Planning an Epic Motorcycle Road Trip - Ultimate Guide

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road on your motorcycle for an unforgettable adventure? A motorcycle road trip is the perfect way to explore new places, meet new people, and experience the thrill of the ride. But before you set off, there are a few things you need to know to make your journey a success. 

In this guide, we'll show you how to plan the ultimate motorcycle road trip, from the best routes to the gear you need to pack. Hopefully, whether you’re planning a ride with friends, or if you’re planning on going solo, you’ll be ready for the best adventure yet!

Discover the Best Motorcycle Routes for Your Next Adventure

No road trip is complete without a great route, and when it comes to motorcycle road trips, there are plenty of amazing options. Whether you're looking for scenic views, twisty roads, or historic landmarks, there's a route out there that's perfect for you. Here are some of the best motorcycle routes near Zion Harley-Davidson:

1. Zion National Park Scenic Byway: This scenic route takes you through the heart of Zion National Park, providing breathtaking views of towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning desert landscapes. Start from Zion Harley-Davidson and head east on State Route 9, which leads directly into the park. The road offers twists and turns, making for an exciting and picturesque ride.
2. Kolob Terrace Road: Kolob Terrace Road is a scenic ride that takes you through the scenic backcountry of Zion National Park. Starting from Zion Harley-Davidson, head north on Interstate 15 and take the exit for Kolob Reservoir Road. This road winds through forests and meadows, offering panoramic views of red rock formations and distant mountain ranges.
3. Snow Canyon Loop: Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful natural area located near St. George, just a short distance from Zion Harley-Davidson. Take State Route 18 north from Washington and then follow the signs to Snow Canyon State Park. The loop road within the park offers stunning vistas of red sandstone cliffs, volcanic rocks, and unique geological formations.
4. Cedar Breaks National Monument: Cedar Breaks National Monument is located approximately 80 miles northeast of Zion Harley-Davidson. Take Interstate 15 north and then exit onto State Route 14. The road to Cedar Breaks National Monument winds through forests and offers incredible views of colorful limestone cliffs and a natural amphitheater.
5. North Rim of the Grand Canyon: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located about 170 miles northeast of Zion Harley-Davidson. Take State Route 9 east to Mount Carmel Junction, then head north on U.S. Route 89. This scenic ride takes you through beautiful landscapes as you approach the majestic North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

To plan your route, you can use the H-D app, which offers maps, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest along the way. The Homecoming™ Festival Map is another useful tool that can help you find the best routes and attractions into Milwaukee, WI. 

No matter where you’re headed, be sure to plan your gas stops and double-check that they’re all currently open. It becomes a real adventure when you roll up on E and the pump is closed! You may also want to pack extra fuel to avoid this situation.

Pack Like a Pro: Get Your Motorcycle Tour Pack Ready

When you're on a motorcycle road trip, packing efficiently is crucial. You don't want to be weighed down by unnecessary gear or risk forgetting something important. Here's a packing list to get you started:

• Riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, rain gear)
• Clothing (base layers, socks, underwear, jeans/pants, shorts, t-shirts)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, bug spray)
• Motorcycle tools (spare parts, tire repair kit, battery charger, first aid kit)
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, cooking utensils)
• Entertainment (books, games, music, camera)

Remember to be prepared for all types of weather. Layers provide the best range of options, for example, short-sleeve shirt + long-sleeve or moisture-wicking shirt + sweatshirt + light jacket + heavy leather jacket. Layer up as it cools down or remove layers when it heats up. Pack rain gear and check the forecast before you leave. When it comes to gear that makes a difference, a comfortable and supportive seat, a windshield or fairing, and a Bluetooth communicator can all enhance your riding experience.

You know the gear you want to bring - but how much do you pack and where are you going to put it on your bike?  Here are some tips for making the most of your limited space. 

• Be efficient! Think through the number of days you’ll be on the road. Plan exactly what to wear each day to avoid overpacking. If you’ll be on the road longer than a few days, consider packing half of what you need and washing your clothes so you can re-wear them.
  • Camping? Consider a mid-trip stop at the laundromat.
  • Staying in a hotel or Airbnb? Many hotels also have self-serve washing facilities (or laundry service if you’re staying somewhere fancy!).  
• Roll (don’t fold) your clothing. Rolling maximizes space in your pack or saddlebags
• If you have saddle bags, use saddle bag liners or DIY bag - liners help contain and organize your contents. You can buy saddle bag liners that are the exact size of your saddlebags. For a DIY version, grab reusable cloth shopping bags from around the house or the back of your car from your last grocery trip. 
  • Liners help you gauge how much space is available when you’re away from your bike and inside your house/closet packing.  
  • Liners slide neatly into your saddlebag when you load your bike. 
  • Handles on the inserts are helpful for carrying your contents from your bike into your tent or hotel each night.
• Use ziplock bags to organize your ‘personal stuff’ and clothing by day. Re-use the bags to contain your dirty clothes as the trip goes on or so you know what you need to wash if you have access to a washing machine along the way.
• You have two saddle bags, group your items into 2 categories for organization and ease of access. Riders develop their own preference after a few road trips but we find this approach to be useful: 
  • Saddlebag #1: Riding gear (extra jacket, rain gear, mid layer, 2nd pair of gloves, etc.) in one bag. 
  • Saddlebag #2: Personal overnight items/clothing, laptop computer, etc. Speaking of computers - be sure to protect your computer by using a laptop case or packing the computer between clothing.  If you have hard bags (fiberglass or plastic) prevent them from resting directly on the side/bottom of the bag. Computers are susceptible to damage with long periods of direct vibration in a saddle bag.  

