How To Prepare My Motorcycle For A Long Ride
By Prathamesh Joshi
A long ride doesn’t test how fast your motorcycle is.
It tests how prepared it is.
I’ve ridden across Zanskar, Umling La, the Rann, and done more Pune–Goa runs than I can count. One thing is clear after every long ride — the road doesn’t break motorcycles, lack of preparation does.
Here’s a simple, structured way to prepare your motorcycle before any long ride.
Start with a full inspection
Before you add luggage or plan routes, make sure your motorcycle is mechanically ready.
Check these first:
Tyres and tyre pressure
Brakes and brake fluid
Engine oil and coolant
Lights, horn and indicators
Chain condition and lubrication
All mounts and fittings
A long ride magnifies small problems. Fix them before they grow.
Set your bike up for the load
A motorcycle that handles well solo can feel completely different with luggage.
Tyres
Adjust tyre pressure for added weight.
Suspension
Increase preload if you’re carrying luggage or a pillion.
Steering feel
Do a short test ride to confirm the bike feels stable and balanced.
Service before you tour
If your service is due soon, do it before the ride, not after.
Service checks to complete:
Engine oil change if close to interval
Brake inspection and fluid top-up
Chain cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
Air filter cleaning or replacement
General bolt tightening
A fresh service means fewer surprises on the road.
Secure everything you add
Most long-ride issues come from things that were added, not things that were built.
Mounts to double-check:
Luggage racks and top boxes
Saddle stays and pannier frames
Phone mounts and camera mounts
Auxiliary light brackets
If it can rattle, it will rattle on a long ride.
Prepare for small failures
Long rides aren’t about avoiding problems — they’re about being ready when something small goes wrong.
Carry these essentials:
Puncture kit and tyre inflator
Basic tool kit
Spare clutch lever and brake lever
Spare clutch cable
Zip ties and tape
Chain clean and lube for multi-day rides
These don’t take much space, but they save hours of waiting.
Do a loaded test ride
Before the actual trip, ride your motorcycle fully packed.
Look for:
Any wobble at speed
Changes in braking feel
Reduced turning radius
Luggage shifting or mounts loosening
Fix these before day one, not on the highway shoulder.
Prepare your bike for the terrain
Different rides demand different setups.
Highways
Focus on tyre pressure, chain condition, and brake feel.
Mountains
Pay extra attention to brakes, coolant levels, and engine cooling.
Dusty or off-road routes
Clean the air filter and lube the chain more frequently.
Preparation isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what the terrain demands.
Final walk-around before departure
On ride day, don’t rush the start.
Do one calm walk-around:
Look for leaks
Check tyre pressure
Test lights and horn
Feel the brakes
Shake the luggage mounts
This five-minute ritual often decides whether the day is smooth or stressful.
Final word
A long ride doesn’t need a perfect motorcycle.
It needs a prepared one.
Spend a little time with your bike before the journey begins.
Because the best long rides aren’t remembered for the breakdowns.
They’re remembered for the roads you never had to stop on.