The ultimate guide for long weekend motorcycle trips 

It’s a long weekend, which means it’s time to drag the bike out of the shed and hit the road or dirt for some two-wheel fun. 

Whether you are a daily rider or a weekend warrior, it’s important to plan your long weekend motorcycle trip carefully before you go. The problem is that there’s a lot to consider.  

Fortunately, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to prepping yourself and your bike for whatever adventure you have in mind.  

Related: Planning a multi-day ride

You know that old saying – “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? Don’t ask me who said it, but there’s a lot of truth in it. I’m not saying you need to be tied to a minute-by-minute itinerary, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared and have a rough plan. And that includes knowing where you’re going and what you’re doing.  

This becomes even more important on long weekends when seemingly the entire population of Australia is out and about.  

Whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day ride, make sure you pick a destination and route suitable for your bike, skill level, and the weekend weather forecast. Research your chosen location to ensure roads are open, there are no natural disasters or volatile weather patterns affecting the area, and fuel, food and accommodation are available. 

Speaking of accommodation, it’s important to plan this well in advance because long weekends are generally very busy and affordable places to stay can be scarce.  

Of course, if you are planning to camp, then it’s a little easier. But you’ll still want to research potential campgrounds, as finding legal free camps in Australia can be tricky. Also, make sure your bike is set up properly for a motorcycle camping trip.

Related: Top tips for motorcycle camping

Perhaps the single most important thing when planning a ride is making sure your bike is in tip-top shape. A mechanical issue can make for a bad weekend very quickly.  

Make sure you take care of any outstanding maintenance and do a comprehensive pre-ride safety check to make sure everything is in order. Also, make adjustments to things like levers, handlebars, mirrors, and suspension to ensure maximum comfort and control. And check your tyre pressures!

And, in this fuel-stricken world we currently live in, work out how to get the best fuel economy from your motorcycle.

The next step is to decide what to wear and what to take with you. If you’re just going for a day ride, then your decisions will be a lot easier. Choose the right gear for the weather, take a basic toolkit and a mobile phone, and pack some water, snacks, and anything else you might need throughout the day. 

If it’s a multi-day trip, then it’s a good idea to do a test run of packing luggage on your motorcycle at least a few days beforehand. There is nothing worse than struggling to fit everything on your bike right before you leave because you haven’t practiced.  

And if you’re loading up the dirt bikes for the weekend, then check out our guide to loading a motorcycle onto a ute. It might make your life a tad easier. 

Hot or cold – it doesn’t matter. You need to be ready for the conditions. It is surprising how quickly heatstroke or hypothermia can hit you if you’re underprepared. And it pays to know how to ride in wet weather too.

If it’s going to be warm, then you want to wear light and breathable gear. Look for gear that offers plenty of ventilation. Also, take plenty of water and sunscreen with you, and take breaks in the shade as much as possible.  

Layering is important in cold weather, but even more crucial is waterproofing. Being cold is one thing but being cold and wet for lengthy amounts of time is a one-way ticket to hypothermia. Choose gear that will keep you dry and make sure you have warm layers underneath which you can remove if the weather heats up.

Motorcycling is dangerous, but it is possible to minimise the risks by riding smarter. There are loads of strategies and beginner riding tips for this, but it’s also a good idea to get quality rider training, no matter how experienced you are.  

Also, keep in mind the effects of fatigue on long rides and be prepared for any obstacles or unfortunate incidents. For example, know how to pick up your bike if you drop it. Sounds simple, but if you don’t know the little things, you’ll have a bad weekend.  

Are you riding in a group? Or with a pillion? Maybe with the kids? These situations completely change the way you ride, so make sure you have the necessary knowledge and skills so that you keep yourself, your mates, and your passengers safe and happy. 

It's also a good idea to have a communications system when riding in a group or with passengers. There are a variety of different options to stay connected when riding.

Long weekends mean busy roads. And I don’t mean just the city; I mean everywhere. Knowing how to ride in heavy traffic and at slow speeds is important.  

Likewise, country roads can present many hazards that city commuters might not expect. Make sure you are prepared for these.  

And if you are heading out into some windy and twisty roads, having good cornering technique will make your weekend a lot more fun and safer.  

It’s amazing how many people throw themselves into off-road riding without learning the correct skills first. If your dirt experience is limited, then it’s important to know that it is very, very different to riding on the tarmac.  

There is also a wider variety of terrain, and it’s good to know exactly what conditions you’ll be riding in. Mud, sand, rocks, clay, hills, and fire trails all require different riding techniques and hazard awareness. Do your research and learn the skills. As mentioned earlier, rider training will help a lot here.   

Another good thing to know is how to fix your bike out in the bush. If you’re out in a remote area with limited phone reception, then having the right tools and a bit of bush mechanical knowledge is important. A small mechanical issue can turn into a life-threatening situation if you get stuck out there, so be prepared.

When you get back, it’s a good idea to clean your bike straight away. This will help get rid of any dirt, dust, or grime that could cause corrosion or other issues.  

Also, do another round of maintenance checks, and if you are storing your bike for a lengthy amount of time, then find out the best ways to do this to make sure it’s ready to roll next time you take it out.  

Related: How to wash a motorcycle