Beating Rider Fatigue on Long Touring Days: Breaks, Posture, Hydration and Hearing

Start with breaks: the California Motorcycle Handbook says to stop and get off the bike at least every two hours, and that experienced riders seldom ride more than about six hours a day. After that, fatigue comes down to four things you control: sleep, hydration, hearing protection and clothing for the weather. This page is about your body. For route length, rest days and buffer days, see our long motorcycle trip planning guide.

It is part of our riding in different conditions series.

A body-first plan for the day

Breaks: how often and how long

The handbook's baseline is a stop at least every two hours, getting off the motorcycle. It gives no break length. We found no primary source for how long a break should be, so we don't give a number.

A reason to stop earlier than two hours: stimulants such as energy drinks can end in extreme fatigue or depression as they wear off.

Posture, hands, wrists and neck

We could not find a primary source we trust for specific posture advice, hand and wrist exercises or neck relief, and we won't state them from memory. What we can do is lay out what the page will show once the team has tested it.

Hydration and food

Water prevents dehydration, and the CDC says you need more in hot climates and when you are more active. It gives no amounts or timing, so neither do we. Cold riding can also lead to dehydration. Wearing a jacket, long pants, boots and gloves, even in warm weather, can prevent dehydration and sun or wind burn.

Heat can turn into illness. The National Weather Service describes heat exhaustion signs as heavy sweating, weakness, cool pale clammy skin, fast weak pulse, cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache or fainting, and says to move to a cooler place. Heat stroke is an emergency: call 911 or get to a hospital.

Hearing

Motorcycles sit at 80 to 110 dBA on the NIDCD's list, and long or repeated exposure at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The NIDCD advises earplugs or other protective devices for loud activities. The California handbook also says wind can cause hearing loss.

Check your local rules: California bars covering both ears with headsets, earplugs or earphones unless the plugs are designed to reduce injurious noise, and they must not stop you hearing sirens or horns. The NIDCD page doesn't mention wind noise specifically.

Know when fatigue is the problem

The CDC says getting enough sleep can lessen the risk of motor vehicle crashes. We did not find a primary-source list of motorcycle-specific warning signs.

Gear that reduces the load

Weather protection and clothing play into fatigue. If you are choosing riding gear for long days, see Leather Collection's riding gear range for jackets, gloves and boots. The lists in our road trip essentials checklist show what to carry, and the cross-country planning guide covers pacing across days.

Frequently asked questions

How do I ride a motorcycle all day without getting tired?

Stop at least every two hours and get off the bike, keep the day to around six hours, and start with enough sleep.

What is the 12 second rule on a motorcycle?

The California handbook doesn't use that phrase. It says to scan your path of travel at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead.