This video is about how to increase your Kawasaki Vulcan 650s performance.
I have done the following changes , replacing the stock spare parts with the best available after market one. Pls note , I don’t intend to modify the engine or exhaust and keep the bike in as its stock.
I am sure we do pre ride check of our bikes and take all spares and precautions. But, what about the “Rider” itself? Here are list of things I do during my Bike trips, the same can be applied even for any other mode of road travel.
START EARLY, START FRESH
I Leave home Fresh for the Ride, Most of my ride starts between 5am -6am, I make sure I bathe before I leave, it makes me feel fresh.
RIDE SCHEDULE
Although depends on bike to bike, I ride a KTM DUKE 390 and I usually take break after every 150 Kms or 2 Hours , whichever is early.
WHAT I CONSUME
Hydration kit
My first stop would be for a Tea break , I do carry glucose biscuits and have them along with the Tea. This is my first and Last tea of the entire ride. If you can skip Tea and convert it to water break it’s even better. (15 Mins Break) I do take another break after 150 Kms / 2 Hours for Breakfast. I do not eat Heavy here too, Either a sandwitch or single parantha. (20 -30 Minutes break depending on the restaurant service.) I also Sip enough water. Either plain water or add ORS – Electral to keep me hydrated. My next break after 150Kms/2 Hours is purely water break. Earlier I would have electoral mixed in it or add salt to water. Recently my brother, Atul Johar from Delhi Visited Shimla and he carried ready to Drink ORS TETRAPACK. Before this I didn’t even knew these TetraPack exists. So my Third break I just drink one of these , its 200ml and sufficient. In case you are feeling hungry during this time, have some Seasonal Fruits, Dry Fruits. Although Stay Light. Most of the time, by the time I ride another 150kms/2 hours I reach my destination. Fresh-up and have my lunch and take rest. Otherwise one can repeat water break and light meal break if you wish to continue your journey.
EXERCISE DURING THE RIDE:
Yes, you read it right. Haven’t you seen other riders stretching legs during ride? Sometimes they even straighten their back too while riding. I am sharing the above Video (click the Link) which is about what kind of exercise one shall do during ride. Let me tell you, It’s useful and it Works.
REGULAR EXERCISE DURING THE WHOLE TRIP
This video is about another exercise I try to do every day morning during my trip… I would advise if you can do it twice a day, Morning and evening. One can find many more useful videos on YouTube.
MEDICINE
Apart from your regular medicines, Carry Medicine to avoid giddiness during ride, I take Stugeron before every ride. Also carry – Paracetamol to treat Fever and moderate Pain. Before Food – Pan D to treat acid reflux. Imodium – To Treat Sudden Diarrhea. (Please consult your doctor before taking any of these medicines) Chewing Gum during ride also helps.
That’s it folks, Hope this helps. Stay Healthy and Happy Riding… Cheers
Can’t tell you how excited I am to having got one for myself…
Had been waiting for long time and finally I lay my hands on. This is MI PORTABLE ELECTRIC AIR COMPRESSOR.
You can buy one from: mi.com/in/lifestyle
Other electric pumps which runs on battery can put especially your bike battery at risk of draining… This is like a mobile. Charge it, keep it, it’s handy, not very heavy, decent built quality and works well.
Also, for high end bikes, playing with electric system and installing extra socket for air pump is not advisable.
You can fill 2 flat car tyres.. and atleast 3 times the bike tyres before battery drains of this compressor. In most of the cases, you will require just one tyre to fill. Very rarely both your tyres get punctured.
There are many videos online about the same , if you wish to get more details, it’s available there.
