Maximizing Comfort on Long-Distance Motorcycle Journeys

Motorcycle touring is one of the best ways to travel the great outdoors.

But, at the same time…

Motorcycle riders are prone to cutting trips short because they are too uncomfortable. Sore backs. Numb hands. Aching legs. All common problems that riders experience on just their first few hours in the saddle.

Fortunately, with a little attention to the right places you can make comfort a non-issue on long-distance rides. And even better, most of the solutions are simple and affordable.

Read on to find out exactly what to do to stay comfortable for hours on end.

In This Guide:

• Why Comfort Is So Important On Long Rides
• The 6x Key Comfort Areas On A Motorcycle
• The Simplest Upgrades That Work The Best
• Staying Fresh On Days or Weeks Long Rides

Why Comfort Is So Important On Long Rides

We’re not going to waste time beating around the bush here. Comfort is crucial for the safety of motorcycle riders. Simple as that.

Motorcyclists struggle with fatigue in big numbers. Research shows that fatigue contributes to a fifth of all vehicle collisions. The cause? It’s no surprise that motorcycle riding is hard work.

Hours in the open, exposed to the elements while constantly working on balance takes a toll on any rider. Hours of straight highway riding get worse if the bike setup is out of adjustment.

Here’s the good news though…

Statistics from touring and adventure bikes are testament to how much comfort helps safety. A long, scenic ride with less traffic will always feel more comfortable. The bike reports lower accident rates at 4.35 vs sport bikes at 16.36. Comfortable riders stay more alert and thus, make better choices.

The most comfortable way to tour would be on a touring bike or adventure bike that are designed with long-distance comfort in mind. They offer an upright riding position to reduce rider fatigue and features like rider backrests for additional support.

The bad news? These bikes can be expensive and not everyone wants to invest in a new one. The better news? Comfort isn’t dependent on your choice of motorcycle.

The 6x Key Comfort Areas On A Motorcycle

If you plan on any serious outdoor travel by two wheels then you need to know the 6x comfort areas on a motorcycle that can make or break a long-distance ride.

Correct and get even an entry-level bike will keep you on the saddle for hours. Fail to adjust, and not even the most epic trip will be enjoyable.

Tyres

You might be surprised to know…

The condition and quality of your motorcycle tyres have a massive effect on rider comfort. Older and low-quality tyres tend to flex and vibrate more through the frame. They also have a poor grip, especially through corners or when at highway speeds.

Newer, higher-quality tyres absorb more of the road imperfections. They also provide a more consistent grip that requires less steering correction. Before a long-distance ride tyres should be inspected to ensure they have no visible wear and are properly inflated.

Seat

The number one source of discomfort in long-distance motorcycle riding comes from the seat.

Research has found that the lower back is the area most affected by discomfort and fatigue on the human body. This is no different for motorcyclists.

Most riders experience issues in the lower back. It’s the main source of discomfort due to poor support from a flat seat. Extended time on a bad seat will also cause numbness through the legs.

Something to keep in mind here is…

It’s possible to have a seat that is 6 inches thick that still doesn’t offer a great ride. The reason? Low-quality foam tends to be much less comfortable than good quality foam or gel.

Many riders find that a slimmer seat with a good quality gel or dense foam offers more comfort over a thickly padded seat.

The good news is that many aftermarket seat and gel pads are available these days to make a short or mid-sized motorcycle more touring friendly. These will help spread weight better over the bike and provide less pressure on contact points. Adding a rider backrest also offers lower spine support.

Handlebars and Controls

Handlebar position has a snowball effect on every aspect of the ride.

If they are too low or set too far away, rider shoulders and wrists will experience extra tension.

Pay attention to:

• Wrists should be in neutral
• Shoulders relaxed, not raised
• Elbows with slight bend

Making small changes here can make a world of difference for rider comfort over hundreds of kilometres.

Wind

Wind is a hidden killer of energy. Constant buffeting from strong winds will sap the strength of any rider. This gets more pronounced the faster you are going since wind resistance skyrockets.

Most riders aren’t aware of something else though…

Extreme cold and high winds can cause wind-induced hypothermia or dehydration. Both cause fatigue to kick in at a much faster rate.

Wind screens are a huge benefit here, and every rider should have a decent one. Choose a screen that forces airflow over your helmet instead of into the chest. Adjustable screens are even better because they can be set for different riding conditions and body positions.

Foot Peg Position

Legs are at their worst if they are cramped. Improper foot peg position forces the knees to be in a compromised position. This decreases blood flow to the legs.

Installing highway pegs or adjustable foot peg kits can help to force the legs to straighten more on long highway stretches.

Clothing and Gear

The wrong clothing and gear can completely undo the good work elsewhere. Clothes that are too tight make movement difficult. Gear that flaps in the wind forces the rider to work harder.

Choose clothing specifically designed for motorcycle riding. This will have stretch panels and areas of ventilation. Gloves with gel padding are also a wise investment to protect from vibration.

Simple Upgrades That Make A Huge Difference

Best of all, most of these solutions cost very little. Here’s a short list of upgrades that are recommended, ranked by level of impact:

• Upgrade to a quality seat or gel pad – solves the biggest problem of all
• Buy quality tyres – makes for smoother, more predictable handling
• Install a windscreen – eliminates a massive amount of wind fatigue
• Install handlebar risers – cuts down on shoulder and wrist fatigue
• Install throttle lock or cruise control – lets the throttle hand rest on long sections

Most of these can be completed in a single afternoon and completely change the feel of the motorcycle for long-distance travel.

How To Stay Fresh On Days or Weeks Long Rides

The right bike setup can only take you so far. How the rider acts during long-distance travel also plays a critical role in comfort. Seasoned long-distance riders swear by some of these techniques:

Take Regular Breaks

Taking a break every 90-120 minutes or so is recommended. Use the break to let the body recover and reset the mind. Get off the bike and stretch legs and shoulders.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is something that sneaks up on the rider quickly. It’s important to always have water accessible and take sips throughout the day. Especially if the weather is warm or there is a lot of climbing.

Get Proper Sleep

This one sounds like a no-brainer but many riders will try to push through fatigue. Studies have found that sleeping less than six hours has a big negative impact on a person’s reaction time.

Plan Realistic Distances

It’s not a good idea to try and do 800 km on day one of a trip. It’s best to build the distances up slowly over the first 2 or 3 days. This allows the body to acclimatise to the saddle time.

Wrapping It Up

Motorcycle riding for long distances is meant to be an adventure not an endurance test. With a little attention paid to the right comfort areas as highlighted above, it’s easy to vastly improve your long-distance motorcycle comfort.

Here’s one last time through the key points:

• Tyres should be in good condition
• Upgrade to a quality seat or gel pad
• Get the handlebars into a comfortable, neutral position
• Add a windscreen if necessary
• Take breaks and stay hydrated

Following these steps can turn a torturous 4-hour ride into a comfortable all day journey. The difference can really be that great.

Go out and enjoy the open road.