Tips For Solo Motorcycle Rides

Riding with a group is a thrill, but sometimes you want it to just be you, your motorcycle, and the road. Traveling solo lets you choose your schedule, explore more freely, and go wherever you like, but it also carries some unique risks. We here at Doc’s Harley-Davidson want you to explore safely, so we’ve put together some tips for your next solo motorcycle ride. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Kirkwood, Missouri, today!

Make A Plan And Stick To It

As freeing as it can be to improvise, you should stick mostly to a reliable highway. Take the time to look up weather and traffic conditions for your route, and make sure that route is the best one for your needs. Once you do, stick to your plan. Main roads are safer, and you won’t always know the roads or conditions of areas you haven’t investigated before.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Sticking to your plans is also safer because you can then give that plan to a friend or family member. That way, if you’re late to arrive or to check in, they’ll know and be able to call rescue or emergency services to find you. Flying solo can be fun, but crashing and having no one know where you might be isn’t. Try to plan check-in times with your friend every day or so to let them know you’re okay.

Drive Safely

Being on your own means you need to be at the top of your game to stay healthy and in one piece. That means driving sober, resting when you need to, staying hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Unsafe speeds and flashy maneuvers can be fun, but they can also hurt. 

Part of driving safely is also avoiding night rides. As a solo rider on a motorcycle, you don’t present a large profile to other motorists, so they may not see you in time to avoid a crash. You also won’t be able to see unexpected obstacles and roadwork as well. Pick hotels or AirBnBs in advance, or make sure you’ve got the right camping supplies and a safe campsite ahead of time. 

Just In Case

If you do end up in a crash or get stranded, you want to maximize your chance of rescue. Try to contact rescue crews or emergency services by cell or radio if you can. If that doesn’t work, make sure you’re close enough to the road to be visible, but not so close that passing traffic might hit you. Make sure to stay warm, fed, and hydrated, and keep trying with your communications tech while you wait. 

We hope you never need that last bit and stay safe on your next solo ride! If you have questions, or you’d like to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact us at Doc’s Harley-Davidson. We’ve proudly served the people of St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, for over 60 years—let us serve you today!