Adding a cooler to a motorcycle can be a wonderful idea. After all, if you tend to ride your motorcycle in the middle of nowhere, you could do with the occasional cold drink and some fresh foods. But is it possible to add a cooler to your motorcycle?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes, because there are many ways to modify your motorcycle to fit your requirements these days. If you are curious about this particular modification, be sure to read on.

How To Use A Cooler On A Motorcycle

There are several ways to use a cooler on a motorcycle. Some modify their bike and install an actual cooler on their motorcycle permanently. Of course, others do not want to touch the original structure of their bike, so they choose a convenient cooler bag instead. So, there is something for each preference.

Unless you have an electric cooler installed on your motorcycle, something that requires a bit more skill, knowhow, and time, you will need some cooler packs in your cooler. Later in the article, we will discuss the best ways to keep your drinks and food cool.

3 Best Motorcycle Coolers To Try

A good cooler does not have to cost loads of money, at least if you know where to look. Today, we offer you a selection of both affordable and advanced coolers, so you can choose one that fits your requirements best. So, let’s take a look at the coolers you need to consider.

1. Coleman 9-Can Soft Cooler With Removable Liner

This cooler is the ideal choice for a single day on your motorcycle in the middle of nowhere. While it may not have the capacity for some of the larger trips, this is a great choice for bikers who only tend to be out for a single day.

Despite its smaller size, the Coleman has plenty of capacity for both drinks and food. The material is also quite flexible, which means you can pack more if you need to. In addition to that, the lining of the bag is made from an antimicrobial material, keeping your food and drink free from mold, mildew and unpleasant odors.

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2. Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag

Do you need something more substantial that can last you a little more than a day? If so, the Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag may be what you need.

The Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag is a little more expensive than some of the other cooler bags suggested in this overview. However, its higher cost is accompanied by a bunch of features that make this one of the best cooler bags out there. One of its most remarkable features is the premium cooling, which allows you to keep food and drinks cool in a heat up to 120-degrees.

Bison Coolers cooler bags are available in bigger capacities as well; this includes a 24-can option. While we do not recommend this option for your motorcycle due to its massive design, the bigger option can be something to consider for car trips.

When you choose the Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag, you also choose durability. The cooler bag is made from a special vinyl shell, which makes it considerably more durable than other cools made from different materials. It also means you can count on a tear resistance up to 375 pounds and additional UV protection for the material itself!

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3. TOURIT Cooler Backpack

If you rather not put a cooler bag on your motorcycle, you could consider a cooler backpack too. Many brands provide this convenient cooler bag today, this includes the people at TOURIT.

The TOURIT Cooler Backpack comes with a bunch of features you cannot afford to miss. Firstly, it is made from tear-resistant fabrics, while keeping the weight of the backpack as low as possible. Secondly, it has an insulated cooler inside the backpack, which means you do not have to worry about additional layering once you’ve packed your drinks and food.

When you choose the TOURIT Cooler Backpack, you can also count on better organization. Each backpack has a spacious main compartment, complemented by several front zip pockets, a mesh pocket, and additional compartments on the inside to keep things as organized and easily accessible as possible.

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How to Best Pack A Cooler?

Packing your stuff into a cooler bag is quite straightforward. In fact, it is remarkably similar to packing a regular cooler box. But, how do you pack it best? And is it possible to have your food and drink in a cooler bag for several days. Read our top tips below to get the most from your new cooler bag.

Cool your cooler bag

When you want to keep things as cool as possible, it can be helpful to cool your cooler bag before you start packing drink and food. Simply place the cooler bag somewhere cold overnight. As most cooler bags can be folded, you can even place it in the fridge.

Freeze

When you go out for a day or two, you may want to consider freezing some of your food and drink. Bottled water is a great option to freeze, as it will give you something chill to drink but also keep the rest of your food cool. If you are planning to have a meal in the middle of nowhere, you can freeze your foods in advance too; this usually keeps meats fresh for another day or so.

Go bigger

Real ice is only as efficient as its size. When you use small ice cubes, chances are they will melt quite quickly, despite the best efforts of your classy cooler bag. Therefore, it is better to use the biggest blocks of ice you can find, providing you can handle the additional weight and if you have the capacity.

