5 Mistakes made by New (and Experienced) MotoCampers

5 Mistakes made by New (and Experienced) MotoCampers

So you just got your new ADV bike, ordered your luggage and are starting to plan your first moto camping trip. Or, you are an experienced moto camper getting ready for your first trip after a long break. Either way, you will want to ensure you don't make these five mistakes.

We compiled this list by making our own mistakes and realizing them while out moto camping. Some were minor issues that we dealt with, and some ended our trip. Now, let's get to it! 

1. Taking too much

Almost every moto camper I know has made this mistake. It takes a few trips to whittle down what you need to bring and what you don't, and that comes down to each person's preferences, the climate, and the location in which you are riding and camping.
Bringing too much can add a lot of extra weight and bulk to your bike. This makes it more exhausting to ride, especially in technical off-road sections. If you can't ride the section with your gear, you will be forced to stop, remove your luggage, walk through the section, and then go back to get your bike. This can add a lot of time to your day and put you at camp much later than planned. 
PRO TIP: Take just what you need. If you have moto camped 3 nights and didn't use something, you likely don't need it.


2. Not setting up the tent before departure

This one can really get you. Nothing is worse than arriving at camp after a full day of riding, being totally exhausted and unable to figure out how to set up your tent, or find out that you're missing crucial parts.

We recommend setting up a new tent before hitting the road, even for seasoned moto camping veterans. The worst-case scenario is that it gives you some practice to make your setup more efficient in the field. Nobody wants to get to camp, not be able to set up and have to ride back home or to a hotel in the dark.

Trust us, it's worth taking the time to practice before heading off!

PRO TIP: Our MotoTent and ADV Tent are designed specifically for moto camping and have all the necessary features. Setup directions are inside your tent carry bag, but we also have some great video tutorials on setting your tent up so you can watch an expert do it before attempting it on your own. You can watch the MotoTent setup video here or the ADV Tent setup video here.

3. Riding too far in a day

This one can get the best of us. We have a weekend off and want to ride. We look at a map and pick an epic far-off location. It is going to be the best moto trip of all time.

Then suddenly, you are exhausted, the sun is setting, and you are still an hour away from camp. Your dream trip has turned into a slog, and it won't be much fun setting your tent up in the dark or cooking your dinner with limited light.

Not to mention, gathering campfire wood is much more challenging once it is dark. 

PRO TIP: The proper distance will vary for each person depending on skills, fitness and terrain. A good rule of thumb for your first trip would be to keep it under 300km / 190 miles a day if your route is primarily road and 200km / 120 miles if it is off-road. Even 100km / 60 miles may be a big day if your route is more technical off-road. 

4. Forgetting your Headlamp 

We have all done it. And it is made worse if you also made mistake number 3. A headlamp is the one thing everyone forgets, new or seasoned. It is okay if you get to camp early enough to set up before dark, but if not, it can make things pretty tricky. Once you are set up, a headlamp is excellent for navigating around camp after the sunsets. 

PRO TIP: If you forget your headlamp and arrive at camp in the dark, you can always use your bike's headlight to set up your tent. Just make sure not to leave it on too long if your bike is not idling, as it will drain your battery and cause you to have another issue to deal with in the morning. This is especially important during colder weather!

5. Never Practicing Riding with a Loaded Bike 

Adding luggage and weight to your bike will change how it feels and handles. That extra weight over the rear wheel will cause your front end to "feel lighter", changing how your bike steers and reacts. If it gets tilted over, it will also be much harder to lift it back up.

You will be more likely to drop it. The best thing you can do is practice riding around your neighbourhood before your moto camping trip. Lay it down on soft ground such as grass, and practice lifting it back up. Get used to it, especially if you will be riding off-road during your trip. 


PRO TIP: You will have to test different settings for your increased payload if you have a manually adjusted suspension (non-electronic). Write down your suspension settings for an unloaded and loaded bike, and keep it easy accessible whether it's on your bike or in your smartphone.

We hope this list will prevent you from making the same mistakes we all made on our first moto camping trips. Remember, the key is to just get out there and enjoy the experience of being in nature.

Making mistakes is the best way to learn and improve your moto camping skills. So, don't be discouraged by them, but rather use them as stepping stones to becoming a better moto camper.

Happy moto camping!

 

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