Friday 9 September 2016

7 Of The Most Annoying Modifications



1) Hidden License Plate



If you’re riding in such a reckless fashion where those around you want to call you in and report you, I guess this might just be the best option for you. Just hide your plate so police and other motorists can’t identify you!
Also an easy way to spot riders that have plans to ride like a complete ass.

2) Chassis Lighting

Distracting to those around the bike, often ugly, lack style and most of all are just unnecessary.

3) Tail-Gunner Exhaust

  

Want to make all that chrome look ugly? Here's how !

4)Motorcycle Stereos

 

Some more sound on top of your already blaring straight-pipes? Yeah, no thanks.

5) Hidden Turn Signals
                           

Because other motorists don’t have enough trouble spotting you and predicting your moves on roadways already, so why not just make it impossible!

6) Automatic Flashing Headlights

 
I get it. We all get it. It’s incredibly important for motorcyclists to be seen, especially at night. But is the best way to make sure of that by annoying other drivers until they just let you pass them?

7) Loud Exhausts

 
Blaring down a residential street in the middle of the night? Blasting between lanes? Revving excessively at traffic lights? If you’re going to have this annoying mod, at least be considerate and respectful with it.

Tell us what you think are some other annoying mods! Let us know in the comments below.











Monday 29 August 2016

Sameera Dahiya's Journey From Her Father's Scooter As A Child, To Leh On A Bullet !




Working as an IT professional  currently, but my passion runs in Riding, realized that one year back. My journey as A RIDER has been a breathtaking one. Taking you to a flashback. It was when i was 8 years and i tried my dad's Bajaj scooter. But I was pushed down by people around saying "Girls and riding don't go along" I always wanted to prove this wrong because RIDING does not depend on gender, caste or religion. 
It was on my 1st ever bike ride to Goa on a friend's Bullet, which triggered where i was destined to be and I knew my next step : Grab my own RIDE.
Bajaj Pulsar 180 was me first bike! I started with a solo trip to Coorg right after 20 days of learning how to ride a bike. Now I own a Bullet Classic 350! Yes THE THUMP!
Riding and Travelling has just grabbed me tight! My Riding journey has taught me a lot of things! It has given me the feeling of being FREE, filled me with POSITIVITY around,  gave me a lot of experiences which added to my strengths! A lot of them made me feel that women are no less than men (p.s: which the society needs to understand). I would stand up at every point of my life to remove the stereotype!




My trips in the past year includes Coorg, Kerala, The Western Ghats, Goa and the most special one "BANGALORE TO LEH". Not even a single time i had felt that i was somewhere less than any other guy riding on the roads!
Adding to my experience I would also make it a point to every budding rider, "Always wear your Riding Gear!" Riding and exploring is one thing but along with it I would want everyone to be safe on roads, so that in-turn you can EXPLORE more.


You can find Sameera and her adventures here . 

Top 3 Great Motorcycle Books That Will Urge You To Get Out And Ride


1. Jupiter's Travels
Ted Simon rode around the world on a Triumph motorcycle during the early 1970s and wrote one of the best travel books ever. Jupiter’s Travels is his account of the trip, 78,000 miles over 45 countries. Before the trip Simon was already writing as a journalist and Jupiter’s Travels flows on every page. In 2001, when he was 70 years old, Simon took the trip again – a similar route on motorcycle – and wrote Dreaming Of Jupiter. His observations from the first trip to the second one 30 years later are truly fascinating.

2. Long Way Around
One of our favorite travel books, this is a motorcycle trip around the world by two actors. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, inspired by Jupiter’s Travels, set off on their BMW bikes and head from London to New York. Long Way Round is a series of journal entries written separately by the pair and recounts an adventure with some interesting characters along the way (particularly in Ukraine). It’s not deep writing but very raw and gives you a sense for the joys of the long open road.

3. The Motorcycle Diaries
The trip of Ernesto ‘Che” Guevara and Alberto Granada in South America is a book (and subsequent film) which is one of the most common mentioned when talking about travel. With The Motorcycle Diaries, as well as the other books mentioned, you begin to realize the road changes the riders in a way that travel by plane or train does not. The motorcycle cannot be separated metaphysically from the traveler and the trip is where Guevara transformed into Che. The Motorcycle Diaries is a powerful read and inspirational tale.


So what are you waiting for? Read it, but while you're resting in between your long adventures!