Once you’ve packed your gear, you’ll want to make sure you have your bike's tools and accessories for the road. 

Get Your Motorcycle Road Trip Ready: Service, Tool, and Accessory Checklist

Before you hit the road, it's important to ensure your bike is in top condition. Here's a checklist of bike adjustments and key service items you should take care of:

• Oil and filter change
• Tire pressure and tread check
• Brake pads and fluid check
• Battery test and charging
• Chain and sprocket inspection
• Lights and signals test
• Suspension adjustment

In addition to these service items, you should also bring along a tool kit that includes essential tools and spare parts, such as a tire repair kit, spark plugs, fuses, and ZIP TIES.

It’s important to think through HOW and WHERE you are going to carry all of this gear on your motorcycle. Also how comfortable you want to be.  Touring-style motorcycles come equipped with a fairing/windshield/saddlebags - but any motorcycle can be modified for long-haul road tripping.  Here are some things to think about depending on the type of motorcycle you ride:

• Saddlebags vs. Sissy bar bags.  Saddle bags can be installed on nearly every type of motorcycle and come in a variety of styles and functions. Storage that is permanent or semi-permanently installed on your motorcycle can provide a sense of security and peace of mind that your belongings will be with you when you get to your destination!
  • Ask your accessory consultant at your dealership about the benefits of soft bags vs. hard bags.
• Accessory Bags are essentially any style of pack or bag that can be strapped to your passenger seat, sissy bar or on top of your tour pack (if you have a tour pack). This can replace the need for saddle bags or be used as additional storage.  This approach is typically more economical as you strap the bag to the bike using your own means like bungee cords.  

If you have any questions about service or parts that you need to get ready for your trip, schedule an appointment with our service department.

Discover the Beauty of America's National Parks on Your Next Motorcycle Road Trip

America's national parks are some of the most stunning and iconic natural landscapes in the world, and a motorcycle road trip is the perfect way to explore them. Here are 3 National Parks to visit from Zion Harley-Davidson:

1. Zion National Park: Zion National Park itself is the closest national park to the Zion Harley-Davidson dealership. It is located just a short distance northeast of the dealership. Zion National Park is renowned for its breathtaking sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and scenic hikes such as the popular Zion Narrows and Angels Landing.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park is situated approximately 72 miles northeast of Zion Harley-Davidson. Known for its unique hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), Bryce Canyon offers stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and horseback riding opportunities.
3. Grand Canyon National Park: The North Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park is about 144 miles southeast of Zion Harley-Davidson. While it's a bit further away, it is still within driving distance. The Grand Canyon is a world-famous natural wonder, featuring immense and awe-inspiring canyon views, hiking trails, and opportunities for helicopter tours and rafting adventures.

Once you’ve got your destination picked out, here are some tips for visiting national parks on your motorcycle road trip:

• Get a national park pass, which gives you access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for one year. Without one, it usually costs $15-$35 for motorcycles 
• Research gas stops near the park.
• Consider camping in or near the park to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Some of the most popular national parks to visit on a motorcycle road trip include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion. When planning your trip, be sure to check park regulations and closures, as well as any required permits for camping or backcountry travel.

Moto Camping: Our Favorite Gear and Where to Stay

Motorcycle camping has become a popular way to travel across the country on two wheels. Although its historic roots go way back, moto camping has evolved over the years and there are a few things you’ll want to consider. 

If you plan on camping on your motorcycle road trip, there are a few things you should consider. First, make sure you have the right gear, including a lightweight and compact tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You may want/need a small camp stove and cooking utensils, as well as a water filter or purification tablets. 

Here are some of our favorite items:

• Jetboil or small cooking stove
• Big Agnes Bicycle tent
• All-in-one camping utensil
• Compact summer sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp
• Flops / Disposable slip-on shoes
• Dry Towel
• Utility knife
• Solar Rechargeable battery pack

As for where to stay, there are many options for motorcycle camping, from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. KOA campgrounds are a popular choice, as they offer amenities like showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi. National park campgrounds are also a great option, as they often have stunning views and easy access to hiking trails.

If you decide to go this route, it’s a lot of fun with friends, but can still be an awesome adventure solo. There are many inspirational people out there on YouTube sharing their adventures and their tips and tricks for solo travel. 

Road Trip Tunes: The Ultimate Motorcycle Ride Playlist

No road trip is complete without a great playlist, and a motorcycle road trip is no exception. Here are some playlists we love for the open road:

• Motorcycle Road Trip - Okay (AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rolling Stones)
• Classic Americana/Folk (Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, John Denver)
• Outlaw Country Rock (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Kid Rock, George Thorogood)
• Modern Blues rock (The Black Keys, Larkin Poe, Rival Sons)
• Easy Rider (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead)

Of course, everyone's taste in music is different, so don't be afraid to ask your community for their favorite riding tunes. Planning a ride with your friends? Create a shared playlist for everyone to build out prior to leaving. It’s a good way to get hyped for your upcoming trip AND discover new music to ride to!

Motorcycle Rally Roundup: The Must-Attend Events for Every Rider

If you're looking for a way to connect with other riders and experience the thrill of a motorcycle rally, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the must-attend events for riders in 2023:

- Daytona Bike Week, Daytona Beach, Florida

- Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, South Dakota

- Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, New Hampshire 

- Bikes, Blues and BBQ, Rogers, Arkansas 

Be sure to check with Zion Harley-Davidson for more information about more localized dealership events and local rallies in your area. These events are a perfect time to link up with friends and plan rides to and from the event.