F
ree spirits throw
caution to the wind
and hope everything
works out. City slickers
think their smartphone
and a credit card will bail
them out of whatever
trouble may arise.
But smart motorcycle
travelers, those who have
logged enough miles
to know that anything
can go wrong, know
that common-sense
preparation goes a long
way toward keeping
you on the road when
it does. These are the
essential things we never
leave home without.
1. A Good Map
The best motorcycle rides are about the journey rather than
the destination. How you get there is more important than
where you end up. We love spreading out maps before or
during a tour to get the big picture and to identify good roads
(the squigglier the line, the better!). Butler Motorcycle Maps
provide descriptions and details for the best motorcycling
roads in particular states or regions, and they've mapped
out Backcountry Discovery Routes in several western states.
Plus, they're made of waterproof/tear-resistant material.
Read our review of Butler Motorcycle Maps
2. GPS Navigation Unit
As much as we love maps, you can't look at them while riding,
nor can you program in a ride route. Although smartphones
are quickly replacing point-and-shoot cameras and navigation
units, there's no substitute for a dedicated motorcycle-specific
GPS, such as the TomTom Rider 400. The waterproof unit
has a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen that allows swiping
and pinch-to-zoom even when wearing gloves. The TomTom
also offers voice-guided navigation via Bluetooth (a helmet
communicator is #3 on our list), map updates and real-
time traffic info. Its standout feature is the 'Plan a Thrill'
menu, which allows routes to be customized based on
your preferences for 'Winding Roads' and 'Hilly Roads.'
Read our review of the TomTom Rider 400 GPS
3. Bluetooth Helmet
Communicator
Solitary time inside a helmet, with nothing but the sound
of the wind and the engine to soothe you, can be very
relaxing. But sometimes its nice to listen to your favorite
tunes, to chat with your passenger or fellow rider(s)
and to hear GPS navigation commands through helmet
speakers. Today's Bluetooth helmet communicators, such
as Cardo's scala rider Q3, are nothing short of incredible.
They pair with multiple devices and transition seamlessly
between different functions. We'd advise against taking
cellphone calls while riding, and if you want to enjoy some
peace-and-quiet, you can always hit the "off" button.
Read our review of the Cardo scala rider
Q3 Bluetooth Communicator
4. Emergency Communicator
A friend of ours crashed his BMW on a remote highway
and got trapped under his bike with an injured leg. Out of
cellphone range, he waited overnight for more than 18 hours
until someone found him. Situations like that are why we
carry the SPOT Gen3 GPS messenger, which communicates
with satellites to determine your location anywhere on the
globe and sends messages to family and friends via text or
email. In an emergency, hitting the "SOS" button notifies
the GEOS Rescue Coordination Center, initiating a rescue
effort by local personnel. Sending customized "I'm OK"
messages when riding in far-flung areas provides peace
of mind to loved ones, and non-emergency "I need help"
messages pinpoint your location. The rugged, weatherproof,
pocket-sized Gen3 ($169.95; service plans start at $99.99/
year) is easy to use, and we love the optional Google Maps
tracking function. Giant Loop's Tracker Packer ($40)
firmly attaches the Gen3 device to your pack's shoulder
strap, handlebars, fork tube, arm or other location.
Read our review of the SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker
2
TOURING TIPS
20 Most Essential Things You Need on a Motorcycle Tour
4
www.FavoriteRidesAndDestinations.com | ridermagazine.com
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SPRING 2016 ISSUE 01 / VOL. 01