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What you don’t need on a daily basis, you do not need at all on your motorcycle trip. Packing lightly and effectively is the desired art of every motorcycle traveler.
Common items (like clothes or electronics, even some kind of medicine) can be purchased locally. So, don’t pack for “just in case”!
The checklist below serves as a general guideline, but does not guarantee its completeness!
PACK YOUR STUFF
Documents and Finances:- Check the expiration date on your documents! Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months after your travel date
- Copy important documents and keep it separate, or save it on your secure cloud server (just in case if the original would be lost)
- Pack important documents in waterproof bags (zip-lock bags)
- Carefully review the provider’s terms and conditions during the booking process. Some motorcycle rental companies or tour operators have different driving license requirements
- Be aware not all countries accept the International Driving Permits (IDPs) and you might be required to obtain a local license
- ID and / or passport
- Valid motorcycle driver’s license
- If needed: international motorcycle driver’s license
- Reservation confirmation, airfare, hotel voucher, …
- If needed: Visa
- If needed: International certificate of vaccination
- Allergy Card (if you have one)
- Travel & Health Insurance Card valid for the activities you do and the area you travel to
- Means of payment (cash, EC-card, credit card, foreign currency)
▪ PIN for credit cards
▪ Credit card backup (in case your main card is not accepted)
▪ Authorize your credit card for the area you travel - Emergency sheet with important phone numbers, blood type, …
- Toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, brush, deodorant, shampoo, nail scissors, tweezers, lotion)
- Glasses and spare glasses
- Contact lenses and contact lens fluid
- Sunglasses
- Small functional towel
- Mobile phone and charger (phone service in the area you are traveling)
- Camera with charger or batteries and memory cards
▪ Store your phone and camera in a waterproof bag - Helmet camera
- Multitool (not in carry-on luggage, when flying in a plane!)
- First-Aid-Kit (analgesic, antipyretic, wound / healing ointment, against diarrhea, nausea, fever thermometer, tick tweezers, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Disinfectant spray
- Mosquito repellent
- Visor cleaning cloths
- Adequate backpack or hydration pack
- Adapter plug
- Reading stuff (book, eReader)
- Dictionary or App
- Travel book or App
- Maps
- GPS
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- T-Shirts, Shirts, Sweater
- Jacket (Softshell, Fleece)
- Shorts, pants
- Socks
- Swimming trunks
- Cap, hat, and / or beanie
- Flip-Flops or sandals and sneakers
- Functional underwear
- Motorcycle pants
- Motorcycle boots
- Motorcycle jacket
- Back protector
- Kidney belt
- Raingear
- Motorcycle helmet
- Motorcycle goggles
- Balaclava
- Motorcycle gloves
PREPARATION
Before Your Motorcycle Adventure:- Do you need any vaccinations?
- Check with your doctor for approval
- If you want to ride in or out of the EU with your rental motorcycle, check with the rental station if this is possible at all. If yes, make sure they have the necessary documents prepared
- Get travel and trip cancelation insurance
- Do you need to practice riding? Maybe join a motorcycle training
- Print out all relevant travel documents, vouchers and tickets
- Make sure that the rider’s credit card has enough funds to deposit the security deposit
- Make sure that the rider’s credit card is approved for transactions in the area you are traveling
- Organize the ride/drive to the rental station/tour operator
- Pick-up the bike on time, in case you are late, please inform the motorcycle supplier. Plan some extra time for the pickup, you might be not the only one starting a trip
- Have your valid motorcycle driver’s license and your ID/Passport ready (no copy!)
- Have your credit card ready for security deposit authorization
- Read the rental contract carefully. Make sure to clarify uncertainties
- Taking out further insurance is most likely optional, depending on your needs
- Check the gas level: take over the bike with full tank, return it with a full tank –> ask the motorcycle supplier for the nearest gas station
- Check the bike –> Have damages and defects confirmed in writing
▪ Any scratches, dents? Take pictures
▪ Tires okay?
▪ Mirrors, lights okay?
▪ Note the fuel level
- Properly pack your bike (pay attention to balance!)
- Keep an eye on the oil level of your bike
- Take plenty of breaks
- Don’t ride for too long distances
- Make sure to stay hydrated
- Use GPS and stay with your planned route
- Call the police in any case and get an accident report (no accident report, usually no insurance coverage)
- Call the motorcycle supplier and report the damage
- Fill up the bike before returning (keep the receipt for at least 3 months after vacation)
- Return the rental bike in about the same condition you received it, if needed clean it before return
- Drop-off the bike on time (late drop-off can lead to additional charges). Allow at least one hour before closing of the station. The station might be busy and traffic might be heavy in city areas
- Make sure to remove all personal belongings (GPS / Phone mounts, charger cable, etc.)
- Confirm bike for a return damage check (note that no damage has been added, confirm tank level)
- Get a copy of the released credit card authorization