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April 13, 2022September 2, 2022

7 Essential Motorcycle Care Products To Maintain Your Motorcycle

7 essential motorcycle care products review

Keeping your motorcycle well maintained can save you from frequent visits to the service center. Here are 7 essential motorcycle care products you need to keep your motorcycle in good shape.

WD 40
Motul C2
Black Spray Paint
Colin Glass Cleaner
3 Way Chain Brush
Toilet Brush / Sponge
Microfiber Towel

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WD 40

Perhaps the most useful household item, WD 40 gives a range of options like keeping all the pivoting parts ( levers and foot pegs ) moving smoothly, cleaning the chain, keeping rust off exposed metal parts, lubing the cables and the list goes on. Rightfully so it takes the top position in essential motorcycle care products you need.

Buy WD 40 Now!

Motul C2 ChainLube

Himalayan needs chain cleaning and lubing every 500 kms if not more frequently if you are an avid off-roader. I use the Motul C2 chain lube and it does a decent job.

Buy Chain Lube Now!

Black Spray Paint

The paint job on Himalayan tends to come off especially on parts that come in contact with luggage and bungee hooks. Spray painting the exposed parts can prevent them from rusting and keep the area looking neat.

Buy Paint Now!

Colin Glass Cleaner

Glass cleaner spray is the best option to clean the visor and lights especially when you want to remove insect debris. Just spray and wipe.

3 Way Chain Brush

A 3 way chain brush is very efficient in cleaning the chain before lubing. It’s compact enough to be taken in every trip lasting more than 1000 kms.

Buy Chain Brush Now!

Toilet Brush / Sponge

Even though it sounds gross, having a separate toilet brush for your Himalayan can be very useful in cleaning mud off tricky areas like the rear suspension, front fender, bash plate etc.

Buy Toilet Brush Now!

Microfiber Towel

Using any cloth material other than a microfiber cloth can damage delicate paint job. Microfiber cloth will prevent unnecessary scratches on the visor as well.

Buy Towel Now!

Check out the entire vlogging gear I use here – https://bulletstrings.com/vlogging-gear-review/

Check out tips you should follow during a monsoon ride – https://bulletstrings.com/3-best-monsoon-riding-tips/

Maintain your motorcycle well and it’ll serve the purpose for a longer time. There’s nothing better than the feel of riding a clean, well maintained and lubed motorcycle out on the open roads. If you like to see a detailed video on all these products, go checkout the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best thing to clean a motorcycle with?

A soft sponge with a mild automobile specific detergent and water are the best things to wash your motorcycle with. A microfiber cloth should be used to wipe it clean.

Can I use WD 40 on my motorcycle?

WD 40 is an excellent product which can be used on a motorcycle for a wide variety of purposes like chain cleaning, lubing pivoting parts and keeping off rust from exposed metal parts and cables.

Is it OK to power wash my motorcycle?

Pressure wash / power wash is effective in cleaning muck and slush after a heavy offroad session but comes with its own disadvantages. It can misplace exposed electrical circuits, damage delicate areas of the consoles and get water inside the coneset in case of Himalayan.

Therefore it’s recommended to wash your motorcycle by hand and if power wash is inevitable, cover all the delicate parts with plastic before the wash.

Can I use dish wash / soap on my motorcycle?

Any detergent / soap that’s specifically not made for automobiles can be detrimental to the paint job on your motorcycle and therefore it’s not safe to use dish wash on your motorcycle.

How to dry my motorcycle after washing it?

Wipe the motorcycle dry with a clean microfibre towel. You can use a low powered air jet to remove water from areas like electrical connections and consoles.

March 13, 2022September 2, 2022

My Vlogging Gear Setup – A Review

A walkthrough and REVIEW of all my VLOGGING GEAR. Cameras, Lenses, Mics, Lights and More!

Over the course of 6 years, I’ve upgraded quite a lot of camera gear to achieve that ‘perfect vlogging setup’. Even though I’m far from perfection, this is my vlogging gear setup and review that I’m most happy with and the one that serves me well in all kinds of situations.