You need- Engine Oil, Coolant, Vinegar, Distilled water ( Battery Water)
So first of All – You need to choose which is the best Engine Oil for your Bike . Read Owner’s Manual and choose accordingly. Engine oil viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a specified temperature. Thin oils have lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather. Engine Oil Grades: The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil and the W stands for WINTER. … In a 5W-30 for example, the number before the W describes the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner the oil and the better the oil’s cold temperature/ cold start performance. Fully synthetic vs semi synthetic engine oil: All engine oils are made of base oils and additives. Fully synthetic engine oils contain 100% non-conventional, high-performance fluids. Semi-synthetic engine oils (also called “blends”) contain a smaller percentage of these high-performance fluids in combination with conventional mineral oil. You can read about these more about these in details on Google. So for my KTM DUKE 390 – I use 10w50 Fully Synthetic engine Oil. Brand Motul. (15w50 is what KTM international Manual recommends but I guess its based on Country to Country Temperature, In India, temperature is extreme both ways hence this 10w50 recommandation. Changing the Engine Oil/ without using the engine flush: Let me come first to Engine Flush, there is a lot of debate whether we should use it or not. Frankly, I have used it to both in my bike and car earlier but but this is something I avoid now… Reason: A good engine flush can help loosen deposits and dissolve sludge, returning your engine to like-new condition. However, in old engines with high miles, sludge may be the only barrier keeping oil from seeping through worn or cracked seals. Removing the sludge exposes the seals for what they really are – junk. Also , it makes the engine run dry in the beginning at some part as it removes sludge as well oil from everywhere, hence chance of damage to engine though unnoticeable.
Oil Change Video
So as you see in this Video – After draining the engine oil, have poured some fresh new oil again to drain so that whatever little old oil still inside the engine comes out with it. Hence no need of Engine Flush. After that close the drainage nut and pour fresh new oil.
Replacing of Coolant: When to change your motorcycle coolant. Motorcycle coolant should be changed at least every two years because its performance deteriorates over time. Aluminium corrosion or changes in the fluid-to-coolant ratio are the usual causes for this.
You need: Fresh Coolant, Vinegar and Distilled Water 1Liter. • So just like Oil, First Drain your existing coolant completely • Mix Vinegar & Distilled Water 50/50 ration. • Pour the same in Radiator after closing the drainage outlet nut. • Run bike for 10-15 Minutes. • Wait for few minutes to cool down as it would be super-hot to flush it again. • Once flushed, you may notice the different colour as it cleaned the sludge etc in radiator. • If you want, pour little bit of fresh distilled water again into radiator to directly flush. • Fix the drainage nut. • Pour fresh premixed Coolant – I Recommend MOTUL MOTOCOOL EXPERT (1LITER) it works great in both side of extreme temperature. Also, reduces the frequency of time radiator fan starts/Runs. Hence better fuel economy and fewer loads on battery.
This video is second stage- after flushing the vinager+Distilled water mix ( you see the yellow colour is what this mix removes leftover of old coolant+ some sludge and we pour some new distilled water to make sure all is clear inside.
The most important part in the bike is often neglected completely or regularly.Have seen new high end bikes having corrosion on their chain.
Not to boost myself but I give great attention to my drive chain.when I had Royal Enfield Classic 500, workshop told me chain generally last 7500-10000 Kms if you take care of it well , maximum 15000 Kms. But with my regular cleaning, lubricating and regular adjustment of chain at workshop… Don’t be surprised- it went upto 35000Kms and I sold the bike with same chain.
Coming to my latest Bike, The KTM DUKE 390 (2017 Model) , I was told that it’s maximum life of this chain is 8000 to 10000 Kms. I used the chain which came with bike for 18500 Kms. But had to replace it on way to Himachal from Bangalore at Jaipur KTM workshop as precautionary measure.
Some tips to clean the chain – I am sure most of you know it but it might help refresh our mind.
I clean the chain atleast a day in advance before the ride. Sometimes I make it a point to do it few days before but after I lubricate , I don’t ride the bike immediately. Hence plan accordingly.
