Having the freedom to take off on a road trip whenever you want is one of the main benefits of owning a motorcycle. It gives you the opportunity to unwind, escape from the chaos of everyday life, and shed much of the stress that tends to build up inside. At the same time, it encourages you to focus on the ride as opposed to spending excessive amounts of time planning ahead, packing more than you actually need, and inadvertently bringing stress along with you instead of leaving it behind.
Of course, if you’re not comfortable on your motorcycle, you’re not going to enjoy those rides nearly as much as you could. Discomfort can cause physical tension and pain as well as mental and emotional stress. It certainly detracts from your road trips and their effectiveness at keeping you carefree and relaxed. The following tips for riding in comfort can help keep that from happening.
Find a Bike That Fits
One of the most effective ways to stay comfortable while you’re riding is to find a bike that really fits you. Riders should be able to place their feet firmly on the ground when they’re in the saddle. They should also be able to reach the handlebars, controls, and foot pegs while they’re seated without being cramped or having to stretch.
Having to sit in an awkward position while riding, struggling to keep the bike upright when stopped, and being forced to stretch to reach the handlebars can leave you feeling achy and worn out after a ride. It’ll also ramp up your stress levels because you won’t fee as safe or in control while riding. With all that being the case, you definitely need to start off with a bike that fits you well. With so many models available, you’re sure to find one that suits your size and your style.
Upgrade Your Seat
Another way to make yourself more comfortable while riding is to upgrade your motorcycle’s seat. At the very least, you can purchase a gel pad or memory foam cushion to place on top of the existing seat. Many people are surprised at how much of a different that can make. If you’re looking to take matters even further, though, you can have the seat revamped with better inserts or even replace it altogether with an aftermarket alternative. With either of those options, you’ll be able to customize the seat and make it more comfortable for you.
Improve Your Suspension
Upgrading a motorcycle’s suspension can also make it more comfortable. Suspension that’s worn out or too stiff can certainly rattle your bones and joints when you’re riding. You’ll feel every bump, dip, and crack in the road, and it’ll leave you feeling worse for wear. Suspension is designed to soften the blow, but not all systems are created equally. Replace your motorcycle’s old suspension or upgrade to a higher-quality alternative, and you’ll undoubtedly feel the difference during your rides and afterward.
Keeping Discomfort Out of the Picture
Taking road trips on your bike is a great way to relax and leave stress behind. If you’re uncomfortable while riding, though, those outings could have the opposite effect. You can keep discomfort out of the picture by being sure to choose a bike that fits, upgrading your seat, and having new suspension installed. Those are only a few of the ways to battle discomfort and get the most out of your road trips.
