• Do a thorough check-over of your motorcycle for its road-worthiness: tires in good condition and good pressure, chain adjusted and lubed, fluids – clutch, front and back brake reservoirs, antifreeze all topped up, oil and filter changed (for long trips), gauges, lights and indicators working, etc. See the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Pre-Ride Inspection sheet for the full checklist.
• Make sure you inform yourself of the motorcycle regulations in the states where you’ll be traveling. A good chart summing these up can be found here, or check out the AMA’s guide to state motorcycle laws.
• Consider purchasing a motorcycle-specific emergency roadside assistance plan such as with Motorcycle Towing Services.
• Check the weather report.
Hey,
Does anyone carry their bike on their camper? If so, what do you use, i.e., hitch carrier, trailer, etc.? Finally, do you know where we could get a cover to use while carrying, like those that fit bicycles and zip up?
Thanks,
Hi Elaine
My husband and I both ride Harleys and we haul the bikes in an enclosed Wells Cargo trailer. We also have an open Kendon trailer which we occasionally use for shorter trips. Definitely prefer the Wells Cargo which protects the bikes from road dirt, etc. behind the motorhome. When we are at a KOA we leave the bikes outside during the night since we know they are safe but like the option of putting them in the trailer if the weather is going to be bad. Unfortuately I don’t know about covers but hopefully you can find information online.
Using a cover when towing a bike is not a good idea. No matter how tight you think you have the cover it will have movement caused by the wind. This movement will let the cover rub against the paint and usually cause damage to the finish. This is really a problem is there is any type of dirt already on the bike or if the inside of the cover gets something on it. The risk of damage is much greater than the time needed to wash a bike when you reach your destination. I believe this is why you will have a hard time finding the type of cover you are looking for.