5 Tips For Comfort On A Long Motorcycle Journey

[@Jon_Bass4001]

Hydration is one that I used to sometimes neglect but after a really uneasy ride on a hot Florida day it’s now a priority. It means more rest stops, though, and that’s a good thing! My other tendency was “get-home-itis” where I’d try to get more miles in, making things uncomfortable. It’s always good to reconsider our individual riding strategies. So many variables on a bike! Excellent video, Tim! Thanks, as always.

[@unoteb]

Thanks for another great video. We all appreciate what you do

[@FTAAdventures]

Great point! And thank you, ride safe!

[@chrisd4283]

As a rider in his 60's I now start taking Electrolyte Stamina morning and evening to help prevent cramping. I've also incorporated the sipping from the hydra Pak to minimalize the peeing time yet stay hydrated. That said, I find that I need to keep my brain engaged as I ride. Having both the mental stamina and motivation when you have those 500-600 mile ride days due to geographical challenges. I won't listen to music (too distracting for me) but will literally have conversations with myself about what/where I need to do to ensure I stay safe and motivated to get through a long day. (No, I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested 🤣)

[@IronButterflyAT]

Having Cruise control is extremely helpful too

[@FTAAdventures]

I agree!

[@jeremysmith9898]

throttle lock. I get so cramped not having cruise control. Kaoko is pretty nice.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Make sure if you are using a backpack (particularly a hydration pack, which can be heavier) that it has a good chest support harness so that your shoulders aren't taking all of the weight. It makes a huge difference in shoulder, back, and neck fatigue over a day of riding.

[@FTAAdventures]

Excellent point, thank you!

[@Vikki_Horton]

Good point! :D

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

I invested in a Sargent seat and wow what a difference in comfort. I still use my lambswool seat cover for touring too. Both help with comfort for my old butt.

[@FTAAdventures]

Nice! Sounds like a great combo

[@Vikki_Horton]

Awesome tips! Keeping hydrated no matter the weather is definitely an awesome tip. Plus, I have learned that stretching or doing yoga before doing on a long ride help with my hips and lower back whilst riding. Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🍻

[@FTAAdventures]

Good stuff! Merry Christmas

[@Vikki_Horton]

@@FTAAdventures Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :D

[@scottmiller4516]

You are looking well Tim, glad to hear from you.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you kindly

[@roncoleman8351]

Great video Tim. Another hydration tip…water alone won’t replenish electrolyte loss, so bring electrolyte powder or tablets to add to a water bottle or hydration pack.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Good point. I usually grab a Gatorade every gas stop or 2, but that adds some unnecessary expense and wastes plastic.

[@FTAAdventures]

Great tip!

[@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield]

Great Tips! I just did 1,600 miles, from Victorville CA to Raymondville TX in 7 days in cold weather. I've never ridden that many days in a row. I was surprised that the wind resistance on the helmet hurt my neck and upper shoulders the way it did. I did stop more than usual to stretch as you recommend, and drink water, ah, with my Advil 😉

[@FTAAdventures]

I can relate! The windscreen is a lifesaver. Ride safe

[@ryanmalone2681]

I used to have trouble with any seat on long journeys. Then I bought a custom Russell Day-Long seat. Last weekend I had a 13 hour monster day in the bike and I was comfy as shit.

[@FTAAdventures]

That’s awesome!

[@DeuxRouesUneTente]

I can confirm that the windshield extender is a good cheap solution that works great if you don't want to change the whole thing... Last summer I bought a big cruiser bike that came with the factory windshield, a Yamaha Royal Star from 2000, but I quickly realized that I was getting a lot of wind just at the top of my helmet, resulting in a lot of noise and discomfort even a slight headache after a long day on the road... I ordered a $35 windshield extender, at first I was worried that it'd be in my line of sight - it is but I barely notice it... I've learned to ignore it. And it makes a huge difference as far as wind noise on my helmet is concerned!

[@MrRodwatson]

And it's adjustable......so if it's 'in the way'....lower it 🤔 Can't recommend enough.

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad to hear you found a solution to that wind problem!

[@CampingwithRadios_kg6dve]

Great tips, Tim. I never put a finite time to the end of my ride day. Worrying about being somewhere by a specific time ruins my riding experience. Ride Safe

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you. Great tip!

[@henryhawk978]

All great tips. My favorite is not to over pack. Enjoyed the video, Tim. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks, you too!

[@gmcphoto]

I invested in an Air Hawk seat pad. It added 3 hours to my riding day. The trick is dialing in the inflation, just add enough air to hover barely above your seat. For me this worked wonders.

[@FTAAdventures]

Well said!

[@clintearnest566]

My wife and I just watched your video on planning a road trip. We travel 48 states on my bike and we tent camp. We roll dice and go where the dice leads us, left or right. Keep it in the wind. Doberman

[@FTAAdventures]

Sounds great!

[@secondarymachine7521]

Do you miss your GS at all? My #1 comfort tip is to wear sweats under your riding gear. Super comfortable. Carhart jeans under riding gear gets bad quickly..