Sony a6400
Sony 18-105mm f/4 PZ
Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4
Boya MM1 Mic
Maono AU 400 Lav Mic
Sony & Sandisk Class 10 Grade 3 SD
DJI Osmo Action
Cynova USB C Mic Adapter
Xtreme Acoustics Wireless UHF
AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod
Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod
Godox 32 inch Softbox
Shootvilla Portable Light Stand

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Main Camera – Sony a6400

Sony a6400 – Sony has the best mirrorless options in the market. I upgraded from canon 1300D to a Sony a6300 when I got interested to shoot videos. From then I upgraded go a6400 for the excellent focus tracking, HLG and the flip up screen.

For anybody starting out I’d suggest to go for a6100 which is a great value for money camera.

Buy Sony Mirrorless Now!

Zoom Lens – Sony 18 – 105 mm f/4 PZ

Sony 18-105mm f/4.0 PZ - vlogging gear review

Sony 18 – 105mm f/4 PZ – This is my go to all rounder lens. I use this lens mostly for vlogging, shooting B rolls and for landscape photography.

Only downside of this lens is its weight but it’s no deal breaker when you compare the features like constant aperture and power zoom you get for the price.

Buy Sony Lens Now!

Prime Lens – Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4

Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4 - vlogging gear review

Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4 – This lens is a bang for the buck product. It’s very sharp, lightweight and performs extremely well in low light. Although the autofocus isn’t as good as Sony lenses, it’s a great lens for a wide variety of photography options.

The only drawback is that it lacks built-in stabilisation. I use it mainly for photography and static videos.

Buy Sigma Lens Now!

Shotgun Mic – Boya MM1

Boya MM1 Mic – I use this mic attached to a hot shoe extension mount on the a6400 for vlogging. It does a pretty decent job compared to its more expensive counterparts like Rode.

Buy ShotGun Mic Now!

Lav Mic – Maono AU 400 Lav Mic

Maono AU 400 Lav Mic - vlogging gear review

Maono AU 400 Lav Mic – Any generic Lav mic will do a decent job in recording audio from inside of the helmet. I have routed it through the Bluetooth headset space available in the Axor apex helmets. I use a 2nd one for indoor videos.

Buy Lav Mic Now!

Storage – Sony and Sandisk class 10 grade 3 SD cards

Sony Class 10 Grade 3 SD 64GB - vlogging gear review

Sony and Sandisk class 10 grade 3 – These memory cards are fast enough to shoot 4K videos and high buffer photos in Sony a6400 and Dji Osmo Action. They are very reliable too.

Buy Sandisk Now!

Action Camera – DJI Osmo Action

DJI Osmo Action – I used to use a Hawkeye firefly 4s camera for motovlogging. It served the purpose well for almost 4 years. I felt the need to upgrade when I wanted to start vlogging as it didn’t support external mic connection.

DJI Osmo Action was a major upgrade. The rock steady stabilisation is insane! The picture quality is amazing. Moreover it’s waterproof even without a casing.

The battery isn’t the best but you can record even while you are charging it. I use power bank to keep it running during long distance shoots.

Buy DJI OSMO Now!

Mic Adapter – Cynova USB C Adapter

Cynova USB C Adapter – This adapter lets you connect a lav mic to the DJI Osmo Action. It even lets you access the USB port so you can charge as well as keep the mic connected while recording.

Buy Adapter Now!

Wireless Transmitter – Xtreme Acoustics XAWL303 Wireless UHF

Xtreme Acoustics XAWL303 Wireless UHF Lav Mic

Xtreme Acoustics XAWL303 Wireless UHF – They are wireless transmitters as well as wireless lav mic. The transmitter lets you connect an external mic and receiver lets you connect a headphone for monitoring with individual volume controls. It’s a value for money product.

Buy Wireless Mic Now!

Main Tripod – AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod

AmazonBasics 50 inch tripod - vlogging gear review

AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod – I don’t carry a heavy tripod anymore while travelling unless I intend to shoot specific photos or videos in the place I’m headed to. For such purposes, I use Amazon basics tripod.

