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**sunilg** · 10-29-2010, 08:10 PM

Topic renamed and approved.

**Garry_Menace** · 10-29-2010, 08:42 PM

Originally posted by Newbie View Post

Have planned a solo trip/ a pillion to Goa next weekend (5th November to 07th November). Just got the delivery of my Apache RTR 180 a week back. Upgraded from an Activa/ Kinetic Honda Y2K. Have ridden a geared motorcycle sparingly before my bike was delivered. So lot of questions!! You should figure that out by my Alias.

So the questions are:
1. Is it really that difficult to work with gears on NH17, especially on the ghats?

3. Will have to service the bike 1ce I reach Goa, Margao. Any authorized service stations in the vicinity??
4. Leaving around 06:00 am (I stay in Seawoods, Nerul). Is it an amazing move?
5. Spare parts: What all should I carry, considering my bike hasn't been tinkered with/ serviced at all? (Spark plugs, is something I am already aware of)

The objective to run my baby through her motions. Also, get used to her moves and her feel.

That is the plan so far.

I would never prefer going on any trip/tour prior to 1st service.

Let your bike get serviced atleast one time and try to complete the run-in period in the city itself. Riding on a highway with run-in limitations will ruin either your bike or your ride

**Nitin_traveller** · 10-29-2010, 08:54 PM

I second that.. see how many KMs you can complete before ride..
and then go to service center.. telling them you are going on a long ride and want a good service and a bit early.. I think they will be cooperative.

its not a very big ride.. and you are going to enjoy the ghats..

wearing gears is always preferable.. see if you can buy something more..

--> even not a proper riding jacket, go for a wind-cheater (saves from scratches) OR a thick jacket (cushion in fall)..
--> DSG basic gloves start from 850 Rs. and good for city riding with mesh.. OR cramster one start with 1500 with a bit of wind and cold resistance.
--> try to wear ankel length heavy (woodland etc) sport shoes..
--> wearing jeans should be enough.. no thin trousers/ track pants please..

even without riding gears, you can give atleast 'minimum' protection.. something, better than nothing..

happy riding..

for the love of roads..
~ Nitin

**Nitin_traveller** · 10-29-2010, 08:58 PM

also.. as it would be 500 KM ride.. you would be riding in night a bit..
so check headlamp focus in city and get them adjusted before ride..

as this is your first ride, please remember, Night Riding is very dangerous.. yes it is even for experienced riders some time.. and on NH17 single lane highway with upper beams of opposite lane vehicles, you have no chance..
please start a bit early say 4-5AM..
OR if you get late.. stay somewhere on the way..

**phanikar** · 10-29-2010, 09:29 PM

Never attempt a 500 km ride once for all.Try going on shorter rides since you are not that familiar with longer rides on geared vehicles.I am not saying you cant do that but it will definitely be a bun burner ride for you.Wait for some time get familiar with the machine once you have the confidence you can take it on a long ride. For touring starters dont attempt a solo.Join someone who has the experience,learn the tricks of the trade and then attempt it.

**P220_noob** · 10-29-2010, 09:42 PM

@ Newbie

Why don't you join up on the Amby Valley G2G on Sunday?

You would get some practice

Originally posted by Newbie View Post

Also, get used to her moves and her feel.

Better to get used to her moves and her feel and THEN go for the longer ride

(Just my 2 cents worth)

**Newbie** · 10-29-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by P220_noob View Post

@ Newbie

Why don't you join up on the Amby Valley G2G on Sunday?

You would get some practice

Better to get used to her moves and her feel and THEN go for the longer ride

(Just my 2 cents worth)

Would love to come for the trip. Unfortunately, the registration is still pending expecting dat by Monday. Tuesday latest.
Once that is done, will taking the bike to work (thane) from Nerul. Guess that should help gettin used to her.

