How to Pack a Motorcycle

Getting All Your Gear On Your Bike Isn't as Easy as Packing a Car

Jul 19, 2007 Matt Finley

Having a limited amount of space often means you have to leave something behind. This article will help you take everything you need.

Knowing what to pack for a motorcycle trip is the easy part. Actually getting all that stuff packed safety and securely while still leaving room for you to operate the bike is a different story altogether. Some of the differences from packing a car include things like weight distribution, limited space, keeping necessary items where they are easy to get to, and many others.

This How To is based on a single rider. If you have a passenger riding with you, it will require much more planning and trimming down of the non-essentials. It may even require saddlebags, or perhaps a motorcycle trailer (if your motorcycle is big enough to tow it).

Here's How:

1. Create a packing list of everything you want to take and where it will be placed on the bike. See related feature on How to Plan a Motorcycle Trip.
2. Depending on the bike, you'll need saddlebags, a tailpack, possibly a tank bag, and at least 3 bungee cords.
3. Clothes should be tightly rolled up to assume the smallest space.
4. Use the packing list to place items in the various storage areas. Include your jacket as a storage area.
5. Evenly distribute the load on the left and right sides. Weigh the bags on a scale.
6. Don't put too much weight on the back of the bike. See your owner's manual for limits.
7. After all necessities are loaded, place your rain gear somewhere on top of the bike secured by bungee cords. You don't want to have to unpack when it starts to rain.
8. Double check your list to ensure that everything is on-board.
9. Place the packing list in your jacket or other readily available spot.
10. Have a great trip!

Important Tips to Remember:

1. Use removable bags in your saddlebags to be able to easily move the contents from your bike to a motel or campsite.
2. Always place items you don't want to get wet in plastic zip-type bags.
3. Try to keep items you need on the road in a place where they can be easily accessed.

Remember: Packing a motorcycle for a trip, especially a long one where you need more stuff, is not an easy task. It takes planning and preparation. It also requires you to consider taking items that are not really needed. In a car. If you think you might need it, you go ahead and throw it in the trunk and don't think twice about it. If you did that with a motorcycle, you'd need a trailer to carry everything.

The copyright of the article How to Pack a Motorcycle in Motorcycles/Off-Road is owned by Matt Finley. Permission to republish How to Pack a Motorcycle in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Tank Bag

Motorcycle Packed for a Road Trip