How To: Do Long Distance Motor-Biking – 20 Musts

‘Long distance Motor-Biking should be experienced at least once in life. However, many people are put off by it because of the notion that it is dangerous. It is all due to ignorance’

Here are 20 musts which shouldn’t be skipped at any cost during long distance motorbiking. It will leave not only you, but your family back home at peace of mind:

1. Do research on bike-hiring options: There are many agencies who con people. They do not highlight all the shortcomings in a bike at first. When you return the bike, you are in for a surprise because you are imposed unnecessary fines. Do lot of research on agencies online. An honest and independent review will help you choose the right agency

2. Depositing the documents: Agencies ask you to deposit your passport. There is no harm in giving it, provided you have full faith in the authenticity of the agency and your driving skills. If you do not want to deposit passport, you can deposit money

3. Decide on the type of bike: An even terrain be it in mountains or plains would be apt for cruiser bikes. If you want to go off road then it is a completely different story. I recommend not to hire a superbike if you don’t have prior experience of riding one because its dynamics are completely different

4. Budget: Apart from the daily bike rental, consider petrol expenses, toll taxes and parking expenses. Plan your bike accordingly

5. Get yourself an adventure-biking insurance: Although most companies do not provide insurance for motor-biking as it is considered to be a dangerous sport, still there is no harm in doing some research in your country. ‘www.bikerstravelinsurance.co.uk’ and ‘www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au’ are some of the sites that offer bike accident insurance

Motorbiking in Bhutan

6. Ask the rental agency for insurance: Ask the rental agency for insurance. Any good bike-rental agency would not want their expensive bike to be out on the road without insurance

“Get accident insurance for self and for the bike”

7. Check the bike thoroughly: Here is what you should inspect beforehand:

a) Scratches and Dents on the body, plastic and glass

b) Any parts like headlights, horn or brakes that are not working

c) Take photographs from all four sides before you take the keys

d) Condition of tyres should be good

e) Ensure that the speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge are working

8. Integrity of bike’s documents: Ensure that all the documents including registration, insurance, driving licence and any other document relevant in that country are available and valid

9. Read the country’s local driving rules: There are free of cost, driving directions, local manuals and precautions available on the internet for every country. Take a print out to carry at all times

10. Wear complete biking gear at all times: Your own safety is the foremost. Some of the essential biking gears are:

a) A flourescent jacket if you are driving at night or in overcast conditions

b) Long length gloves which cover your wrists. They should not be loose. Prefer leather as it has very high abrasion resistance and protects you from cold and rainy weath

c) Knee caps and high boots with thick soles should be preferred

d) A jacket with shoulder and elbow protection and spine and back support

e) A good full face helmet with clear transparent visor

11. Do not drink and drive: What difference will one peg make isn’t it? In mountains, the effect of even one peg gets amplified multiple times. Ensure that you do not take any medication having sedative effects before driving

12. Maintain driving speed: Reckless biking and excessive speed not only puts your life in danger, it also puts strain on your brain leaving you tired. Drive at the constant speed and have the freedom to enjoy the surrounding

Motorbiking in Northern Thailand

13. Carry basic essentials: Some of the essentials are a first aid kit, puncture repair kit, extra bulbs, clutch wire, extra cans of petrol and engine oil. Repairing a bike’s tyre is not easy, so the best bet is to hire a bike with tubeless tires

14. Keep your bike tuned up at all times: Make sure that you check the tyre pressure and oil level frequently for your peace of mind. Remember you are no-one in the middle of nowhere without your bike

15. Do some work out: If you are not a regular long distance biker, do some power Yoga or gym at least a month or two in advance to strengthen your back, arms, shoulder, wrist and neck muscles. These are the ones that take most of the beating

16. Take regular breaks: Do not drive for more than 100 Kms at a stretch. Give your body a break, rejuvenate yourself and re-start. Keep yourself hydrated with water or energy drinks. Lack of water causes brain cells to become dehydrated resulting in delayed response time and dizziness

“Remain Hydrated”

17. Keep track of the time: No matter how safe the country is, do not travel before dawn or after dusk. Ensure that you reach your hotel while it is day light. Relax over a drink by the pool side, meet up with other travellers, get a foot massage and loosen your muscles

18. Sudden stopping: There will be traffic moving at high speed. Even if an amazing view suddenly attracts your eye, do not apply sudden brakes or sway your bike in another direction. Find a hard shoulder and apply gradual brakes

19. Being over cautious: It is said that, the more finicky you are, the more trouble you will attract to yourself. Relax, just take care of all the above points and enjoy the ride

20. Love your bike: Even if it is a rented bike, love it as if it is your own

Do you have tips for us for safe long distance motor-biking? If yes, tell us in comments below

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