Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Amazing Phani :-) I know how it feels as my plans of Ladakh still in dreams and living through the logs... the Spirit will be overwhelemd with satisfaction when i go through your log which is in-progress :-)

previleged to see some of your photos so bring the stuff and let the log roll on...

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Those pics are neat, especially the first one. Waiting for some more

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Was waiting for this log since long time...and now bring it on ..dont stop

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Where is log?.
Please post at earliest.
8200 kms:thumbup:

Sent from my SM-G900H using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

[MENTION=20165]phanikar[/MENTION] -We are waiting,waiting,waiting for the log

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched


Sirjee, I came back after completing Spiti and Leh. It lasted 3 weeks for me. Unfortunately after coming back realized could've continued the journey with Phanikar as my Manager/team members were in full festive mood before Dashera.
Now the obvious question: How 390Duku performed.
Well it was a mixed experience. Riding Bangore-Kolkata-Bangalore recently and quite a few off roads I was little over-confident on Katoom. And keeping up with Phanikar, really pushed it hard in Spiti. By the time reached Keylong the rear suspension started leaking oil. Had to go back to Bhuntar KTM to get it replaced under warranty. Mud Guard, gear lever, chain cover, foot peg broken once and replaced as I was carrying spare. every time bike fell from stand still. No accidents, got trapped in slushy hairpins and trucks, once the handle bar an dtankbag decided to stay together and handle bar locked :P . The FE was always between 30-35 kmpl. No coolant leakage, engine oil topped up once. The fuel cap lock used to get frozen from inside as water sips through the key hole and get frozen inside the lock. Used a metal bash plate/engine cowl instead of the stock plastic one which saved the engine many times from stones. It was provided by Rishabh from Biking Spirit, Bangalore and is recommended for every duke owner. More detail will be added with Phanikars log later. Dasvidaniya

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched


Pretty much a very good tale to savor. And by no means the stock suspension is handled to carry such abuse. But that aside, good to see ride and rider back in one piece.

Appreciate the info, Arnab. Would help the Duke clan

Cheers!
VJ

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Thank you all guys (& Sir) Unfortunately have not been able to dedicate Quality time towards the blog, Will do It ASAP.

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

P.S: Few things could be a repetetion or mentioned multiple times, with or without knowledge. Kindly bear with me.

THE PREPARATION
Preparation of the Machine :
1.First and foremost Removed the fairing on the Zma and plonking a crash guard(CBZ Extreme). One crash with the fairing, a good chunk of colored notes goes to the service station.


2.Switched over to Ceat Secura 2.75-18 up front and Ceat Vertigo 120/80-18 on the rear. As I Hadn’t tried this combo earlier, head to Kodachadri for a trial run. It passed with flying colors on bad roads Eventually it was a very satisfactory change for the terrain.




3.Got a waterproof Phone Charger fixer for charging the electronics on the Go.




4.A Rack to hold a small top case : Would not recommend the same to others . Why?? will let you know later.








Preparation of the Rider:
1.Quit having heavy meals. For the people who know me, know that this is a huge sacrifice
2.Started cycling and light cardio.
3.Took some time off to walk around.
Nothing Much in this aspect, Im a lazy person for all this

First Aid Kit essentials:

Table Courtesy : On the Road

Toolkit essentials:


Ride plan:
As mentioned earlier :
Planned
Executed.
The floods in Srinagar, the Chinese Invasion, Natural calamities etc changed the plans drastically.

Two places which became first point of reference for me(Would suggest this to others too):
1.Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar : the Ultimate guide Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar - The Ultimate Guide - Team-BHP Probably the best guide one can have at their disposal for this route.
2.Ladakh Travel guide : Ladakh Travel Guide | BCMTouring
Also inputs shared amongst few friends who had done this route and ever helpful Mr.H.V.Kumar.


A surpise in this process was a confirmation by Arnab to accompany the ride, for most part of it. So the ride plans changed a bit, and decided to start the ride from Chandigarh. Cheap Air tickets from Air Asia(Comparitively) and access to ship the bikes via Gati made things easier. Though I was quite hesitant to ship the bikes though Gati reading its reviews online, we made sure that we stay till the bikes are loaded on the trucks.

Transporting the bike:
One thing I hate doing be it GATI/AGARWAL/ TRAIN.

Few thing to make note when you are packing the bike:
1.Make sure you use Cling/Wrapping plastic on the bike before the usage or Corragated Sheets or Jute. It will be the first line of defense against paint damage.


2. Bubble sheet for some cushioning.


3. Corrugated sheets/Boxes spread out for protection from hard objects.


4. Jute or Cotton or Plastic sacks to cover it up.


5. A Final layer of Cling to complete things.


Most importantly: Personally be there for packing. Will share some pics shortly, where owners have neglected being there personally and how they have packed, in comparison to ours.

See the comparison in between the packing done by themselves and when the owner is around.


P.S: Im not saying this is the best way to possibly transport the bike. But most commonly used method in India, with a bit of caution.

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

keep it coming , it just has started .. (y)

Long time I'm waiting for this log ..

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

First thing is- Exceptional photography. Now some good packaging lessons to start with. Please keep going.
I feel, this thread is going to be our Bible/Geeta/Koran, due to the level of detailing involved... Do it slow and steady....

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Awesome Thread! Glued & *Taking notes*

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Very Very helpful.. I am acually taking notes of toolkit and first aid list.. Thanks for sharing all this info. Please bring the rest soon..

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Glued to the thread.Keep it coming.Yours is an inspiration to me.

Re: 15 year old Itch, Scratched

Phanikar, whats the rear Tyre of the 390 that went along with u guys is it the stock Metz? or Something else?