Riding Tips 2: Before Long Ride Tips

Small or big cc motorcycle, we all do love a long distance ride. Especially in group. But are we really sure our bike can take us to our destination? NO! We cannot guarantee. But we can try our best to make sure we can reach our destination without having much trouble. These are thing you should check before starting your long ride with your friends.

1. ENGINE OIL.

     This is the most important thing on your bike. It is like a blood on any motorcycle. The lubricant prevents metal hits metal, like piston hits engine block. A dry engine oil can cause you expensive damages.

Also Read: Changing Your Engine Oil

2. BRAKE SYSTEM

      Braking is not just reducing speed or stopping your bike, but it also the main key for you from getting crash. Even you cannot guarantee the bike can avoid you from hitting something, but a good braking system can reduce the impact force, and not just save your life, but also preventing you from serious injury.
      So please double check your brake pads, and brake fluids. The fluids also has to be compete with your brake system. Don't mix DOT 3 and DOT 4.

Also Read: Understanding Motorcycle Rake and Trail

3. TIRE

(Tire that suitable for most asphalt surfaces)

     Beside brakes, you life also depends on tire. Make sure you wear good type of tire for your bike. And make sure you understand your tires function. Usually a track performance tires (Semi Slick Type) are not suitable on heavy rain. But if you use normal tires are good enough. There are speed limit each tire, make sure you not exceed it. NEVER USE WORN OUT TIRE.

(Semi slick performance tire that has stronger grip but has no control during heavy rains.) 

4. CHAIN

    Chain is easy to maintain and monitor, but often forgotten by us. Chain moves our bike. So broken chain in the middle of road can lead you into disaster. Not just your ride program is interrupted, but you also have to spend some money for towing. Otherwise, you have to push your bike into nearest workshop. Service your chain using chain lube regularly.

Also Read : DIY Chain Service

5. CABLE

    Just make sure cables for throttle, clutch and brake are fully functional. Cables acts as respond for anything for your ride (eg. increasing/reducing speed and changing gear). Usually cable failure can be detected before you starting your ride. So if you notice something wrong with your bike, don't ride until you fix your cables.

6. LIGHTS

   Lights are important for other people noticing that your are 'exist' on the road. Yes, there are lots of dumb people who are not paying attention to you. Headlamp can sure them aware that you are around them. Your tail lamp are for telling people behind you that you are braking and slowing down. Signal lamp also important but still you need to use your hand as signal as motorcycle's signal are not clearly visible especially on daylight.

Also Read: Safe Tips

7. PETROL

   Especially for those who has not or not working fuel indicator, you need to full tank everytimg you start a long ride. and if it is your first time going to the place, make sure you fill every stop at petrol pump. You might don't want troubling your friends 'foot-pushing' you and your bike to nearest petrol pump.

Also read: Riding Tips