Hi
I’ve just read Westnitin’s review’**Biking on Indian Highways**’.Though he missed out some important points, I can’t dictate them in a single comment hence giving a short conclusion.
Before reading on, I sincerely suggest u all to brush up first with Nitin’s review at:
https://mouthshut.com/review/General_Advice_on_Motorcycles-94281-1.html
Me too n experienced biker on long journeys, specially to Northern Part.During my college dayz right from the 1st semester I’d hardly missed out any trip on bikes.Bcoz our location was perfect.We had 3 routes to enter Himachal, the shortest juz 46 k and the longest 122 k.Utaranchal~100 k, chandigarh~150 k and Punjab 60 k.
so lemme conclude.
**1.Alwayz wear helmets of Good quality**:Never prefer local ones for showing formality to cops.God’s forbid, if something goes wrong then localites won’t save u.Coz local things are made for local conditions only.
*Steelbird, Studds, Ninja are ok*.
*Never go for Aerostar, Ozone, Shipra etc.countless*
**2.Drive on National Highwayz, Never take shortcuts**:So its better to plan your journey first keeping weather and political conditions in mind.If possible carry map or take a look at google earth.
During journey if some passerby suggests to take sm shortcut never ever go in these routes(except emergency) bcoz:
*Normally roads going thru villages are filled with potholes so it cn tamper ur vehicle *(and ur stamina).
*Thefts are common in these routes*
*Accidents are also common*:To avoid Toll Tax, these shortcuts are prefered by Trucks and buses.Also local ppl are mostly backward.For all these traffic guidelines means conventions.Heavy loaded Trucks never slow down coz driver might loose balance.
**Animals** are active during night than day.So maintain proper speed.
**3.On single road.be extra cautious**: Take care of roadwayz buses coz they drive very rash in order to pickup more passengers.So.
*Before overtakin blow horn 2 3 times.*In night use dipper+horn.
**4.The most dangerous vehicles on single roads are Tractor trolleys**:The ever responsible creatures of mishaps are tractors.They have neither speed nor balance nor reflectors.
*Never blow horn to tractors.Wait for space 4m the opposite side*.They loose balance very early.Hence never drive abv 65+.
**5.Never Trust Cops, Never trust Policemen of other state**:Well this is my personal experience.Cops from other states or on border crossing are totally money minded.They normally cut useless challans irrespective of the driver’s genuinity.
Most frequent cases:
a.No Half black headlamp.*lol! what in case of pulsar?*
b.Wearing sleepers during journey.
c.RC/License.Duplicate/expired/not valid.
d.Pollution check .* where it iz? Photo walla chahiye!*
e.Delhites are worst affected.*Ye kaisa number hai DL 8S AF_ *
f.Insurance papers missing etc.
g.Overspeeding.’Max speed on this road: 65 kmph.’
Advice.
a.Let dat a**hole note ur bike’s numbr than to stop u and panic.Run away!
**6.Night Driving is safer on Mountains than plains but day driving can b dangerous on Hilly areas**:
This statement sound silly but on cliffs+turns u knw dat somone is comin from the opposite side in nights but how cn u judge @day?
**7.Enjoy in groups of more than 6 ppl+ atleast 3 bikes**.Never do tripling.Select bikes of similar cc(s) for long routes.Unity means Strength.This helps shoein problems away.Enfields sound the best @ lonely areas.
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***GENERAL TIPS and TRICKS: ***
1.Alwayz carry one extra tyre tube.
2.If headlamp stops working at night, turn rear view mirrors @180 degrees.The vehicle comin from the oppsite side gets reflection.
3.Must prefer cash over credit/debit cards.
4.**Never make breaks where buses stop(deluxe/roadwayz).Instead prefer where trucks stop**.*(~Sabse changa khana wahin milta hai jahan truck khadde honde nein~)*
5.**Petrol adulteration are common on highways.**So top up tank from ur hometown.Prefer Xtrapremium, Shell and Reliance.Atleast don’t go for speed/power as they are famous for engine damage/wear and tear.
6.**150cc+ bikes gives best average+performance on highways:**Pulsar, Unicorn gives 60+ avg @ 70 kmph(my personal experience).(zma:44, 180: 50) @ 70k.
100 cc gives worst performance:*U can’t drive @40 kmph. At 60-70 mileage: 45-50 kmpl.
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Last but not the least **Rate this revu and comment**.
:D_rive$afely coz:Heaven Z FuLL$%^$