May ‘American Motorcyclist’ features overseas trip planning tips

You may be stuck at home because of the coronavirus restrictions, but you can still start planning for an overseas long-distance ride or perform some basic maintenance on your motorcycle.

The May 2020 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine tells you how.

You can read the dirt or street issues online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

If you would prefer a paper copy delivered to your home, you can get it by becoming a Life Member Plus member. Call AMA Member Services at (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) to join for just $29 a year. The membership includes a hard copy of the magazine, AMA roadside assistance that covers all the motorcycles, cars, trucks and RVs in your household, and more benefits.

AMA Member Rick Wheaton is planning a 2,500-mile trip across Australia to celebrate his 80th birthday and spells out how he plans for the trip in the May issue of American Motorcyclist, offering tips that are useful for all long-distance riding. Wheaton discusses what to consider including budget, timing, flights and accommodations as well as what gear is vital for such a long ride in a foreign country.

The magazine also includes an article called “Motorcycle Maintenance Basics” that offers tips on saving money by doing some of your own repairs. The article covers maintenance and repairs for wheels, brakes, controls, the chassis, lights, electrical and more.

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting the AMA and motorcycling in a column called “Community In Crisis.”

Plus, AMA members are introduced to Bob Hammaker, the AMA Pennsylvania state chapter coordinator, and to AMA Member LaShundra Rucker who has created a women’s line of motorcycling apparel and accessories.

Government actions affecting motorcycling are also covered in the magazine, as well as a story about AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey’s 1983 Kawasaki GPz750 Superbike that is in the permanent collection of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame museum on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

You get all that and more in the May 2020 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine.