Taking your bike out on a long ride is something that most bikers dream of. Whether you plan to ride solo or with a group of bikers, hitting the highway or the twisty, mountain roads can be rewarding. If you are close to planning your next long-distance ride, here are a few things that you must take additional precautions about.
Riding your bike in the city and on the highway is quite different. A lot more risks come into the picture when you set out for long-distance rides. There are a lot of unknown factors that become a part of the equation. Bikes being machines, can break down anytime. Thus, taking care of the following points will ensure that your next long ride on your favorite two-wheeler is safe and hassle-free.
- #1. Understand your bike
- #2. Get some earplugs
- #3. Bike Servicing
- #4. Sufficient Rest
- #5. Safety Gear
- #6. Weather Changes
- #7. Being Alert
#1. Understand your bike
There are a lot of riding challenges that you can face on longer trips. It is recommended to have ample kilometers under your belt before setting out for any such expeditions. You need to be aware if your bike has the extra grunt to overtake a heavy vehicle on the road. Or that it can handle quick change of directions assuming something suddenly comes up on the road. You need to understand your bike and its nature before a long trip.
#2. Get some earplugs
This might seem a rather trivial thing, but when you are riding for hours together, it can save the day for you. Hours of wind-noise on the road can be tiring and damaging for your ears. If you put on a pair of comfortable earplugs, you can cut these minor irritations out.
#3. Bike Servicing
For any long ride plans, it is essential to do a quick health check-up of your bike. Some of the most basic checks include the engine oil, other fluids, braking power, chain or belt, air filters, etc. A quick check will reduce the chances of a breakdown.
#4. Sufficient Rest
Riding for long hours on a bike requires both strength and dexterity and, in the end, can be quite tiring as well. Irrespective of whether you are riding solo or with a group, plan for regular breaks. This can be for either giving your bike some rest, having water, food or simply to stretch a bit.
#5. Safety Gear
Going out on long rides without safety gear can be extremely dangerous. Of course, it can get a bit hot when you get all your riding gear on. But it is worth undergoing that bit of discomfort to avoid risks that you might come across later.
#6. Weather Changes
If you are out on a long drive, it is quite possible that you will cross different geographic locations, which means different weather conditions. Being prepared for them will make your ride that much more comfortable. Even if you do not expect, get some gear for rains or cold weather.
#7. Being Alert
This goes without any saying. Being alert at all times is extremely important for long rides. Lapse of concentration for even a split second can mean disastrous. It is for this reason, that you need to always stay alert.
But at times, taking all the precautions in the world might not be enough. Thus, buying a two-wheeler insurance is your best bet. A two-wheeler insurance will ensure that you are covered against most situations. If you are visiting an unknown place, one also has the fear of the vehicle getting stolen. With a bike insurance policy, this is well taken care of.
For long rides, the weather of your destination also comes into the picture. With a two-wheeler insurance, you need not worry about any damages done by weather as well. Two wheeler insurance online renewal after expiry is one of the easiest ways to go. You can either buy a new bike insurance policy or get your bike insurance renewal done in a matter of a few minutes. The comprehensive plan covers everything that you might want in your bike insurance policy to ensure a smooth ride.
