How to Prepare Motorcycle For Long Tour ?
Going on a motorcycle trip with your friends, or even alone, is all the rage these days; you can find amateurs on their Harleys to Major League Pros on their Honda Activas going on a 250km ride.
Before you start riding, no matter where or what you’re riding, there are a few things you need to take care of. Here’s a checklist for all the rookies out there, for the adrenaline enthusiast about to go on their first ride.
1. Choosing your ride
Make sure you select the proper type of bike for your travel before you even consider going for a ride. This isn’t an option for most of us since we’re stuck with what we’ve got. Even so, make sure you’re comfy with your bike and are familiar with its ins and outs. Because it’ll be just you and your ride for a long time, you’d best make sure you get along, because things will get difficult if you don’t.
For those who have the option of choosing your ride, you have to consider a few things, as in-
Are you comfortable with the bike?
Do you have experience in riding the bike for long durations?
Do you know and understand every feature of the bike?
Also, if you’re riding in a group, make sure all of your bikes are in the same category. This is especially essential since having a Royal Enfield interceptor when your friend is receiving his TVS Wego would give the Wego an unfair edge. This would sabotage everyone’s enjoyment since they’d have to slow down or halt in order to keep together.
2. Gear Up
While going all-in gears isn’t essential inside city boundaries, extended rides call for it. This will not only shield you in the event of a collision, but it will also protect you from the weather. There are several more advantages to preparing. Check out our post on the many types of gear you’ll need to wear while riding to learn what to buy and how to get it.
3. Planning your trip and route
As entertaining as it may sound, winging a lengthy journey and coping with whatever arises is always dangerous. Planning ahead of time and planning an agenda ensures a smoother travel, allowing you to concentrate solely on the ride and having fun.
Keep track of your fuel and the fuel stations on the way:
Before you set off on your journey, make sure you have a clear image of the route you’ll be taking, including any road closures, tolls, and whether there are restaurants or other places to stop along the way. You won’t need to make any unneeded pauses or diversions this way. You won’t have to travel a side road to a random town in search of food, just to discover that the community is full of cannibals, and let’s not get into that right now.
It’s easy to get carried away while riding and not pay attention to the fuel level. You wouldn’t wanna get stranded in the middle of nowhere at 9 pm. You’re just setting yourself up for the perfect ghost movie scenario.Â
4. Train your body before the ride
A solid fitness regimen will go a long way toward assisting you in concentrating and riding efficiently. If this is your first time riding, make sure you go for a few little rides before the big one. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog for information on where to go for such rides in Bangalore.
Isn’t it true that we’ve taken care of everything for you?
This not only strengthens your body, but it also helps you determine your limitations and if you’ll be able to finish the ride safely. It also aids in the development of endurance and stamina, as well as confidence in your ability to complete the voyage.
On these short journeys, make sure to bring all of your gear and a bag that is the same weight as the one you’ll be carrying on your lengthy vacation. This not only helps your body acclimate to the gear, but it also helps your bike prepare for the weight and lengthy travel ahead of it.
5. Know your limits
While completing the most distance possible is the aim, reaching the destination safely is even more vital. It may appear simple, but cycling on a straight road for 200 kilometres may be exhausting and monotonous.
If you’re a new driver who has never been on a lengthy journey, you should aim for roughly 300 kilometres each day. This includes all of the bathroom and eating breaks. You’re only setting yourself up for disaster if you go any farther.
Make a point of stopping every 80-100 kilometres.
6. Pack light
While it may be tempting to wear the tuxedo you bought for your ex’s wedding, if it isn’t absolutely required, put it away. Bikes can only carry a limited amount of weight, and each additional pound slows you down and puts extra strain on your body.
Some essentials to pack for the ride include
- Personal identification documents,
- Rain gear
- Protective skin products such as sunscreen, moisturizer, petroleum jelly,
- Extra washcloth.
- Tool kit for your bike, extra parts, usually ones which are prone to easy wear and tear.
- Handy cash because you can’t count on UPI working everywhere, a portable charger.
- Water bottle, light snacks.
Bonus Tips:
- Get plenty of rest the day before the ride. Riding takes a toll on the body and it’s best to approach the ride with a good night’s sleep.
- Eat light. As satisfying as it sounds, a full stomach is only gonna make you sleepy and it’s not advisable to fall asleep at 120km/hr.
- Get an early start, you can beat the traffic and the sun by starting the journey early.
- Take a break every 80-100km or every 90 mins.
- Maintain a constant speed. As fun as it is, constantly changing your speed is only gonna put more stress on your bike.
- Carry a spare key for your bike
- Check the brake oil level, tire pressure, lights, battery, and wear and tear on any of the parts. It’s recommended to get a quick check-up at your regular service shop.
- Know your bike’s mileage and fuel range. This will help you plan your fuel stops.
No matter where you’re going, following these steps is bound to make your journey smoother.