Re: Long Distance Riding

Very nice & very very important pointers and additional comments.

I would like to take the opportunity to add few more out of my experience.

1. Animals: Cows/Buffalos - while they cross the roads 99% chances they don't move back even if a truck approaching them. At max they stand still. So gauge their movement well in advance. Dogs- 90% of the time dogs that cross road, turn back from middle of the road in hurry. So if u try to pass by behind them then be cautious, they may come back towards you.

2. Especially in UP & Haryana: shared autos & Tractors run on opposite side of road. Prone to head on collision. There are quite a chance at a crossing of divider, an auto or tractor may suddenly approach from opposite side. Most tractors don't have headlights. So be careful at night. They specially run along sides of dividers.

3. Not sure if I missed this from initial 50 points. Avoid riding along and/or behind a four wheeler or truck or bus while it is raining or even just after rain. Else ur helmet wiser will be filled with small particles of mud & dirt, resultimg scratches on ur wiser and block ur vision.

4. Don't ride extreme right or extreme left of the road.

Will add more if anything clicks to mind.

Thanks.

Re: Long Distance Riding

Great thread to look forward and learn some techniques used by fellow riders( u never be complete in the process)
As the main and important topics are covered in the main post I may add up some useful things( IMHO)

1. Be constantly visible.
Whether riding with lights on or even wearing some stripes of reflective tapes on your Jacket n helmet also.

2. Mark your presence on road.
When following any vehicle always try to be on right side and do make sure the driver of vehicle do know that u are there. Being on right side gives advantage of not hitting a path hole coz the driver in front will always correct his driving side of vehicle first.

3. Be alert all the times.
The vehicles sharing the road may get too close at some times give them the space to go ahead, look out at intersection and keep the bike on right side of the road maintaining a one or two meters distance from the road dividers. So that in case anyone pops out u will have a space to handle the situation.

4. Use pilot car or escort vehicles
There will be always a car or vehicle that may want to go ahead and we bikers will not be necessarilly be always on top of the game, give them a space to go ahead when u are uncertain about people may come running and using wrong side of road. Follow the guy who wants to go ahead n let him take the risk and follow him with keeping a eye for whats happening ahead.

5. Develop a sense of caution.
Don't look for what's ahead of u, try n understand what is going on ahead the vehicle or turn(experienced people will understand my point) for eg. If u keep a eye on the vehicle in front of u only if he brakes suddenly u going to end in trouble n if u try to figure out what's going out in front of him then u may get that life saving time in between.

6. Water brakes are mandatory.
Try to sip as much water u can, it'll not only keep u hydrated but also the water release brakes will give a time to relax u r body. Try using oral hydration powders mixed with water for summer rides they will surely keep u ahead of the game.

That's the things which I thought as of now, if anything comes in I'll add that up.

Re: Long Distance Riding

I've a question. Not sure how many people are supporters of HD lights and whether xBhp supports it or understands its -ve side.

I always found (while riding a bike or driving a car) HD lights that are coming from opposite side are very disturbing. For a few seconds rider is lost in blindness.

Just a 30 mins back while I was driving from work to home, I encountered a biker who has HD lights on both front & rear side of his bike, 2 each. He made me blind for a second or 2, but that much time is enough to bang on.

First of I would say, HD lights should be banned.

Secondly, is there sth available in market that can protect eyes from it?

Re: Long Distance Riding

First of all its HID.
Using higher Kelvin hid is illegal and disturbing. It makes on coming traffic go blind.

Many people use hid bulbs without projectors which makes light scatter unevenly. Hence making us go blind.
Projector cuts in proper ratio.

It's a common understanding that using such hid may give you clear view but can make a person blind forever.

People think spending on a projectors is useless as it's expensive and carry on. These type of people must be kicked in their assets badly so then they try to understand their mistake.

Re: Long Distance Riding

Thanks for the correction (HID). Yes, there should be heavy fines on these so that people should use projectors (as you said).

