Six Long-Ride Lessons from Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary Motorcycle Expedition

Gear up, and let's dive into the lessons learned from the road to Kuno. 🏍️

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🛣️ Lessons from the Wild Ride to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

Hey fellow riders and adventure seekers! Just got back from an incredible, yet eye-opening, trip to the majestic Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with ROTSMC. We saw some amazing sights, but as always, the road taught us a few invaluable lessons—the kind you can only learn with a helmet on and the wind in your face.

Here are the six major takeaways from this recent long haul that I want to share with all of you before your next big journey!

1. The Pre-Ride Checkup: Beyond the Basics 🩺

We all know to check the oil, tires, and brakes, right? But this time, one of the riders had a starting issue, and it hammered home a new rule: Get your bike checked at the service center before any long ride, and insist on software-based sensor checks.




Modern bikes are computers on wheels. A simple sensor glitch can leave you stranded. Don't just do the hardware; do the diagnostics. An hour at the service center can save you days of frustration on the road.

2. Route Research: The Real-World Check 🗺️

Google Maps is a great starting point, but it doesn't know the difference between a "road" and a "goat track" that hasn't seen fresh tarmac since 2005. 

Our mantra now is: Research, then verify.

• Call Hotels: They live there; they know the local road conditions.

• Talk to Taxi Operators/Drivers: They use the routes daily and can warn you about unsafe stretches or current diversions.

• Map Every Junction: Don't just map "A to B." Map "A to Intersection 1 to Intersection 2 to B." This point-to-point approach gives you mental milestones and minimizes "where am I?" moments.

   

   

   

3. The Buddy System: Stay Tight, Stay Together 🔗

 

It sounds obvious, but when everyone is buzzing with adrenaline, it's easy to get separated.

On this trip, one guy took a wrong turn at a tricky junction, and bam—we lost an hour trying to regroup.

Rule: Stay with the group. Whether it's a quick fuel stop or navigating a busy town, constantly check your mirrors. The time you save by sticking together far outweighs the time lost when someone gets separated and the whole group has to backtrack or wait.

 

  

 

4. Accessory Check: A Loose Screw Can Screw Up Everything 🔩

 

We had a small but infuriating delay because of a loose screw on a front mudguard. It wasn't just a rattle; it started shaking dangerously. We had to stop, find a roadside mechanic, and fix it.

Takeaway: Before you swing your leg over, check that every single accessory, mount, and guard is tight. A minor oversight like a loose mudguard screw can delay you by an hour or more, and more importantly, it can endanger the rider if it breaks free or snags the tire.

5. Communication: Extend Your Reach 📻

Riding in a line is great, but you need to communicate beyond hand signals.

Invest in communication systems (radios/intercoms) that keep the lead, mid, and tail riders connected with at least a 1 km range. The lead rider needs to warn the tail about potholes, and the tail needs to tell the lead about a sudden stop. It keeps the group safe and moving efficiently.

6. The Rider's Cockpit: Helmet Communication 🎧

While the group needs communication, the individual rider needs a clear head.

A good quality headphone helmet Bluetooth system is a must-have for the rider. It lets you hear GPS instructions without constantly looking down, take urgent calls (briefly!), and stay connected to the group's chatter without fumbling with your phone or external devices. Safety and convenience, all in one.

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The Kuno trip was amazing, the cheetahs were elusive, but the lessons were crystal clear. Every ride, especially a long one, is a learning curve. Prep well, communicate clearly, and stick together!

Ride safe, and I'll catch you on the road! 

Cheers!
Biker BT 

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What's the one non-negotiable pre-ride check you always do before a long trip? Let me know in the comments!

 Pics: ROTSMC riders @rotsmc
@bikerbt on Instagram - 

Ditch the Guards: Why Dedicated Riding Pants Rule for Long Tours

 

 

 

🚫 Ditch the Guards: Why Dedicated Riding Pants Rule for Long Tours

We all seek protection on the road, but sometimes, the gear we choose for safety can work against our comfort over long distances. Case in point: the recent Chakrata ride where two riders learned a tough lesson about all-day wear.

