Good Motorcycling Habits of a Long Distance Motorcyclist

There are some things to remember when going on long motorcycle rides or tours.

GOOD RIDING HABITS

1. Before throttling your machine, get synchronized with the road first - FOCUS ON ROAD with NO DISTRACTION
   

2. Don’t feed on over confidence - BE A NEW RIDER ALWAYS.
   

3. Respect the road and motorcycle
   

4. Road is meant for riding. Don't race. NO OVER SPEEDING.
   

5. Know your motorcycle well - clutch, fuses, brakes, tyres, spares
   

6. It is worth spending money on getting certified protective riding gear (good riding jacket and trousers, Knee and Elbow protection pads).
   

7. Be physically fit. Exercises for neck, shoulder and lower back pays off well on long rides.
   

8. Know the mentality of the driver(s) ahead of you before overtaking.
   

ON HIGHWAY'S

1. On high speed keep vision on longer distance.
   

2. Get expertise on speed control and braking.
   

3. Don’t get too close with your fellow rider - MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE
   

4. Overtake with proper signal (Horn, Distance, Light Dipper) even with your rider group. Ideally no overtaking.
   

5. Be alert on road merging and diversions.
   

6. If the road is under construction - Be alert always
   

ON A HILL:

1. Be gentle on curves.
   

2. Don’t ride downhill in free clutch. Be in control with gear engaged.
   

3. Maintain safe distance. Drive Staggered, Don’t tailgate.
   

4. Have a clear long view of road ahead, always.
   

5. Be alert of rubble and small stones lying on roads - They make machine fall easily.
   

6. Apply your front ideally and rear brake only at lower speeds. Some bikes have a recommended ratio. Know it and Use it. Good rider is able to stop very fast. Practice this. 
   

7. Be aware of the sun angle suddenly coming up in mountains. It can blind you.
   

RIDING IN A GROUP

1. Never Ever leave your fellow-rider back.
   

2. A small talk before starting the ride matters a lot.
   

3. Allow the slow riders to lead and experienced rider to be a sweep.
   

4. Keep the new riders in middle. They feel secure and confident. Else, when left behind they over speed to catch up.
   

5. Follow signals among the group. Hand signals - start, stop and hazard
   

6. Encourage the team always, Extend your help and support whenever required
   

NIGHT RIDING:

1. Avoid it. But if forced to - Slowing down and focusing plays a major role.
   

2. Clean your helmet visor frequently with water and tissue to avoid reflection.
   

3. Take Enough Breaks - Hot Tea, Hot Coffee
   

4. Don’t Ride at all if you are sleepy or drowsy.
   

5. Sometimes you can try singing songs loudly with little body movement.
   

6. Frequent night riders keep a night vision glass, always.
   

CATTLE CROSSING:

1. Be serious about cattle on roads - Some major accidents (have) happen(ed) due to cattle.
   

2. Reduce the speed on spotting cattle at a longer distance.
   

3. Overtake cattle from their tail end.
   

4. Don’t try crossing them without reducing your speed, Cattle actions are unpredictable.