An additional option to real ice is so-called dry ice. While this may be more expensive than normal ice, it does not make your food soggy and can last a lot longer. If you are heading out for several days, then dry ice is almost a must.

Learn how to layer

One of the essentials of using a cooler bag on your motorcycle is learning how to layer. Layering is a vital skill that will keep your food and drink cool, but also make everything easily accessible.

When you use real ice, layering can prevent your food from becoming soggy and unpleasant. In most cases, people use a piece of cardboard between the ice and their pre-packed foods. Of course, some cooler bags provide you with useful compartments to prevent this kind of problem.

A Cooler Bag To Suit Your Needs

Now that you know a little more about motorcycle cooler bags, you might find it easier to choose an option to suit your needs. Remember, always choose a bag that fits the amount of days you will be on your motorcycle.

You should also think about capacity, especially when you are traveling with more than one person. Of course, do not forget our helpful tips to pack your cooler bag either, as this could save you an incredible amount of time and hassle while you are enjoying your ride in the middle of nowhere.

One of the most sought-after hitch carriers for motorcycles is the Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier. But what makes this carrier a brilliant choice? And are there some downsides consumers should be aware of? If so, be sure to read on.

What Is The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier?

The Harbor Freight Haul Master is attached to a car or a van with a hitch mount. Manufacturers claim that the device can carry a motorcycle up to 400 pounds, which is quite substantial in this day and age.

Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carriers are built from sturdy stuff. The construction consists of both aluminum and steel, which contributes to the overall durability of the carrier.

That being said, consumers should be aware that these carriers always include some degree of assembly. Most suppliers also do not include any tie-downs with the delivered carrier, so be sure to check if these come with your carrier before you place an order.

Harbor Freight Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Review

One of the most sought-after hitch carriers for motorcycles is the Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier. But what makes this carrier a brilliant choice? And are there some downsides consumers should be aware of? If so, be sure to read on.

What Is The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier?

The Harbor Freight Haul Master is attached to a car or a van with a hitch mount. Manufacturers claim that the device can carry a motorcycle up to 400 pounds, which is quite substantial in this day and age.

Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carriers are built from sturdy stuff. The construction consists of both aluminum and steel, which contributes to the overall durability of the carrier. That being said, consumers should be aware that these carriers always include some degree of assembly. Most suppliers also do not include any tie-downs with the delivered carrier, so be sure to check if these come with your carrier before you place an order.

Assembly Of The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master

Those who are familiar with motorcycle carriers already know about the affordability of Harbor Freight products. However, this does not mean that the brand provides lesser quality. In fact, most Harbor Freight carriers are sturdy and durable. The same applies to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master.

The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul master is straightforward to assemble. Overall, the assembly of the carrier should not take you any longer than an hour. To help you get started, these are the general assembly instructions for this carrier.

• Start by attaching the supplied wheel clamps with accompanying bolts to the carrier platform. Then, apply the lock nuts for each of the claims as well as the lock pin. Ensure everything stays in place with one of the supplied R-pin.
• Once you have installed the wheel clamps, you can install the supplied lock pins and adjustment pin. These should also be secured with R-pins.
• Next, remove the nuts from the bottom of the bracket and line up all the bracket bolts with their corresponding holes. Then, use the nuts and two additional brackets to secure the construction.
• Finally, fasten the brackets with the supplied bolts and nuts.

As the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is quite straightforward to assemble, this carrier is quite suitable for those with little assembly experience.

Is The Carrier Easy To Operate?

When you use the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master for the first time, it can be a little daunting. That being said, most motorcycle carriers require you to read the instructions when you use it for the first time, so it is not that unusual.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is that motorcycles with larger wheels may require some adjustments during the loading process. In these cases, you can leave the adjustment pin completely. If you do manage to use the adjustment pin, always secure it with the accompanying R-pin.

Harbor Freight has also catered to those who cannot secure their motorcycle with the accompanying wheel lock pins. If this happens, you need to use ratchet tie downs to secure the bike properly. As mentioned earlier, tie downs are not included with the standard Harbor Freight Haul Master, so make sure you obtain them beforehand.

Is Unloading Easy With The Harbor Freight Haul Master?

