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The thrill of the open road is a big reason people choose to buy new and used motorcycles. You're exposed to the elements in a way that is truly unlike any other form of transportation. It's more than just the feel of the wind in your hair, it also presents a completely unique way to see the country. If you're considering a road trip on your hog, preparing for the experience properly is of the utmost importance. Read on to learn about exactly what it takes to make your trip a success, be it 100 or 1,000 miles. Inspect Beforehand This might seem like a no-brainer, but some folks often don't consider the state their bike is in before embarking on a trip like this. Give your entire ride a solid once-over to save yourself some trouble on the road. Make sure fluid levels are correct, be it the coolant, the oil, or the brake fluid. Inflate the tires properly if needed, and make sure the elements of the chassis are in their best working order as well as the controls. It's also a good idea, small as it is, to make sure the stand isn't bent or cracked and is solid enough to support the bike. By making sure all these bases are covered before embarking on your journey, you could potentially save yourself a lot of unnecessary hardships while you're out on the road. Get Your Gear Right If you've got a touring bike, you have the advantage of having built-in storage on your side whether or not it's one of your new or used motorcycles. If this isn't you, however, you'll soon find that a simple backpack won't cut it for storing everything you will want to have in terms of supplies. Saddlebags and tank bags are great options to ensure you have everything you need in one convenient place. These come in hard and soft options, and while hard bags are definitely a bit more costly they have the advantage of being more durable against the elements. This can be particularly valuable if you're planning a trip in winter or somewhere known for having a lot of rain. To that end, portable weather radios are a great investment. These typically run about $20, and keep you apprised of what's ahead on the road before you even get there. You'll also want to consider a touring suit for protection from the weather and the strife of the road. Have A Clear Plan Long trips can get away from you if you don't have an idea what you want to do beforehand. Consider having an envelope for each day of the trip for what you want to see and do and where you want to stop. This will keep you organized on the road, and is a good way to ensure you see everything you want to see. It's also a great way to map out the routes where gas stations are most plentiful, so you can refuel and stretch your legs as needed. Of course, plans are made to be broken so if something catches your eye on the way, feel free to stop and take it in! Above all else, be realistic about what you can and can't do in the space of a day. This will prevent road fatigue, and help you enjoy the sights and sounds more. New and used motorcycles are great ways to explore the land and get a feel for travel in a way that cars just can't duplicate. With a little thought and cautiousness beforehand, your next trip could be your best yet. When in the market for a used motorcycle, Detroit residents visit Motor City Harley-Davidson. Learn more at http://www.motorcityharley.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventory.
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