trip
Before setting off, whether you’re planning a short ride or a long-distance journey, make sure both your motorcycle and your riding gear are in excellent condition. Here are two essential checks you shouldn’t overlook.
Basic Motorcycle Safety Check
Before starting your trip, spend a few minutes checking the components that directly affect your safety and the motorcycle’s performance. Your inspection should always take into account the type of motorcycle and the amount of luggage you’ll be carrying.
Tyre pressure and condition: Check that the tyre pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendations and the expected load. Inspect the tyres for cuts, cracks, deformation and excessive tread wear.
Brake performance: Test both the front and rear brakes to ensure they respond correctly. Pay attention to unusual noises or an abnormal feel at the brake lever.
Lights and signalling: Check that the headlight, tail light, indicators and brake light all work properly. Adjust the mirrors if necessary and test the horn.
Oil, fluids and transmission: If you’re riding your own motorcycle, check the engine oil and all other fluid levels. On chain-driven motorcycles, inspect the chain’s condition, tension and lubrication.
Battery range and charging: If you’re travelling on an electric motorcycle, make sure the battery has sufficient range for your planned route. Identify charging points along the way before setting off.
Checks on a hired scooter: Look for any visible damage and familiarise yourself with the controls. Locate the ignition, seat release, fuel cap, centre stand and dashboard indicators before you begin your ride.
Essential Riding Gear
Your riding gear should protect you in the event of a fall while remaining suitable for the temperatures and weather conditions expected during your journey. Before leaving, check that everything fits comfortably and allows unrestricted movement.
Approved motorcycle helmet: Wear a properly fitting certified helmet and fasten it securely every time you ride. Keep the visor clean and free from scratches to maintain good visibility, especially at night or in wet weather.
Motorcycle gloves: Choose gloves that protect your hands while allowing you to operate the controls comfortably. Select the appropriate level of insulation and ventilation for the season.
Protective motorcycle jacket: Wear a motorcycle-specific jacket with armour at the shoulders, elbows and back. It should provide abrasion resistance without restricting movement.
Durable riding trousers: Avoid riding with exposed legs. Wear motorcycle trousers or another durable garment that fully covers your legs.
Protective footwear: Wear sturdy boots or footwear that covers the ankles and provides good grip. This improves protection and stability when stopping.
Waterproof clothing and thermal layers: Carry a lightweight waterproof layer and an extra warm garment if your route includes changes in altitude. Temperatures can vary significantly within a short distance.
How to Plan a Motorcycle Touring Route
When planning your journey, consider factors such as distance, road type, gradients, planned stops and traffic conditions. These can make even relatively short routes take much longer than expected.
Distance, Roads and Breaks
Estimate a realistic travel time and allow extra time for breaks, refuelling, sightseeing, visiting villages or stopping at viewpoints. Mountain roads with plenty of bends require more concentration and are often more tiring than dual carriageways covering the same distance.
Before leaving, check your planned route for roadworks, closures or restrictions. Identify petrol stations, rest areas and towns where you can stop. Download offline maps to your phone in case mobile coverage is limited.
If this is your first motorcycle trip, choose a familiar route or one that’s easy to navigate. A shorter journey will help you become accustomed to the riding position, wind exposure and sustained concentration before attempting longer rides.
What to Pack and How to Secure Your Luggage
Take water, snacks, sunscreen, your documents, a mobile phone, charger and waterproof clothing. Pack only what you’ll actually need to avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
Use the top box, panniers or storage compartments designed by the manufacturer. Heavy items should be packed low down, centred and securely fastened. Distribute the weight evenly and make sure no straps can come into contact with the wheels, exhaust or chain.
Never hang bags from the handlebars. They can interfere with steering, hit your legs or affect control of the motorcycle. A lightweight backpack may be acceptable for short rides, but carrying heavy loads on your back increases fatigue and can worsen injuries in the event of an accident.
After the first few miles, stop somewhere safe to check that all your luggage remains secure.
Documents, Fuel and Navigation
Carry your driving licence, identification and all legally required vehicle documents. If you’re riding a hired motorcycle, keep the rental agreement and roadside assistance contact details with you.
Check your insurance cover and confirm who is authorised to ride the motorcycle. International visitors should verify whether their driving licence is valid in Spain or whether additional documentation is required before booking.
Avoid running the fuel tank too low on touring routes. Fuel consumption may increase when carrying a passenger, extra luggage, riding into strong winds or climbing steep roads. Refuel early when travelling through remote areas.
Tips for Your First Motorcycle Trip
Your first motorcycle tour should allow you to gain confidence without becoming overtired or facing situations beyond your riding ability.
