Preparing your motorcycle for Ladakh

[Calcuttan]

Well I missed that part about battery water checking Thanks for pointing it out. Modern bikes and cars indeed don't really need too much tinkering with the battery because their electrical systems are very robust and precise. But if the battery is beyond warranty it is worth getting it checked properly before a Ladakh kind of trip. But do this from a proper battery shop that have the right electronic gadgets to check.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Completely agree, especially with several of the new bikes coming without kickstart. Of course one can push start most of these, but thats really a pain at that sort of altitude.

 

[Calcuttan]

I had a harrowing time in Neora Valley National Park area recently when the hired jeep had a battery failure and the fellow tried to start the vehicle by rolling back down the path !!! And it was not even a black top road. Entirely a 4-wheel territory on the way to Kolakham (for those who might know).

 

[Hulbatte]

Hey folks, I think we can add Mediclaim policy or card to the document list.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

That is only if one has it, which is of course a good thing to have, but not everyone does!

 

[parveen rohilla]

Hi Yogesh sir,
Sorry, As i am first time going to leh on bike.so i am bit nevus. I have yamaha fz-s, it is 14000km old. I am using 20w40 semi synthetic which yamaha recommend, which type of engine oil should i used 5w50 or 10w50 or same can be used. and i have alloy wheel with tubeless tyre. i read on royal enfield forum for their himalayan. they write that spoke wheel with tube tyre will be good for off road.

regards,
parveen rohilla

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Stick to the recommended grade of engine oil, just get it changed after reaching Leh, along with cleaning of air filter and the bike would perform better.

While in case of alloys there is a chance of them getting bent or breaking due to stress, plenty of riders do Ladakh each year with alloy wheels without any issue. For backup, carry rear and front tyre tube, so that I case the alloy bends and is letting out air, you can put in a tube and keep riding.

 

[ravi200223]

yogesh ji
i am planning for leh from 8 june 13 . my wight is 60kg and i put luggages aroound 12-15 kg. i have yamaha gladiator 125 cc. i have done 24500km i have replace rear tyre to new wide tyre. this is good for leh ladakh trip.I prepare my bike as your guidance.Now my bike looking very good. can i go for this.
please advise.
ravi

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Wider tyre doesn’t necessarily mean better grip and it does put extra load on the engine. Better option would to get a dual purpose tyre in same size if possible, since it will handle off road duties decently and at the same time, wouldn’t put extra load on the engine.

 

[parveen rohilla]

sir,
i have wider rear tyre(factory fitted) and it is punchered 3-4 times. and u mention to carry extra tube. but mine both tyres are tubeless.

Regards,
parveen rohilla