Few adventures encapsulate raw freedom like heading out on an open road 3 day motorcycle trip through beautiful landscapes. Wind whipping your helmet, the vibrations of powerful machinery below, witnessing nature’s brilliance whizzing by firsthand combines into incredible memories. This complete guide covers everything from packing checklists to bike rental tips, top scenic routes recommended domestically and abroad, safety best practices, where to stay and refuel on the journey, navigating weather contingencies and more to embark on your epic 3 day motorcycle trip getaway whether solo or riding tandem.
Contents
- 1 3 Day Motorcycle Trip
- 2 Choosing the Right Motorcycle
- 3 Packing Checklists
- 4 Best Practices Out On The Road
- 5 Finding Overnight Accommodations
- 6 Motorcycle Trip Health & Safety Best Practices
- 7 Dealing With Bike Breakdowns En Route
- 8 Frequently Asked Motorcycle Road Trip Questions
- 8.1 Are multi-day motorcycle trips better alone or with groups?
- 8.2 What should someone expect paying for a 3 day motorcycle trip?
- 8.3 How physically demanding are extended motorcycle trips?
- 8.4 What constitutes unsuitable weather for safe motorcycle trips?
- 8.5 Should vacation days be taken after long motorcycle trips?
- 9 Conclusion
3 Day Motorcycle Trip
The beauty of a multi-day motorcycle road trip lies in the journey, not just the destination. Keeping daily segments under 300 miles lets you immerse fully into regional scenery, attractions and overnight stays. Top domestic and international locations for 2-3 day rides include:
USA: Pacific Coast Highway
This classic driving route traced along coastal cliffs, beaches, redwood forests and the ocean guarantees nonstop incredible views. Tackle the full 660 mile length over 3 days from Seattle to San Diego with plentifulstopovers. Summer showcases everything in its prime glory.
Vietnam/Cambodia: Highway 1
Often deemed one of Asia’s best motorcycle touring routes, this 830 mile corridor winds along the eastern Vietnamese coastline down all the way to Ho Chi Minh City and veers inland at Phnom Penh showcasing jungle highlands, imperial ruins, beach towns and the culture of everyday life.
Italy: Amalfi Coast
The impossibly beautiful 50 mile Amalfi coastal drive overflowing with cliffside Mediterranean vistas, colorful fishing villages and luxuriant national parks lets you soak up la dolce vita amongst Italy’s best landscapes ideally over 2 to 3 days of pure magic.
Iceland: Ring Road
Circumnavigating this far-flung volcanic island nation by following Route 1 Ring Road measures just over 800 miles doable in 3 days at a modest pace without missing top sights like glaciers, thundering waterfalls that reflect rainbows and the geological wonders dotted throughout this remote Nordic realm.
| Destination | Length | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast Highway, USA | 660 miles | Beaches, redwood forest, wineries |
| Highway 1, Vietnam | 830 miles | Jungle highlands, imperial sites, coastal views |
| Amalfi Coast, Italy | 50 miles | Mediterranean seaside villages, coastal cliffs |
| Ring Road, Iceland | 800 miles | Volcanoes, glaciers, thundering waterfalls |
Choosing the Right Motorcycle
While tempting to simply book whatever bike model gets you saddlebound quickest, investing effort into finding your best motorcycle match ensures comfort, reliability and functionality to fully enjoy the long haul trip ahead. Considerations when renting bikes include:
Displacement / Engine Size
A minimum of 250 cc strikes an ideal balance of power versus fuel efficiency for multi-day trekking full of stops, starts and elevation changes. Upright riding posture bikes better support longer journeys over aggressive sport bike positions.
Transmission Type
Automatic transmissions prove easier managing through cities and traffic versus mastering manual shift changes. Novices strongly recommended choosing automatic.
Rugged Chassis & Durability
Request motorcycle models engineered for extended touring like BMW GS models designed specifically for eating up miles mixed with off-road terrain if venturing beyond pavement.
Mileage & Age
Ask rental companies regarding bikes’ total lifespans and average mileage figures to gauge overall durability concerns. Newer models with fewer than 15,000 miles fare best for reliable long distance range under unpredictable conditions.
Emergency Support Networks
Confirm exactly what roadside assistance or backup options exist in case you experience mechanical trouble, flats or accidents miles from the closest village. Carry all related phone numbers and support information.
Locks, Alarms & Security
Protect your rental investment from theft by safely stowing helmets/gear out of sight and using provided locks/alarms whenever parked away from your accommodation. Obtain police report immediately for any incidents.
Packing Checklists
Efficiently preparing ahead enables focusing on the adventure out on the open highways. Use these packing checklists so nothing critical gets left behind.
