Hi All,
Was planning my Ladakh ride on 500 CC for long time. This June, accompanied by 2 Electra 4S-350’s started on 3, 300 kms ride in most enchanting land on earth- Ladakh. Ride was from Delhi to Delhi. Route - Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla- Rampur-Sumdo-Tabo-Kaza- Kumzum la- Gramphoo-Tandi- Keylong - Sarchu- Pang- Upshi- Leh- Kardung la- Pangong Tso- Leh- Kargil- Dras- Srinagar - Jammu - Delhi.
Everyone was saying from the time I bought 500 cc that the problem with Cast Iron 500 cc is it ceases at high speed and overheating. I put off these fears and carried on ride.
In Rohtang Pass, 350 cc bikes gave away clutches, where as my 500 cc just took on. On reaching Leh through tedious and horrifying roads/no roads/ stream crossing, extreme whether conditions, 350’s got checked for tapet settngs, clutch re-adjustments, brake adjustments, etc. for 350’s the mechanic suggested to put 20 X 40 oil into petrol tank of 10 ml for every ltr of petrol, where as for 500 cc he said no need. 500 cc the mechanic, just took a ride and suggested, nothing is required to see and he gave full pass.
In some of the terrains, lack of oxygen used to pull down performance of 350 cc, where as 500 cc just went on.
Mind you, each carried a luggage of 60 kgs + on their back. 500 cc gave a mileage of 20 kmpl., where as 350 cc’s gave about 30 kmpl.
I completed the whole trip without a hitch. Ofcourse, flat tyre is not considered as breakdown, which happened on my bike too.
I would never regret buying 500 cc bullet and would vow never to sell it either.
Dwarak