Bike rides are not just about zooming past beautiful landscapes with the wind on your face and probably a song on your lips. They are also about detailed planning and forethought about anything that can go wrong, especially during monsoon rides. The drill for preparing for a long bike ride remains the same—learn about the road conditions, route options, essentials to carry and more.But before all that, make sure your bike insurance policy is valid and you have all the necessary documents handy.
Once that is sorted, here’s the list of what you need for a safe and enjoyable ride in the rain.
- Purchase waterproof riding gear
You must invest in waterproof riding gear to ensure a comfortable riding experience. Go for a high-visibility raincoat, or a protected riding jacket equipped with a rain linerto wear over your clothes. By doing so, you are sure to stay dry as you traverse scenic roads on your bike.
- Check tyres thoroughly
The zigzag designs of the tyresof your two-wheeler are the treads. The tyre treads of your bike are useful in dispersing water and helping to get a better grip. Therefore, check the depth of the grooves of your tyre threads. Ideally, the tyres should have approximately 2-3 mm of tread depth for you to get a good grip in slippery areas.
Purchase your Hero insurance from ICICI Lombard. This will help you protect your Hero bike during long rides in the wet season. Set the tyre pressure a few PSI below the given level during bike journeys. This way, the tyre will have a larger surface area on the road.
- Watch out for potholes
Look out for puddles on the road and avoid riding over them. Water puddles are risky as they could be hiding potholes and uneven platforms underneath. By riding over a puddle, you face the risk of losing traction because of the abrupt jolt and vehicle imbalance.
- Follow basic riding rules
Always keep a distance between your bike and other vehicles on the road. This is critical to avoid any mishap due to the mistake of another driver on the road. In addition, accelerate and apply the brakes smoothly, especially on wet roads. If you do so, your trip will be less bumpy.
- Selecting the motorcycle
You have to be comfortable with your bike. This is important for a safe and comfortable riding experience. If you are choosing a bike specifically for a road trip, then test ride bike options before picking one. The bike you choose must suit your riding style and meet your needs. In addition, consider the tyre type of your bike. Go for the ones that offer a strong grip even on slippery terrain.
See if your bike needs any modifications such as a comfortable seat, another type of handlebar, powerful headlights, or a new exhaust. Your bike should be prepared for the planned ride.
- Waterproof luggage
Long trips call for fairly heavy baggage. Essentials to carry include water bottles, eatables, toiletries, medicines, and clothes. You can pack these items in your motorcycle luggage. Saddlebags, textile luggage, and metal trunks are some options for bike luggage. Choose waterproof luggage or wrap your stuff in plastic to prevent them from getting soaked in the rain.
- Stay hydrated
Remember to stay hydrated during motorcycle road trips, be it during the rains or in the sunny weather. Doing so is important because riding for long hours can be both exhausting and dehydrating.
A hydration pack including a water bottle and a tube serves as a good investment. Simply sling the bottle over your shoulder and insert the tube inside the helmet. This way, you can drink water without parking the vehicle or removing your helmet. You may fill the bottle with glucose or energy drinks for your refreshment.
- Plan your route
If you choose to go to a new destination, it is obvious that you will be unfamiliar with the route options. Therefore, research your course and the terrain before you embark on the journey. In the process, you will also get an idea about the modifications your bike requires for a hassle-free ride.
Remember, your preparation for a road trip is never complete without purchasing Hero insurance. So, make sure to do the needful when planning your upcoming road trip.
- Take breaks periodically
Both your body and your bike require breaks from time to time. As per your route and the road terrain, you should plan rest stops every few hours. Make sure to also check the fuel level of your bike and stock of drinking water during your breaks.
Also, you never know when your bike will breakdown on the way. Therefore, buy vehicle insurance with roadside assistance add-on cover from ICICI Lombard. You can then get all the help to have your bike up and running to continue your road trip.
- Carry spare fuel
Many people do not prefer to carry spare fuel. Even so, it always helps to have some spare fuel when you are not familiar with the route and do not know how far the petrol pumps are. Though, if you plan to carry fuel, use a solid canister, not plastic bottles.
Importantly, you should also enquire about petrol pumps on the way to avoid getting stranded during your road journey. Additionally, top-up fuel whenever possible. Do not wait until your tank empties to do so.
Now, no matter how well you plan your road trip, you never know when accidents and mishaps occur. So, it always helps to have vehicle insurance covering unwarranted car repair and accident costs.
Conclusion
Besides the above-listed pointers for a safe long bike ride during the monsoons, make sure to carry sufficient cash and all your bike papers. It includes your driving licence and bike insurance policy documents. Authorities may ask for them at toll plazas and police checkpoints as you navigate across states. Bon, voyage!
