Topic Approved

Descending a wet steep road: First gear, let the bike roll itself.. Braking: 60-40 (rear-front).

Use mesh jacket (DSG has some very good ones, we used throughout India ride).
No real substitute for shoulder bags, however you can try balancing the load to a waist pouch (cameras and lenses or other heavy stuff).I have a lowepro waist pouch. It wont strain your back that much.

I dont. Though you can try sourcing a tank bag which has cable ties and a lock for clothes and other inexpensive stuff. Leave it on the bike. Oxford makes some good tank bags. Though I would not recommend leaving anything on the bike.

^ Something is cooking here: Inputs for a custom made saddle bag.

So where are you heading diffuser? SIKKIM?

You can downshift if you feel that the engine braking provided at that gear is inadequate. although you need to make your downshift very quickly as that moment you'll hold the clutch, your bike will be free.And yes avoid using brakes on wet roads to max possible extent.

@ Sunny: With all due respect, I think it is not advisable to use brakes to slow down when going downhill on a wet,stony,chipped road.

60 rear 40 front ..that would be enough alraedy due to first gear there will be enough friction..

As Sunny says, descend in first gear with throttle shut and use the rear brake sparingly. The idea is not to allow the momentum to build up in the first place. Because once the inertia builds up, it becomes very difficult to scrub off the excess speed. So, come to a stop before the descent, shift down to first, just slip the clutch to get the bike rolling over the edge, keep throttle shut and also keep feathering the rear brake. It takes long to descend but it is better late than a tip-over.
Again, Sunny's suggestion for a mesh jacket makes the most sense. You were there when we rode through Orissa. And the heat got worse as we headed further south. The mesh jackets are worth their weight in gold in that heat. Carrying the jacket and knee-guards, say on a trek, can be an issue. Take a look at my suggestion for Pannier boxes below. The jacket etc can be safely stowed away in these lockable boxes.

I have used Studds Panniers over the past few years. Used them on my old CBZ, then the Pulsar DTSi V1 and now on the ZMA. Had to fabricate special mounting brackets for the ZMA though. See the attached pics. They are lockable, water-proof, quite sturdy and protect the bike in case of a fall. Cost about 1000 odd bucks for a pair.

Thanks a ton Sunny. But brakes, if used at all, have proved very dangerous. I would try using the 40-60 breakup next time I'm on the hilly terrain.

DSG Mesh, which I did like when you passed here, is not esactly a looker, plus I would need to dump the AStar, which would be really tough for me.

As for the saddlebags, I would try something innovative like PKM. Oxford stuff seems a bit expensive, though I would try a bigger waistpack than the current.

I saw a great one on T-bhp...want a link??

Maybeee

Thanks Pavan...I always ride in the first gear, but the momentum is gained quickly and then it's difficult to steer on the chipped road.

After the inputs from the experts there is nothing left to say!
If you leave the bike roll itself on the first gear and even on a downhill,with loose gravel or dust.. if you keep the throttle on idle.. i dont think it will take a good speed even with out the braking juts keep on rolling on a normal speed of 10-15kmph..
and one can easily manouver the bike at that speed

Cramster - Saddle bags

Don't worry about the road,just look and balance... let the bike roll easily..

And it is obvious the confidence for the same would build up when you do it..

Just For instance like i first time ever tried Close to 60-80 kmph on gravel and loose dust on the way from Kufri - Shimla with pillion..
as i wanted to practice for Shimla Motorcycle Challenge,i tried it.. and did it..then i got more confidence to ride the same when i did the rest of it after stop.

^^ Thanks Ceaser...tried and failed. Maybe I need to brake the 60-40 ratio next time

Thanks Sirji...the Mesh jacket must be on my next list for shopping. I do follow the method for descending as you mentioned, but I guess I foot the rear brake a little too hard. Will keep a tab on the range of movement. And now that I've seen the pics of plastic pannier on a hardened rider's bike, I no longer feel they are unnecessary. One goes to my right for now, another one to come for bigger trips later. And of course I would take it off when I ride in the city, else would look like carrying sabji back home.

Thanks a lot LP saab. Advice coming from a seasoned rider like you is most welcome. I guess I get overwhelmed at the sight of the descent and keep my eyes rooted too close to the front wheel, which gives me the impression the bike is going too fast. Saddlebags, not safe for taking a hike away from the bike; but panniers definitely, as Sandeep sir suggested. I think folks down here should organise such events, maybe a beach run, to allow some of the X in our genes to come out and proove our mettle.

I would like to add my tip.

Put the 1st gear. Keep the throttle closed. Put your left foot on the ground(if you are unsure that you can balance the bike or if the slope is too steep or it is stony) and slowly start descending. Brake lightly(using both brakes) as and when you feel the bike is gaining speed. Don't brake too hard. If you still feel that you cannot manage with one foot down, set both your feet down and use the front brake judiciously. But don't let the speed to increase beyond 10-15kmph. You can drag both your feet against the ground for some braking. This way you will be able to descend easily.

I suggest that you first try these on a small slope so that you will be able to master the art and will come to know how your bike will respond to such situations. You can set your own method with some practice and will know, what suits you best.


Can these be detached and re-attached easily?

Dont change gears when you hit the gravel else abrupt shift will result in wheel spin
use the brakes the rear more than the front but not hard

Compress clutch and cross

Once done shift according go the speed and ride away