Planning a motorcycle tour is part of the adventure, but forgetting one small essential can become a much bigger problem once you're miles from home.
Whether you're heading away for a weekend in Wales, touring Scotland or planning a longer UK road trip, a simple motorcycle touring checklist can make preparing for the journey much easier.
Motorcycle checks before you leave
Before loading the bike, spend a little time checking the basics. Check your tyre pressures and condition, oil and other fluid levels, lights, indicators, brakes and chain condition where applicable.
It's also worth checking that your luggage, panniers or top box are secure before setting off.
Documents and essentials
Make sure you've got access to the documents and information you may need while travelling. Your driving licence, insurance details, breakdown information and accommodation or campsite bookings are all worth checking before departure.
Keep important information somewhere you can still access if your phone runs out of battery or loses signal.
What to pack for a motorcycle tour
Space is limited on a motorcycle, so packing is usually about taking what you'll genuinely use rather than preparing for every possible situation.
Think about riding clothing, waterproofs, spare layers, toiletries, medication, phone charging, basic tools and anything required for your overnight stops.
Pack heavier items low and securely, and keep anything you may need during the day somewhere easy to reach.
Prepare for British weather
Even a good forecast can change quickly. A lightweight waterproof layer and an extra warm layer can be worth carrying even on a summer trip.
If you're travelling for several days, think about how you'll deal with wet riding gear overnight as well as what you'll wear the following morning.
Plan the journey, not just the destination
A motorcycle tour doesn't have to be about covering as many miles as possible. Consider fuel stops, rest breaks, road types and realistic daily distances when planning your route.
Leaving some flexibility in the schedule also makes it easier to change plans because of weather, traffic or simply finding somewhere worth stopping.
A checklist makes preparation easier
The easiest way to avoid relying on memory is to work through a checklist before each trip. It gives you one place to organise your packing, bike preparation and travel plans.
Want the complete printable motorcycle touring planner?
Our 18-page Motorcycle Touring Checklist UK & Printable Planner brings the preparation together in one downloadable PDF, with useful pages for packing, pre-trip checks and planning your tour.
Instant PDF download – £2.99.
View the complete Motorcycle Touring Planner in the Next Chapter Essentials store.