Documentation
- Passport & Visas
- Driver’s License & International Driving Permit
- Proof of travel medical & motorcycle insurance
- Hotel & rental bike confirmations
- Local emergency contact details
Motorcycle Gear
- DOT certified helmet
- Eye protection, gloves & jacket
- Sturdy overankle boots
- Any required pads/armor
- Waterproof layers
- Secure straps for bags
Camping Supplies (Optional)
- Compact tent, pads & bags
- Lightweight stove & fuel
- Cutlery set & cups
- Non-perishable food
- Headlamp, lantern & batteries
Personal Items
- Prescriptions, basic first aid kit & toiletries
- Chargers & batteries for electronics
- Spare glasses/contacts
- Weather appropriate clothes
- Light towel, swimsuit
- Sunglasses & sunblock
Best Practices Out On The Road
Observing key guidelines and etiquette helps ensure positive vibes prevail throughout your motorcycle trip for all.
Carefully Plot Routes in Advance
Map apps and GPS devices prove invaluable maintaining proper bearing across remote areas. Download offline maps of target regions beforehand in case connectivity drops. Know your daily segments and refueling points.
Travel in Pods or Groups When Possible
Fosters camaraderie, motivation and accountability. Buddies can assist during bike breakdowns, medical help etc. Allow space cushioning riders. Agree on regrouping protocols beforehand. Ideally pack communication devices like walkie-talkies to interact underway.
Research Regional Road Rules Thoroughly
Avoid run-ins with the law by learning well in advance potential differences around speed limits, blood alcohol levels, license requirements, toll routes and fines. Repeat offenders risk motorcycle confiscation or temporary imprisonment in extremely strict countries. Act accordingly.
Pack Nutrition & Stay Hydrated
Long mileage days coupled with wind, sun and elevated heat bake riders fast. Carry substantial snacks supplementing meals like protein bars, nuts, fruits and sandwiches. Hydration critical as well – pack double the amount of water you think necessary per day minimum.
Check All Fluids Daily
Input from fellow riders indicates more mechanical issues stem from low fluid levels vs actual bike failures. Spend nightly routine double checking chain lube, brake fluids, engine oil and coolant levels to prevent being stuck roadside from negligence.
Respect Locals & Wildlife
Roaring through remote villages blaring horns isn’t the best introduction. Slow down around residential areas, smile and wave to curious onlookers. Let faster traffic pass safely. Avoid riding directly alongside large animals which may startle and react unpredictably.
Finding Overnight Accommodations
Booking overnight stays proves easier arranging assume you have steady internet connectivity en route. When planning an off the grid bike trip, here are top lodging tips:
Reserve First & Last Night Upfront
Whether a chic city hotel before hitting the open road or beaches cabana once finished, bookend reward accommodations so everything in between falls into place.
Pack Camping Gear to Get Flexible
Having compact camping equipment like lightweight tents enables pulling off the road to sleep anywhere under the stars when desired. Scope potential camping locations through maps and travel blogs beforehand.
Chat with Locals or Other Riders
Conversing with people met along your journey yields invaluable insider tips on navigating the very best local slept-on guesthouses, cool campsites or budget hotels.
Splurge Occasionally on Nicer Hotels
Balance tent living with a few nights of 5-star luxury offering welcome amenities like spas with massages, high end restaurants and ritzy bars allowing you to mix up and indulge a bit en route. Treat it like a movable oasis.
Join Hospitality Service Clubs In Advance
If holding memberships in international clubs like WarmShowers.org providing homestays + networking for bicycle or motorcycle tourists, utilize these exceptional networks allowing you to meet incredibly friendly hosts offering free spare beds, meals and more all over the world.
Motorcycle Trip Health & Safety Best Practices
While striving to maintain positive road karma and self-reliance as much possible, observing key precautions greatly enhances odds of an incident free motorcycle trip for all.
Invest in Quality Safety Gear
Sturdy helmets minimizing head trauma forces saves lives daily along with body armor, Kevlar reinforced jackets gloves and pants protecting from abrasions and impact during any potential spills at speed. Waterproofing also strongly advised.
Carry Extensive Medical Insurance Proactively
Simply getting quoted as eligible without reading fine print could cost tens of thousands in evacuation and hospital fees after accidents abroad. Thoroughly examine policy terms, get them translated if unfamiliar language, asking lots of questions beforehand of exactly what is and IS NOT covered country by country.
Pack Prescription Medications From Home
Transport double needed dosages factoring potential delays plus listing of generic names in case requiring doctor visits obtaining replacement scripts abroad. Keep meds in original labeled bottles and research if mailing restrictions apply destinations involving customs declarations.