For Cleaning the chain: Clean every 500 Kms. I either use a chain cleaner or Kerosene. In absence of both, I use WD40 which both cleans and lubricates. Yes, during long rides, just a WD40 shall do to keep your chain in great clean shape. I spray the chain cleaner and leave it atleast for 15-30 mins.
After that I use the Chain cleaning brush and then a cloth. If u don’t have the chain cleaner brush, cloth shall do but be careful of your hand and cloth not coming in between sprockets and chain.
Chain Cleaning Brush & Waste Cloth
Once done with this , I spray Chain lube from inside out, some workshop spray outside in but I feel inside out the lube gets spread well inside the chain. Don’t spray too much as it will get wasted as well dirty the Rim when you ride. You need to practice to spray the right amount of lube so the it does not drip. After lube, Rotate the wheel few times so that the chain lube gets evenly spread.There is also something called as Chain Wax, available online which could be a blessing for bikes with spokes. This is little expensive but worth it as it stays on chain longer, doesn’t drip and protects it better. The chain picture here you see is used almost 6000 Kms.
Important Points: choose the right chain lube – first know your chain type , is it O ring, X ring, Z ring. Accordingly choose the lube. Frequency: Recommanded every 500 Kms. Don’t spray the lube and start riding. Even on long outstation ride, spray Chain lube just before your breaks like for food, stopping at a restaurant. If you ride on dirty roads , increase the frequency to clean the chain according based on visibility. Don’t let your chain get corrosion, if it gets corrosion, first spray the WD 40 anti corrosion spray and later the chain lube.
PREMIUM LUBE OPTIONS
Chain Wax:
Chain Wax
Wax as the name suggests, are thick and splash proof.
Being a wax base, it prevents corrosion, doesn’t attract dirt and it doesn’t fling off at high speeds. It doesn’t leave any deposit near the front sprocket area too.
Synthetic based Chain Lube:
From Liqui Moly
Synthetic Based Lube
As per Liqui Moly, the product description says it all – Fully synthetic chain lubricating grease. Extremely adherent and waterproof. Excellent penetration ability and lubrication. Particularly suitable for fast-running chains. Reduces chain elongation and helps to extend chain service life
As long as I remember, I have been adding this additive-“Iftex System G” to my car… My first car was 25 years back… So since then.
Comes in different packing for both Petrol & Diesel
I must say , though it’s in market for so long, I haven’t seen many using this… Probably the reason that it’s combursome … To get out of car, add this to fuel tank and fill the petrol then.. but I must say ITS WORTH THE PAIN…
I have seen tangible results… My car was giving fuel injector signal alarm on low RPM and my mechanic said avoid opening the fuel injector as long as car can be driven… This was a second hand car I bought.
But after getting this car under my fold, I started using this ADDITIVE… and in less then a month, the alarm was gone, the drive was smooth.
So I had been buying this bottle for my car as long as I remember… But came across a sachet in Bharat Petroleum few years back for 2 wheelers…
Sachet for 2 Wheelers
I admit not been using it regularly… Bcaz it’s more combursome then car … In bike where you keep the sachet .. under the seat? So the issue…
But I happen to come across this bottle for 2 wheelers at Amazon India called IFTEX SYSTEM 2 some time back and since then been making sure I plan my fuel top-up to carry this bottle along.
System 2
I could make out the difference in engine sound and smoothness from the second tank onward… Frankly…every time I ride… There is a smile on my face…
Also there is another one… it’s called “Iftex System T” If you don’t want to use every time you fill fuel. This is after every service… Just empty this bottle in full tank after the service and you are good to go… Simple yet effective. Do it every time you get your bike serviced. Though recommended every 2000 Kms by manufacturer.
System T for 2 Wheelers
For me, I do the both… After service and during regular top up of fuel.
So, thanks to Bharat petroleum and iftex to have this product in market.
With all this , You don’t need to fill the premium Petrol anymore and spend more.
Now the calculation part : For System G for CAR , the bottle cost for 200 ML is Rs.360 and you add ONE ML to every liter of Petrol. it works out Rs.1.8 per litre.
