We “Team BI” work specifically on the content related to the Indian motoring. Indian motoring is highly associated with the most unsafe public places which cater to our Indian population as a garden, a home, a toilet and much more. Yes, I am talking about the wide connection of our highways. They are haphazardly connected to each other and the most unsafe places we have in India on offer to use right now. Riding on highways with group or solo in a 4 season country is not easy. So here are some key points to be noted down before you had on to the highway next time.Writer's note: I’m discussing all these points on my very own experience associated with some awesome and deadly highway routes around the capital city. I have trailed them on daily basis, namely NH-58(Meerut road), NH-8(Delhi-Jaipur), Bhiwadi-Alwar, NH-1, and the best one Yamuna Expressway.
01. When you are riding in group, it is supposedly the safest way of riding motorcycle on highways, try your best to ride in a train like formation, be it single file/double file. Riding out of a proper train/file lands you into a situation where you can’t switch your lane after spotting a danger ahead.
02. Riding on 4 or 6 lane road, use the extreme right side of the left most lane, as you have ample of space to change lane for some or the other reasons. Extreme right is filled with over-speeding vehicles and in extreme left you might have to land to the unpaved part meant for halt, and that could be slippery as well.
03. Always keep a safe distance from the rider or vehicle ahead of you as Indian highways are the stock house of stray dogs, human beings, totaled vehicles and yes, POTHOLES, actually CRATERS.
04. Keep working on reducing the blind spots, so there’s nothing ahead that was left unseen by you while trailing your path. You can do so by looking through the windshield of cars and trucks ahead of you or maybe you can even take help from their huge ground clearance.
05. Being seen on the highways are very-very important, as comparatively motorcycles are smaller objects and at times get unnoticed by the heavy trucks or cars. Be a star on the road, be seen and be safe, keep your DRLs on, and use hazard lights.
06. Always keep an eye on the vehicle running ahead of you, specially a 4- wheeler. Getting an idea of whether the vehicle ahead is shifting to another lane or not isn’t difficult at all, a look at their front wheel can give you the full description. Relate its motion with the lane markings. It is not necessary that you always get to see the indicators being given by the vehicle ahead of you before making any absurd move.
07. Always keep looking in your rear view mirrors (both sides of ORVMs) Give special attention and always check your mirrors while switching to another lane. Yes mirrors, Indian drivers do have a habit of driving zigzag for no reason. It is also recommended to take a look behind your shoulders as there is always blind spots on the rear view mirrors and that increases even more because of our helmets.
08. Try to avoid any hasty and absurd move as this will not only give nightmare to the rider or vehicle following you but also will last you with lack of confidence and even worse vicious circle that might end with catastrophe. Never ride in a state of hesitation that might ruin down you confidence.
09. You spot a crater ahead I mean big daddy potholes, give adequate signal to the traffic behind you. Before applying brakes, check your mirrors, choose a lane, indicate and shift.
10. Riding gear are essential part of the word motorcycling, needless to say always wear all the riding gear all the time. Wear the gear with bright colors along with reflective material on for the safe night rides. Try riding with two visors, tinted and a clear one, for day and night.
11. If you are wearing riding gear, people will treat you as racers, stunt riders and what not, so act smartly as the mistake will be yours. Drivers can see you only if you can see them in their Rear view mirrors, so keep this in mind while using dipper next time seeking side from the vehicle ahead.
12. You can relate this, with how it feels when you get appreciation from fellow riders on the road for you kind gestures. Keep giving Thanks to the humble drivers and rider buddies on your way, they feel happy and do react with a softer actions towards other riders on road too.
13. Braking being an integral part of motorcycling is what you should be good at, it is recommended that you should use brakes with the engine braking simultaneously, the results are far more better than applying only brakes and left the clutch engaged.
15. If you carrying luggage with you, it should be tied up well, such that you are comfortable with it and it wont tip-over from your bike. Carry basic tool kit with duct tape, puncture repair kit, pliers, water bottle and an army knife.
16. Make sure you don’t need to stop every now and then to drink water, highways are filled with thugs and con-men. And have a short but descriptive briefing session for other riders too about the route and its status. If you are riding solo, get in touch with your family and friends and keep them informed about your present location on regular intervals.
17. Maintain a cruising speed that suits you and your bike, crosswinds and wind blast disturbs the path you are following. Consider the lane you are riding in as the only part of road available on corners, as following the racing line and changing lane might end up with a disaster. Never run out of traction, your bike won’t skid ever. Traction what bike rides on.
18. Plan for fuel fill ups wisely, running out of fuels at unknown places isn’t good. Riding with air pressure more/less than recommended disturbs the bike’s stability. An error of ±1 Psi is not a big deal though.
