Preparations for Ladakh Bike Trip - Must Have Gear

Must Have Gear

1. Riding Jacket. This is a 3 layer protective jacket consisting of the following:

(a)   Outer layer of mesh with protective padding (CE Rated) on shoulders, elbows and back.

(b)   Inner winter liner.

(c)   Inner rain liner.

These jackets are available in bike gear stores as well as online. The cost ranges from Rs 5K to 10K   depending on the brand. It is better to buy these from physical stores so that a perfectly fitting jacket can be purchased. These should be snug and comfortably fitting so that the armor padding does not shift in case of a fall. Loose fitting jackets should be avoided. These jackets are also available with Royal Enfield branding at their showrooms.

2. Riding Pants.  Like the jacket these are also layered with protective padding. The jackets have a provision to fit the pant on to them with a zipper. In case riding pants are not preferred (like me) then a pair of loose fitting jeans with underpants/thermals will do with an external knee pad. The cost of riding pants is in the same range as jackets.

3. Riding Boots. These are long safety boots which are waterproof but take some getting used to. Cost ranges from Rs 4000 onwards. What is imperative is that the boots should cover the ankle fully and protect it from getting twisted. Alternatively, ankle length boots (CAT or Woodland) can also be worn with a waterproof “shoerella” covering (available online at less than a thousand bucks). Royal Enfield also has riding boots in their showrooms.

4. Full Face Helmet. A good helmet (ISI certified) is a must have. The range is from Rs 1000 to Rs 25 K or even more. Steelbird or Studds helmets in the range of Rs 2500 to Rs 3500 are good enough. These are also available in CSD. The important thing to note here is that the helmet should be snug and comfortable. A tight helmet can be a source of constant ‘pain in the head’! The helmet which Royal Enfield provides free with the bike is not suitable for high altitude biking.

5. Riding Gloves. These are a must to protect against abrasions/wounds in case of a fall as well as some protection from the weather too. Cost varies from Rs 500/- to Rs 1000/-.

6. Cotton Balaclava. This is a snug fitting light balaclava which can be worn under the helmet. It’s purpose is to keep the head & face warm, keep unruly hair (if any on the pate) in place and keep the ears from flapping around. Sometimes the ears get pressed under the helmet which again is a pain in the…! These are available for a couple of hundred rupees. Can be bought online as they are of free size.

7. Knee Pads. These are required in case riding pants are not preferred. They usually come in a set with elbow pads and cost Rs 1200/- to Rs 2000/-

 

Bike Mods & Accessories

1.  Bike Mods :

    (a)  Back Rest and Luggage Tray/Rack. Back rest is already available on some bikes otherwise a combo can be   

    fitted for Rs 1500/- to Rs 2000/-

    (b) Sump Guard/Bash Plate. A must for newer model bikes to protect the undercarriage from flying  pebbles

    or foreign objects. This costs around Rs 1500/-.

    (c) Crash Guard/Leg Guard. To protect the legs and engine in case of a fall. Costs around Rs 2000/-.

    (d) Saddle Stays. The Saree guard which is fitted on the bike as per MV Rules can be removed and a pair of

    saddle stays should be fitted so that it becomes easier to secure saddle bags/luggage on the bike. These

    stays will prevent any part of the baggage to touch the rear wheel. The cost of saddle stays ranges from Rs

    1500/- to Rs 3000/- depending on the brand/type. These can be ordered online too.

2. Accessories :

    (a)  Saddle Bags/Luggage Bags. These are soft luggage bags of varying sizes which are suitable for particular

    models of bikes. The cost varies for Rs 3000/- to Rs 6000/-. These come with water proof rain covers. The

    other option is to fix two identical bags on either side and cover them up with waterproof plastic sheets.

    (b) Bungee Cords. (Also known as elastic nylon luggage straps) These are the best way to secure any luggage

    to the bike. They cost around Rs 100/- to 200/- for a pair. Recommended to have at least 4 such cords which

    may come in handy during the ride.

    (c) Tank Bag. This can be fixed to the fuel tank either with magnets or straps for those who prefer to have  

    knick-knacks readily available at hand. This will also take some getting used to. These cost Rs 2000/- or so.

    (d) Cell Phone Holder. Again an item of personal preference which can be fitted on the handle bar. The Cell

     Phone can be fixed to this and used easily (particularly for navigation for bikes which do not have this

    feature). This can cost anything between Rs 300/- to Rs 1000/- depending on build quality.

    (e) Plastic Can for Petrol. Two 5 litre cans are recommended per bike.

    (f) Water bottle

Personal Clothing Etc

1. Winter Jacket/Parka/Windbreaker. In addition to the riding jacket it is advisable to carry a light weight fleece lined or layered jacket which may be used when the riding jacket is not being worn. This should not be very bulky (like the regulation Parka jacket). Woodland, Columbia, UCB and The North Face have some nice jackets which are light as well as warm (and some are waterproof too). Such jackets would cost around Rs 8000/- to Rs 12,000/-

2. Thermals or Woolen Vest and Long Johns. At least two pairs of these items of innerwear are required. Jockey and Lux Cozy are some brands which are selling these items for around Rs 1000/-

3. Leather or Woolen Gloves and muffler.

4. Two pairs of jeans/pants and shirts.

5. A couple of Sweat shirts/ T-shirts.

6. Underclothes, Socks and Hankies – as desired (recommended at least six sets)

7. Towels - 2

8. A pair of sports shoes/sneakers and a pair of slippers.

9. One Sleeping Bag. (Layered, synthetic or down filled)

10. Toiletries

11. Toilet Paper Rolls