System G
If you fill say Shell V Power in Bangalore (some call it Premium@Govt Petrol pumps as it comes with premixed additives), you end up paying Rs 8.35 extra over normal Petrol. Minus 1.8 for system G , it works out the saving if Rs. 6.55 / litre.
For System 2 (Bikes) :
It costs Rs. 150 for 100 ML bottle. You add 2 ML per little of Petrol , hence it works out Rs.3 extra to make your petrol premium. Still a saving of Rs.5.35 per litre.
In case you want to add SystemT at the cost of Rs. 144 per bottle after every 2000 Kms , it will add another Rs.2.15 cost per litre of petrol extra (estimated bike Average 30 Kms/liter). Still a saving of 3.20 / liter of Petrol (5.35 – 2.15).
Although it’s your choice which one of them you want to use.
Available at selected Bharat Petroleum outlet and at AMAZON India.
Wish you all a smooth and troubled free rides… Cheers
We often depend on our mechanic to suggest the right tyre for our vehicles, be it Motorcycle or a Car.
Apart from Brand, Size of the tyre , it is important to know what all the other details mentioned in the tyre side wall.
Frankly, only couple of years back I got to know that there is a manufacturing date mentioned in the tyre ,that’s a great way to know that you are not buying an old tyre. Old tyre compound may become harder over a period of time and develop cracks or have less grip on the road.
So next time you buy the tyre , Make sure you go through the following details… I am sure most of you know it but still hope it helps many… 😊
Motorcycle Tyre Side Wall Size DetailsAbout Car ( not much difference)
About Radial tyre, My KTM DUKE 390 had stock Metzler tyres and they were not Radial. When I changed the tyres recently, I gathered the Gyan (Knowledge) that ‘R’ rated tyres are radial in construction, they have better grip both in dry and wet surface but have lesser kilometre range compare to non radial because of soft compound of rubber. And all this while I though radials tyres are only for cars 🙄.
Tyre Construction
Everything else is self explanatory. except two, Load Sharing – what does 73 load index means and what does W speed Symbol. Here are charts which explains the same.
Load IndexSpeed Rating
Last but not the least, the year of manufacturing.
21st Week Of 2018
Next time you buy the tyre , open this Blog. Pretty Simple, isn’t it …
I always look forward to Riding on Tamilnadu roads and after coming from Himachal month and a half back, Thought of going for a short Ride. As usual a day before , Got the tyre air pressure checked. Filled petrol and last but not the least, Lubricated the chain. Packed my saddle bags quickly in the evening and fixed them on the bike.
Next day morning , I started at 5.30 AM. And till reaching near Vidhan Soudha roads were smooth but after that faced road closure one after another… I even lost my way to reach Silk Board junction as the main under bridge connecting Hosur road to Bangalore made one way… That’s why we call “Bangalore the one way road capital of India”…wasted lot of time due to this and after one hour after leaving home, crossed Silk board Junction. Took the electronic city toll Bridge and reached the other end in No time… What I realized though that the toll collection lane for bikes was too narrow and with saddle bags it became challenging to cross through… I brought this to the notice of stoned faced guy a toll booth.
Took a shirt tea break just before entering Hosur at my favourite shop and had the yummy cake too.
The Tea Shop Guy
Anyways, after this the ride was a breeze till I reached my favourite restaurant for Breakfast – Murugan Idli Shop at Krishnagiri.
Murugan idli ParkingOnion Rosa
Took half an hour to finish the breakfast and started my journey to Pondicherry… Let me admit that I am not good with locations and blindly reply on Google maps… Some times its an disadvantage as it took me from the route which had roads full of Potholes till about 70 kms … I never expected this from Tamilnadu and even Google maps… I have saved my preference as main highways/ Toll roads on google map buy still considering the shortest possible route it took me thru this route… Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Jagaadevi – Samalpatti – Gingee – Tindivanam. “SO AVOID THIS ROUTE” (though shorter but will take more time and burn more fuel too) Anyways 60 kms before Pondicherry, took 15 minutes “Water Break” and continued my journey.