Friday 12 August 2016

6 Motorcycle Films That Are Worth Watching

The fine art of the motorcycle film has hit a speed hump in recent years. Raw and gritty paens to the alternative lifestyle are harder to find. And easy access to broadcast-quality DSLR recording has caused a rise in quantity rather than quality.
But it’s not all showers of sparks from angle grinders, or softly-spoken men with beards muttering dreamy platitudes. Here are six terrific films that we’ve enjoyed recently,

On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter
Released back in ‘71, On Any Sunday is one of the best-loved motorcycle films of all time. Directed by Bruce Brown—famous for the surf classic Endless Summer—it captured the spirit of motorcyling in a way that even non-riders could understand. And deservedly won an Academy Award nomination.
A sequel is now being readied for release, directed by Bruce’s son Dana Brown and shot using 4K Ultra HD equipment. On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter is backed by Red Bull, KTM and Skullcandy, and the PR machine is about to hit top gear.


Long Live The Kings
Clement Beauvais and Arthur de Kersauson scored a king hit with this oddball six-minute documentary. Released two years ago, it follows the lads from Blitz Motorcycles on a roadtrip through France. Shot on Super 16 film, it’s a beguiling mix of edginess and elegance.
If you like Kings, keep an eye out for Beauvais and de Kersauson’s new full-length documentary, The Greasy Hands Preachers. It’s just premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, with Orlando Bloom on board as executive producer. Early reports are mixed for that one, but we’ll reserve judgment until we’ve seen it ourselves.


Tom Fugle
If the name Scott Pommier sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen his peerless motorcycle photography—often monochrome, but always atmospheric. Pommier has now made a five-minute film: a profile of veteran builder Tom Fugle.
Fugle is one of the founders of the El Forastero outlaw motorcycle club—which counted artist Dave Mann amongst its members. But this film is about Tom’s passion for bikes, and mighty fine it is too.


Waiting Out Winter
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. This is Andrew David Watson’s homage to craftspeople who spend cold days inside their workshops, building and fettling, and waiting for better weather. If you’ve ever shivered inside your garage while working on your bike, you’ll sympathize.


Chennai To Pondicherry
Director Skylar Nielsen took a crew on a motorcycle tour of Southern India, and the result is as tasty as a hot masala dosa. The trip south down the East Coast Road was eye opening, and Nielsen has somehow captured the mayhem of being surrounded by thousands of cars, tuk-tuks, cows, goats, and dogs. Sensory overload at its finest.


Shinya Kimura - Chabott Engineering
This is the gold standard: the film that raised the bar, and every other director looks up to. It’s four years old now, but has lost none of its appeal. Director Henrik Hansen takes us on a trip into the world and mindset of Shinya Kimura, the enigmatic Japanese builder who set up Zero Engineering and now practices his craft in the small town of Azusa, California.
He’s one of the few builders who can command more than $100,000 for his work, and after watching this, you’ll see why. It’s two minutes and 45 seconds of perfection.

Sunday 7 August 2016

Picking The Best Motorcycle Helmet For You

Welcome to one of life's greatest adventures. Whether you ride a sportbike or a cruiser as a pleasure seeker or commuter, riding on two wheels is a phenomenal experience designed to give you years of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Before you fight traffic with cars or plan that weekend excursion on backcountry roads you'll need to invest in some very important equipment - namely riding gear. Body protection is a must when riding your sportbike or cruiser and nothing could be more important than a helmet. You likely did some research before deciding on a sportbike or cruiser so you're going to want to do the same before grabbing any 'ole helmet.
You'll notice a sportbike helmet looks much different from a dirt bike or motocross helmet. Helmets designed for sportbikes and cruisers are more round without the extended chin protection needed for dirt bike riding. Plus, you have a variety of choices depending on your preference:
  • Full Face
  • Dual Sport
  • Half Shell / Open Face
  • Modular
 
Let's go through a few points to help narrow down to your ideal helmet.

What will the helmet be used for? 

1. Are you a beginner?
If you're new to sportbikes or cruisers, a high-end, high-priced helmet loaded with features may not be the best purchase. Getting your feet off the ground and adapting to the bike is important in order to decide whether riding on two wheels is the hobby and transportation method for you.

2. Do you plan to ride a lot or commute to work?
If riding is your everyday transportation or you take weekly road trips, higher end helmets may prove to be more comfortable and offer better dynamics and reduced wind noise.

