Motorcycle Road Trip

Reasonable Average Daily Mileage On A Motorcycle Road Trip

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Rose Morah

Wondering how many miles to ride in a day on a motorcycle road trip?

Generally, most experienced motorcycle riders can handle about 300 miles on a daily average.

When planning a motorcycle road tour, I used to set unrealistic daily mileage targets. Hence, I would often end up straining myself to achieve them.

The good thing is, with time, I have learned from those experiences and from other riders.

Much as you might expect, several factors will determine the number of miles you will cover on your motorcycle in a day.

Here are the factors that determine the number of miles you will cover on a motorcycle in a day:

1. Your Riding Experience

It’s hard for most inexperienced motorcycle riders to ride 300 miles a day. 

Therefore, if you are an inexperienced rider, focus on building your endurance by starting small (say 150 miles/day) and onwards increase the mileage gradually.

2. The type and the Condition of the Road

The type and condition of the road play a significant role in determining how many miles you can cover in a day.

For instance, dirt roads, winding canyon roads, mountain terrains, and roads that have many potholes will potentially slow you down. Hitting the 300 miles a day would be impossible.

On the other hand, if you plan to ride only on the highways at a high-speed limit, attaining over 300 miles a day on a motorcycle road trip is possible.

3. The Type of Motorcycle

The effect of the type of motorcycle on the number of miles covered in a day all boils down to comfort. 

Comfortable Motorcycle = Long Distance

Touring/Cruising motorcycles are best for keeping you comfortable on long rides, which enables you to cover more miles.

Sportbike, on the other hand, may be fast, but riding it long-distance will get you tired much quicker than the touring/cruising motorcycles. Unless you modify the sportbike for long road trips.

Check out our article on how to modify a sportbike for long road trips.


Are you looking for a stylish e-bike at a budget-friendly price?

Check out these varieties of models designed for every rider.

4. The Riding Environment

Imagine for a moment the experience you would have riding on a rainy day.

A rainy ride results in reduced visibility and speed. This will no doubt affect the miles to be covered in a day.

Riding in sweltering weather, on the other hand, means more unplanned stops for hydration. And quite obviously, this will end up affecting your mileage per day.

Much like other weather factors, high winds and cold weather will likewise slow you down.

How?

Riding in high winds may require you to move at a slower than average speed.

On the other hand, when riding in cold weather, you will likely have unplanned stops to warm yourself up with hot drinks, etc.

See also: Best Motorcycle Trip Planner.

5. Road construction/Traffic Delays

Road constructions and other traffic delays can put a significant dent in a rider’s riding goals.

Having listed the top factors that determine how many miles you cover in a day, we are now left with the following questions:

How can you cover more miles in a Day?

  • Properly adjust/upgrade your motorcycle for comfort – You can change the seats to gel seats, adjust your handlebars to your preferred comfortable riding position, etc.
  • Dress for the weather – Make sure you have the right gear for the weather to avoid unplanned stops.
  • Install windshield on your motorcycle – Windshield makes your overall riding experience comfortable and easier.
  • Drink plenty of water – It keeps you well hydrated when riding. Avoid energy drinks.
  • Eat healthy snacks throughout the whole day – This will significantly boost your energy levels throughout the day.
  • Allow yourself some resting time – Take time off your motorcycle and stretch out. 

How to calculate the number of miles covered on a motorcycle road trip

To know the number of miles covered, we are going to have a look at some of the best mileage calculators available:

Google maps

Google map is a top-notch tool that covers destinations across the globe. It allows riders to easily calculate their mileage.

And additionally, Google Maps provides riders with an estimated fuel cost at the bottom of the directions section.

GPS

Global Positioning System (GPS) greatly helps riders navigate the roads easily and calculate the mileage between two points.

NB: Before purchasing, I would highly recommend that you take time and review GPS systems online.

Other mileage calculator options

  • Map Crow
  • MapQuest

Which is the most comfortable long-distance touring motorcycle?

When it comes to long-distance touring, comfort and luxury in a long-touring motorcycle are top requirements.

This is the reason why most long road trip riders prefer heavier motorcycles.

Let’s take a look at some of the best and most comfortable long-distance motorcycles.

2020 Indian Road Master

The 2020 Indian Road Master is designed to deliver this top requirement perfectly.

Here are some of its best features:

  • Seven-Inch color TFT display.
  • Push-button windshield.
  • LED lighting with high visibility.
  • Ride command. The rider can switch between ride modes.
  • TPMS feature ( to monitor your tire inflation ).
  • Heated grips and heated comfy seats to keep you warm on cold-weather rides.
  • Comes with a waterproof, 36.2 gallons of storage space.

Harley-Davidsons Road Glide Limited

This motorcycle takes comfort and safety up a notch for riders covering many miles on a road trip.

Needless to say more, everything about Harley-Davidsons screams road trip!

BMW K 1600GTL

BMW K 1600GTL is sumptuously comfortable with its electronically adjustable suspension that lets you choose between normal, comfort, and sport modes, depending on the road condition and riding mood.

It also has heated grips and seats to keep you warm in cold weather.

Its windshield can be adjusted almost entirely vertically, hence blocking both the operator and the passenger from wind, rain, etc.,

Honda Gold Wing

Yet another great bike.

Every aspect of this motorcycle is incredibly smooth.

The bike is still comfortable, even with masses of luggage space, due to its better and smoother handling.

It also has got fog lights standards for better visibility in varying weather conditions.

Its other advanced features include:

  • An electronically adjustable windshield
  • Electronic reverse
  • Hill-start assist
  • Tire pressure monitoring

Which is the fastest touring motorcycle for long road trips

Sport touring motorcycles are arguably the best type for covering more miles in a day.

Why?

Because they offer more versatility. You can ride them for long distances without breaking your back.

They are fast and remarkably comfortable.

So, what are the fastest touring motorcycles?

The following is a list of the fastest sport touring motorcycles:

  1. Harley-Davidsons CVO  Road Glide Limited
  2. Honda Gold Wing
  3. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
  4. Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
  5. Ducati Multistrada 1260S
  6. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.