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