3. Are you riding with a group?
Many bikers join riding groups and if you haven't already done so eventually you'll pal around with others and find group riding enhances the overall experience. One key element to group riding is communication and you'll want a helmet with built in communication provisions.
What features do you want?
1. Helmet weight
Helmets typically range in weight from 1400 to 1800 grams. The key to weight is a properly fitting helmet so the weight is distributed evenly around your head and shoulders. If the center of gravity is off a lighter helmet can feel heavier and strain your neck. Modular helmets often weigh more than a Full Face because of the apparatus installed to flip up the visor.
2. Helmet construction
What the helmet is made of influences a number of factors including weight, comfort and safety rating. Polycarbonate, Fiberglass composite and Carbon Fiber compose most helmets.
3. Optional features
Today's helmets offer numerous technological advances. Features like integrated sunshade, wind reduction measures and communication provisions all serve to enhance the riding experience. 
What type of bike do you ride?
Adventure Touring
Riders on these bikes typically prefer Modular helmets which allow you to raise the face shield and some incorporate elements to raise the entire front of the helmet.
Cruiser
Cruiser riders generally enjoy the breezy style in the Half Shell helmet. This is a minimalist helmet for the casual rider.
Old School/Cafe Bike
These riders hearken back to yesteryear for the old days of motorcycle riding using an Open Face helmet. It offers more protection than a half-shell and provides a big nostalgia factor.
Sportbike
A full face helmet is the norm for sportbikers. Full face helmets offer elite all-around protection with a solid chin bar and flip-up shield. These are the safest helmets.
Helmet Safety Ratings
  1. DOT - The United States Department of Transportation sets a minimum standard level of protection for helmets.
  2. ECE22.02 - The U.N. Economic Commission for Europe sets a standard level of protection for helmets in Europe.
  3. Snell2010 - A non-profit in the United States founded after the death of Pete Snell, a sports car racer who died from head injuries.
You can find myriad of articles debating the merits of Snell's stringent standards over the government's guidelines and whether or not a helmet with Snell certification is better than DOT or ECE. The bottom line is every helmet MotoSport sells meets or exceeds the standards set by DOT. We also carry helmets certified by ECE as well as helmets manufactured to meet Snell Standards.

Monday 1 August 2016

Top Five Motorcycle Life Hacks

Who said life hacks are only for things at home?
FortNine, previously called "Canada's Motorcycle" has compiled five of the most useful life hacks for your bike!
It's amazing how you can make your rides better by just using a few little things that are laying around your house.


Do watch this video and share it with your friends! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Vwpo_Xbgk

Saturday 23 July 2016

10 Biggest Dangers To Bikers On The Road

1. Oncoming traffic

Maybe a driver is texting on his cell phone. Maybe a driver is eating a burrito. Maybe a driver is just daydreaming. It doesn’t matter what causes it, but all it takes to cause a serious wreck is for one driver to drift into the other lane.

A driver doesn’t even need to hit a rider directly since even being clipped by an oncoming car can knock a rider from his bike. Sadly, keeping a constant eye on traffic and riding like everybody is out to kill you is the only way to minimize your risk of colliding with oncoming traffic.

2. Cars waiting to turn
Intersections are about as dangerous as it gets, and part of that has to do with drivers making careless left turns. Motorcyclists all have stories about narrowly avoiding a collision with a car pulling out in front of them, and sadly, far too many have stories about actually being hit by those cars.
Drivers need to put down their cell phones and pay better attention to what’s going on around them, but riders need to also pay extra attention while riding through intersections. That added vigilance could save a life.

3. Panic stops
There’s always potential for a wreck when someone has to slam on the brakes, but it’s always more dangerous when you’re on a motorcycle. Since your front brake provides 70% of your stopping power, you have to use it, but if you grab the brake too hard, locking up your front wheel and throwing yourself off the bike are always risks.
Buying a bike with anti-lock brakes will help mitigate this problem, but if you don’t have ABS, it’s even more important to learn how your bike handles under heavy braking. That way you’ll be ready the next time you have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front of you.

