Travelling and touring by motorcycle is one of the most exciting and freedom-filled experiences we can enjoy. 

The thrill and experience can be taken to a new, higher level by improving our riding skills and also our preparation routines.

Lets have a look here at a few points to consider that may well help your motorcycle touring to be smoother & safer.

1. Get back to the basics

Even professional motorcycle riders constantly strive to improve their skills and control.

No matter how much experience we have as motorcycle riders we can always do with a refresher in motorcycle control basics before joining motorcycle adventure tours.

• Body position
• Emergency braking
• Hill starting
• Clutch and throttle control at low speeds
• Counter steering

A great way to do this is by joining a certified training course. Enjoy a group environment and interaction  with other riders and a qualified instructor.

You might go over things you already know but it's helpful to reinforce the ‘good’ habits. Even if you can take away just one point that helps your ability it’s worthwhile.

*Then don’t forget to practice the riding drills regularly. The more you do them the more the controls become instinctive in an emergency situation.

2. Invest in quality riding gear 

You’ve laid out your money for the dream motorcycle in your garage - Nice!

Now you're happy to spend some more money to ride new regions by joining a motorcycle adventure tour - Also very nice !

So our message is: "Don’t be too thrifty when it comes to fitting yourself out with riding gear that will be comfortable to wear as well as protect you from the elements and injury in the case of some accident".

Top quality kit is often more expensive however it will always outlast and outperform inexpensive, low quality items. You will save money in the long term and more importantly you can reduce the seriousness of any crash injuries.

Helmet:

There is a saying that if your head is of low value to you then it’s OK to buy a low value helmet ! - No..

Have a safety approved helmet that fits firmly but comfortable to wear all day.

Boots: 

Forget the walking shoes or fashion boots….. use specific motorcycle boots with hard materials for foot and ankle protection. A simple low speed or stationary drop of the bike can easily result in a broken ankle or lower leg when wearing inappropriate boots.

Trousers / Jackets: 

Higher quality outfits have materials that are more abrasion resistant and are fitted with CE approved protection inserts for contact areas (knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and back).

If you prefer a ‘mesh’ type jacket for cooler riding then that’s OK, but still shop for a brand with the high grade protection inserts.

Gloves: 

You want to keep as much ‘feel’ of the motorcycle while riding so avoid extra bulky gloves but be sure to look for solid abrasion protection over the knuckles and extra padding on the heel of the hands. These are the areas that will cop the ‘road rash’ if bracing yourself in a fall.

Some other useful glove features are the rubber wiper blade on the left index finger for wiping across a wet visor during rain and a touch screen friendly pad on the ends of fingers to allow use of GPS or mobile devices without having to remove gloves.

Wet weather protection:

If you go for Gortex material in jacket and trousers then you have the rain protection covered already…..just zip up the vents and you will be very dry.

If wearing non Gortex and using a coverall set of rain jacket/trousers (or one piece rain suit) try to get the brands that provide some breathability in the material, rather than just the plain heavy plastic which you will sweat in !

Hi-vis colours and reflective strips are always a good safety idea for rain gear as it’s usually during poor light conditions that you have it on.

3. Take time to adjust to your ‘new’ motorcycle

Step 1.

As a motorcycle rider joining a motorcycle adventure tour in another region will be riding a different motorcycle to your own….. even if it is the same make and model there can be subtle differences in the setup.

Take some time at the motorcycle handover to check the settings and have the team make any adjustments required to make it feel more comfortable for your riding days ahead.

• Pre load of the suspension
• Angle and free ‘play’ of levers 
• Gear lever height
• Seat height setting (if adjustable)
• Display settings and riding modes changing
• Mirror positions

Step 2.

Now that you’re feeling at home while sitting on the bike its time to ride !

For the first session of the first riding day…. TAKE YOUR TIME and get the feel of the motorcycles' handling, braking, throttle response and so on....Expect that it will likely feel different to start with but don’t get frustrated - gradually adjust your responses to the motorcycle outputs and before long your riding will click into sync with your new two wheeled friend.

4. Listen to the local knowledge

Part of the advantage to joining a guided motorcycle adventure tour is the experience and local knowledge of the motorcycle rider guide.

Each days ride briefing will include the conditions that may be encountered. 

• Road surfaces
• Recent landslide or storm debris on the roads
• Wildlife that may step out into your path
• Speed zones
• Built up areas
• Challenging hairpin bends or switch back corners on very steep roads 
• Typical behaviour of other traffic and road users

All of these things may be quite different to what you are used to or something you just didn’t think of…. Either way it pays to take notice as the warning might just save you some grief.

5. Stay Hydrated

Motorcycle riding in SE Asia can be thirsty work.

The heat and humidity can dehydrate you very quickly causing you to loose concentration and start feeling fatigued.

You have to be mindful to manage it FROM THE START of each days riding.

*If you are feeling thirsty by lunch time then it's probably too late already!

When on motorcycle adventure tours a backpack with a water bladder and drinking tube is s a great way to stay hydrated as it’s there to regularly sip on as you ride. You don’t have to wait for a stop to get that fluid hit into your system.

Not everyone is comfortable to wear a back pack all day when riding so if that’s your preference make sure when you do take a stop of any kind you also take the opportunity to have a good intake of water.

Hydration tablets in your water bottle can also help to hydrate with less intake and avoid high sugar soft drinks.

You will feel more alert and energetic for sure !

6. Be wary of “overindulging”

It’s a great feeling to complete an enjoyable day of motorcycle riding with a group. You've accomplished a new adventure and everyone relaxes to reflect on the memorable parts of the day. - Great stuff !

A few celebratory drinks then flows into another new dinner experience, followed by seeking out some other venues to kick on or chat to the locals (who are usually interested to find out where the motorcycle travellers have come from and where they are going next). It's a holiday experience as well so it can be easy to get carried away.

Simple message - You won’t enjoy the next days riding as much if you have had no sleep or feeling a little ‘hungover’…

Enough said !

7. Ride within your limits

Motorcycle travel is not a race so, unlike the racetrack, there is no prize for the fastest lap of the day.

The fastest rider is not necessarily the ‘best’ motorcycle rider when in motorcycle adventure tour groups.

The best motorcycle riders are the ones that ride at a pace and style knowing they are in control of the motorcycle and can enjoy the ride in a relaxed, safe mindset.

Most of us enjoy the thrill of giving the throttle a twist when we can. It is part of the freedom and excitement of riding a motorcycle… Don’t back away from that, just stay in control and stay aware of the riding conditions.

Expect the unexpected !

Communicate with the other riders in your group. If you are an experienced rider, encourage less experienced riders and help them improve their skills and awareness. 

If you are a less experienced rider don’t be afraid to ask the motorcycle tour guide for any advice or tips on how to keep improving.

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Hope you may take away a few positive ideas. Feel free to share any other experienced tips with us and Always enjoy the Ride !