Spiti/Ladakh Tour Preparation – Offroad and Misc

We have been seeing a lot of videos about riding to Spiti/Ladakh. We have also seen a lot of people take an undue risk and not being able to tackle the terrain, having fatal falls, bikes breaking down and many other scenarios which come from a lack of preparedness, lack of skill, or general lack of awareness. I am taking a stab at a few points that are worth considering before you embark on an adventurous and treacherous journey for you and your bike.

Choosing the right motorcycle

Here in India, the Classic or Thunderbird 350 and nowadays the RE Himalayan seem to be the bikes of choice when we say “Leh” or “Spiti” or touring. This is for all of us mere mortals. And then there are people who take the Harleys up to Khardungla.

But for mere mortals like me, I would choose a bike that has a good torque curve starting from say 2K RPM, a good ground clearance well above 130 MM (ala Classic 350) and is lightweight to be thrown around. Bikes that generally come to my mind are the FZ25, Hero XPulse/Impulse, Karizma, TVS Apache 200, KTM Duke 250 or (390 if you can handle that power and torque although no low end here) followed by the likes of Himalayans, Classics, Meteors, Interceptors etc.

It will all depend on your skill to manage the weight of the bike, the stress of the ride, and the tiredness that creeps in every day. How much you are able to recover and run again the next day. But this is something I will leave to the respective owners. To each his own.

However – I would personally not rent a motorcycle and do this kind of a ride. It has to be my motorcycle, which is an extension of my mind and body that travels with me, I know the nuances and the behavior and I am solely the person getting the reward and carrying the risk.

Motorcycle Preparedness

For such long and arduous terrains, the motorcycle needs to be prepped properly. Following things need to be considered:

1. Engine prep: Change the oil/oil filter/air filter (if using paper type) or clean it if its a K&N type of filter.
2. Check all cables, especially the clutch cable. Normally carry a spare along. Route it along side the original. In case of breakage, all you have to do is connect both the ends and you are sorted.
3. Check clutch wear: Change if found to be worn out. U dont want to lug your bike at high altitudes without power
4. Chains and sprockets: Check and replace if found worn
5. Brakes: Check and replace if worn out
6. Tyres: Hmmmmm. Normally, people disregard tyres quite a bit. Many a times they are found to be hard and cracking. On longer runs, these will give you premature punctures, lesser grip and slippage if they are run for a longer time. Indian manufacturers kind of provide us with a tyre that runs 40K Kms. But this trip is different. Please change to dual sport if you can afford or switch over to new OE tyres of same sizes. A good tyre will give you peace of mind in steep ascends and descends (provided you the rider has enough skills to tackle those). Ralco, Timsun offer good after market options (I am in no way associated). I have good experience using the Ralco speed blasters. Awesome tyres.
7. Suspension: Check the front fork oil and rear shock absorbers for their conditions. Check swing arm bushes if run over 30K Kms.

Rider preparedness

1. Normally people do not practice their motorcycle riding skills and do not ride enough to be comfortable
2. One should ride varied terrains, long distances and off road to get a grip of how the motorcycle behaves, what happens when you fall down, how do your riding mates respond to stressfull situations etc.
3. It takes a lot of practice and mental strength to be able to cope up with incidents along the trip. Learn talking to people in a gentle manner. Convey your thoughts in a friendly manner and be ready to listen to the group
4. Fitness – People need to work on their fitness levels. As much as riding is fun, it also is energy sapping. It needs a lot of focus, mental strength and stamina. Specifically work on the shoulders, legs and core to strengthen them. Once you get the strength, you wil understand how well you can maneuver your motorcyle, stand and ride, have confidence to lean and carry your own weight etc. etc. etc. So fitness plays a very important role. Save your lower back.

Things to carry for motorcycle

1. Carry essential spares like fuses, cables, bulbs
2. Carry a toolkit which allows you to do basic troubleshooting. An adjustable spanner or spanner set, allen keys which fit your bike allen bolts, pliers, screw drivers (philip head and flat), axel nut spanner. These should ideally suffice
3. Chain cleaner and chain lube (Can be common in the group)
4. Tyre inflator (if u have tubeless. If tubetype tyres, its useless unless you know how to replace the tube or fix the tube puncture)

Luggage, Personal and Medications

1. Instead of the Ladakh carriers, or huge heavy boxes, invest in a nice saddle bag and saddle stays. Makes it lighter. Check out Invictus luggage options for durable and cheap luggage carrying options.
2. Carry only a pair of jeans and 5-6 Tshirts
3. Your daily riding will be taken care of by the riding jacket, riding pants and boots. So you dont need any other clothes
4. The boots should be grippy so u can rest your legs while on the bike and landing your feet in gravel or mud
5. Carry some chikki, parle g and candy so that you are not dehydrated and get sufficent energy to continue to your next stop
6. Carry all necessary meds if you are on BP or Diabetes medication
7. Carry some camphor. It helps you breathe better at high altitudes
8. Ask your doctor about usage of Diamox. Actually its not required but will help if you face altitude sickness. Needs to be taken early on, not at the onset of sickness
9. Carry gum boots for ther water wading capabilities.
10. There is nothing called as waterproof. Everything gets wet. Use zip lock plastic bags to preserve things that should not get wet
11. Carry motorcyle registration card, PUC and insurance. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance
12. Please ensure you have cashless mediclaim. In the event of a mishap, this will get you treated quickly
13. Carry a plastic sheet which can be used as protection against rain and wind in case you get stuck due to landslide or heavy rain. Can be tied to other cars or your bikes and riders can stay protected under it
14. Travel light. Dont carry heavy loads on your bikes like how we see those blue sheet covered huge bags. You will struggle along with your motorcycle
15. Carry BSNL Postpaid SIM Cards. They work almost in all remote locations wher there is coverage
16. Download maps offline. They help when there is no coverage

Some important Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do not carry weapons even if you feel you can use them in case of any incidents. They will get you in trouble with the police
2. Do not get into altercations with any locals even if you think you are the king of the world
3. DO NOT DRINK AND RIDE
4. Do not ride after dark
5. Have a buffer of 3 or 4 days just in case some more sights beckon OR if you get stuck somewhere. Staying alive is important than your boss/company
6. Dont test your limits for any reason. Nature is the king out there!
7. If possible, learn a few phrases in local dialect. Brings a smile on the face of the locals.
8. Remember, you are the guest in their area. You should have the courtesy of a fine guest.

Traveling in a pack

1. However fast you travel, you will be as fast as the slowest man
2. Its a marathon, not a sprint
3. Always travel in pre-decided formations
4. Have a designated riding buddy with whom you will share a room and some of your fears and happiness
5. Never break the formation
6. Remember you are there for the pleasure, not for pain

These are just some of the things I penned down as I remembered. Please add if I have missed out anything, I shall update the blog with more information

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