If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you know what a thrilling experience going on a road trip on your motorcycle can be. As exhilarating as the journey can be, there are quite a few things you should keep in mind before you start your trip. Here is a list of things that you should take care of.
1. Ride in the day
Always aim to start early and finish early. Riding in the night can be problematic given a lot of trucks choose to drive by in the night. Riding in the night also impairs your vision, and the bright lights can blind you. Choosing to ride in the day can prove beneficial because if your motorcycle breaks down, you can find a way to get it fixed, and there are a lot of people who drive by and can help you fix your motorcycle.
2. Fill the tank beforehand
Filling up your tank to full before you start off on the journey is always the best idea, as opposed to waiting until your tank hits reserve. If your tank empties midway, it could be problematic, especially if there is no petrol pump around. It is also a great idea to make a list of petrol pumps on your route, so you can plan your stops accordingly.
3. Plan your route
Planning the route you want to take way ahead of the trip will help you overcome any roadblocks. Plan beforehand the places you want to visit, so you can calculate the amount of time it would take you to reach the end point. Also keep cash handy depending on the assumption of how much you would need for petrol and food. Also do you research on a few rest stops, so if need be, you can take a quick power nap.
4. Sufficiently hydrate yourself
Making sure you are adequately hydrated is very important on a road trip. Dehydration can lead to you losing your concentration, and can even lead to death in the worst cases. One way to ensure you are drinking enough water is by counting the number of times you have peed through the day. Up to 9 times is an ideal number of times you should be peeing through the road trip. Always have sufficient water and make stops every now and again to drink water.
5. Check your tyres
Ensuring your tyres are in the best condition before the start of the trip is always a good practice. If your trip is on and off road, make sure your tyres are dual sport ones. And if the journey is mostly on tarmac, pick radial tyres. Tyres take a toll on longer trips, so always make sure they are in their best condition.
6. Service your motorcycle beforehand
The best way to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip is to get your motorcycle serviced days ahead of the trip. Have a professional technician take a look at your vehicle for any problems that can be fixed, so you do not have to deal with any in the middle of your trip.
7. Do not take the mirrors off
It is a 0. habit among many Indians to take the mirrors of their motorcycle. That would be a very stupid thing to do, and very dangerous. It is important for you to be able to see what is behind you. It is as good as being blind without your mirrors.
8. Wear protective gear
Make sure to always have your helmet, and necessary protective gear on. Not having protective gear can prove to be hazardous. Especially if you meet with an accident on the way.
9. Ensure the lights work
Before the start of your trip, ensure all your lights are functional. All the lights on your motorcycle are essential and are there for a reason. It is generally advised to ride during the day, but if a case arises where you had to complete your journey through the night, working lights will go a long way in keeping your safe.
10. Pack your luggage smartly
Make sure you do not carry anything that you absolutely do not need. Only carry essentials that you cannot do without. Make sure you carry all your documents and keep them in a place where you do not have to reach the depths of your bag every time they are required. Carry enough food from enough for the journey, especially considering the pandemic. Avoid carrying a backpack as much as you can and carry a bag that you can fasten to the back of your motorcycle.
Plan for your trip very smartly. Do not panic through the journey, make sure you have everything and the most important, remember to have fun!