One friend, relying on external knee guards, was plagued by cramps. The constant pressure and slight restriction of the straps, which are designed for impact stability, became a major source of discomfort over hours in the saddle. The other, wearing jeans with in-built guards, ended his trip with noticeable joint aches. In-built armor, especially in casual-fit jeans, often shifts slightly or is not optimally positioned for the prolonged, static position of touring, leading to unnatural pressure points.

The verdict from the road is clear: For day-long motorcycle touring, the best investment you can make is a pair of dedicated, quality riding pants.

 

The Riding Pants Advantage

• Ergonomics: Riding pants are specifically cut and articulated to accommodate the seated posture on a motorcycle for extended periods. This drastically reduces the pressure and restriction that leads to cramps and aches.

• Integrated Comfort: The armor in proper riding pants is usually held securely in pockets that prevent shifting, and often features adjustment options for a perfect fit while riding.

• Comprehensive Protection: Beyond the knees, riding pants offer superior abrasion resistance across the entire leg (including the hips and rear), which regular jeans or standalone guards can't match. In a slide, that full-coverage, abrasion-resistant material is what saves your skin.

Don't compromise your health and enjoyment for the sake of convenience or cost. Your body will thank you after a 10-hour ride when you're still walking tall and cramp-free.

Ride safe, ride smart, and invest in the gear that's built for the long haul!

What's your go-to gear for long-distance comfort? Share your experiences in the comments!

Cheers! 
Biker BT


Pic credits :unsplash.com/@mickhenson101

Are You Riding Your Money’s Worth? Calculate Your Bike’s Real Value

 

For many bikers, a motorcycle isn’t just transport—it’s a passion purchase. But once the thrill of the showroom fades, a question often lingers: Am I getting my money’s worth from this machine? Whether you ride daily or only on weekends, calculating the actual value you're extracting from your bike can offer surprising insights.  

A Simple Way to Calculate "Value for Money"

One of the most effective ways to measure this is by calculating the cost per kilometer.

Basic Formula:

 Cost per km = Total Ownership Cost / Total Kilometers Ridden

This gives you a clear picture of how much each kilometer is costing you. The more you ride, the more that cost comes down.

Example: A Rs. 10,00,000 Motorcycle

Let’s say you purchased a premium bike for ₹10,00,000. Over three years, you've ridden it for 20,000 km.

Cost per km = ₹10,00,000 / 20,000 = ₹50/km

At this point, you’re paying ₹50 for every kilometer ridden—not including additional ownership costs. That’s a high rate unless you're using the bike regularly and purposefully.

But if you ride 40,000 km over the same period?

Cost per km = ₹10,00,000 / 40,000 = ₹25/km

Double the usage, half the per-km cost. That’s how riding more helps you justify the investment.

 

What to Include in Total Cost?

To get a realistic and more accurate value, go beyond just the purchase price. Include:

●       Insurance: Premiums over the years, especially for high-end bikes. 

●        Servicing & Maintenance: Scheduled services, parts, and repairs.

●       Fuel: Calculated based on average mileage and cost per liter.

●       Accessories & Upgrades: Custom exhausts, panniers, riding tech, etc.

●       Depreciation: Estimate the loss of resale value over time.

Example Add-On Costs for the Rs. 10L Bike Over 3 Years:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Insurance (3 yrs)	₹75,000
Servicing & Repairs	₹60,000
Fuel (20 kmpl avg, ₹110/ltr, 20,000 km)	₹1,10,000
Accessories	₹50,000
Depreciation (approx 30%)	₹3,00,000

Total Additional Cost: ₹5,95,000

Total Ownership Cost = ₹10,00,000 + ₹5,95,000 = ₹15,95,000

New Cost per km = ₹15,95,000 / 20,000 = ₹79.75/km

Now, you're nearly touching ₹80 per km—unless you increase your ride time. Ride 40,000 km instead, and the cost drops to:

₹15,95,000 / 40,000 = ₹39.88/km

That’s a huge difference. 

