| |
|
RIDING TIPS
Eat light food while riding, Dal-Rice or eggs are not
only light but are served fresh. Drink fair amount of water.
Early mornings and evenings is the best time to ride,
but these are the times when there is maximum pedestrian
activity on the highway, locals going to farms, kids going
to school etc. Since most of the villages/towns are close to
the highway, locals do cross the road as if walking in their
backyard and not to mention dogs and cows. Be a little alert
at these times because dogs love to chase to see how fast
your bike can go and locals like to see how good your brakes
are by coming in front of you suddenly.
Invariably before the start and end of small villages
on the highway there would be speed breakers, also known
as tops, they are made just for one reason - for you to ride
slowly. Most of them are illegal and made after some passing
vehicle has killed or injured a local. Worst part about these
speed breakers is they are too high and there is no road sign
or white strips to indicate one.
Night riding in India at times can be annoying, vehicles either
will running on No/Low lights or on blinding high beams.
If you are a night rider make sure you have a halogen bulb
instead of the normal bulb that the company gives. Tail light
bulbs don't have much life, always carry a spare bulb. Putting
radium stickers on the rear number plate and on the edges of
the carrier if you have one helps other vehicles spot you better.
If you are new to riding on Indian roads, put an extra horn
on the bike.
Never keep any metal objects on the left hand side tool box
of the bike where the fuse is. There have been instances
when entire electricals of the bike have caught fire or melted
when these metal objects have touched the rear brake electricals,
which lies on the bottom of the tool box.
Helmets. Always wear a full-faced helmets, there
are open face helmets also available in the market, they look
good but are not safe. In case of a fall, most of the riders
fall face down, hence chin area takes the maximum impact. A
full-faced helmet is much safer. Carry an extra visor/face shield
as they develop scratches easily rendering a poor vision. You
can apply small amount of liquid bike polish to the visor and
polish it for better vision. Eye protection--ideally, the helmet
should have a face shield for comfort as well as protection.
If it does not, goggles are good, and glasses (dark or prescription)
will do. Wear a securely fastened helmet that fits properly.
A helmet should be a Snug fit; it should not be possible to
twist it around on your head. The strap should be pulled as
tight as you can get it.
Keep original bike registration papers along with insurance,
Pollution certificate(PUC) and driving license handy with you,
either in the waist pouch or tank bag.
Keep Zerox copy of the same in the toolbox.
TYRE PRESSURE: It is very important to fill
up right amount of air when riding in hot Indian conditions.
Just about right air in the tyres is very essential for long
rides. This is debatable, but for the front tyre i never exceed
air pressure more than 18, and for the rear, not more than 30,
if riding with passenger and luggage than 35. The moment you
ride in the hot sun, due to the heat air inside the tyre
will expand increasing the air pressure, just about right air
in the tyres is very essential for long rides. Correct tyre
pressure gives you a better road grip, since more portion of
the tyre touches the road, if air in the tyre is more only the
tip of the tyre will touch the road. The ride will be more bumpy,
if the front tyre has more air, you will have shoulder pains
after a long ride and back pains if the rear tyre is bloated,
reason, tyres with precise air pressure acts as a soft shock
absorber, making the ride less bumpy on not so good roads.
Lubrication : Again to avoid wear and tear of
guides, valves because of the heat and friction mix 2T Oil with
petrol. 2% is good enough, you can add upto 200 ml- 250 ml on
a full tank. It is very useful specially if your bike is in
running-in period.
Engine Oil: On an average the bike will loose
100ml of engine oil per 1,000 Kms. but that's not the case always,
you can loose more engine oil depending on leakage and guides.
Keep checking engine oil levels, and keep at least 500ml
oil can with you on the ride.
Speed: Ideally cruising speed should be 70kph,
this way you get a good mileage and the bike doesn't overheat
forcing you to take frequent stops.
Chain: Chain should be a little loose or
should have some play if there is extra load on the bike
in terms of luggage or pillion, a tight chain will overheat
your bike and damage the sprocket.
Riding Gear: Wear clothing that will give you
some protection in the unlikely event of a spill. As a minimum,
you should wear the following to protect yourself:
Footwear that protects your feet and your ankles (hiking boots
are good).
Durable pants--leather is best; but you can make do with jeans,
work pants, or something similar. An abrasion resistant jacket
that zips or buttons up close to the neck
HAPPY TRAILS
Gaurav
If you wish to add more tips which are not mentioned above,
kindly e-mail them at theride@60kph.com.
We will gladly add them to the list.
|
|
