jayaramk1983

Safety of own and bike is important on long tours and has to be taken seriously.

1. Fuel locks are important as in unknown places we might be relieved of fuel if there is just a knob and the pipe can be removed easily , this causes a great loss not only in terms of money (if you have a good amount of fuel) but also in terms of time / schedule and heartburn. And if fuel pumps are not near then God save you.

2. In the hills when you are riding ride in groups and ride in your own limit. Personally have seen many accidents arising out of speeding and surprise elements on the road like speedbreakers / potholes coming suddenly or road condition going bad etc. Its always advisable to get a good idea of the place from fellow bikers , biker communities of conditions and generally people help and share their opinions, apprehensions and help fellow brethen.

3. Riding in the night may pose a risk but you need to be very cautious of the same if you are doing that. First of all avoid riding alone. Some places on the highways are devoid of any street-lights and kind and are usually gloomy and dark , you need good headlight to tackle this. Also there is a high chance of anti-social elements on such lonely stretches being active at night and its not very nice to be robbed on such roads or repairing a bike there.

4. An advance info on the place of ride is always good to know , also weather conditions are important , look at forecasts for advance data and get to know patterns there. If its rainy season , its best to keep rain gear handy even if you dont use it but if its rains , it will atleast save you. In winter some of the hilly areas , areas away from the cities will be very chilly so proper jackets , gloves are good instead of riding shivering in the cold.

5. In areas of disturbances (naxalite, terrorists, anti-social) its better to cross the area in day time or with groups in day time or completely avoid those routes. Its always better to take a longer and safer route.