Solo Riding Safety Tips

When you take a long ride by yourself, and you’re out there in the twisting backroads of the middle of nowhere, you have to be careful to ensure your own safety, since you don’t have a buddy to help you if something goes wrong. If you crash your bike, get into some nasty weather, run out of gas, have a blowout, or something else happens, you need to know how to keep yourself safe and, if possible, get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Barnes Harley-Davidson has created this brief guide to help you stay safe and have fun as a solo road warrior. When you’re ready to shop for gear, accessories, or even a new ride, come visit our dealership. We’re British Columbia’s premier Harley-Davidson® motorcycle dealer, and we have locations in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops. 

The Basics

The first thing to do before you set off on a long ride is to check your bike. Perform routine maintenance—check your fluids, including the oil, fuel, and antifreeze; check the tread on your tires; make sure there are no loose or rattling parts or engine components. If you’re going for a long ride where you know you won’t have regular access to gas stations, consider bringing an emergency gas canister with you. Be sure to buy a proper gas canister that can safely be stored with your other gear—you can’t put gasoline in just any container. 

You should also check your gear. On a long ride, you might encounter various weather conditions—wind, rain, cold, hot—all on the same ride. Make sure you wear layered gear, and have a space where you can store extra gear and/or remove gear and stash it if you get too hot. If you plan to do some hiking along the route, consider packing hiking boots, since motorcycle boots can be uncomfortable for long-distance walking. Bring plenty of water and snacks to sustain you on the ride. 

Check your emergency kit. Bring a first aid kit and a basic bike tool kit. Make sure your phone is fully charged, so you can call for a tow or emergency services if needed. Consider buying a dedicated GPS unit that doesn’t rely on a cell signal; these can be critical if you go into the wilds.

The Ride

It’s always best to plan a route in advance and stick to it; that way, there’s less chance of getting lost. If you stick to a route and tell your friends or family about it, you’ll have someone on the alert and knowing where to look for you if you don’t check in—say if you have an accident and can’t get to a phone. 

Stick to main roads as much as possible, unless you’re on a dual-sport or ADV bike, and keep your head on a swivel for any road hazards, including animal crossings, debris, or other erratic drivers. Ride safely and at your most comfortable speed. Don’t try to challenge yourself when you’re riding solo—you’ll be in for a world of hurt and have few resources available if you misjudge something and crash. Stay sober and alert. Drunk, high, or drowsy riding can be absolutely deadly. Stay hydrated and well rested. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity at rest stops, and only stop there if the place is well lit and feels safe. 

Try to avoid riding at night. It’s safest to ride during the day and plan a nighttime stop sometime near sunset. Even with your bike’s bright headlights and you wearing reflective gear, an unaware driver is much less likely to see you in time to avoid a crash when it’s dark. 

These are just a few tips for riding solo safely. As in all things, be smart, be safe, and take it easy, and you’ll have plenty of fun on the road.