Are you ready for your motorcycle adventure abroad? Whether you’ve done your research, booked your tour, or are still planning your trip, you might be wondering what exactly to pack for your motorcycle tour. It’s easier than you think, and this guide will help you make sure you’ve got everything covered.
If you’re planning a self-guided bike tour, you’ll need to pack your gear carefully, “just in case” something unexpected comes up. However, with our organized guided tours, much of your packing is taken care of. Our support vehicle will carry your luggage, and you’ll only need to worry about the airline’s baggage weight limits. So let’s dive into the essentials for your motorcycle tour, starting with the critical but often overlooked items you absolutely need to bring.
1. Personal Documents
We’re sure you know the basics, but it’s worth repeating: don’t forget your passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance! Make sure all your travel documents, including your passport, driving license, flight tickets, and travel insurance details, are in one place—either printed or stored on your mobile phone. We highly recommend packing your documents in a waterproof pouch, just to be safe.
Motorcycle tours are thrilling, but sometimes delays, lost documents, illness, and other surprises can occur. A good travel insurance policy is essential. Make sure it covers motorcycle riding, specifically the type of motorcycle you’ll be riding, and offers comprehensive coverage. We offer discounted travel insurance through group rates that include motorcycle coverage.
Your insurance policy should ideally cover:
- Medical expenses
- Loss or theft of personal belongings
- Delayed or lost luggage
- Loss of passport or other important documents
- Travel delays or disruptions
- Emergency return home
2. Medications
Always inform your tour organizers of any medical conditions or medications you take, so they can assist if necessary. If you take prescription medications, check the generic names before flying, as you may be able to purchase them at local pharmacies abroad. Be sure to bring enough medication for the entire trip, along with a prescription if needed.
3. General Items
Here’s a quick list of general essentials to pack for your motorcycle tour:
- Phone and camera
- Chargers and cables
- SD cards for your camera
- Prescription glasses (if applicable)
- Sunglasses
- Credit cards
- Cash (in Euros or USD)
4. Motorcycle Safety Gear
Helmet
While many motorcycle rental companies can provide helmets, we strongly recommend bringing your own. Helmet fit is crucial, and comfort is key—especially since you could be riding for 5-8 hours a day. Make sure to pack a helmet with a clear visor (not tinted), as some mountain roads can get quite dark, even in summer afternoons. If you prefer, bring a helmet with an integrated sun visor or a separate pair of high-quality sunglasses.
How to pack your helmet
We suggest packing your helmet in the middle of your bag, surrounded by rolled-up T-shirts and socks. Wrap it in soft clothing and protect the visor with a cover. If you’re short on space, stuff your helmet with soft clothing, like t-shirts or socks, to save space.
Tip: When packing your helmet, we recommend placing it in a Drawstring Helmet Bag. Most airliners don’t count a helmet in this bag as part of your luggage, which can save you valuable weight and space in your baggage allowance.
Sunglasses
Good quality sunglasses are a must, especially during European summer motorcycle tours when you might encounter low sun early in the morning or high-altitude snow. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
How to pack sunglasses
Keep them in their case and pack them in your carry-on bag, where they’re easily accessible upon arrival.
Jackets and Riding Gear
European summer temperatures vary, with regions experiencing both warm and cool weather. From April to June, you may encounter sunshine, rain, clouds, and fog—all within a couple of hours. We recommend packing a versatile, multi-season jacket for these unpredictable conditions. A lightweight, water-resistant jacket with armor protection is ideal, as it will keep you dry and safe.
How to pack your riding jacket
If you can, wear your jacket on the flight to avoid taking up space in your luggage. If not, pack it carefully in your suitcase, ensuring it’s cushioned and protected.
Riding Pants
For your safety and comfort, wear thick jeans or motorcycle-specific pants with knee armor. We recommend protective Kevlar jeans for added security.
How to pack your riding pants
Remove the knee armor and place them in the center of your bag, surrounded by soft clothing. You can also wear your riding pants on the plane to save luggage space.
Riding Boots
Closed-toe, sturdy boots are essential for motorcycle riding. Choose boots that provide both protection and comfort.
How to pack your boots
Like your jacket and helmet, boots can be worn on the plane to save space. If you need to pack them, place them around the outside of your helmet for added protection.
Gloves
Never ride without gloves. Even on hot days, lightweight summer gloves will help protect your hands and improve your grip.
Earplugs
While earplugs are optional, they can be a lifesaver, especially during long rides. Pack a spare pair in case one gets lost.
How to pack earplugs
Keep earplugs in a small case or a pocket of your backpack to ensure they’re always handy.
5. Clothing for the Ride and Beyond
When packing clothing for your motorcycle tour, make sure to include both riding and non-riding gear. Since temperatures can vary, consider packing clothing that’s versatile and lightweight.
Riding Gear:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers (preferably dry-fit) to stay cool on hot days
- Riding jacket with ventilation for all-season use
- Riding gloves, boots, and protective pants
- Breathable, comfortable clothing for off-the-bike activities (such as evenings out)
Non-Riding Gear: For a 7-day tour, pack:
- 6 t-shirts
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of jeans or pants
- 1 collared shirt (polo or button-down)
- 1 skirt or dress (for women)
- Flip-flops or casual shoes
- 6 pairs of underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 hoodie or long-sleeve sweater (for cooler evenings in October to May)
How to pack clothes
Roll your clothing to save space and minimize wrinkles. You’ll be surprised how much you can fit into a small bag by rolling!
6. Toiletries
Most of our accommodations provide basic shampoo and body wash. However, if you have specific toiletries you need, bring them along. For basic items like toothpaste and deodorant, we recommend purchasing them once you arrive at your destination.
Toiletries List:
- Body wash and shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Pain relievers/medications
- Band-aids
7. Packing Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Pack light! With our support vehicle carrying your luggage, the only limitation is the airline’s weight restrictions. Stick to the essentials to avoid overpacking.
- Roll your clothes for maximum space-saving.
- Don’t forget the things you’ll use daily, like sunscreen, pain relievers, and your phone.
- Always have a backup plan for your documents, insurance, and medications in case of emergencies.
Conclusion
Packing for a motorcycle tour doesn’t need to be stressful. Focus on the essentials, and remember that much of your daily needs, like luggage, will be taken care of with our support vehicle and experienced guide team. By packing light and smart, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Remember, most riders return home having worn only half of what they packed 🙂
2 Responses
Great article and recommendations!
We’re glad the article was helpful to you 🙂