 

Final Thought

Owning a superbike or high-end tourer is a dream—but making the most of it means riding often. Let it stretch its legs on highways, weekend trails, or daily commutes. Every kilometer helps reduce the cost and increase the value you're drawing from your machine. Your motorcycle is more than just using it for bread-anda grocery purchases or just a coffee ride. Get a Grip and RIDE ! 

So, if your bike's still gleaming in the garage with low kilometers on the odometer, it might be time to ask:

 "Am I riding it enough to justify the investment?"

 #RideItRight #BikeWorthCalculator #MotorcycleROI #GetYourMoneyWorth #RideMoreSpendSmart #BikerLifeIndia

Cheers,

Biker BT

Photo by Jusdevoyage and Sean Delshadi. 

Unleash Your Wanderlust: A Chat About the Ducati Multistrada

 Hey fellow riders! Ever find yourself staring out the window, dreaming of open roads that twist and turn through breathtaking landscapes? Yeah, me too. And when that wanderlust hits, there's one family of bikes that always comes to mind: the Ducati Multistrada. I went to the hills with fellow biker Chetan, who has a Ducati Multistrada V2 S.

Chetan with his Ducati Multistrada V2 S

For years, Ducati has been synonymous with passion and performance, and the Multistrada range perfectly embodies that spirit, just with a healthy dose of versatility thrown in. It's not just a one-trick pony; it's a whole stable of capable machines ready for pretty much anything you can throw at them.

Think about it – the name itself, "Multistrada," literally translates to "many roads." And that's exactly what these bikes are built for. They've evolved from being that trusty all-rounder to a complete lineup designed to tackle everything from your daily commute to epic cross-continent adventures and even some light off-roading.

Now, when you're looking at bikes in this premium adventure and sport-touring category, you know you're in good company. The Multistrada goes head-to-head with serious contenders, like the legendary BMW GS family and the adrenaline-pumping KTM Super Duke GT. Each has its own flavor, but the Ducati brings that unmistakable Italian flair and a focus on sporty handling that's hard to ignore.

One of the coolest things about the entire Multistrada family is the brains behind the brawn: those sophisticated riding modes. Seriously, this is a game-changer. It's like having multiple bikes in one! Whether you're carving up mountain passes in "Sport" mode, cruising comfortably on a long haul in "Touring," navigating city traffic in "Urban," or even venturing onto some gravel in "Enduro," the bike adapts to you.

Multiple modes - Touring, Sport, Urban, Enduro

- Video clip -

Dash features

We're talking about instant adjustments to power delivery, throttle response, traction control kicking in just when you need it, and the ABS behaving exactly as you'd want it to. And if your bike has electronic suspension, even that adjusts on the fly! It's not just a few presets either; some of the newer models let you really fine-tune things, and even have track-focused "Race" modes for when you want to unleash the beast.

For those looking to jump into the Multistrada world, the V2 and V2 S are fantastic starting points. They offer that classic Ducati feel and performance without being overly intimidating. That sweet 937cc Testastretta V-twin (or the newer 890cc V2) packs a punch, delivering around 113 to 115 horses and a healthy dose of that Ducati torque – around 96 Nm. Trust me, that's plenty to put a smile on your face.

And Ducati hasn't skimped on the tech either. The newer V2 models boast a sharp 5-inch full TFT display. It's bright, easy to read, and gives you access to all the vital info and settings without feeling overwhelming. Plus, who doesn't love a full LED lighting system? The Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) are a brilliant touch, lighting up the inside of those twisty roads at night – a real confidence booster.

