First long drive..Please advise..

Hi Friends,

I am planning to do a 500 KM (one side) drive in January. Its my first long drive (not sure if you guys consider this as a long drive ..but yes, I am a rookie).

I own a 2013 model CB Unicorn which has covered just 4500km so far...I am wondering any preparations (for my bike) are required before the drive..

Please advise.

Thanks..

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

That is indeed a long ride. If this is your first ride, plan out your breaks beforehand, combine tasks when you take breaks to make it more efficient. Like refuelling, snacks, hydration and pee in a single break instead of stopping for each separately. Also take your time, especially since this is your first long ride. As far as the bike is concerned, ensure that its in proper riding condition, check engine oil level, lube the chain(take the lube with you, you may have to lube it again once you complete the journey upwards), check tire pressure and condition. Above all, enjoy the ride. Don't ride thinking about getting to the destination. Ride in a relaxed manner enjoying the ride. Its not about arriving at the destination sooner, its about the getting there.

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

Thanks...that helps..i have already planned everything..and may give the bike for servicing 2 days prior to the journey date...

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

Ezhil has already given the important factors to keep in mind.
I'd add only 1 point - Practice. Do a few 100/200+ kms trial runs. That way, not only would you understand your bike's dynamics; you'd build stamina too.
Also carry at least 2L water (no cold drinks) when on ANY highway ride.

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

sure...actually I do have the habit of taking my bike for weekend trips..but max: I have covered so far in a day is 320 KM...However, this is gonna be my first solo adventure...quite excited...counting the days

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

One more thing...I am travelling from Bangalore to Kerala...I see that if I choose (NH 209+ NH 47) instead of (AH 43+ NH 7+NH 47), I can save approx 50 KMS...would you recommend NH 209? or should I choose NH 7 instead?

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

Please note, NH 209 is undergoing 4 lane-ing hence you can expect diversions. Also, the stretch has a few bad potholes near Salem and Sathyamangalam. So, basically your speeds would be less. All in all, an okay-ish route. If I were you, I'd stick to NH7. Its trouble free, but be careful on any highways in KL!

Re: First long drive..Please advise..

Thank you so much...I will stick to NH 7 then..and yes, I will leave early from Bangalore so that I can cover the Coimbatore bypass-Palakkad stretch in day light (That stretch is a nightmare for small vehicles because of 4 lane-ing and Volvo buses )

Precautions to be taken before a long ride

Hi Xbhp ians I am from Kerala and me and my friend is planning for a trip from Ottapalam ( Palakkad dist) to Trivandrum on our Yamaha FZ bike. That's approximately around 375 Kms. We are not very good on the technical aspects of the bike and we would need your help on what all should we care regarding the bike before such a long ride??
1..Should we change the engine oil to new?
2...Issues of over heating....when we should give rest to the engine??
3...What speed should we maintain?

We are worried because one of my friends told me that he lost his Hero Honda Passion's Piston springs and Piston chamber due to overheating on a 600 Km ride..He was not using new oil..

I know most of you all here are die hard fans of bike who have had long rides so your experiences to us also would be appreciable..

Thanks...

Re: Precautions to be taken before a long ride

Approved and merged!

Go through page 1-4 of this thread.

Re: Precautions to be taken before a long ride

Few posts have kept me as interested & have taught me as much as this one has. Brilliant post...Helmets off & two thumbs up for starting this article. Lots of very interesting thoughts and experiences shared & I am glad I read every line of the post & replies.

Please keep up the good work of not only sharing experiences but also sharing best practices & safety tips... Thank you!!! God bless & God speed

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Was looking for a keychain with a torch and finally got this at AH Helmets - Andheri for 250/-

Am sure it is gonna be very handy on my next trip. 5 friends and I will be making a trip from Mumbai to Mangalore in the last week of November. Have shared this post with them so that we all keep these handy tips in mind.

Re: Long Distance Riding

Thanks.very useful post.

Re: Long Distance Riding

a very informative thread related to touring.

i have not found few basic points, hence adding them and few i believe would be useful as well.

1. A 2 wheeler is very small compared to a car/truck and hence visibilty is less. hence it is advised to always keep the main headlamp on (i know its basic rule)
2. Always wear bright coloured clothes/helmet. It is much easier for a trucker to identify you on the highway when you wear bright clothes and helmet than on dark colored ones.
3. For night rides, it is better to have reflective material on the riding jacket or at the least paste some reflective stickers on you bike.
4. Never overtake any vehicle if you are not able to see the road ahead of you for atleast 200mts or so. (basic again, but thought it would be useful to mention)
5. Always carry your spare bike key in you backpack/saddle bag just incase you lose the key so that you wont get stranded somewhere on the road.

PS: did i mention this is my first post after i joined xBHP ?

Please forgive me if i have not followed any of the rules of the forum, i have tried my best though.

-Jagan

Re: Long Distance Riding

This thread is so amazing , I really learned a lot . Thanks to everyone [emoji4]

Re: Long Distance Riding

Guys.. Didn't know where else to post but found a great link to safe riding techniques and tips on YouTube. An entire series actually.. Hope it helps! Ride safe and ride long!! 😊