Buy Tripod Now!

Vlogging Tripod – Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod

Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod – A generic flexible tripod comes in handy while vlogging and as a tripod in uneven terrain.

Buy Gorillapod Now!

Studio Lighting – Godox 32 inch Softbox & Shootvilla Portable Light Stand

Godox 32 inch Softbox & Shootvilla Portable Light Stand – This isn’t necessarily vlogging gear but I use these for all the indoor studio shoots.

Buy Light Stand Now!

Buy Softbox Now!

Check out my review on my all weather motorcycle luggage system here – https://bulletstrings.com/motorcycle-luggage-system/

I hope you found my vlogging gear setup review useful in selecting your own gear. I can’t stress this enough but GEAR DOESN’T MATTER. Stories do. Gear helps though. Check out the detailed video review below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which camera is best for bike vlogging?

DJI Osmo Action is the best motovlog camera for the price. The image quality and stabilisation is unparalleled compared to the cameras in this price range.

How do I setup a vlogging helmet?

Most of the action camera kits come with helmet mounts. You can attach a lav mic inside the helmet in the space provided for a bluetooth com kit to make the vlogging setup complete.

How do I start vlogging?

Just pick the camera and start talking! It’s that simple yet it takes time and practice to get over the fear and shyness.

Is sony a6400 worth it?

Even in 2022, Sony a6400 is absolutely a beast of a vlogging camera for beginners to intermediate level creatives. Pair it with good lenses from Sony or Sigma and you are good to go.

What lens do vloggers use?

For vlogging it’s better to use a wide angle lens to capture as much as the vlogger and background as possible. For a APS-C lens this would be anywhere less than 18mm and 24mm for a full frame lens.

March 9, 2022September 2, 2022

My Motorcycle Luggage System

A simple yet efficient motorcycle luggage system not only makes the riding experience easy but also keeps the motorcycle in good balance.

I have upgraded the luggage system many times through a span of 6 years before settling down for a minimalistic yet efficient way of saddling up for the long haul. Here’s my motorcycle luggage system.

Viaterra Leh 100% Waterproof Saddle Bag
Cramster Turtle Magnetic Tank Bag
Trek ‘N’ Ride Himalayan Bottle Empocher
Bungee Cords
Long Haul Jerry Can 5L
Decathlon Hiking Backpack Rain Cover

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Viaterra Leh 100% Waterproof Saddle Bag

Viaterra Leh Saddle Bag - motorcycle luggage system

Viaterra offers the largest capacity saddle bags in its class with 60L of storage and with a lot of quick access pockets. It is 100% waterproof and has a rain cover for added protection. The 3 harness system is sufficient for effective mounting.

It’s very durable and has gone through very tough off road conditions with no signs of wear and tear after almost a year of usage. Even though it’s designed for a straight exhaust motorcycles, the under protector of my saddle stay perfectly sits the bag and prevents it from touching the exhaust.

Buy Viaterra Saddle Bag Now!

Cramster Turtle Magnetic Tank Bag

I’ve never come across a tank bag with such large capacity as the Cramster’s. It’s expandable, has a rain cover and a transparent cover for storing documents or maps. The magnets are so strong that they attach on top of the rubber grip on the fuel tank and has not detached even once in off-roading sessions.

I store a jar of peanut butter, my DSLR camera, few eatables, rain gear, power banks, phone, cables and wallet and it still holds strong.

Buy Cramster Alternative Now!

Trek ‘N’ Ride Himalayan Bottle Empocher

I found this bottle empocher on Amazon and I take it on every ride big and small. It holds 2 one litre bottles and it’s very useful to folks who don’t prefer carrying a hydration pack on the back.

Buy Bottle Empocher Now!

Bungee Cords

A couple of bungee cords are more than enough to hold any extra luggage like tents and sleeping bags. They hold strong even in the toughest of terrain and I’ve been using the same pair for more than 5 years now.

Buy Bungee Now!

Long Haul Jerry Can 5L

I used a 5L jerry can from Long Haul for extra petrol on my Ladakh trip and mounted it on the left front frame. It’s sturdy and safer than carrying petrol in a local can.