4. Gravel on the road
Motorcycles are very good at going around corners in normal situations on normal roads, but when you start throwing obstacles into their path, that’s when things get tricky. Sticks, dirt, and even roadkill can be difficult to handle, but the worst road obstacle is gravel.
Gravel kills your grip, causing your bike to behave unpredictably and easily causing a wreck. If you’re going to go down, a low-side fall is about as good as it gets. Unfortunately, riders trying to recover from hitting gravel can easily high-side as well, which is much more dangerous.

5. Too much speed through a corner
One of the best things about motorcycles is that they’re fast. For the cost of a new Honda Civic, you can buy a bike that will hold its own against quarter-million-dollar supercars. Experiencing raw, unbridled speed for the first time is intoxicating, but it’s also dangerous.
In a straight line, most riders don’t get themselves in too much trouble, but learning to take a corner is much more difficult. New riders are especially at risk of taking a corner too fast, but even experienced riders occasionally make mistakes.

6. Opening car doors
This isn’t usually a problem once you’re out on an open road since drivers rarely open their doors while moving, but in cities, riders have to be be on the lookout for people opening their car doors. Cyclists have dealt with this problem for years, but it’s even more dangerous for motorcycle riders who often travel at faster speeds than bicycles.
Despite the fact that they’re putting someone else’s life at risk, those drivers have no problem opening their doors to prevent riders from splitting lanes.


 7. Cars changing lanes
You would think drivers would care more about not murdering people, but despite the increasing number of motorcyclists on the roads and cars with blind spot monitoring systems, drivers still routinely attempt to change lanes without looking or paying attention. Unfortunately, two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. When a car hits a motorcycle while changing lanes, it’s the rider, not the driver who loses every time.
At highway speeds, that can easily be deadly even if a rider is wearing proper gear. On a crowded highway, it’s even more dangerous. Not all drivers signal their intentions before changing lanes, but most do. Paying attention to which cars are beginning to drift over can help you spot a dangerous lane change before it happens.

8. Other drivers behind you
Riding through an intersection is dangerous, but so is being stopped at one. Drivers who aren’t paying attention have a habit of rear-ending other vehicles, and in most cases, it’s unfortunate, but at least cars have crumple zones and seatbelts. When a distracted driver rear-ends a motorcycle, there isn’t much to protect the rider even in a low speed crash.
Even when you’re not stopped at an intersection, other drivers can still be a threat. Slow-moving traffic may even be more dangerous than stopped traffic. Vehicles are bunched much more closely in that kind of situation, and all it takes is a driver getting distracted for a second to knock a rider off her bike and into traffic.

9. Inclement weather
Riding a motorcycle in rain is pretty miserable. You usually get soaked, other drivers splash water on you, and the large puddles that collect at the bottom of hills may as well be rivers that you have to drive through. The roads get more slick, visibility is reduced, and drivers rarely adjust their speed, making the road a dangerous place for motorcycle riders.

There’s also a reason riding in winter is not advised. Yes, proper equipment can keep you warm, but snow and ice are about as dangerous as it gets. Even if you’re not riding in an area with snow on the ground, you still need to be careful on long rides, because you never know what could be down the road a few hundred miles.

10. Drinking and riding
Unlike cars, motorcycles offer riders the illusion that they’re safe to ride even while intoxicated. At speed, they’re self-stabilizing, and with so much room in the lane, a little swerving seems like it will probably go unnoticed by law enforcement. Mix that with the drinking culture that surrounds motorcycles, and you have a recipe for trouble.
No matter how safe it feels at the time, alcohol slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and is a factor in an unnecessarily-large number of wrecks. Simply not drinking and riding reduces your risk of wrecking drastically. Don’t be your own worst enemy. Only ride sober.

Sunday 17 July 2016

9 Best Rides You Need To Cover In India

Bikers get their share of wisdom while they embark on a journey with their sweethearts AND by that I mean their beloved bikes. Bike ride duration is the time to unleash the explorer in them and mend roads to self discovery. For such passionate bike riders, India seems to be the perfect match as it can offer such experience that practically has no match. Whether it is the highest snow-clad peaks of the Himalaya, the dense forests of North East or the most deserted places of Rajasthan; motorbike tours in India not only provide easy access to remote places but also helps in understanding the country’s diversity better. This list below will help you find some of the best places & routes for bike riding in India.



Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Ladakh can be the dream bike riding destination in India. Blessed with such mesmerizing beauty this region of Jammu & Kashmir state is a challenge that any crazy-adventurous bike rider would like to take. The trail being rugged, the weather being rough and unpredictable and cherry on top the continuous risk of landslides and other hazards keep the riders on their toes. Ladakh is the land of beautiful lakes, high mountain passes, Buddhist monasteries and meandering roads that are mostly unpaved. Therefore while planning a ride here, one is spoilt for choices but what you must know that you can never make a bad choice as each trail has its perks and thrills. Ideal Route: Manali – Rohtang La – Tandi/Keylong – Darcha – Sarchu – Tanglang La – Upshi – Leh (from Leh one can take separate routes to Khardungla and Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri and Hemis) – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Srinagar – Patnitop – Chandigarh Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Another challenging and similar trail for bike riding in India can be found in Spiti Valley. Part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti has a lot of resemblance to Ladakh. So, if you could not plan a bike ride trip to Ladakh, you can conveniently settle for Spiti Valley as it allows the almost the same kind of adrenaline rush. In fact, the Hindustan-Tibet highway that leads into Spiti valley ensures that doze of thrill remain consistence all through for a rider. It is on this ride that you can approach the highest villages of the Asia. Kibber, Kaza, Tabo, Spiti and Pin valley make up for some visually attractive remote places and the Baspa and Kinnaur regions act as great destinations for nature lovers who can enjoy the beauty of apricot and apple orchards, Satluj river views and snow capped monasteries. Ideal Route: Shimla – Sarhan – Sangla – Chitkul – Baspa – Kinnaur – Recong Peo – Kalpa – Kaza – Tabo – Spiti – Keylong – Manali Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

Western Arunachal Pradesh
With its most humbling landscape, Western Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places for bike ride in India. Yes, there are high chances that you would find unpaved roads and landslides all through the journey but the nature’s beauty compensates for everything here. Waterfalls, terraced paddy fields, alpine forests, mountain streams, small human settlements, now covered roads (in winter) and the opportunity to witness unique tribal culture makes this high altitude route an irresistible one for an adventurist. Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Lake District, Gorshem Chorten, Ziro, Parsuram Kund and Namdapha National Park are the part of this paradise called Western Arunachal Pradesh. Ideal Route: Bhalupkong – Dirang – Bomdila – Tawang Best Riding Season: March to May or October to November

Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu
This particular place will get your heart racing for sure! Kolli Hills a scenic hill station in Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The hills are famed for its 70 continuous hairpin bends, which by the way are more than enough to get you all excited. This tropical hill is also famous for its Agaya Gangai waterfall, ancient Shiva temple and Pineapple farms. A weekend bike ride from Bangalore to Kolli Hills seems an ideal plan. Ideal Route: Salem – Rasipuram – Kolli Hills Best Riding Season: All year around

Valparai to Vazhachal Forest
South India has some breathtaking biking routes and one of its best examples would be Valparai to Vazhachal Forest. An ideal bike ride on this route would be during the monsoon season. The route connects Pollachi in Tamil Nadu to Chalakudy in Kerala, which is prominently covered with fine tropical rainforests and cloud and evergreen forests. The trail passes through stunning waterfalls and numerous dams and reservoirs. And since this area is either part of the Anaimalai tiger reserve or the Vazhachal forest reserve, wildlife sightings makes a significant part of it. Well-maintained roads and the emerald beauty of forests are the highlights that can surely allure bike riders here. Ideal Route: Pollachi – Valparai – Vazhachal – Athirapally – Chalakudy Best Riding Season: All year around

Mumbai – Goa
It is one of the most famous road trip routes in India and it deserves all the fame that it gets. Popularly called NH17 (National Highway 17), this route offers a trip along the western coastline of India. NH 17 connects Mumbai to Kerala, so in case your adventure instinct doesn’t get satiated with a ride between Mumbai and Goa, you can simply get some more petrol in your bike and vroom off to the state of Kerala. The ride between Mumbai and Goa gives a feel of riding on foreign roads with exquisite landscape to view and cherish. Best Riding Season: October to February

Jaipur – Jaisalmer
If you can endure some harsh and challenging roads, this one should be an easy-peasy for you. However, the desert can be tricky sometime but what is life without a couple of risks and challenges, right? During the bike ride enjoy the rich culture of Rajasthan and the hospitality of the people of the state. The roads are paved, a few pits here and there is a part of any bike trip in India. However, what will catch your eyes the most is landscape that has the mix of brown and green hues. While passing through the rural Rajasthan, one has the opportunity to learn about living life without the modern amenities, also the local cuisine taste the best in these rural settlements. Of course the Rajputana architecture will follow you everywhere. Ideal Route: Jaipur – Nagaur – Jodhpur – Ramdevra – Jaisalmer Best Riding Season: October to February

