Bought a new bike recently and ready to hit the road for a long, adventurous ride? But have you insured your precious two-wheeler with a two-wheeler insurance? If yes, then you have ensured that you are financially protected against damages due to road accidents, and disasters (natural or man-made). This is one of the most essential ‘must-do’ post owning a bike. However, is much more to this.

Motor bike touring seems exciting but can prove to be rewarding only if you are mindful of certain ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’:

Dos-

• Always Ride with the Helmet On
  A helmet, as you already know, is for your own protection since road  accidents can turn out to be extremely deadly and may cause severe head injuries.
• Carry Information About You
  Driver’s license, insurance papers, identity document (ID), passport, emergency numbers come in handy in identifying you as a person and locating your family in crisis situation (road accidents).
• Gear Up  
  Carry sufficient food supplies, a first aid kit, and extra pair of clothes, water, if you are planning to embark on a long journey through a rough and dangerous terrain.  
• Carry Spare Parts and Tool Kit
  A spanner, screwdriver, pocket knife, sprocket, flashlight with (AAA or AA battery), clutch cable, accelerator cable, spare keys of the bike are some of the essential items that should be a part of your tool kit. Mishaps are bound to happen and being prepared to face them is your responsibility.
• Two-Wheeler Insurance
  The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates every two-wheeler owner to apply for a two-wheeler insurance. Check insurance policies offered by different insurance companies, read the policy document thoroughly and apply for the policy that suits your needs the best. Opt for a comprehensive insurance cover, which is inclusive of the third-party liability.

Don’ts-

• Avoid Talking on the Phone While Riding
  Do not use your mobile phone while riding, as it may distract you and result in you ramming into the vehicle ahead of you.
• Do not overtake
  This is strictly a no-no as recklessly overtaking at sharp turns in the Ghats, or mountain passes, may lead to severe accidents that may sometimes even result in death.
• Constant Check on the Speedometer
  Speeding or racing the bike should be done with discretion. It does feel euphoric to race the bike on a long stretch of a road on the city outskirts, or spots of dispersed human settlement. But applying speeding techniques in the city or crowded areas may not be a wise thing to do.  
• Pillion Rides with Discretion
  There will be dire situations when you would want to extend a helping hand, like a pillion ride for example. Let’s say, you are part of a biking tour in Leh Ladakh and need to take somebody pillion due to an engine failure. This works as along as you know you will be able to endure the weight of two in such tough conditions up there. Also, do not end up riding pillion with more than one person.

Make sure you follow these do’s and don’ts whenever you decide to go on a biking trip. If you can think of more suggestions let us know in the comments below.