Buy Jerry Can Now!

Decathlon Hiking Backpack Rain Cover

I don’t use my saddle bag for short one or two day trips. I’ll use a shoulder bag or duffle bag and mount it on the top rack with bungee cords. For rain cover I use Decathlon’s Hiking Backpack rain cover.

As are most of Decathlon’s products, it’s very durable. It comes in various sizes which will suit your needs.

Buy Cover Now!

Read about the must have accessories on the RE Himalayan here – https://bulletstrings.com/must-have-accessories-on-the-royal-enfield-himalayan/

Should you buy the RE Himalayan? Read my review here – https://bulletstrings.com/himalayan-ownership-review/

I hope now you get an idea of a good motorcycle luggage system. Find one that suits your needs and get going! In case you’d like to check out the review video, head to the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best motorcycle luggage?

The best motorcycle luggage would be a pair of saddle bags / panniers, a tank bag and an optional tail bag / box.

Is hard luggage system better than the soft luggage system?

If you want good protection for your luggage, then a hard luggage system is the way to go. This will include panniers and tail boxes. If you prefer more storage capacity and flexibility, soft luggage system such as saddlebags and tank bags are the way to go.

How to carry a duffle bag on a motorcycle?

Although duffle bags are not the ideal way to carry luggage on a motorcycle, you can easily tie a duffle bag to a motorcycle with the help of a pair of bungee cords.

Do I need to carry Jerry can for Ladakh trip?

For motorcycles with an average mileage less than 30 kmpl, it’s ideal to carry a 5L jerry can for carrying extra fuel. For more things to carry for a Ladakh bike trip, read here – https://bulletstrings.com/what-to-carry-for-a-ladakh-trip-on-a-motorcycle/

Are motorcycle backpacks worth it?

Although motorcycle backpacks offer many features like hydration chambers and emergency tool kit pockets, they often cause strain on the back when riding long hours. I would recommend investing in a tank bag / tail bag rather than a backpack.

March 8, 2022September 2, 2022

Motorcycle Riding Gear I Use – A Review

REVIEW of all my RIDING GEAR | Jackets, Helmets, Boots, Gloves and more!

Proper riding gear is a necessity rather than a luxury. As the saying goes, one should spent at least 10% of the cost of motorcycle in good quality riding gear.

Although riding in full riding gear might not be the most comfortable but it’s the best bet when it comes to safety. I’ll share the riding gear I use and my honest motorcycle riding gear review.

Axor Apex Helmet
Cramster Breezer 4s Mesh Jacket
Cramster Flux Short Summer Gloves
Rynox Storm Riding Pants
Royal Enfield Huntsman Riding Boots
Decathlon Rain Gear
Generic Waterproof Shoe Cover
Decathlon Balaclava

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Axor Apex Solid Black Helmet

Axor Apex Helmet Solid Black - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

Axor makes the cheapest yet very reliable helmets with double D ring locks. It’s the heaviest in the segment but offers very good features like pin lock, detachable paddings, double visor, bluetooth intercom mount and so on.

They are ECE, DOTT and ISI certified. They are very durable, sturdy and fits perfectly. Make sure you try it on before you buy and get a size that’s a little tight for you as these helmets tends to expand with use.

Buy Axor Helmet Now!

Cramster Breezer 4s Stop Red Mesh Jacket

Cramster Breezer 4s Riding Jacket - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

Jacket was the first piece of gear I bought and I couldn’t be happier about the purchase. I bought it in 2017 and it bears very minimal signs of wear and tear after 60000+ kms of usage.

It’s a mesh jacket with detachable thermal and rain lining, protective padding and lots of other customisable options. Unfortunately Cramster has shut down all its physical stores but you still get their products online.

Buy Alternative Jacket Now!

Cramster Flux Short Summer Gloves

Although not the most comfortable one, the cramster flux leather gloves served the purpose for almost 4 years before it became difficult to use.

I’m looking for options to upgrade to a full gauntlet gloves. Until then cramster stays.