The bike can easily be unloaded through the release of tension. While the overall construction is relatively safe, one must always consider that the sudden release of tension can cause injury; this when there are motorcycle parts that can quickly move away when the tension is released. That being said, the only thing consumers need to do is stay at a safe distance from these parts.

Is The Harbor Freight Haul Master A Durable Carrier?

There are some mixed reviews regarding the durability of the carrier. Some consumers experience no problems at all, while others experienced a failing carrier after several months.

To enjoy the Harbor Freight Haul Master for a long time, it is recommended to clean, maintain and lubricate the carrier on a regular basis. If you maintain the carrier properly, you will be able to enjoy this motorcycle carrier for a long time to come.

Before you use the Harbor Freight Haul Master, always inspect the carrier for any visible signs of damage. One of the most important things to look out for is misaligned parts, as they can cause serious damage to the carrier if used in this state.

Once you have used the carrier to transport your motorcycle, always make sure you wipe down the carrier properly. A clean microfiber cloth is usually all you need. However, if you notice any oil residue, you can use a suitable cleaning product to remove it from the carrier.

Overall, the maintenance process of the Harbor Freight Haul Master is minimal; this is obviously positive for those who intend to use the carrier on a regular basis and do not have the time for extensive cleaning and maintenance routines.

How Does The Harbor Freight Haul Master Hold Up Against Other Motorcycle Carriers?

Compared to other motorcycle carriers, the Harbor Freight Haul Master is one of the most affordable. There is a considerable price difference between products from Harbor Freight and other well-known motorcycle carrier brands.

While the construction is durable and the maintenance minimal, there is one downside to this carrier. Even though it does keep a good grip on your motorcycle, the carrier can seem a little wobbly at times. While it does not affect the overall functionality of the carrier, it does mean that consumers need to pay extra attention during the securing process.

Despite some small flexing of the unit for bikes over 250 pounds, the design of the carrier is quite sturdy and is unlikely to fail. While it could benefit from a higher-quality aluminum, the price-quality ratio does not disappoint in this case. It certainly meets the standards associated with Harbor Freight.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

Assembly Of The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master

Those who are familiar with motorcycle carriers already know about the affordability of Harbor Freight products. However, this does not mean that the brand provides lesser quality. In fact, most Harbor Freight carriers are sturdy and durable. The same applies to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master.

The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul master is straightforward to assemble. Overall, the assembly of the carrier should not take you any longer than an hour. To help you get started, these are the general assembly instructions for this carrier.

• Start by attaching the supplied wheel clamps with accompanying bolts to the carrier platform. Then, apply the lock nuts for each of the claims as well as the lock pin. Ensure everything stays in place with one of the supplied R-pin.
• Once you have installed the wheel clamps, you can install the supplied lock pins and adjustment pin. These should also be secured with R-pins.
• Next, remove the nuts from the bottom of the bracket and line up all the bracket bolts with their corresponding holes. Then, use the nuts and two additional brackets to secure the construction.
• Finally, fasten the brackets with the supplied bolts and nuts.

As the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is quite straightforward to assemble, this carrier is quite suitable for those with little assembly experience.

Is The Carrier Easy To Operate?

When you use the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master for the first time, it can be a little daunting. That being said, most motorcycle carriers require you to read the instructions when you use it for the first time, so it is not that unusual.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is that motorcycles with larger wheels may require some adjustments during the loading process. In these cases, you can leave the adjustment pin completely. If you do manage to use the adjustment pin, always secure it with the accompanying R-pin.

Harbor Freight has also catered to those who cannot secure their motorcycle with the accompanying wheel lock pins. If this happens, you need to use ratchet tie downs to secure the bike properly. As mentioned earlier, tie downs are not included with the standard Harbor Freight Haul Master, so make sure you obtain them beforehand.

Is Unloading Easy With The Harbor Freight Haul Master?

The bike can easily be unloaded through the release of tension. While the overall construction is relatively safe, one must always consider that the sudden release of tension can cause injury; this when there are motorcycle parts that can quickly move away when the tension is released. That being said, the only thing consumers need to do is stay at a safe distance from these parts.

Is The Harbor Freight Haul Master A Durable Carrier?

