Riding long-distances without getting tired is a secret that isn’t known to many riders. While going on a trip is more than just covering enormous distances, being able to ride longer definitely makes it possible for you to reach places that you otherwise normally couldn’t. So, with that in mind, let’s check out the techniques pro motorcyclists use to boost their riding stamina.
Get comfortable on the bike
To be able to last longer on the motorcycle the first rule of thumb is to be comfortable on it. It goes without saying that if you're not comfortable riding a motorcycle you would want to take frequent breaks which will add up to the overall delay in reaching your destination. While purchasing a motorcycle make sure that it is perfectly comfortable for your height and body type and also consider your age when you are going for a brand-new motorcycle. If you are upwards of 40 years you might not want to invest in a motorcycle with an aggressive sitting position. Also, it is very important to remember that cruiser motorcycles are not actually as comfortable as they might look! The distance between the seat and the handlebars is often too far away for which you might have to lean forward or structure arms to an uncomfortable extent which will create fatigue and pain on long rides.
Break up the journey in chunks
A very important skill of riding a motorcycle for long distances is to pick up the entirety after journey into small chunks that you can manage in between breaks. Let us explain this a little bit more. For example, if you are planning to ride 500 kilometers in a day break it up into chunks of 250 kilometers and take a break in between to reach a minute your body and give your body some time to relax. This however depends on the type of motorcycle you're riding to cover a distance of 250 kilometers in one stretch you will need a bike that has the mechanical prowess to do so without being stressed out of its comfort levels. A cruiser motorcycle is the best candidate for long distance rides, or, you can also opt for an adventure bike. If 250 kilometers seems too much for you and if you have a pillion rider with you then you definitely would want to break the journey up even further perhaps in chunks of 100 kilometers so that the pillion rider as well as you stay comfortable.
Wear the right riding gear
Aerodynamics plays a huge role in keeping the rider comfortable on a motorcycle or even a bicycle for that matter! Always make sure to invest in good quality riding motorcycle gear which includes an aerodynamic branded motorcycle helmet along with body armor or riding jacket and riding pants. You might also want to invest in a windshield for the front of your motorcycle which will deflect the air and create an aerodynamic stream for the bike to keep on moving without a lot of wind resistance. If you do not have the right riding gear, the wind resistance can hit your body with a lot of force and over a period of time this really gets fatiguing.
Gradually build up your riding stamina
Building riding stamina is a matter of persistent practice and keeping at it without deviation. Do not expect to become a long-distance warrior overnight because it takes several years for many people to be able to ride long distances comfortably. Start by writing 100 kilometers at a stretch and then gradually increase the distance by 50 kilometers every time and observe your comfort levels as you do that. Over a period of time, it will become easy for you to ride 200 kilometers without breaking a sweat.
Stay healthy
In order to be able to endure the physical demands of staying on the motorcycle for long distances and for long durations you will need to be healthy in the first place. Make sure to eat healthy and workout regularly so that you have a strong core and back muscles, both of which are very important to endure physical demands of riding a motorcycle irrespective of the distance you are going. If you do not have a strong core there is a very good risk of developing hernia in the later stage of your life especially if you ride motorcycles very frequently.
Plan for the least fatiguing route
An important aspect of staying fresh on the motorcycle for long distances is to find a route that does not have a lot of traffic because in stop-and-go traffic conditions you will have to put your foot down very frequently and change your riding posture which takes a toll on the muscles in the back and legs. It is all a matter of proper planning and anticipating traffic conditions on the route to your destination. Try to avoid city routes especially during peak office hours or early in the morning when people take their kids to school. A good way to escape the morning traffic is to start your journey by 6:00 AM because in a couple of hours the school traffic starts to build, along with early office-goers hitting the road to reach their workplaces on time.
Ride with a partner
The monotony of riding solo has also been considered as a reason for rider fatigue on long distance trips. If riding solo is your style and you do not want to compromise on the unadulterated experience of being on the road alone with your motorcycle then you will have to look for other solutions mentioned above in this article but if you do not mind having a partner on your ride it is a great idea to share the experience with somebody you trust and love. Try to convince your spouse to go along with you on your rides or find somebody who is willing to endure the physical challenge of sitting in the pillion seat for long hours! While we're on the topic of pillion rider comfort, consider taking frequent breaks and asking after their wellbeing because sitting in the pillion seat is a million times more fatiguing than being on the pilot seat!