Choose a manageable distance and avoid trying to fit too many stops or attractions into a single day. Wear your riding gear beforehand to make sure your helmet, gloves and clothing remain comfortable over time.
Ride a few miles with your luggage fitted before beginning the trip. This allows you to identify any movement, vibration or changes in the motorcycle’s handling.
Check the weather forecast and avoid choosing your first route on days with heavy rain, strong winds or extreme temperatures. If you’re travelling alone, let someone know your planned itinerary.
Throughout the journey, ride at your own pace. Don’t try to keep up with more experienced riders or speed to make up lost time. It’s far better to shorten your route than continue while tired or losing concentration.
Motorcycle Riding Tips for the Open Road
Riding on open roads requires anticipation and constant awareness of your surroundings. Higher speeds reduce the time available to react.
Safe Following Distance and Visibility
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Increase that distance further in rain, strong winds, poor visibility or when carrying extra weight.
Position yourself within your lane where other road users can see you clearly. Avoid riding alongside cars or lorries for extended periods, particularly in their blind spots.
Keep your lights on and wear reflective clothing whenever visibility is reduced. Before overtaking, make sure you have sufficient space, visibility and power to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Anticipation, Corners and Road Surface
Watch ahead for vehicles that may join the road or change lanes. Pay attention to indicators, speed changes and movements within the lane, as these often signal an upcoming manoeuvre.
Reduce your speed before entering a bend and maintain a smooth, stable line through the corner. Heavy braking while the motorcycle is leaning can cause instability.
If you encounter gravel, sand, potholes or uneven surfaces, slow down and avoid sudden steering inputs. Hold the handlebars firmly without locking your arms.
When overtaking large vehicles, be prepared for changes in air pressure. Wind turbulence can pull your motorcycle towards the lorry before pushing it away again as you pass.
Tips for Long Motorcycle Journeys
Long-distance motorcycle trips require planned breaks. Waiting until you’re exhausted increases the risk of mistakes and slows your reactions.
Take a break approximately every 90 minutes to two hours, or sooner if you notice shoulder tension, hand discomfort, drowsiness or difficulty concentrating.
Drink water regularly and avoid heavy meals during the journey. Heat, wind and winding roads increase physical fatigue even when average speeds remain relatively low.
Use your stops to stretch your legs, move your arms and check that your luggage remains secure. It’s also a good opportunity to inspect your tyres and look for leaks or damage.
Divide your trip into realistic stages. A touring holiday should leave enough time for sightseeing, rest and unexpected delays without encouraging excessive speed.
Riding in Rain, Wind or Hot Weather
Weather conditions can dramatically affect grip, visibility and the effort required to control your motorcycle. Adjust both your route and your speed to suit the conditions.
When riding in the rain, accelerate smoothly and brake progressively. Increase your following distance and reduce speed before entering bends. Painted road markings, metal covers and drainage grates become particularly slippery when wet.
The first rainfall often mixes with dust, oil and dirt already on the road surface. During those first few minutes, ride with extra caution.
Wear waterproof clothing, waterproof gloves and keep your visor clean. If it begins to mist up, pull over somewhere safe before attempting to clear it.
In strong crosswinds, reduce your speed and maintain a firm but relaxed grip on the handlebars. Pay particular attention when exiting tunnels, overtaking lorries or riding across exposed areas.
During hot weather, wear ventilated riding gear, drink water regularly and avoid riding during the hottest part of the day. Sun exposure and dehydration can quickly lead to fatigue and reduced concentration.
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Breaks Down
If your motorcycle breaks down, your priority is to move safely away from traffic and request assistance without putting yourself at risk.
Slow down gradually and stop in a safe location. Switch off the engine and move away from the carriageway whenever possible.
If you’re riding a hired motorcycle, don’t attempt repairs or dismantle any components. Contact the assistance service, provide your exact location, describe the problem and report any warning lights displayed on the dashboard.
If you become lost, stop before checking your phone. Trying to navigate while riding greatly increases the risk of making a dangerous manoeuvre.
Explore Gran Canaria by Scooter
A scooter is one of the most convenient ways to discover Gran Canaria’s villages, beaches and tourist attractions while enjoying complete freedom over your schedule. Before setting off, choose a route suited to your experience, check the weather forecast and bear in mind that mountain roads require extra care.
At Scooter and Bike Rental, you can hire a scooter to explore the island while receiving clear information about the vehicle, rental conditions and available roadside assistance. Check all the documentation, ask any questions before leaving and enjoy your journey with safe and responsible riding.