19. Feeling sleepy? a hot cup of tea or coffee can come to your rescue, it can be a good companion of yours in fighting against fatigue. A cup of Tea even act as a good energy drink too, enjoy the ride.
My last message to all those wanna-be riders:02. Riding on 4 or 6 lane road, use the extreme right side of the left most lane, as you have ample of space to change lane for some or the other reasons. Extreme right is filled with over-speeding vehicles and in extreme left you might have to land to the unpaved part meant for halt, and that could be slippery as well.
03. Always keep a safe distance from the rider or vehicle ahead of you as Indian highways are the stock house of stray dogs, human beings, totaled vehicles and yes, POTHOLES, actually CRATERS.
04. Keep working on reducing the blind spots, so there’s nothing ahead that was left unseen by you while trailing your path. You can do so by looking through the windshield of cars and trucks ahead of you or maybe you can even take help from their huge ground clearance.
05. Being seen on the highways are very-very important, as comparatively motorcycles are smaller objects and at times get unnoticed by the heavy trucks or cars. Be a star on the road, be seen and be safe, keep your DRLs on, and use hazard lights.
06. Always keep an eye on the vehicle running ahead of you, specially a 4- wheeler. Getting an idea of whether the vehicle ahead is shifting to another lane or not isn’t difficult at all, a look at their front wheel can give you the full description. Relate its motion with the lane markings. It is not necessary that you always get to see the indicators being given by the vehicle ahead of you before making any absurd move.
07. Always keep looking in your rear view mirrors (both sides of ORVMs) Give special attention and always check your mirrors while switching to another lane. Yes mirrors, Indian drivers do have a habit of driving zigzag for no reason. It is also recommended to take a look behind your shoulders as there is always blind spots on the rear view mirrors and that increases even more because of our helmets.
08. Try to avoid any hasty and absurd move as this will not only give nightmare to the rider or vehicle following you but also will last you with lack of confidence and even worse vicious circle that might end with catastrophe. Never ride in a state of hesitation that might ruin down you confidence.
09. You spot a crater ahead I mean big daddy potholes, give adequate signal to the traffic behind you. Before applying brakes, check your mirrors, choose a lane, indicate and shift.
10. Riding gear are essential part of the word motorcycling, needless to say always wear all the riding gear all the time. Wear the gear with bright colors along with reflective material on for the safe night rides. Try riding with two visors, tinted and a clear one, for day and night.
11. If you are wearing riding gear, people will treat you as racers, stunt riders and what not, so act smartly as the mistake will be yours. Drivers can see you only if you can see them in their Rear view mirrors, so keep this in mind while using dipper next time seeking side from the vehicle ahead.
12. You can relate this, with how it feels when you get appreciation from fellow riders on the road for you kind gestures. Keep giving Thanks to the humble drivers and rider buddies on your way, they feel happy and do react with a softer actions towards other riders on road too.
13. Braking being an integral part of motorcycling is what you should be good at, it is recommended that you should use brakes with the engine braking simultaneously, the results are far more better than applying only brakes and left the clutch engaged.
15. If you carrying luggage with you, it should be tied up well, such that you are comfortable with it and it wont tip-over from your bike. Carry basic tool kit with duct tape, puncture repair kit, pliers, water bottle and an army knife.
16. Make sure you don’t need to stop every now and then to drink water, highways are filled with thugs and con-men. And have a short but descriptive briefing session for other riders too about the route and its status. If you are riding solo, get in touch with your family and friends and keep them informed about your present location on regular intervals.
17. Maintain a cruising speed that suits you and your bike, crosswinds and wind blast disturbs the path you are following. Consider the lane you are riding in as the only part of road available on corners, as following the racing line and changing lane might end up with a disaster. Never run out of traction, your bike won’t skid ever. Traction what bike rides on.
18. Plan for fuel fill ups wisely, running out of fuels at unknown places isn’t good. Riding with air pressure more/less than recommended disturbs the bike’s stability. An error of ±1 Psi is not a big deal though.
19. Feeling sleepy? a hot cup of tea or coffee can come to your rescue, it can be a good companion of yours in fighting against fatigue. A cup of Tea even act as a good energy drink too, enjoy the ride.
Motorcycling is all about treating your ride like princess, travelling to different places and enjoying the journey not the destination. But people here in India thinks, that motorcycling is showing off their big bikes. If you guys can’t follow the biker-brotherhood then riding isn’t meant for you, better get yourself a litre-class 4-wheeled cage and become a tourist.
Riding gear are meant for your safety, not to show them off to your friends in your profile photos. There are a hell lot of people who call themselves riders, riding without a helmet and with a wheel up in the air. I’m sorry if I had made any mistake, but do take care of the words above that might help you in some or the other instances. If they do, then please post a comment.
By: Mohit Bhardwaj