The happiness of jumping on the motorcycle and hitting the road is completely different. This freedom is not a feeling that is easy to give up. Naturally, the number of people who see motorcycles as a way of life and not as a vehicle is increasing day by day.
For those who want to travel on their bikes, there are beautiful spots and kilometers. Especially when you step out of the asphalt road and the wheel meets the soil you can consider yourself having started your trip. But which trip? We listened to the experienced bikers’ stories that feed our souls and revitalize the love of motorcycle. Leave what you're doing now and start reading to plan your first route as soon as possible!
“I carry vital equipment with me”
Hasan Baran, who took his first motorcycle in 1996 and have been doing road trips since then, lists the motorcycle related care services as follows:
Motorcycles also require periodic maintenance such as cars. Make sure that the periodic maintenance of the motorcycle is not exceeded during the road. For example, changing the engine oil at a distance of five thousand kilometers before the long trip will allow you to save fuel and reduce the risks. For this reason, I carry some vital equipment such as a set of spark plugs before my long journey, the key set suitable for my motorcycle, tow rope and tire repair kit. Tire repair kit should actually be at the top of the list. When I saw that a 200-TL stranded motorbike was being pushed by its owners, I realized that it’s better safe than sorry by taking a tire repair kit.
“Don’t forget the breaks”
İlkay Yaşar, who started his love of motorcycle thanks to his father, suggested: “The condition of your tires and brakes is the most important factor in keeping you on the road as well as the general condition of your motorcycle. Apart from your motorcycle, your own safety equipment is a separate issue. You need to be prepared for unpleasant surprises.”
Both motor enthusiasts love long trips. Ilkay Yasar traveled Aegean coast, Bozcaada and Kaş. Hasan Baran took longer routes: “I made a 1600-kilometer tour in Edremit Bay. I have completed a tour of 4500 kilometers in the Anatolian Bozkırı and completed a tour of 500 kilometers from the Aegean to the Mediterranean regions. Apart from these, various routes around Istanbul; I went to various cities such as Çanakkale and Gökçeada.” Baran also emphasizes that riding in Tuz Gölü is a unique pleasure.
“Water and protein bars…”
According to Baran and Yaşar, it is not a disadvantage to drive motorcycles as long as we are careful. İlkay Yaşar says: “Drink plenty of water especially in summer and take protein bars with you. You will not have the disadvantage of being on a motorcycle as long as you have the proper equipment and calculate the route and the time you will be on the road safe and sound. Just don't try to make long miles at a time. It's quite exhausting and you won't be able to spend your time in the places you want to go. He says it would be difficult to have fun because of fatigue.
The Indispensables…
There are some things that the experts on long trips never take away from them. Hasan Baran suggests to be prepared for all weather conditions based on his experiences. They are: “Tent, mats, sleeping bag, camping stove, portable chair, portable table, plenty of water, practical cooking material (like pasta), spare and casual clothes, daily shoes, slippers, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflector, map, compass, replacement (and high charging capacity) phone, flashlight, tent lamp, phone to charge power bank, pen, notebook, spare helmet, replacement (and seasonal) motorcycle jacket and pants…”
İlkay Yaşar says that you should pay attention to yourself as much as your motorcycle: Using motorcycles is physically and mentally exhausting. That's why it's worth listening to his advice: “When you are tired, rest and relax; I have lain on asphalt many times, so rest if necessary. With this decision, you can avoid a possible accident. It is important to carry foam and roving for your tires, just in case. If your motorcycle is unwilling to drive, especially during corners, tire pressures should be checked immediately. If possible, keep your credit card and some cash in separate locations.”
Of course, both motorbike enthusiasts who like to make long trips still have routes complete. For Hasan Baran, in the memory of his brother Yunus Emre, who passed away in 2014, there is a 5000-km route in Anatolia. İlkay Yaşar especially wants to complete road between Greece and Italy.