There are some mixed reviews regarding the durability of the carrier. Some consumers experience no problems at all, while others experienced a failing carrier after several months.

To enjoy the Harbor Freight Haul Master for a long time, it is recommended to clean, maintain and lubricate the carrier on a regular basis. If you maintain the carrier properly, you will be able to enjoy this motorcycle carrier for a long time to come.

Before you use the Harbor Freight Haul Master, always inspect the carrier for any visible signs of damage. One of the most important things to look out for is misaligned parts, as they can cause serious damage to the carrier if used in this state.

Once you have used the carrier to transport your motorcycle, always make sure you wipe down the carrier properly. A clean microfiber cloth is usually all you need. However, if you notice any oil residue, you can use a suitable cleaning product to remove it from the carrier.

Overall, the maintenance process of the Harbor Freight Haul Master is minimal; this is obviously positive for those who intend to use the carrier on a regular basis and do not have the time for extensive cleaning and maintenance routines.

How Does The Harbor Freight Haul Master Hold Up Against Other Motorcycle Carriers?

Compared to other motorcycle carriers, the Harbor Freight Haul Master is one of the most affordable. There is a considerable price difference between products from Harbor Freight and other well-known motorcycle carrier brands.

While the construction is durable and the maintenance minimal, there is one downside to this carrier. Even though it does keep a good grip on your motorcycle, the carrier can seem a little wobbly at times. While it does not affect the overall functionality of the carrier, it does mean that consumers need to pay extra attention during the securing process.

Despite some small flexing of the unit for bikes over 250 pounds, the design of the carrier is quite sturdy and is unlikely to fail. While it could benefit from a higher-quality aluminum, the price-quality ratio does not disappoint in this case. It certainly meets the standards associated with Harbor Freight.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

Motorbikes and riding is a passion like no other. Feeling the roar of your engine along the road and watching the landscape glide by can be an amazing experience. In that case, why not catch some of the experience on a GoPro? This is becoming an ever more common way to capture the moment while you are biking around.

This all sounds very nice and nostalgic. There are however a few more practical reasons on top of this as to why using your GoPro while biking has increased greatly in popularity. Whatever you reason, we have done our best to collect a few of the top ones and condense them into this post.

On top of providing you with the best reasons as to why you should buy a GoPro for motorcycling, we will narrow your selection down to three of the best products which can suit all styles.

3 Best GoPros for Motorcycles

If you are set on buying a GoPro for your motorcycle adventures, here are three of the best selections on the market at present:

1. GoPro Hero7 Black

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The Hero7 is the latest in the long range of top-quality products from GoPro. There are a variety of features packed in which make it ideal for your motorcycle diaries or just recording the journey.

Chief among these features which could benefit you in the Hero7 is the ability to give voice commands to perform certain features of the camera. In essence this is vital in that you would never have to remove your hands to operate the device.

The camera comes in black, white, and silver as standard and with extremely smooth video stabilization. This is also perfect if you are moving over uneven surfaces at speed but wish to retain the best quality.

Among other features, the Hero7 is capable of delivering 4K quality video footage and a 12MP camera to boot. If that was not enough, the latest GoPro model is waterproof to a depth of 10m and features an amazingly high-rate as well as an intuitive touch screen which you should find easy to navigate. This model should also be easy to mount in a variety of areas of your motorbike which we will discuss in detail with the final section.

If streaming is your thing and you want your audience to follow your journey live, that too is no problem. This is thanks to the live HD streaming capability of the Hero7.

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2. GoPro Hero6 Black

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Next on our list of the best GoPro cameras for your motorcycle is the GoPro Hero6. This model can also be easily affixed to your motorcycle or even helmet depending on the mount which you are using. It is also a feature-laden model with can respond to voice commands conveniently.

The camera is capable of images up to 12MP and video up to 4K60 with 30FPS burst. Images stabilization on this model is also of the best quality. This makes a big difference when you are on the road and trying to achieve the best levels for all of you video and images.

When it comes to both videos and images, the Hero6 delivers as much as two times the performance of the previous model. It is chargeable by USB C cable and comes as standard with a mounting buckle, flat, and curved adhesive mounts.

