Motorcyclists in record numbers are heading out on ambitious trips across America and around the world. The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel offers essential advice to fully prepare them for traveling long distances over extended periods. Whether you are getting ready for a weekend trip beyond your home turf, or for a transcontinental odyssey lasting several years, Coyner's book details the fundamentals for riding in comfort, safety, and convenience. In three major sections, this book covers trip planning, rider preparation, and outfitting the motorcycle. This newest edition has been completely updated to reflect current information and the newest trends in mobile technology, as it relates to motorcycle touring. Coyner lays out the steps for planning a worry-free, fun trip, one that starts with the rider physically and mentally prepared. On the road, having good riding gear can make a dramatic difference in comfort and safety as the weather changes from dry to wet, and from hot to cold. Coyner describes the important aspects of personal preparation and describes the major kinds of riding gear and how they work to control body temperature and moisture. As motorcycle technology has evolved, so have aftermarket accessories, which are made to address virtually every special need. Coyner shows you step-by-step how electrical modifications can be made, and provides specific sections on high-performance lighting and conspicuity, GPS and other cockpit instruments, entertainment and communication devices, cameras and camcorders, ergonomic enhancements, suspension improvements, luggage and storage additions, and trailers. Over 250 full-color photographs illustrate riding gear, accessories, and modifications that will make any motorcycle adventure the trip of a lifetime.