Taking a Vacation? Motorcycle Cruises Let You Bring Your Bike
What could be better than going on holiday to a warm, tropical destination? Exploring these areas by motorcycle, of course. Rather than renting a bike of questionable quality and dubious reliability, there are a number of companies that facilitate cruises where you can bring your own motorcycle along. Even better!
While there are benefits to the simplicity of renting a bike wherever your travels may lead you, transporting your own motorcycle on holiday will allow you to enjoy the unfamiliar surroundings with more comfort and confidence as you’ll be making memories on a bike you’re already well accustomed to riding and can trust. There are of course some additional elements to consider when planning such a holiday.
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Preparation and Paperwork
Few people enjoy administrative duties, but having everything organized before your trip will make the vacation more enjoyable. While you’re consolidating your own travel documents and checking expiration dates on your driver’s license and passport (very important), you should also ensure you have a copy of your bike’s ownership and that its insurance is up to date. Verify with tour organizers what documentation they need, as well as what paperwork may be required during your travels. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be recommended, as well as visas for the locations you’re visiting. It is also a good idea to research what currencies are used and accepted at the various ports of call.
Nobody wants to think about a mishap, but if anything unexpected does occur while on holiday, you will be much happier if you arranged travel insurance for yourself and anyone accompanying you on your trip before your departure.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how your bike will be transported and whether you will be able to access it during the voyage. In particular, you’ll want to know whether your bike can be loaded on the boat with a full tank of fuel. Octane levels and fuel quality may be questionable in the locations you’ll be visiting. Trip organizers will be familiar with this and should be able to advise you accordingly.
As with any trip, you should ensure your bike is properly maintained and in good working order. In addition to the regular fluid and filter changes, you should check tire pressure and tread wear, as well as the condition of hoses, belts, and chains. You’ll want to identify any potential challenges before you go to the trouble of getting your bike on a boat that is far away from your local parts and service counter.
What to Pack
Packing for a trip can be a challenge at the best of times, let alone when you need to consider varying activities, locations, and the spectrum of weather conditions and temperatures you may experience. You may also be doing some walking when you’re not on your motorcycle.
You’ll want to pack lightly and efficiently, but ensure you have the proper riding protection. The sun may also be much stronger at your destination than you’re accustomed to at home. Try to find light, ventilated clothing with adequate coverage and protection. You’ll also be thankful for rain gear and an extra pair of gloves if a weather system rolls through during any of your rides.
Regardless of whether or not your bike has an integrated GPS unit, you may want to get an International SIM card or arrange a travel plan for your smartphone. It’s always a good idea to carry extra tie-down straps and zip-ties if you have space.
Rather than relying on single-use plastics, you may want to pack a reusable water bottle to ensure you have fresh, drinkable water on hand as it may not be readily available in the areas you’ll be visiting. Whether it’s a long-distance ride or a leisure trip, I also never travel without a few spare granola or protein bars—just in case.
Rules of the Road
Research road conditions, customs, and rules for the places you’ll be visiting. Foreign signs can be confusing, speed limit and helmet laws vary, understand the difference between mph and km/h, and keep in mind that not every country drives or rides on the same side of the road.
It is a good practice to abstain from drinking or doing drugs while riding wherever you are, but some areas have a zero alcohol tolerance and very strict laws around narcotics, so be warned.
Riding behavior in other countries can be very different—from aggressive or unpredictable to downright outrageous—so being prepared will give you a leg up.
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Other Considerations
Be mindful that locals may not be as fortunate as yourself. It is unlikely that your tour guides will take you anywhere that your personal safety may be threatened, but it is still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, not flash money around, and leave valuables back on the boat or at home. Cable locks for bags and wheel locks aren’t a bad idea when you travel.
As a part of smart travel planning for motorcycle riders, load important destinations into your GPS or smart phone beforehand, as well as tour guide or cruise ship contacts should anything go wrong.
Be respectful of the disembarkation process and plan to arrive back at the boat well before you are required in case you experience any delays or issues. You don’t want to ruin your relaxing vacation by stressing about being left behind.
As a rider, be courteous. You may love the way your pipes sound, but locals may not feel the same so keep engine revving and stereo volume to a minimum. Traveling to other countries or even motorcycle-only destinations around the world means that you are a guest, which is a privilege. You’re also an ambassador for tourists and the riding community as a whole, so behave accordingly.
Dustin Woods
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