Long bike rides are essential for some but an increasingly popular recreation for a few others. While there are few things as pleasurable as riding long distances on relatively empty highways on your bike, the entire experience can spiral into frustration, anxieties, and even near-death experiences, without proper preparation or other relevant necessities before you decide to hit the road.
While a valid insurance policy is absolutely critical before traversing the highways on your bike, they are also mandated by law to cover third-party claims and those of the pillion rider. However, it is highly recommended that bike owners opt for a more comprehensive policy covering everything from minor damage to extensive repairs, and even ambulance charges, before heading out to the open roads.
Apart from that, a few other essential gadgets and accessories are often considered a must-have for bikers. They stand to fundamentally enhance the riding experience while helping improve reaction times and overall safety when riding at high speeds on Indian highways. If nothing else, these accessories help make long bike trips what they are meant to be, fun!
Here are a few essential accessories that stand to enhance your riding experience fundamentally.
A Phone Bike Mount
An apparatus that holds your phone while riding the bike. It can be placed near the handlebar, in an easily viewable position. It helps you view the maps to reach your destination, and is a handy tool to use the cellphone without taking your hands off the handle.
Bluetooth Headset
Yet another mobile accessory required for a long bike trip. The Bluetooth headset would make it easier to access the GPS navigation tool. You can listen to the directions directly without looking into your phone. A Bluetooth headset is also useful for attending calls or listening to music while driving, although this is quite rightly considered reckless behavior, and must be avoided at all costs.
Power Bank
Power banks are important to keep your electronic gadgets from going dead. It is quite presumable that your cell phones would lose charge faster with constant use of mobile data and GPS tracking.
Depending on the time you will be spending on the road and the places you plan on visiting, you may not have access to power sources or points, making it imperative that you carry your own portable power bank to charge your devices on the move.
A Spare Set of Gloves
Gloves protect your hands from the sun or cold depending on the place you travel to. It protects your arms from cramping and your skin from sun tan or frostbite. You should carry an extra pair of gloves in case the one you are wearing gets soiled or dirty. It can be quite annoying and even unhealthy to use a soiled glove. An extra set of gloves can come in handy in such a situation.
Riding Jacket
A good riding jacket can keep you safe from the cold weather outside and keep you warm.
You should select a jacket that is durable and made of good quality material while being adequately thick and fitting properly. You should buy a jacket that has safety labeling, as it may save you in case of a fall or a crash.
Saddlebags
Designed solely for traveling purposes. They are expandable and should have sufficient space for all your belongings for short rides. They are also easy to use and carry around. They are waterproof and can be carried in all weather conditions.
Rain Cover & Trunk Bags
Another major necessity is a trunk bag. A trunk bag can be an easy-access storage place for all your necessities like food, water, electronic gadgets, etc. You should also carry a rain cover to protect you from unexpected rains throughout your journey. Not just you, but your bags and other accessories should also be covered using a rain cover.
Windscreen
Windscreens shield you from high-speed winds while riding. Some bikes come with inbuilt windscreens while others do not. It is not mandatory to have one but is highly recommended. Windscreens can make your ride pleasurable by blocking the wind and debris from hitting your body. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bike.
A windscreen is a must when you are riding during heavy rains or snowfall. Windscreens are also known to help improve bike mileage, significantly reducing drag when in the right shape and positioned properly.
A Road Map on paper
You should keep a hard copy of your road map as you cannot always rely on the GPS on your phone. Your phone might run out of charge or you might encounter some connectivity issues while traveling. In that case, you can use a physical map and continue your journey.
Torch/Flashlight
You should mandatorily carry a torch with you. A torch can be used when you have to stop on the roadside at night or sleep in a tent. You can also use the torch if there is a power outage in the place you are staying.
A Bike/Tire Repair Kit
Your bike can face several mechanical failures while on the trip. In that case, you should have the necessary tools that are required to fix the problem. If your bike runs into trouble in a remote area, you require a handy tool kit, especially if there are no mechanics nearby.
Read more -
