Long Distance Motorcycling Tips and Must have Accessories.

Riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Riding a motorcycle over long distances is very dangerous. Riding a motorcycle over long distances in India is dry-butt-fucking-extreme-ly dangerous. Even though this would be a rather “safe” trip as compared to my previous solo rides, since there would be people around for help and support, you can never be sure what’s going to happen. I could die, but that’s part of the charm. Until a few years ago, Royal Enfields have been the chosen companions for long distance motorcycle trips. Recently however, a lot has changed with the availability of efficient, powerful motorcycles. Enfields are still popular, but there are a number of other choices as well, such as KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph, etc. No matter what changes motorcycles have undergone over the years, the love of touring on a motorcycle remains the same. Keeping that in mind, here are some essential points to remember while planning a long distance motorcycle tour, rather a ‘Motorcycle Checklist' for a perfect trip.

1.      Start early, finish early :-

The thumb rule one has to follow is to start early, as soon as the sun's up and finish early, before sun down. Riding in the night is not a bright idea, as motorcycles are difficult to bee seen amidst trucks that choose to travel in the night. Also, visibility will make the ride feel very miserable and if you do manage to get lost, or have a breakdown there won't be people around to help. 

                                        2.      Plan the day's route :-

The second most important tip goes in hand with the first, but is best described separately. Plan your day's route, this will help you calculate how much fuel you would need, the amount of money you should be carrying, places to visit along the way, and good spots to take a powernap if required. Also, when you are prepared and there is a road block, you will be able to take another route, before it turns dark. 

3.      Fill the tank before setting off :-

There are a few riders out there would prefer to hit reserve before tanking up again - that is not a good idea. Fill up before heading off in the morning. This will help you save time on fuel stops, and also keep your pace. There could also be issues when there are no petrol bunks working, or worse - there are no fuel stations on your route. 

                                 4.      Stop and hydrate yourself properly :-

Take adequate stops and stay hydrated. Dehydration kills a lot of bikers, leads to loss in concentration, and even loosies. Stopping to drink water hardly takes a couple of minutes, so stop, hydrate, and then proceed. One easy way to check if you are hydrated enough is to count the number of times you pee — at least 9 times a day is a sign of being hydrated. 

5.      Make sure bike is serviced before the trip :-

 Preparation is key, and for a long ride, preparation comes in the form of servicing your motorcycle. Ensure the motorcycle is checked by an authorised technician, since the only way to make it a happy trip is when your motorcycle is trouble free. 

6.      Ensure tyres are in good condition :-

Check the tyres before heading out, and change it if necessary. Tyres take a beating on long trips, so ensure they are inflated as per the recommended pressure. If most of the trip is on tarmac, chose radials and if it involves on and off-road, chose dual sport tyres. Do not use knobby tyres for the road and road-recommended radials for the dirt — they are not made for that.

 

7.      Ensure all lights work :-

Every light is meant for a reason on the motorcycle, be it headlight, park light, indicators, or tail lamp. Make sure all of them work and if necessary, carry spare bulbs. Never head out even if one of the lights do not work. I would suggest to get a pair of fog lights fitted. And changing the stock headlamp to a Projector will be a good choice.

8.      Always wear full protective gear :-

Wear full protective gear while you're out on your motorcycle. If you are left with a choice between trip or gear with the cash you have saved up, choose gear. You can always save up for another trip, but you get only one shot at life. A pair of Riding Gloves, Riding Jacket, Flip-up Helmet, Riding Boots, Face Mask, Riding Pant or Riding Jeans.

9.      Pack smart and light :-

Coming to the last, but an equally important tip - luggage and carrier. If you have planned for a week's trip and 6 of those seven days involve riding from one place to another, it is understood that you will be in your riding gear most of the time. Never pack too much, because you will be carrying all that luggage on your motorcycle, which is going to make the bike heavy, and you will end up not enjoying the trip at all. 

10.     Keep buffer days :-

Long distance trips involve meticulous planning, unless you are Ed March. You’ll have planned to reach a certain place on a certain date and then move on to another place and so on, but not everything happens according to plan. There are things you can’t control, and when they happen, even the best plans go to shit. It is always a good idea to keep at least a 1 day buffer in your plan, although 2-3 days extra would be awesome.

So yeah, these are some 10 points that I think should be followed during any long distance motorcycle trip. I think you would see the following repetitive points throughout this article: 

1.       Use your brain

2.       Never cross your personal limits 

3.       Be disciplined

This is all there is! You just have to stay in control, be calm, tackle the situation, without pushing yourself too hard. Long distance motorcycle group riding can be a fond memory that you someday tell to your grandchildren, or it can be a frightening nightmare that you someday tell to your psychiatrist, while in a session of shock therapy at some mental institution somewhere.