Today we welcome a collaborative post from a talented contributor.\u00a0 Enjoy, C.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Traveling the world on a motorcycle is a dream for many. It represents absolute freedom, beyond even what you get when you go by car. On a motorbike, you can weave in and out of traffic, park up just about anywhere, and travel down unpaved dirt tracks with relative ease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, if you\u2019re going to <\/span>embark on a motorcycle adventure<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll need to do your research. It\u2019s not as easy as you might think. You need to prepare in advance and make sure that you put everything in order first before you set off. Here\u2019s what you need to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you already have a motorcycle, chances are that you are used to its features, and it will be the safest mode of transportation for your trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First, you\u2019ll want to work out how you\u2019re going to <\/span>feed yourself<\/span><\/a>. While bikes have some storage space, you\u2019re going to be on the move for several days, so keeping sandwiches in a plastic container probably isn\u2019t going to work.\u00a0<\/span>Fortunately, most parts of the world have eateries nearby. If you\u2019re motorbiking through Vietnam, for instance, you\u2019ll come across plenty of restaurants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If that\u2019s not the case and you\u2019re out in the wilderness, you\u2019ll need to think more carefully about food. The best approach is to treat it more like camping. Take a burner with you and some dried food items, and a water filter. Then if you\u2019re unable to find water nearby, you can filter water from local sources and use it in your meal prep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The weather can sometimes be bad. And that means that you\u2019ll need to prepare if you\u2019re planning on traveling by motorbike. Unlike when you ride in a car, you expose yourself to the elements on a motorcycle.\u00a0 <\/span>Prepare as best as you can, depending on the season. If you\u2019re going to a tropical county, you\u2019ll want to rethink traditional riding suits. They\u2019re just too hot for the summer. <\/span>Likewise, if you\u2019re going abroad during the winter months, prepare yourself for the cold and rain. Make sure that you wear something with both insulation and waterproofing. You\u2019ll need it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wet weather isn\u2019t so bad in countries with high heat. In fact, it can sometimes be refreshing. However, you\u2019ll want to check that the temperatures won\u2019t dip too much at night. Anything under about 21 C, and you\u2019re liable to feel cold if you are soaked through.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most people <\/span>touring the world on motorcycles<\/span><\/a> rent their bikes from outlets, and they don\u2019t take them with them. <\/span>Unfortunately, not all motorcycle companies are reputable. Many will look for ways to rip you off.\u00a0 <\/span>Before setting off on a rented motorcycle, make sure that you take pictures of it for any signs of damage. The rental company may ask you to cover these when you return the vehicle, even if you didn\u2019t cause them. <\/span>You\u2019ll also want to make sure that the company provides adequate insurance coverage for your needs. Sometimes, it won\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you can, look for rental brands you recognize from back home. Many are international and provide the same high level of service. Don\u2019t just choose the first company that comes up in Google search results, particularly if the brand is paying for an ad. Take your time finding rental firms with customer-friendly business models and aren\u2019t just trying to make a quick buck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to pack light if you\u2019re traveling on a motorcycle. You don\u2019t want to have to lug any more than about 20 kg with you. Most bikes have two side cases that can accommodate a reasonable quantity of luggage. <\/span>You\u2019ll also want to be minimalist. Only take the things that you absolutely need for your trip. Don\u2019t overload yourself with paraphernalia that probably isn\u2019t going to come in handy. Use your phone for as many things as possible, including navigation, payments, hotel bookings, and music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShip Your Bike<\/b><\/h3>\n
Figure Out How You\u2019re Going To Feed Yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n
Plan For Bad Weather<\/b><\/h3>\n
Find A Good Rental Company<\/b><\/h3>\n
Pack Light<\/b><\/h3>\n
Get Ready For Surprises<\/b><\/h3>\n