How to prepare your motorcycle for a summer road trip?

You’ve got everything: the destination, the luggage, the travel plan, and even those must-see tourist spots you don’t want to miss. But… do you really have everything you need for your summer ride? Are you sure you’ve prepared your motorcycle properly? Just like when travelling by car, it’s important to have everything under control before leaving home, in order to avoid breakdowns and unexpected issues that you can often prevent in advance. Below, we remind you of a few essential steps you shouldn’t skip before heading out on your bike during these months:

1. Check your tyres. This is a beginner’s mistake. Even if you’ve used your bike fairly recently, it’s a good idea to inspect their condition. Look out for excessive wear. You’ve got a long journey ahead, and road grip is essential.
2. And the brakes. Another key point. Take a look at the brake pads — make sure they’re not sticking and that they’re not too worn down. We also recommend that, either before your summer trip or whenever it’s been a long time since you last did it, you check the condition and level of the brake fluid. And a bit of cleaning for the discs won’t hurt either!
3. More fluids. High temperatures mean you need to stay hydrated. But before a summer ride, these aren’t the only fluids that matter. Besides brake fluid, it’s important to check the levels of the coolant and the engine oil.
4. Don’t forget the chain. Make sure it’s well lubricated and that the sprocket isn’t worn out. If it is, the best thing you can do is stop by a workshop.
5. If you haven’t used your bike in a long time… We don’t know how you managed! Before heading off on your summer route, your machine should be checked by professionals. Have them perform a full inspection and make sure everything is in place before you twist the throttle. That way, the journey will be much smoother and more enjoyable.
6. Don’t forget the most important thing: fuel. Before leaving, fill up the tank. On your trip you’ll probably ride along secondary roads surrounded only by countryside. If you’re taking that kind of route, make sure you have enough fuel, because you may not come across a petrol station.
7. You matter too. Wear the right gear. A ventilated suit and gloves so the heat doesn’t win the battle, with the highest level of protection possible. Boots that cover the ankle, a good helmet and… time to ride!