Take Electronic Precautions
Guard against device failures losing access to critical digital maps, travel reservations and contacts by packing high durability phone cases, backing up to cloud accounts, external charger packs topping 15000 mAh capacity providing 4-6 full phone charges minimally. Redundancy saves the day!
Monitor Weather Forecasting Diligently
Apps displaying hourly interactive weather maps lets observers bunker down avoiding the worst conditions or detour off track remaining safe. Carry waterproof gear, emergency space blankets and know contingency shelter locations if storms escalate suddenly.
| Safety Gear | Usage |
|---|---|
| DOT Helmet | Protects head & brain |
| Kevlar jacket, pants, gloves | Prevents severe road rash |
| Sturdy overankle boots | Supports feet, ankles over uneven terrain |
| Medical insurance | Funds hospital visits & transport costs |
| Weather apps | Live regional radar |
| External battery charger | Recharges devices remotely |
Dealing With Bike Breakdowns En Route
Despite meticulous preventative maintenance, equipment failures occasionally strike during lengthy motorcycle trips. Employ these proven techniques addressing mid-route breakdowns:
Diagnose Issues During Pit Stops
Schedule brief regrouping stops every 75-100 miles enabling everyone to compare notes on any new vibrations, leaks or sounds that freshly developed so they’re immediately addressed before catastrophically escalating later on while in ultra remote areas.
Carry Spare Parts, Basic Tools & YouTube
Having a range of supplies like patch kits, fuses, valves, bulbs, zip ties and tape enables repairing many smaller problems roadside sufficient reaching proper garage facilities for bigger issues in upcoming towns ahead. Don’t know how? YouTube tutorials demonstrate everything.
Use bike Protective Alarms & Locks
Discourages tampering or theft if forced leaving your motorcycle parked overnight during repairs. Also record all small dings or scratches beforehand waiving liability for existing damage from shady rental companies upon return.
Call Roadside Assistance
Many rental agencies and touring companies bundle free towing services within 50-100 miles in case bigger mechanical problems get encountered mid-route as guaranteed insurance avoiding catastrophic hassles killing your trip. Confirm all emergency contact details before departing.
Hitch Rides to Garages
When diagnoses determine repairs exceeding several days likely, consider safely transporting your bike to certified mechanics via hitching a ride using a passing truck, bus or trailer rather than forfeit days from the original trip waiting. Offer to pay generously for drivers’ assistance plus fuel costs. Just ensure vehicle properly secures motorcycle avoiding further damage in transit beforehand.
Frequently Asked Motorcycle Road Trip Questions
Are multi-day motorcycle trips better alone or with groups?
While solo trips foster independence, unplanned issues arise easier handled within small groups enhancing safety, camaraderie and problem resolution. Travel in groups of 3-4 bikes letting you experience both alone time plus the support network as needed.
What should someone expect paying for a 3 day motorcycle trip?
All inclusive costs covering motorcycle rentals averaging $75-150 daily, fuel, lodging, food and activities generally total $1500-2500 per rider for mid-range domestic trips to luxury packaged international tours spanning 3-5 days.
How physically demanding are extended motorcycle trips?
Riding multiple consecutive 8+ hour days requires having baseline cardiovascular fitness and periodically standing up off seats to avoid strains. Prior training helps immensely easing the transition plus preventing painful riding injuries developing underway.
What constitutes unsuitable weather for safe motorcycle trips?
Visibility compromising heavy fog, snow, ice or heavy rainfall significantly escalates accident risks for riders unable cope. Additionally, high winds can blow smaller bikes off course unexpectedly. Avoid riding in truly inclement conditions if at all possible, but carry weatherproof gear like waterproof layers just in case conditions spiral unexpectedly.
Should vacation days be taken after long motorcycle trips?
Absolutely, especially if new to riding long distances! The physical exertion and concentration required finally catches up once you disembark, so schedule at least 1-2 additional vacation days once finished for allowing your body and mind some valuable recovery time before returning to work fully restored inside and out.
Conclusion
Escaping regular life by renting a motorcycle for 2-3 brilliant days riding allows creating once-in-a-lifetime memories experiencing top destinations like never before imaginable from a car. This all encompassing guide to planning out the your dream short term motorcycle road trip covers critical logistics choosing ideal locations and bike models, packing checklists plus best practices on the road fostering smooth travels from world class start to finish. Just avoid biting off routes exceeding your skill level, buckling all safety gear, prepare for the unexpected and set off on the open road ready for adventure anywhere it may lead! Where will your motorcycle escape take you?