Re: Long Distance Riding

Hello xbhpians, tomorrow I am planning to go to a trip to aarku valley 700km from my place(I.e Hyderabad), does anyone here has every visited it?
And if yes,any tips would be welcomed!

Re: Precautions to be taken before a long ride

Hello Jithosh,
Important things to check with your bike before you start your tour is already mentioned at the start of this blog. Still i'm going to give you a follow-up with that.
1. Check your engine oil is topped up and has not crossed the permitted kilometers. Generally, semi-synthetic oil is preferred for FZ all versions, it runs for around 3-4k kilometers approx.
2. Check your drive chain train and for its slackness, and clean and lube it once before you start your ride.
3. Check for all the cables, such as brake cable, throttle cables, etc.
4. Proper tyre pressure, and always check for the ageing of tires, otherwise you might end up with a flat tire, with no one to repair it, but to change it (that may not be handy at all times)
5. Check up your headlights, taillights, pilot lamps, turn indicators for proper functioning.
6. Fill up your tank, and keep a good cruising speed of around 60-70 kmph on good straight roads. This will help you achieve a good mileage as well as keep you out from danger (accident results due to high speeds).
7. Have breaks at every 60-70 kms, and it would be fine.

Now, please dont be worried about the HeroHonda Passion. It is just a 100cc bike, and with mineral oil in its engine (which runs for only 1000 kms), it is not that capable as FZ (153cc engine) for long tours. And as you said, it was touring with old oil, it is sure that its engine would die.
FZ is much more capable and we have done around 700 kms in a day (Bangalore to Coorg and back), and not a sign of giving up.

The most important, wear safety riding gears at all times. And ride safe. Cheers...

Re: Long Distance Riding

Did anyone try this?

Nice write up!

Re: Long Distance Riding

A couple of pointers while riding on highways...

*Never check tyre pressure on hot tyres you will have different readings.

*During summers when the roads are hot and you are just starting to ride with cold tyres you will have very less traction..
Allow the tyres to warm up(by driving at least 5KM) and then build speeds gradually..

*I usually pull the clutch in and observe idling every 50 KM or so..
If your bike is overheating you should have a rough idle or the bike will even stall...
This method will detect problems with the engine which you woudn't notice if your'e cruising at highspeeds constantly.

*Never drive at same speed constantly

*Regardless of your stamina take breaks in between this will further extend your range as compared to tiring yourself out and then resting..

Tyre buffing. Does it help?

Before leaving for a long ride, does buffing up the tyre helps?

Re: Long Distance Riding

Don't compete with others on highway. I see this very often. A sure recipe for accident.
If you're riding long, then eat properly at breaks unlike while driving.

Re: Would like to add few more on touring

And also to be careful of stray dogs which may suddenly turn up towards the road, right from bushes,houses etc... And if a fall like that occurs when there are heavy vehicles behind us.. is extremely dangerous

Sent from my SM-J700F using xBhp.com mobile app

First long ride - advice needed

Dear friends, coming weekend I'm planning for my first long ride of 400km round trip (800kms in total) in 2 days. Since I'm doing on a comparatively small bike i.e. Honda unicorn 150cc, I need your inputs and tips. Below arrangments I have made so far,

1. Serviced the bike and test rode for a week.
2. Arranged riding jacket and gloves.
3. Checked the tyres.

Please tell me if there is anything else needed to add and also I would like to know the ideal cruising speed for Honda unicorn?

Re: First long ride - advice needed

Check clutch & accelerator cables. Check battery & top up if needed. Check fluid levels, drive chain , lights & signals, carry a spare plug & a couple of fuse.
75 - 85 kmph is a good speed. But follow your instincts and go slower if uncomfortable.
Have a great ride.

Re: First long ride - advice needed

Thank you so much for the detailed list of to do tasks. I will certainly do them, only three days more for the trip and I'm excited!!