Ahmadabad-Kutch
The maverick riders will love to take this challenging yet beautiful route in Gujarat. Starting from the bustling hub of the state to the remote and surreal Rann of Kutch, the route is nothing less than a proverbial diamond in the rough. You can choose to drive around the Kutch region where both white salt desert and salt marsh await to greet you. En route visit can be paid to Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary and also Dholavira can be included in the route. Since Kutch is a culturally wealthy region, a bike ride to the villages is a good idea as well. Ideal Route: Ahmadabad – Surendranagar- Little Rann of Kutch- Great Rann of Kutch Best Riding Season: December to March

Darjeeling-Sikkim
This is another popular route for bike ride in India. Beginning from the beauty of East, Darjeeling to the surreal destination, Sikkim, a bike ride on this route is a scenic one. However, in no way shall the biking trail here be considered easy, the route is a witness to many steep and winding roads that are enough to keep the adrenaline rushing. A heady m̩lange of religions and fine hill culture make this route an anticipated one by both an adventurist and a nature lover. Also, the views of the Kanchenjunga are the big time bait of this route. Ideal Route: Siliguri РDarjeeling РKalimpong РGangtok РPelling РYuksom Best Riding Season: All year around

Thursday 14 July 2016

Tips For Riding Offroad

Anyone can ride on smooth tarmac, but it takes a different set of skills to take your bike to no man's land! Although it can be extremely fun, it is a lot more challenging. Here are some tips to make sure you keep your bum on the saddle.



 1. Manage Your Speed: Nothing increases risk more than a too fast speed for your ability and/or the conditions. Keeping your throttle hand in check is fairly easy to do, but managing speed on a steep, muddy downhill trail is tough. The trick is to see the problem well before you get to it and slow down to a crawl so you aren’t trying to scrub off speed where gravity and almost zero traction create the equivalent of a slip and slide.

 2. Keep Your Eyes Up: We look down when we are scared or tired. The problem is that as soon as you look down, you’re unable to deal with the terrain that is suddenly under your front wheel. This problem compounds until you are so far behind what’s going on underneath you that you get more scared, look down more and eventually crash. This pertains to most athletic activities, including street riding.

 3. Use Momentum: When traction is limited, you must rely more on momentum. This means keeping your eyes up to see what’s coming and getting on the gas before you are on a surface that has little grip.

 4. Believe You Can Do it: If you hesitate, you will likely not make it up that steep incline. So, go for it! That said, avoid terrain that is over your head.

 5. Stand Up, Sit Down: It’s nearly impossible to ride an off-road bike well if you aren’t good at riding while standing. It’s also important to know when it’s best to stand and when to sit. In general, stand for any significant bumps so your legs absorb the impacts and sit for corners, especially corners with berms so you can load the rear tire for the drive out.

 6. Find the Center: Whether sitting or standing, you must find the spot where your body’s mass is located for optimum maneuverability and fluid control. This means sitting forward on the seat and standing so your belly is over the steering stem.

 7. Bent Arms: The bike is going to move up, down, left and right at great frequency. Yet, you must hold onto the handlebars and operate the controls while the bike is jerking around. Bent arms allow the bike to move as necessary and for your hands to still control the throttle and brake with precision.

 8. Counter-lean: This is something street riders have a hard time with when they first start dirt-riding. If you lean with the bike (or low and inside) then the bike will slip out from under you. The bike must lean to turn, but if you stay on top of the bike, your weight keeps the load pressing vertically to allow the tires to grip the terrain.

 9. Forget the Clutch: Forget using the clutch for upshifts. There is usually no time to go for the clutch lever when you’re accelerating out of one rocky, muddy mess into another one.

 10. Use the Clutch: On the other hand, you want to use the clutch to control drive as much as possible. By slipping the clutch you can stay in a taller gear to avoid excessive shifting and control your speed with greater precision.

 11. Use the Rear Brake: On muddy terrain, you’ll rely heavily on the rear brake. Skidding the rear tire is not usually a big deal, but skidding the front will quickly toss you on your head.