The effortless quality is supplemented by excellent low-level lighting images and a waterproof capability of as much as 10m. There are as many as 30 different accessories which you can add, customizing the camera to fit your riding style and being on the road. This level of flexibility is another reason to recommend the GoPro6.

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3. GoPro Hero5 Black

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Finally on our list of the top three GoPro cameras which you can use to make the most of your motorcycle trips is the GoPro5 Black. This model may be third on our list but is certainly still considered a top-quality piece of kit. The model is also capable of voice activated commands. This makes it all the easier to control while you are on the road.

Again the Hero5 Black captures amazing 4K video along with 12MP images. This is exactly what you need to see the sites at their very best while you move around. Single, burst, and time-lapse features make it all the easier to control the images you collect while on the road. It comes well equipped with a flat and curved adhesive mount and mounting buckle as well as the USB-C charger to keep the long-lasting rechargeable battery going so that you don’t miss a thing when you drive.

The Hero5 can also automatically upload footage to your cloud account so you can keep as much space as possible free for the new and exciting road ahead.

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Why Use a GoPro for Biking?

Everyone will have their own reasons for wanting to use a GoPro while biking. Undoubtedly the most common reason we think, will be to capture your ride and the beautiful scenery around you that we can sometimes miss when we are focused on the road.

It is really hard to capture the thrill of biking and share it with others, but with the amazing quality and realism of some of today’s GoPro cameras, you can be really sure that your audience is living and breathing the road as you watch.

That leads into another reason for documenting your trip, perhaps you have a social media following and want to share all of the details and vision of your trip with them. If that is the case, you certainly need to have a GoPro for your motorbike.

Finally, a more practical reason. If, in the worst case scenario something should happen to you on the open road such as a collision or other type of road incident, you can be sure that you GoPro will have captured everything in crisp, clear motion. This could make all the difference depending upon the situation you find yourself.

How to Mount a GoPro on a Motorcycle

Now that you have hopefully selected your desired GoPro from the list of the best three we provided, it is time to fit your new camera. This may seem like a daunting proposition but it certainly does not have to be.

There are a few different ways in which you can mount your new camera for use when riding. Here we will run through a few of the most common ways and give you some tip and tricks as to how to mount your camera in each way to get the very best out of it.

Getting Rid of Vibration

Getting rid of the vibration with your camera when it is mounted on your motorcycle is clearly a priority. This will not only help to produce the best quality video and images but it will also ensure that your camera remains safe from damage.

There are two key elements in this. The first is making sure your mount fits the camera. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are purchasing official products for your specific model.

Secondly you need to ensure it is securely mounted in a stable manner. From there, each model we have listed features fantastic auto-stabilization. The camera actually reads your intended movements and adjusts to take a clear picture. Amazing, right!

Handlebar Mounting

This is one of the more common mounts which should produce one of the most secure and stable images of the complete open road ahead. This can be excellent if you want to focus predominantly on the open road ahead while filming on the move. You can also attach it with specialized swivel mounts which would allow you to take in a full 360-degrees as you wish.

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Using a Chin Mount

This would be one of the less common ways to mount your GoPro while riding, but it is still popular with some. This manner of mounting gives you a great front on view and naturally creates a sense of intense reality, moving wherever you move. Watching this footage back may feel like reliving the entire moment again.

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On Your Helmet

Undoubtedly the method of choice for so many, you have the option here of mounting on the front or sides of your helmet for different perspectives. You can also engage the swivel functionalities to a certain degree.

This gives you the same excellent first-person realism as created by the chin mount, but with a greater deal of control over the camera.

On Your Windshield

A popular choice in terms of stability and viewpoint. The windshield option is a very secure and relatively easy place to position your camera. That is if your bike has a big enough windshield to place the camera without obscuring your own vision.

The only downside of this type of camera position is that you may lose the ability to really swivel the camera effectively, though you will certainly keep it shielded from the elements and some of the damages which could occur.

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Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it feels like GoPro and motorcycle riding goes hand in hand. With so many amazing sites to see and sounds to hear, you may well be missing out if you do not have a top camera the quality of one which we have listed to record your footage.

Once this is in place, as you can see from the above features, the camera will do a lot of work to ensure your adventures look as visually appealing as possible. The motorcycle GoPro really seems to be something that, once you try, you wonder how you lived without it.