Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Motorcycle 101: Tips for Desert Riding

If you are planning to ride through the desert but you have never done it before, go through this article before starting the ignition

At present, the current temperature of Kolkata is 38 degrees Celsius, whereas, in Delhi, India’s capital city, the temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. The situation is no different in cities like Chennai and Mumbai, with the temperature hitting above 30 degrees Celsius. In short, the Indian summer is at its peak and going out in the sun is a big no-no!

However, if you are an adventurous soul who is planning a motorcycle trip through the Indian deserts but you have never done it before, go through this article before riding off. For you and lakhs of rookie riders, we have drafted some trips for motorcycling through desert areas.

What is the importance of this article?

Every year, several motorcycle tourers pass away or get heavily injured because of accidents. However, a portion of them invite trouble because their trips are not planned properly. Therefore, this article is important for those rookie riders who have never ridden through desert areas or crossed deserts before.

Get wet

If you are planning to ride through the desert, we assume you will hit the Indian state of Rajasthan, where the temperature in the evening is around 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, during the day, the temperature is anywhere close to 50 degrees Celsius or above.

To make it through such treacherous conditions, you need to get wet. You will wear normal clothes under your gear and therefore, it is our advice to wet your normal clothes and wear them under your gear. Not to forget, do wear a cooling jacket underneath your clothes.

Ride early, carry water

It is wiser to start early at around 2-3 a.m. and reach the target destination by around 9-10 a.m. However, if you wish to ride throughout the day, we advise you to take a break at an interval of every 60-70 kilometres. Not to forget, carry water and by water, we mean two jerrycans of water (around 20 litres).

Learn navigation

As long as you are sticking to the highway, it is not an issue. However, your trouble will begin the moment you enter the desert region. With no signs, people or mile markers; you will heavily rely on your GPS instrument and maps. Not to forget, you may have to learn how to use a compass.

Last but not the least, carry objects like a tent, spare parts, desert chain for tyres, fuel, portable stove, utensils, sleeping bags and medicines.