Must-Have Motorcycling Essentials For A Hassle-Free Solo Road Trip

Motorcycling is a fun and exciting activity that has gained tremendous popularity in India. And, all thanks to vloggers and influencers, the motorcycling culture has seen a boom with people travelling to far-off places on their two-wheelers. As adventurous and thrilling as it may sounds, a solo motorcycle trip is full of unpredictable and unforeseen situations that can turn your joy into trouble. To make your life easier, listed below are key essentials that will ensure you a journey that is seamless and memorable.

The most essential safety element, helmets are the sole protection for the head, brain and face of the rider.  It is important for every individual riding a two-wheeler to use a sturdy and safe helmet for oneself and the pillion as well. A rider must select a helmet that snugs well on your skull that has ample ventilation and has the pin-lock feature as an add-on to avoid moistening the visor. You can also deck your helmet with a Bluetooth/intercom set-up for added convenience and can also mount an action camera and capture the memories of your ride on the go.

If you intend to score miles on the Indian Highways, choosing a riding gear that serves under all weather conditions will go a long way. With security being the top priority, opt for jacket and pant that is equipped with CE-certified safety armours, preferably level-2 protectors. Ensure the fabric is durable and has sufficient mesh panels that enable your body to breathe.

Gloves are an equally important part of the riding gear set and it is important to choose a pair that fits you just right as it directly impacts your ability to manoeuvre the vehicle. While there are ample variants available, it is ideal to choose a pair that adapts well, is breathable and is CE certified. If your itinerary includes a ride to snow-clad regions, it is preferable to carry a pair of heated gloves for maximum comfort in lower temperatures.

Adventure motorcycling boots are the best when it comes to touring as they are sturdy, comes with strong ankle and calf protection and anti-slip all terrain rugged soles that can be used on any terrain. While choosing the boots, anything with a flat sole and below the ankles is a strict no-no.

Touring on your motorcycle practically means living out of it for the days you spend on the road. This adventure requires you to carry essentials including clothes, medicines, documents, laptops and gadgets, motorcycle spares and toolkits along with other key accessories, all packed and decked on your machine. You can choose between hard and soft variants of saddle bags and tail boxes based on your budget and requirement.

Motorcycling as an adventure is prone to vehicle break-downs. To ensure you are not stranded and helpless, subscribe to a roadside assistance service that covers you for such unpredictable situations. You can check with your motorcycle company or other RSA service providers and choose the one that’s apt for you. Ensure you go for the one with the maximum services centres and affiliates throughout the country.

 

Riding solo is fun and having someone watch your back while you are at it provides the last mile comfort mentally. Download a live-tracking app and share it with your loved ones to ensure they are in check in case of any emergency.

Just like any other adventure sport, motorcycling requires detailed preparation and planning. It is wise to make a list of things to carry and that should include everything from snack bars, instant coffee sachets, first-aid kit to tool-kit, flat-tire fix, a pack of spares including keys, spark-plugs, fuses, cables and important documents like driving licence, insurance – both vehicle and personal and vehicle RC.

It is critical to do an in-depth inspection of your vehicle before your hit the roads. Key aspects to check for are the oil level, brake pads or discs and cables, slack in the drive chain and free handlebar movement. Loading your motorcycle the night before you set out if possible saves a lot of energy and last minute hassles.

Over and above, wear your confidence, enjoy the thrill and make memories at every curve down the road.