If you've already ridden 700 km in sideways rain and arrived in the dark, you know that a camping gear guide for motorcycle touring can't be a generic list. On a motorcycle, every item takes up real space, shifts the center of gravity, and slows you down when you should just be setting up camp, eating something, and resting. The right question isn't what to bring, but what you really need to sleep well without weighing down your bike and your mind.
Where to really start
The most common mistake is choosing camping gear as if you were loading it into a car. In motorcycle touring, three factors count together: packed size, weight, and speed of use. If a tent fits well but takes twenty minutes to set up in wind or rain, it becomes less useful in the field than it appears on the spec sheet.
The type of route also matters. On a BMW R 1300 GS or an Africa Twin with hard panniers, you can manage more generous volumes, but that doesn't mean you should overdo it. On a Ténéré 700, a KTM 890 Adventure, or a Himalayan, the margin is tighter, especially if you're riding off-road and want a bike that remains precise in changes of direction and slow maneuvers.