 12. Use the Front Brake: Yeah, I know what we just said, but when there is traction, you can (and should) use both the front and rear brakes when descending hills. This may sound tricky, and it is. But, sometimes you need all the slowing power available, just learn to apply the front brake carefully.

 13. Learn to Wheelie and Jump: Not so you can be a squid, but so you can get over fallen trees, big rocks. If you can’t wheelie, then at least learn to loft or bunny-hop over obstacles.

 14. Steer with the Rear: When you don’t have a lot of grip, trying to steer with the front tire is a bad idea. Instead, get the bike turned in the general direction, but get on the gas to prevent a front tire washout.

 15. Make sure Your Bike is Ready: It sucks to be stranded in the woods.

 16. Take Breaks: Off-road riding uses a lot of physical and mental energy. If you get tired, you will start looking down and your timing will become imprecise. Before you know it, you’re on the ground.

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Tips For Riding In The Rain

There are a lot of things to take into account when riding a motorcycle in the rain, but one of the most important ones is that you have to dress appropriately. Having your normal jacket and trousers might not be enough. If there’s a light drizzle, it probably will not be a problem, but when there’s consistent rain, water (usually cold) will seep through your clothes onto your body, and that is not fun! Getting wet, or at least humid, when riding is distracting and very uncomfortable. It’s also when you will get a cold, or worse. So whatever you do, make sure the clothing (jacket, trousers and boot covers) you use during a rain ride is rain proof. This is the most important tip for riding in the rain, all other tips are more or less common sense.

 The clothing doesn’t need to be a diver’s suit you use for deep sea diving, but it needs to keep the water away. Wear proper rain gear, preferably Gore-Tex or equivalent. It needs to be able to breath but still not allow water to creep in.

Make sure your helmet covers your face, since rain above 30 mph is going to hurt you.

Make sure your tires are correct for riding in the rain, in other words, do not go out riding in the rain with slick tires. Watch the road. What used to be kind-of slippery is now very slippery.

White lines on the roads will have become ice rinks, metal plates/manholes are super dangerous, avoid them like the plague.
 Watch out for puddles. Yes, it can be fun riding through one, but since the water hides the surface you just don’t know what you are riding into. Can the puddle in fact be a 3 feet deep hole? Do you want to find out the hard way?
 When riding and you see a colored rainbow on the ground, watch it. It’s got nothing to do with the gay movement, chances are it’s oil. When rain first starts after many days of dry weather, it’s when it’s the most dangerous since there’s a lot of oil and dirt on the road. Wait an hour or two for the rain to wash away the oil/dirt before riding since the road surfaces are at their slipperiest. If it’s just drizzle, then the road will remain slippery.

Railway crossing are to be taken as straight as possible. Remember the railway tracks are metal, and wet metal is slippery. Straighten your bike. When you need to brake, apply more rear brake than normal. If your front wheel starts sliding you’re done for, if your rear wheel slides you can easily correct. Do not brake strongly if possible.Brake gently. If you need to urgently apply your brakes, pump them so that you do not start aquaplaning.
 Give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Braking distances are much longer in the rain. Relax when riding. Getting all cramped and bunched up is not good. First of all you will get tired real quickly and it is dangerous. Relaxed riding is much better. Be visible. Rain makes it difficult for cars to see you. If you have high visibility clothing, now it is the time to put them on. An obvious advice, but here it is anyway: reduce your speed! In many countries legally you need to reduce speed by some 10-20% when it rains, and there are good reasons for it.

 Since we don’t have wipers on our helmets (well, maybe some do) you can easily spray something like Rain-X on the visor to help you with your visibility. Rain-X keeps the rain from the visor. When lightning starts up, stop riding. Head for cover (don’t stop below a tree). Riding in the rain will at times be necessary, and you should not stop riding just because it is raining. Relax and enjoy the ride.



 You are after all riding a motorcycle and that is fun. ENJOY IT.

Wednesday 22 June 2016

A Ride For Hope - Harteij Bhartesh

Harteij Bhartesh is a brave man embarking upon a unique journey. Having battled cancer for nearly four years, this twenty-six-year-old hero is biking across India in order to spread awareness about this dire disease.

