If you haven't yet taken advantage of your two wheels
and gone further than a tank-full away from home, you may be looking to have a
holiday or short break away. Ideally, take a short break as your first trip
away. You WILL learn useful hands on tips by doing this. No matter what
people tell you, you'll soon make up your own mind as to what you really
need.
The amount of luggage you will want to to take will
depend greatly on where you are going, where you are staying and for how long.
Luggage choice will vary bike to bike, but in general
tank bags, panniers (hard or soft), Cargo nets, Bungee Straps and a Rucksack
wont go a miss. Luggage will be available at most good bike shops and you will
get some great advice from a well informed sales person.
At bare minimum we recommend a small rucksack for the
things you'll need to keep to hand. And Panniers. If you need extra room, then
we would suggest a tank bag, and luggage rack.
Remember the more weight you pack on your motorcycle
will affect handling and performance. If you have a luggage rack loaded up, your
front end will be lighter. So take the first few miles incredibly steady until
you have adjusted to riding with a fully loaded bike.
Be sure to load the weight into your panniers evenly.
Travelling light has it's complications, even more so if you are rider and
pillion.
The art of packing essentials and picking up the rest en-route has to be
mastered and even the best of planners finds they've forgotten something.
Many of the Accommodation providers who advertise with
Bike Stay ( www.bike-stay.net ), will offer
ironing and washing facilities
which means you don't have to worry too much about packing a fresh set of
clothes for each day of your holiday. If you plan on wearing your leathers only
for your ride, and changing into civvies for your evenings don't forget to pack a pair of
shoes/trainers for civvy-wear. (It's often overlooked!)
Most accommodation providers will supply towels and basic toiletries, soap &
shampoo etc. Check before you set off and you may only need to pack a
toothbrush. A lot of our advertisers offer a lot more than just soap to keep
yourself clean!
Self Catering Cottages and Apartments will usually have clothes washing
facilities, but may not provide linen without prior arrangement, be sure to
check and ask in advance if you require these. If you do require linen and
towels, there is usually a surcharge to add on the cost. Please check before you
leave!
On board, you would be wise to carry a fully charged
mobile phone (preferably WITH credit) for emergencies. Don't forget your phone
charger either!
Also remember, Your bike's tool kit (if
you haven't got one then get one!) and small first aid or emergency kit. These
can be purchased from your local bike shop and can usually be stashed away under
your seat.
Hartside.com manages the Bike-Stay Accommodation
Directory, which lists Motorbike Friendly Places to stay around the world. (
www.bike-stay.net ).
Please do let us know if you are seeking Bike Friendly Accommodation in unlisted
regions, new accommodation is added weekly and we endeavour to meet demand.
Gone are the days where you need to pack your tent, or grovel with an
innkeeper to park your bike someplace safe!
Most Self Catering
Apartments and Cottages will only let on a
weekly basis, or a minimum stay of 3 nights. Although some will let for less
than 3 nights during non-peak time, please check with advertisers prior to
booking. In France, these are commonly referred to as Gites, in other parts of
Europe are simply referred to as apartments.
B&B and Guest House
accommodation is ideal if you want your breakfast served in the mornings! Ideal
and convenient for one night, one week or more. Many now offer healthy options
and vegetarian options if a full traditional cooked breakfast isn't your thing!
In Europe, B&B accommodation can be referred to as a Pousada, Inn, Hostel (very
different from a Youth Hostel) or Auberge
Hotel, Resort and Motel accommodation vary around the
world. Many motels allow parking outside of your own apartment, some resorts
allow this as well (and offer good on-site facilities). They can be booked on a
B&B or room-only basis. Some have self catering apartments (or at least enough
facilities to microwave a snack).
Camping, many
campsites don't encourage motorcycles simply as they fear the noise. But it's a
great way to tour all the same.
Check with your campsite before you arrive. Some will only accept mixed groups
unless you have booked in advance, Many will only accept two bikes per party or
even individual riders. It's always ideal to book in advance during peak season
and advise the owners that you are on motorcycles or they may refuse entry.
Group Accommodation, in Europe there are a large number of different
kinds of group accommodation available. Backpacker hostels often accommodate
motorcyclists, Bunk Houses are more commonly found in rural areas of the UK.
Select your destination from the list below to start your biker friendly
accommodation search
-
AFRICA -
ARGENTINA -
ANDORRA
- ASIA -
AUSTRALIA -
AUSTRIA -
BELGIUM -
BRAZIL -
CANADA
-
CHILE -
CROATIA -
DENMARK -
ENGLAND -
EUROPE -
FINLAND -
FRANCE -GERMANY
- GREECE -
INDIA -
IRELAND -
ISLE OF MAN
- ITALY -
MADEIRA -
MEXICO -
NETHERLANDS -
NEW ZEALAND -
NORTH AMERICA -
NORTHERN IRELAND -
NORWAY -
OCEANIA -
PERU -
PORTUGAL -
SCOTLAND
- SOUTH AMERICA -
SPAIN -
SWEDEN -
SWITZERLAND -
THAILAND -
TURKEY -
WALES
- UNITED KINGDOM -
USA
IF you are using a tank bag, fill up your bike BEFORE
you start loading up - It makes life easier.
Check your tire pressures.
If you are going away for a week or more and intend on
putting several miles on your bike, you may want to check your bike in for a
quick service.
If you are going away for any length of time, it may be worth your
while making a note of a dealer or mechanic close to your destination.
This can help if you need any forgotten equipment or if you have any
issues during your stay.
Check the legal requirements for travel to your destination, for both YOU and your bike.
Please visit for a range of motorcycle accessories, oil and cleaning products.
Hopefully your trip will go without a hitch, but
you'll find if a hitch does occur - you'll be better equipped if you have
prepared for problems before you left home.
Accidents
Hopefully this wont happen. But make sure you have the
emergency service number for the country you are travelling in.
Bike Problems
Before you leave; look up the nearest dealer to your final destination, for
your bike manufacturer. If your trip is covering several countries, ensure you
have a contact for each country of travel - it'll save on complications if
anything should happen en-route.
If you are going to need work doing during your trip; for example new tyres, do the leg work before you go.
Contact the dealer at your destination to ensure they can get the tyres in stock BEFORE you travel, paying for these in
advance will guarantee the best rates.
Your manufacturers website should be able to inform you of the nearest dealer
at your destination.
Breakdown and recovery cover.
Check that your car recovery covers your bike, if it
doesn't then get separate cover for your bike BEFORE you set off. If you are
travelling overseas, check you are covered for travel outside of your own!
Ensure they
will recover you from an accident, and NOT JUST a breakdown.
