He’s been just about everywhere, packed to the rafters and on roads that would send shivers down most of us. Let Rixy share his 15 top tips for that big trip.
1. BIKE PREPARATION
Get your motor running — make sure your baby is in tip-top shape, or at least as good as it can be. Know the things that might go wrong on your bike. Remember, it’s going to be under more stress for longer periods than it has ever been. Nowadays it’s easy to find out the foibles of most bikes via marque-specific sites and clubs. Reinforce the weak points and protect the vulnerable bits and pieces that will stop your progress, like a holed radiator, a smashed clutch reservoir or a broken gear lever. Take it to a reputable mechanic to give it the once, twice and three times over, then double check the work to make sure you’re satisfied. Even if you’re buying a bike overseas to use, make sure it’s up to the task. I have a mate who ended up leaving a shitbox he purchased on the side of the road in France.
2. PERSONAL PREPARATION
Are you bike fit? Do your best to prepare yourself for the ride physically and mentally. You don’t have to bench press the heaviest weights at the gym but you do need to be comfortable in the saddle for long stretches. It’s also important to think about your ride. You are about to ride in foreign countries with different road rules, but more importantly different road etiquette e. Don’t expect road users to behave like they do at home. Now go to the doctor. Tell them what you’re doing, where you intend to go and grin and bear it while they make you into a pin cushion. Dengue fever, rabies and the like are no fun, so get inoculated. Have you had a dental check-up? Do it. I can tell you from personal experience it’s not pre y seeking out a dentist overseas.
3. TRIP PLANNING
Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Australian Road Rider.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Australian Road Rider.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Chip Off The Old Block
ARR’s roving reporter, Ian Neubauer, heads to India to test the new Himalayan, Royal Enfield’s long-anticipated mid-size adventure tourer.
Winter Wonderland
As the weather cools, the tourists and surfers dwindle on the Sunshine Coast and the motorcycle riders move in
Taking It To The Street
Riders converge in Sydney’s Inner West for the 2017 Throttle Roll Street Party
Ride Like Hell
Anyone who hasn’t discovered the literary offerings of Paul Carter is missing a real treat.
Genre Bender
When Ducati produces a whole new bike, we sit up and take notice. When it creates a new category, well, the motorcycle world stands to attention. Leechy reports on the newest thing from Ducati, on the spot in Spain
Elite Fleet
BMW wheels out its very biggest guns to the Aussie press in an epic trip to take on Tassie’s challenging tarmac
Kriega Tail Packs
When it comes to bike luggage, my preference is usually a set of soft saddle bags; you can throw them on and off easily, and they make sense whether you’re packing for a day trip or a months-long adventure.
Pipe Dreams
We’re going hunting for noise after some urban exploration
Riding Me Crazy
Today’s 149km leg took us to 4200m above sea level on wild, rocky, slippery mountain passes with drop off s you just don’t want to think about.
Keeping Girls On Motorcycles
On any given weekend at your local motorcycle club, you will see throngs of kids blasting around on dirt bikes having a great time. More often than not, it’s at these local club tracks where kids are introduced to motorbikes. Boys and girls (under 10 years old) get out there and simply enjoy riding their bike without too much competition. Not many of the kids or parents care where they finish in the pack — it’s just about having fun.
