Every hot-blooded, motorcycle-riding adventurer longs to embark on a cross-country trip atop their favorite bike. Whether you're riding along the Canadian border or venturing across the United States, you'll be spending a significant amount of time navigating unfamilar territory in the saddle.

At Deadbeat Customs we have everything you need to know for a successful expedition.

Source: Sanna Boman via roadtrippers.com

A cross-country motorcytle trip is a far cry from your standard weekend or one-day trip, and it’s important that you be well-prepared for it. Here are some useful tips for your upcoming adventure:

This is the first and possibly most important step; after all, you don’t want to be stuck on the highway with a broken down motorcycle! Get your bike serviced completely: check the tires to make sure there is plenty of tread. The headlights, indicators and brake lights should be in working condition, as well as the ignition system and all other electrical systems.

Source: Gaspard Le Dem, DCist

Get your bike serviced before you leave, check out these quick oil change kits we have available from Maxima:

No matter how well you chalk your route and follow highway signs, there may be times when you've lost your way. Should this happen, it would be comforting to know you have enough gasoline to last a few extra miles. So, make sure you use a bottle with a leak-proof cap; the last thing you want to deal with is a potentially dangerous situation like a gasoline-soaked backpack! We recommend using the Nash Fuel Sling with a Reserve Bottle. It's the perfect way to store additional fuel on your motorcycle.

Source: nashmotorcycle.com

Be prepared for navigatin your route with a proper phone mount to read your GPS. Check out the full collection of mounts and pohne cases we have to offer from SP Gadgets. Or drop that phone in a convenient and easy-to-use Saddlemen Magnetic Phone Case/E-Pack to secure your smart phone right on your gas tank so your directions are right where you need them.

Most good-quality packs are advertised as waterproof, but such claims can't be substantiated until you're actually caught in a downpour with no shade around. This is why it’s important to use any waterproof gear available to you and to make sure your pack is sealed.

Another pointer: instead of just packing an extra jacket in the base of your pack, place it around everything at the top of the pack. This adds an extra layer of protection to the items in your bag. If you’re only using a pack strapped on your sissy bar, put all of your gear into a trash bag pefore placing it in the pack. It's a great way to keep things dry!

For top-notch packing gear, check out our Biltwell Exfil Bags collection. We've got small packs for day trips and large backpacks for month-long excursions. You're sure to find the bag you need!

It’s important to figure out what you would be reaching for in your bag the most often when you're on the road. For example, if you know you're going to need your gloves or goggles, put them at the top of the bag. The objective is to keep the things you are most likely to need handy and quickly accessible while you're on the road. You can push the things you won’t need very much into the recesses of the pack.

You're bound to get hungry when you're out on the road for extensive hours, so pack foods that will last in your pack. Don't bring anything prone to leaking, smelling, spoiling or turning into a mess (i.e. sandwiches). Instead, bring foods like dried fruit, trail mix and beef jerky. These are snacks you can munch on when the hunger pangs strike and you gotta take a break.

This doesn't mean you have to be all buddy-buddy with everyone you meet and follow them into their homes! But you can safely chat up the town locals anywhere you pass through. If you meet any like-minded bikers along the same route you're on, there’s no harm in striking up a conversation. You can share stories, exchange tips and pick up useful information from more experienced travelers, too!

Pack weather-appropriate clothing and make sure you evenly distribute all belongings in the packs on either side of your bike. This will increase your motorcycle's overall stability while you're cruising along the highway.

As you can see, a lot of preparation goes into a cross-country motorcycle trip. However, follow these simple tips and we can ensure your ride will be fairly stress- free. Remember to enjoy your surroundings and take in the view while you ride through the countryside.