Taking a breakLocation where I stopped for break
By 1.15pm, I was in Auroville , had lunch at one of the restaurants called “Tanto”.
Tango Restaurant
Came to my place of stay and in the evening went to the Auroville Beach…
Came back to my place of stay, had dinner and went to sleep. Next Day morning, as usual got up early looking to walk in Auroville… there were no concrete roads leading to homes but just muddy roads… but the houses and their Architect was so amazing that at some places your Jaw would drop.
The people there don’t put leash to the dogs…they don’t believe in that. After the walk , came back to the room, freshened up , packed for Tranquebar, and left for Breakfast to an amazing south Indian restaurant.
Breakfast @ Pondicherry
After the Breakfast, started my ride to Tranquebar and I didn’t expect what was in store for me. Actually, After from the beginning, there was too much traffic on highway and I though this might get reduced once I leave the Pondicherry city limit… I went on going like this for almost 50 kms but trafiic on road refused to subside. Bike was getting heated, I was changing the gears too frequently and that’s where I took a call to abandon the ride, I just cant carry on like this for another two and a half hours. Came Back to Pondicherry, went straight to Mahatama Gandhi Statue.
After that I thought to admire the sea view and went to Ajantha Hotel right opposite to the sea. Had snacks and a Beer ( Pint) but couldn’t finish the same as the ride to Bangalore was in Mind. While sitting here, I decided to Google research and find a better route ( Better roads) to Bangalore and that’s where I found out that: Pondicherry – Vellore – Krishnagiri – Hosur – Bangalore. Another alternate route could have been : Pondicherry – Vellore – Kolar- Bangalore. But I chose the first route as the roads on Hour road sector are amazing. So I left at 2pm from Pondicherry and reached my place in Bangalore by 9pm (This does include the maddening Bangalore Traffic). It was an amazing ride , I would ride any day to these roads without thinking twice. Hats-off to Tamilnadu for making such great highways. Called it a day… and went to sleep early. Cheers
Before the Ride: (BIKE) • Change of Tyres, • Radiator guard, • Change of clutch cable (that’s the only cable in KTM DUKE 390) • Change of engine oil (if not changed recently) • Checkup/Clean/replacement of break shoe • Top-up of Radiator coolant / Break oil • Full chain clean-up and lubrication. • Spray WD40 under the chassis to avoid corrosion, also apply on places where you expect corrosion could happen. Nuts & Bolts and even on electronic switches (for smooth function and anti-corrosion). (WD 40 – Lubricating oil and water displacement spray) • Mobile Holder
During the Ride (BIKE) • Try sticking to one petrol pump Retail Brand, I prefer Bharat Petroleum. (Since Shell brand doesn’t have many pumps on highway) • Lube the chain every 500+ Km’s. • Spray WD40 if the bike used during rain. • Check tyre’s air pressure. (I fill Nitrogen, hence no need to check frequently)
Before the Ride (SELF) • Continue with regular workout • Fill Tyre Air/ Petrol • Avoid alcohol a day before the ride • Sleep early the previous night
During the Ride (SELF) • Start Early • Drink plenty of water • Add Electrol / ORS to water once a day during the ride • Don’t eat spicy / heavy food • No alcohol during ride • Avoid Tea (in case you need to then max once a day) • Taste little raw salt in between • Continue with Ride specific stretching exercises
What is must to Carry: • Power bank • Mobile rain cover • Rain coat • Essential medicines • Water • Chain lube • Foot powder • WD 40 • Engine oil for top up • Tubeless tyre puncture kit • Air pump • A spare spark plug • Clutch cable • Burnol, Cotton, Dettol, Band-Aid
Metal Creed India 