For the motorcycle riders, Ladakh remains a challenging and inspiring, yet beautiful journey that needs to be undertaken at least once in the lifetime. However preparing your motorcycle for such an arduous journey is a task in itself and if done correctly, goes a long way in ensuring that you have a relatively hassle free ride to Ladakh. And this article will help you do just that!
Although it is recommended to learn basic repair of your motorcycle, even if you don’t know much, it is generally a good idea to carry necessary tools and spares. Since sometime even in the smallest of town, you can find a mechanic or someone who knows how to do basic repairs, but might not have the required tool or spares to go through it.
It is a good idea to ask your motorcycle mechanic(and yes I would definitely recommend this) to teach you minor chores like tightening rear brakes, adjusting clutch and accelerator play, adjusting chain, fixing puncture, replacing bulbs and changing accelerator/clutch cable/levers.
Essential Documents:
1. Driving license
2. Registration papers or smart card
3. List of Important Contacts
4. Map and Itinerary
5. Insurance Papers/Documents
6. Pollution Under Control(PUC) Certificate
7. Identity Proof (Adhar Card/ PAN Card/Passport/Voter ID etc.)
8. Passport if you don’t have citizenship of India
Carry at least two-three Xerox/photo copies of above mentioned documents with you. Keep your original documents in safe place. In case of photocopies, I recommend they would have to be attested by Gazetted Officer.
Rider Essentials:
1. Documents mentioned in above list
2. Saddle/Tank Bag for luggage
3. Rope
4. Large plastic paper
5. Helmet
6. Hand gloves
7. Riding Jacket/Worm Jacket if in colder place
8. Pair of Thermals if in colder place
9. Riding Shoes/Sport Shoes
10. Couple of pair of Jeans or Pants
11. 2-3 Shirts/T-Shirts or Sweatshirts
12. Shaving Kit
13. Medical Kit/First Aid Kit come with motorcycle
14. Medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold and cough syrup
15. Coffee heater and One Steel Glass
16. Sunscreen lotion
17. Mustered Oil/ Vaseline
18. UV Sunglasses/Goggle
19. Glucon D or Energy Drinks
20. Water Bottles
21. Chocolates, biscuits, almonds, some light eateries etc.
22. Paper soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper etc.
23. 2-3 Pair of socks
24. 4-5 pair of underwear and inner vests
25. Handkerchiefs, Small hand towel and one normal towel
26. Slipper
Electronics:
1. Chargers for Mobile and Gadgets
2. Camera and batteries
3. Power bank battery for mobile or smart phones
4. Memory cards
5. Torch
Spare Parts:
Required:
1. OEM Toolkit
2. 1 liter Engine Oil
3. Additional Keys of motorcycle in case of lost
4. Sparkplug
5. Clutch and Accelerator wire
6. Puncture repair kit
7. Tubeless puncture repair kit for tubeless tyres
8. Extra tyre tube
Optional:
1. Gear Oil
2. Extra 5-10 liter petrol drum, incase if you traveling to Ladakh.
3. Foot or Electric pump
4. Cello tape
5. Nylon Rope
6. Headlight and Break light Bulbs
7. Electrical wires
8. Spare fuse
9. Few nuts and bolts of various size
10. Screw driver set
11. Petrol Pipe
12. Coolant
Final check on Depart day:
Most important thing is that you must do motorcycle servicing at least one week before leaving. You have prepared your motorcycle for trip, and are ready to start your ride; there are a few checks you need to perform daily.
1. Check if all lights, horn and indicators are working.
2. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, brake oil and coolant (in case of liquid cooled motorcycles).
3. Check tyres for air pressure as well as look for any signs of puncture or damage.
4. Check if chain is lubricated properly and isn’t too tight or too loose.
5. Check for any leakages.