**kinshuk.arya** · 10-29-2010, 10:33 PM

Originally posted by Newbie View Post

Have planned a solo trip/ a pillion to Goa next weekend (5th November to 07th November). Just got the delivery of my Apache RTR 180 a week back. Upgraded from an Activa/ Kinetic Honda Y2K. Have ridden a geared motorcycle sparingly before my bike was delivered. So lot of questions!! You should figure that out by my Alias.

So the questions are:
1. Is it really that difficult to work with gears on NH17, especially on the ghats?

3. Will have to service the bike 1ce I reach Goa, Margao. Any authorized service stations in the vicinity??
4. Leaving around 06:00 am (I stay in Seawoods, Nerul). Is it an amazing move?
5. Spare parts: What all should I carry, considering my bike hasn't been tinkered with/ serviced at all? (Spark plugs, is something I am already aware of)

The objective to run my baby through her motions. Also, get used to her moves and her feel.

That is the plan so far.

your bike is pretty new... maintaining the conditions of break in on a highway will be pretty tough.....

regarding your queries...

working on gears might be tough as you are pretty new to geared bikes....
there is a tvs service center in margao not a problem with that...
it takes the private buses around 10 hours from panjim to nerul you should plan to leave at around 4:30 -5 so by the time you reach ghats the sun will be up for visibility
as per spare parts I would recommend you:
1. foot pump
2. jump cables
3. fuses
4. may be a spark plug
5. some bungee cords for your bags

**lijok** · 10-29-2010, 10:57 PM

@Newbie: I second everyone here and advice you to undertake this ride after your first service. That much miles will get you accustomed to the bike like the gear shifts, its handling, brakes etc. Also take part is smaller distance rides to build up touring skills, take her to some nearby twisties to get a hang of it.... Get riding gear like a snug fitting helmet, gloves and shoes as minimum (if you dont have them already). Most importantly, enjoy riding...

**Newbie** · 10-31-2010, 02:20 AM

On Second thought!!

Thanks for all words of wisdom. At least I can make a rational decision on the trip

Am still interested in the Goa trip, but I know practically maybe a pretty difficult. Have checked with another friend, if he is game. (Much experienced rider) So if he comes along, probably the trip may happen.

Am going to prepare for the trip any ways. Just incase, things fall into place, in a manner that My baby, and me are going to have safe trip.

**Newbie** · 11-18-2010, 06:40 AM

Took your advice, was worth it!

Hey!

The advice of not taking the bike on a trip before the first service did help.
There was some issue with the fears, due to incorrect chain settings. Or thats what the service mech told me. The symptom was gearing changing wasn't pretty smooth, especially 3rd, 4th and 5th in the increasing order. So that is sorted.

Have given my baby for first service after 630 kms of pure fun @ the Vashi TVS ASC!!
Am supposed to pick her up in the morning.

Now, I have to be in Goa on the 11th of Dec'10. So the plan is to ride down.

Will leave on 10th early morning, around 4:30 - 05:00 am.

Will start the return journey on the 12th early morning, around the same time.

Have ridden to office and back pretty much every day. Over the weekend, clocked around 170 kms (a couple of trips to Sai Krupa hotel, after Panvel on NH17)

Will carry the spares as advised. Will also carry an oil change!

Luggage will be minimal. Solo ride.

Any other spares that I need to consider??

Have travelled by car on the NH 17 and also the NH - 4
Want to avoid the NH - 4, as it will a constant zipping and I don't want to schmuck the engine. Thats my con for NH - 4, considering I am still inside the break in period.

NH - 17. Do I need to say more?? Lol!

Won't say I have become an expert at shifting through gears, but can safely say I ain't a novice anymore. Am pretty comfortable at it in an normal environment and a stress filled environment like bumper to bumper traffic.

Would love any advice that comes along. Pro-solo ride or otherwise!!!

BTW, would like to thank most of the thread starters and senior members!! I really learnt a lot of stuff in theory and experienced it on the RTR. Atleast, now I can call myself an informed rider.

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