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Preventing a motorcycle emergency by being prepared can smooth out any ride you go on. So let's talk about what you can do to prepare yourself for an emergency. We've already talked about the tools you should have for repairs. This is the reason why I always work on my bike with the tools I'll have with me on the road. I also make sure to have things like duct tape, electrical tape, shrink tube, LocTite, nylon ties, etc.
Basic riding gear is essential as well. Rain Gear is a necessity along with gloves and an extra shirt for cool nights. On that thought you should also check the elevations you'll be riding at. On a recent trip through the Rockies the temp in Red Lodge Montana was 93 degrees. A two hour ride over Bear Tooth Pass at almost 11,000 feet brought 50 degree temps. With the access to the internet I always check the radars before a trip to see what the weather may be like.
When we go on long tours we carry a tent and air mattress in our trailer. That may sound like overkill but in a motorcycle emergency you can be far away from civilization when you break down so a little shelter may help a lot. Plus with today's camping gear it's almost nothing to carry. If you don't have the room or are not bringing a trailer, you can get by with strapping a sleeping bag to your bike. They're light and can be placed anywhere.
I also take a page or two from my Boy Scout days and take things like a knife, string, matches, etc with me along with the standard First Aid kit, suntan lotion, chap stick, pain medicines, Imodium, and plenty of water!! Some riders just don't realize how fast you can get dehydrated while riding. This is due to the wind wicking the moisture right out of your skin, so you dehydrate without getting thirsty. So drink and cover up, more so when it’s hotter.
Another thing I should mention is to leave your itinerary with someone. Dates, phone numbers and route info. Make sure you have phone numbers and contact information for people and places in the areas you are going. Emergency numbers i.e. local police and fire etc. also don't plan on having cell service everywhere you go. The cell phone companies may have great ads, but their service isn't up to their claims yet.
Everyone should have motorcycle insurance, make sure it's up to date! Check to make sure your trailer is covered if you own one. They may be covered on your home owner's insurance or even your auto insurance. One big tip here, most of us like to buy all the add-on "toys" for our bikes. Take your bike to a dealer and have it appraised, then insure it for the appraised value and keep the appraisal as your documentation to its value. This can do wonders when dealing with the insurance companies.
One of the things we've found out, and fortunately before it happened to us, is to check for emergency services at the places you plan to travel to. For instance, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons do not allow commercial vehicles into the park. So, if you have a motorcycle emergency, plan on spending a ridiculous amount when having the park service tow you out of the park. We suggest contacting a local motorcycle dealer to see if they have a service that can come get you if need be, or hopefully have a friend with a trailer. We've heard the park service charges can be over $600.00 for a twenty mile tow to the entrance. Oh, and that's as far as they will take you. You'll need to get a commercial tow from there to the service station or dealer.
By putting together a few things and preparing for your ride way ahead of time, you can end up with a safe and very enjoyable and worry free ride.
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