7 tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe

Are you planning a motorcycle trip around Europe? This post, packed with useful tips and practical information, will help you do just that. Europe is a fantastic place for road trips, and if you are a passionate rider, you won’t be disappointed. Going on a solo motorcycle trip always requires some extra preparation than just dreaming about gelato or museums. What gear to take, what spares, deciding your itinerary, all different aspects of your solo motorcycle trip through Europe but all equally important. Ready? Get off your home elliptical machine and set off!

Tips if you are planning on touring Europe by motorcycle

Europe has some of the best tourist destinations in the world. Making a solo motorcycle trip around Europe to see these beautiful places from the saddle is any bikers dream comes true.

Tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe
View on Brno. Photo by Lucas Knight

Long solo motorcycle trips around Europe are generally not recommended for safety reasons, but for an ardent motorcycle lover who wants to do things differently and loves to see the world at his own pace, this is one of the best ways to do it.

However, it is common knowledge that solo motorcycle tours would generally take much more planning and preparation than doing the same by car or by some other means.

Going solo also implies that you have to have many points of references and route. Not only that. Since you have no backup, you also have to cater for almost everything and you need to have the basic skills of maintenance of the motorcycle.

READ MORE: One of the best road trips in Europe? All around Sardinia! Check out our complete guide to planning a perfect trip to Sardinia.

1. Adding some extra space

Since space is a major consideration if you are touring Europe by motorcycle, try adding some extra storage capacity by means of better-designed clip-on [easyazon_link identifier=”B002OAODZC” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]side bags[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L7ZLZRE” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]hard-topped top cases[/easyazon_link] that can be fitted on your motorcycle.

Thereafter straddle and balance out everything, in order to get a rough idea about the overall carrying capacity of your bike.

Tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe
Photo by Lucas Knight

2. Chalking out your route and itinerary for your motorcycle trip around Europe

Once you know the route that you are going to follow, it will become very easy for you to work out as to what special items of clothing you need to carry.

Also, it will give you an idea of other material that you need to carry with you.

You also need to know the same to work out a strategy in case you require some spare parts when you’re going on a long solo motorcycle tour around Europe and are negotiating a difficult terrain.

3. Lay out everything in a clever way

Make a detailed list of all the items you want to take with you on your motorcycle touring in Europe and lay them all out in small groups, generally in the order of your packing and use.

Pack all the emergency and essential items separately, so that you can reach for them without any difficulty.

Tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe
Photo by Lucas Knight

4. Pack carefully

Packing efficiently is an art that should be used well when planning a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe.

It will help to maximize the space and also in catering to your day-to-day needs while you’re out there in the open.
The general idea behind packing efficiently is that you must keep the equipment in the order of its usage and importance of requirement, should any emergency occur en-route.

Here is a list of necessary great quality gears to pack and carry with you on a long distance motorcycle trip.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZYR276E” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Bluetooth Headset[/easyazon_link] – Motorcycle Communication and Entertainment System
with HD Audio, it Connects 2 to 15 riders.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B000RMFGGY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Ear Plugs[/easyazon_link] – Excellent Low-Pressure Disposable Foam Earplugs.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B000WJ7QEC” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Tool Kit[/easyazon_link] – it’s very handy and has all the right tools and easy to carry in a roll-up pouch.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01FX5TKE8″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Fix-A-Flat[/easyazon_link] – it works amazingly to get you to a repair location when you have a flat. This is a must have item.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B002HMVQI4″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Head lamp[/easyazon_link] – they are mainly used for a power outage, to do general tasks around the house and very important to carry when you travel long distances.
Rain gears – When traveling long distances you can easily come across a heavy monsoon and in that case, the last thing you want is to be soaked in water. Check out these excellent waterproof [easyazon_link identifier=”B00KDLLIQG” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]pants[/easyazon_link] (bib), [easyazon_link identifier=”B001ACLITY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]boot cover[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00V5VXPSW” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]dry bag[/easyazon_link], and jacket.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01HRAG2KM” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Power bank[/easyazon_link]- its very important to carry one then why not a good power bank that can charge your phone countless times.

5. Inspect your bike and get it serviced

Check your bike for the condition and correct inflation of tires, as well as the engine.

It is always a good idea to get a complete service check-up done before moving so that you do not have to worry about small snags that may happen en-route.

Ensure that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B005J882YY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]tires[/easyazon_link], controls, lights, oil, lubricants and all essentials have been checked thoroughly.

6. Carry enough protective clothing

Remember Europe is a vast continent and has countries that have varying temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check out the places you are heading to and carry sufficient protective clothing with you.

Use only the [easyazon_link identifier=”B016NFHU8K” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]best quality helmets[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CPPUJ7C” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]jackets[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B004RDV5PK” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]motorcycle boots[/easyazon_link] , [easyazon_link identifier=”B01FMITMV2″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]best pants[/easyazon_link] , [easyazon_link identifier=”B01C8YGTPK” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]protective glasses[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FW2KCH2″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]good gloves[/easyazon_link] so that your health is taken care of.

Also, when you are going on a long trip, you are bound to encounter rainy weather. Therefore, it is essential that you are ready with adequate waterproofing material and carry items that become dry faster.

7. Involve motorcycle help groups and friends

Tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe
Photo by Lucas Knight

When touring Europe by motorcycle, it is very important that you have people whom you can contact en-route so that they can help you in the case of need.

There are many biker groups in most cities all over Europe with whom you can maintain contact on your social media platforms. Also, keep the contact information of the friends who live in the countries handy when you plan your travel.

Planning out your long solo motorcycle trip around Europe in minute details will not only give you that extra dash of confidence but also save you a lot of trouble during your trip.

READ MORE: Are you a biking fan? Check out Ali’s tips for a great motorcycle trip around India.

Author Bio: Over the past 10 years, Lucas has been a motorcycle rider. He has built up an incredible passion for travelling by motorbike and always wishes to contribute to the motorcyclist community. This is the reason why he created Motor Manner, where his passion turned into useful and interesting information for motorcycle lovers. Visit his blog to read more articles about motorcycle travelling gear reviews and helpful tips.

about me: Angela Corrias
About the author

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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