[@FTAAdventures]

Great tip! I do miss it sometimes but the triumph is great too

[@secondarymachine7521]

I have a 1200 GS which is an older model than you had, and don't think I'd want anything else really. I always wear the sweats when I know I've got a long day in the saddle. Ride safe..@@FTAAdventures

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Yay!!! Tims back !! Love n best wishes for christmas and the new year from a fan in England.UK. 🇬🇧🙏

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you same to you!

[@bluezhawg2104]

Great video Tim. I’d like to add nutrition to your list. Before riding and during rides I eat lite, avoid sugar, sodas and carbs. I find I remain more alert and comfortable in a near fasting state. When stretching I like to stop when I see a city park so I can get a good spinal decompression by hanging from a jungle Gym. Great video and great commentary from the community!

[@FTAAdventures]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@richardho5955]

Earplugs and polarised sunglasses, a Buff and a spare pair of gloves…thanks Tim, ride safe!

[@FTAAdventures]

Good call!

[@northerniltree]

I've been watching your channel for years now. At 100,000 miles, you are now in the Four Times Around club. Congratulations! I need your advice, Tim: My left side brain (the one that always gets me in trouble) tells me I should trade my 2018 GSA for the new 2023 Triumph Rally 1200 Expedition. My other cerebral hemisphere says "why would you do a fool thing like that!?" So, I reach out to you to tell me what kind of tequila to drink to get these two disagreeable halves to come to a peaceful resolution. Thanks, brother!

[@FTAAdventures]

lol that’s a tough call. Both are great bikes. I’m not one to be the voice of reason so I might not be the best person to ask

[@michaelpuechner]

Hello Tim, I can only agree with the tips. For me it is still important that you take your time. It gets stressful when you always have to watch the clock...Greetings from Michael from Germany!

[@FTAAdventures]

Well said!

[@MotoCocoTV]

Great reminders Tim!

[@FTAAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@dalejones6627]

Along with hydration, diet contains only high protein, no sugars, no breads, no caffeine allows more alertness.

[@FTAAdventures]

That is a great point

[@Cardus501]

Hi Tim and greetings from Canada. Nice to see more of your content again. You have been a great inspiration for my travels north of the 49. I am hoping to head south next summer and explore Montana and the North West US. Any must see's you can recommend? Sadly my bike won't be moving again til spring. Cheers!

[@FTAAdventures]

You should definitely check out glacier national park and bear tooth pass in Yellowstone. Idaho is also beautiful and the Olympic peninsula is Washington. Have a great trip!

[@Cardus501]

Thanks Tim, Enjoy your trip to Baja.@@FTAAdventures

[@bybikenw7928]

All great advice.

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you

[@Patriot-Logic]

Nice to see you again!👍

[@FTAAdventures]

You too!

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

Good tips. I stop every 1 1/2 hrs to stretch and relax especially with Bubba J with me. Ride Safe

[@FTAAdventures]

Good stuff!

[@davechavis4275]

Always good intel. Thanks Tim!!

[@FTAAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@seankantorow2910]

Tim - what are your thoughts on using ear plugs to reduce wind noise? I recently started using custom-fit ear plugs, and especially on long rides, I feel like I am less fatigued. Curious if you have tried / opinion on impact on long trips.

[@FTAAdventures]

I’ve tried them but never found any the fit right. Haven’t tried the custom ones I may have to give that a shot. I could see that helping a lot.

[@tactical1224]

Looks like a street bike style helmet would be the best to wear, as opposed to the dirtbike/adventure style helmets so many riders wear. What is the advantage to wearing the adventure style helmet?

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

There's no real advantage, other than "looking the part." I admit I bought into the look too. The beak can help block low sun, but so can a strip of electrical tape on your shield or a built in sun shade like many touring helmets have. Those actually work much better. The beaks make a lot more sense in an MX and enduro setting where they are bigger and are designed to deflect roost from riders in front of you in races. My Arai XD4 is nearing the end of its shelf life and I'll be going with a touring helmet for ADV riding next.

[@FTAAdventures]

For me I like the look and the sun glare protection. They can still be aerodynamic with the beak. Some of the cheaper helmets aren’t so aerodynamic though.

[@AT2021Rocker]

Your points are bang on the mark! Fuel stops are not breaks! You need separate dedicated breaks apart from food, fuel and navigation stops

[@FTAAdventures]

Well said!

[@chema1546]

Ok 👏🎉👍

[@thecorporategypsy]

Well done!

[@FTAAdventures]

Thank you

[@NebulaLuna]

Do you use a throttle lock or cramp buster on your tiger? I have one and sucks not having cruise control

[@FTAAdventures]

I don’t, I miss the cruise control on my old BMW

[@marklaske2911]

Moto ?

[@2dollarbill650]

I mean NOT peeing.

[@FTAAdventures]

I figured that’s what you meant, and it’s a great point!

[@Orban_Rides]

Good advice. I'm a test rider, I ride over 10,000 miles a month and agree with your video.

[@FTAAdventures]

Right on!