Beginner motorcyclists often don’t have a clue what all they should consider before setting out on the roads before their first long ride. Also the excitement and nervousness make you skip the essentials because you are already going bonkers. So here we are going to make a list of all the gears and essentials which you need to check before you jump onto your motorcycle before the ride. So let this be your check list of legal, gear, tools and survival:
Legal requirement
- License
- Insurance
- Identity proof
- All necessary motorcycle papers
- All the permissions required for the off-beat locations.
 Gear
- Helmet: What do you call a motorcyclists who doesn’t wear a helmet? An organ donor.
- Armour & knee guard/ Elbow & knee guard: If you don’t want to wear an armor, do not forget to buy an elbow guard because elbow, knee and shoulder are most vulnerable when you fall of your motorcycle. Armor is the best option and worth an investment which covers entire upper half of your body and knee guard saves you from major injuries in lower half your body.
- Gloves: Do not skip this in your list because gloves will give you a good hold in handling your handlebars and save you from sunburn in summers and cold in winters. Choose light weight gloves for summers and heavy for winters.
- Boots: I prefer long boot because it will protect your denims or riding pants from the dust and water.
- Rain suit: You will have to go through regions and places where it will be raining and you will be soaking wet if you don not carry rain suit with you.
- Balaclava: This covers almost the entire face including your neck, this helps you keep you warm in winters and protect you from sunburn.
- Camera/ Go Pro
- GPS
Survival
- Road map: The entire plan/ road map for the trip.
- Reflective vest: This is help others to see you on the road while its dark or sunny and also your mates can easily locate you.
- First aid kit
- Earplugs: Most of the riders go through hearing problem while riding on highways and extreme conditions so having an earplug will save you from this.
Tools
Get a detailed owners manual or shop manual for your bike and see what types of tools are recommended for your model. If the bike comes with a tool kit, examine it and determine if you need more tools. At any rate, always take the toolkit with you on the bike. Here are some essential tools:
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Loc-Tite
- Wrenches
- Tyre gauge
- Swiss army knife
- Electric & Duct tape
- Small Flashlights or headlamps
- Windshield
Lastly where are you going to keep all this? For that you need a saddle bag apart from your backpack.
This basic guide will almost cover everything apart from your clothing and basic hygiene stuff. Do include whatever suits your ride and as per the location and weather condition of your route.
Get set and enjoy your first long ride.
