Motorcycle Touring Checklist
Contents
What you need to know before you start touring with your motorcycle.
Introduction
I just got my new motorbike. It is a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. I am planning to do some touring with it. I have been doing a couple of things with my old bike, a Yamaha XSR900, but I am unsure if I have everything I need. So I decided to make a checklist. I will update it as I go.
All adventures are unique to different parts of the world, climates and conditions, so adapt the list according to your personal needs. Consider this a baseline.
Happy riding, and stay safe!
Checklist
Bike
| Bike safety check (from mechanic) | Headtorch |
| Consider new tyres | Hi-viz jacket (legal requirement) |
| Spare keys (bike & luggage) | Disc lock |
| Heated grips/gloves (fitted & working) | Cargo net |
| 12V USB / Power Bank | Gaffer tape |
| Warning triangle (legal requirement) | Zip ties |
| Country sticker (GB, D, FR, E, etc.) | Bungee or ratchet straps |
| Tools & multi-tool | Kickstand plate |
| Puncture repair kit | Ziplock bags (documents & cash) |
| Spare bulbs (legal requirement) | Chain lube |
Clothes & Toiletries
| Travel shampoo | Socks |
| Travel shower gel | Underwear |
| Oral care | T-shirts |
| Deodorant | Zip-off pants |
| Lip balm | Trainers (comfortable evening shoes) |
| Sun cream/sunblock | Mid-layer |
Riding Gear & Documents
| Cash & credit card | Helmet |
| Passport & driving licence | Winter & summer gloves |
| Motorcycle insurance certificate | Textile jacket |
| MOT certificate (if required) | Textile pants |
| Green card | Waterproof boots |
| Breakdown cover | 2-piece waterproof suit |
| Inform motorcycle insurance | Base layers (pants and top) |
| Inform breakdown company | Mid-layer (fleece) |
| Inform bank | Riding socks |
| Ensure phone works abroad | Heated jacket |
Tech & Navigation
| Phone charger | Sat nav |
| Camera gear | Paper maps |
| Action camera gear | Smartphone apps |
| Plug adaptor | Backed-up routes (hard drive) |
| Tablet or laptop if needed | Any location guides/notes |
| External hard drive | Offline maps on smartphone |
Others
| Toilet paper (just in case!) | Accident plan |
| Petrol station gloves | Breathalysers (legal requirement) |
| First aid kit | Hydration pack if required |
| Drybag(s) | Carrier bags (multiuse) |
| Spare glasses/shades | Earplugs |
| Washing powder/liquid | Face mask (COVID requirements) |
| Coffee! | Sunglasses |
| Prescribed meds | Long-lasting snacks |