Load Adjustment with DSS: One of the major benefits of DSS is its ability to automatically adapt to changes in load. Within the riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro), there are often sub-menus or settings specifically for adjusting the load. You typically select options like: 

• Rider Only: For solo riding.
• Rider + Luggage: For solo riding with luggage.
• Rider + Passenger: For riding with a passenger.
• Rider + Passenger + Luggage: For riding with a passenger and luggage.

What happens when you select a load setting: When you choose a load setting in the electronic menu, the DSS control unit adjusts the preload on the rear shock (usually via an electronic actuator) and optimizes the damping settings in real-time to compensate for the added weight. This ensures the bike maintains proper ride height, steering geometry, and responsiveness without you having to manually reach for any tools.

Load setting options

Now, if you're the type who loves those seamless gear changes, the V2 S often comes with the optional Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). Clutchless up and down shifts? Yes, please! It makes spirited riding even more engaging and those long rides a little less tiring.

  

So, what are your thoughts on the Multistrada? What's your favorite feature or the model that catches your eye? Let's chat in the comments below! I'd love to hear your experiences and what draws you to this incredible family of motorcycles. Keep the rubber side down, folks! 

Cheers!

Biker BT

How to cancel hypothecation on your RC in less than 2 hours: A step-by-step guide

Hey there, rider! You might consider an easy way to cancel your hypothecation on your motorcycle RC is through an RTO agent paying hefty fees? I just paid less than Rs.500 as RTO processing fees! It just takes less than 2 hours at the RTO office Gurgaon to get the process done easily.

 

Prerequisite: You will need a smartphone and an Internet on your mobile. Reach there at 10 AM preferably

See steps below on how I got it done.

Info: What is hypothecation? Ever bought a vehicle and noticed something called "hypothecation" on the RC? That basically means the financier (the lender you borrowed money from) has a stake in your motorcycle until the loan is paid off.  But once it's all settled and you're the sole owner, you can get that hypothecation cancelled.

 Here's how to navigate the process: 

A. Gather Your Documents:

First things first, you'll need some paperwork. Don't worry, it's not a mountain! Here's what to keep handy:

•    Form 35 with Hypothecation Closure Letter: This form, usually provided by your financier, needs your signature in two places.

•    Self-Attested Copy of Insurance: Make a photocopy of your motorcycle insurance and sign it, declaring it's a true copy.

•    Self-Attested Copy of Aadhar Card: Same thing with your Aadhar card - photocopy and sign.

•    Letter Stating Your Request: Write a quick letter mentioning you're submitting your RC for cancellation of hypothecation for your vehicle (mention your motorcycle's number plate).

B. Let's Get This Rolling! (Gurgaon / Gurugram RTO)

With your documents in order, head to the RTO (Regional Transport Office). Here's the breakdown of what happens next:

1. Verification Counter: Get your documents verified at the counter. You'll likely pay a small fee (around Rs 10) and receive a token number. They'll staple your documents together with the RC.

2. Data Entry Counter: This is where the magic happens! They'll enter your details into the system. Keep your phone handy, you should receive an SMS with a link, username, and password to access the Vahan portal (vahan.parivahan.gov.in).

3. Online Payment: Login to the Vahan portal using the provided credentials. Read through the details and make the payment using debit card, UPI, or any other available option. It might take an hour or so for the payment to reflect on the website.

 

4. Verify Payment: Once the payment shows up, log back in and click the "Verify" button. This will generate a payment receipt. You can save it as a PDF or take a screenshot for your records.

5. Printout Time: Head to the xerox/print counter within the RTO premises and get a physical copy of the payment receipt.

6. Submit and Wait: Attach the printed payment receipt to your document set and submit it back at the data entry counter. 

 

The good news? Your new RC, free of hypothecation, should be ready within 15 to 30 days!

You'll either receive it by post or can collect it from the RTO itself after 15-20 days! 

So now you know how to cancel your hypothecation!

 Ride Safe !

Cheers Biker BT  

Pic credits:
https://unsplash.com/@gbcaptured
https://unsplash.com/@aydinghadakchi
https://unsplash.com/@onlysiamak