 Bhartesh started his journey in Raipur, Chhatisgarh on his Kawasaki Ninja 300, on May 1st, 2016, and hopes to accomplish thirty thousand kilometers within the next five months.
Bhartesh aims to spread the message that cancer can be defeated, through his campaign Ride of Hope In his fourth year of law school, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; a cancer originating from lymphocytes.
 After many sessions of chemotherapy, Bhartesh’s current expedition is the first time he has stepped out of his home and explored the country. Bhartesh's has visited numerous medical centers and interacted with patients, hoping to inspire them by sharing his personal story. “For over six months, I was on alternative medicines and I didn’t opt for chemotherapy. I avoided the treatment fearing its side-effects wouldn’t let me complete my studies. But I was wrong. I should have taken the right treatment soon after the diagnosis. One of the first things I tell cancer patients is to undergo proper treatment from the word go,” Looking back on an unforgettable encounter with a little girl suffering from cancer, Bhartesh says, “I met her in Hyderabad. She was barely three. She asked her mother if I was also a cancer patient. She asked me to take her to an amusement park after her treatment was over. Many fellow patients feel stronger after hearing my tale and pour their hearts out to me.”

Friday 27 May 2016

Beauty of Western Ghats – A Ride Through




By now most of you bikers are familiar with beauty of western ghats. However in my honest opinion the best form these ghats are only visible during monsoon! That's when the nature take bath, dust the pollution and shine it's original beauty! It is that time of the year when nature starts a new life and new look! So to witness the first hand beauty travel as much as you during monsoon :)

Being explored most of the routes I was trying to find which might be best route apart from the usual options. Seeing from the maps it looked the route below has the most greenery hence the more chances of raining. So followed the below trail.

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Importance of Riding Gear

Most motorcyclists know the importance of wearing a helmet but there are still some that do not wear adequate clothing on the rest of their body. Previously, leather used to be the only material for motorcycling clothing but there are now a choice of materials including nylon and Kevlar.
Specialist motorcycling clothing has really gone forward during the past few years with advances in manufacturing techniques, materials and product development. These materials are much lighter than leather making them more comfortable whilst riding but they are also far better for protection against the weather. The ballistic nylon and Kevlar materials have fantastic anti abrasion properties. These materials took over 1700 cycles on an abrasion test before failure.

Ideally, a biker must always be fully protected and should protect himself from top to bottom. Typically, riding gear consists of ;

Helmet

The degree your head is injured is significantly reduced when you are wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident. Helmets are designed to cushion and protect the head from the impact of an accident. A helmet may be the only protection you have if you experience an accident while riding. When buying your first helmet, go to a place where you can try them on, comfort and fit is very important. After that it usually is safe to order online for that brand of helmet.
People say the reasons why they don’t wear good motorcycle helmets are:
– Expensive
– Hot
– Restrictive
– The cause of messy helmet-head hair
– Freedom of choice
The reality is that each of these reasons can’t bring back someone’s life if it is lost in a motorcycle accident. Wearing a good helmet doesn’t limit motorcycle drivers’ ability to hear or see what is happening around them. The bottom line is helmets are the single most important piece of protective equipment you can have when riding a motorcycle

Gloves

When you hit the dry asphalt, dirt, branches, rock or any hard surface even at lower speeds, the hands tend to bear the brunt of injuries. A pair of heavy leather gloves with armored palms will go a long way to keep a break fall from resulting in broken hands, and they can also serve to improve one’s grip on the vehicle. Ideally, a good pair of riding gloves should extend past the wrist, like a medieval gauntlet.

Jacket

The primary reason behind wearing motorcycle jackets is their protective functionality. They work as an armor for the bike rider and protect them from injuries from accidental falls. These jackets provide special padding to help reduce the impact of the fall due to accidents and also minimize the injuries caused at the time of fall.

Pants

You should pay attention to the pants you wear when riding because it will protect your legs from the cold. It will also absorb most of the impact in case of collision. In addition, it will protect your skin from severe injury.

Boots

Not as comfortable as tennis shoes, but the humble riding boot serves many functions in protecting a rider. It helps to stay mounted and grip onto the motorcycle, in addition to looking rather stylish. Riding boots are designed to protect you from the exhaust pipe, the tires, rocks and the vehicle itself as it tries to grind you into the ground.




Yes, we know that all this can be pretty expensive..but it goes a long way in keeping you safe.

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Welcome

Hello Riders,
Welcome to Gear n Ride.
Here we will be sharing our knowledge about safe riding and the uncommercialized places to visit around.
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