Buy Alternate Gloves Now!

Rynox Storm Riding Pants Off White

Rynox builds some of the toughest yet budget friendly riding gears in the Indian market. The riding pants I use have taken some heavy beating over the past 1 year and it still stays strong.

The only thing I’d whine about is that I had to buy the off white edition as their black edition was out of stock. My obsession with clean gears always makes me give it to a laundry after every off-road session.

It’s a mesh pant with detachable rain lining, thermal lining, protective padding and plenty of pocket options.

Buy Riding Pants Now!

Royal Enfield Huntsman Riding Boots Green Brown

Royal Enfield Huntsman Boots - Motorcycle Riding Gear Review

The most expensive class of riding gear is the boots. Cheap ones often aren’t comfortable and if your feet isn’t happy during a ride, body as a whole will give up sooner than you think.

I found RE boots strong, sturdy, comfortable and economical. It has served the purpose well especially in off-road terrain. The only downside is that they aren’t waterproof.

Buy RE Boots Now!

Decathlon Rain Gear

Rain gear from decathlon is the best! Durable, cheap and does the job better than any other aftermarket rain gear.

I use rain jacket and pant a size higher than mine so that I can comfortably wear it over my riding jacket and pants.

Buy Rain Jacket Now!

Buy Rain Pants Now!

Waterproof Shoe Cover

I use a generic waterproof shoe cover from Amazon to wear over my boots in case of rain or small river crossings. Over the past 5 years of usage, I just had to change 2 pairs. They do the job well.

It’s better to buy a non waterproof boots for your feet to breathe in hot weather and a shoe cover for wet conditions.

Buy Shoe Cover Now!

Balaclava

Decathlon’s neck warmer can be used in more ways than one. I use it mostly as a head cover, face-mask or as a neck protector from cold winds.

Buy Balaclava Now!

That’s all the gear I use and my honest motorcycle riding gear review. I hope you found it helpful in choosing your riding gear. If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out.

In case you’d like to watch the video of motorcycle riding gear review, follow the link below.

Check out my list of must have motorcycle accessories here – https://bulletstrings.com/must-have-accessories-on-the-royal-enfield-himalayan/

Check out my vlogging gear review here – https://bulletstrings.com/vlogging-gear-review/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is riding gear?

Riding gears are protective apparel that’s specially designed for motorcycle riders. They offer protection as well as features specifically suiting motorcycle riders.

What is the best gear to ride a motorbike?

The best set of gears to ride a motorbike include helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots and rain covers.

How important is riding gear on a bike?

Riding gear is a necessity. Not only it protects you from crashes but also from environmental elements like wind, heat and rain.

Do riding boots make a difference?

Yes they do! Riding boots offer thick sole, metal protection in areas around the toes, heels and ankles. They prevent your feet from crushing on an impact.

Which certification is best for helmet?

In my opinion, the best ones to go for will be SNELL certified helmets. However they are quite expensive. ECE and DOT certified helmets are safe and are quite easy on the pocket. ISI certified helmets are the least safe and expensive but they are the only ones that are legal in India.

Should you wear riding gloves?

Riding gloves often comes with a lot of protective layers around the joints like knuckles and anti abrasive material on the palms. It offers great protection to your hands in the event of a crash. Riding gloves are an absolute must for every ride, long or short.

March 7, 2022September 2, 2022

7 Things to do in Leh while you are acclimatizing

One cannot call it a Leh Ladakh bike trip without going to the Inner Line of Ladakh region. You’ll need to spend 24 – 48 hours in Leh to acclimatize before you head out to the Inner Line region. Here are 7 things to do to kill time while you are acclimatising in Leh.

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1. Service your vehicle and top up fuel

As there are hardly any workshop or fuel stations after Khardung La, it’s ideal to check your vehicle for any issue and prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Check engine oil levels, brake fluid levels, chain lubrication, tyre pressure and top up fuel. Carry a jerry can of extra fuel for motorcycles with mileage less than 30 kmpl.

2. Buy essential clothing and food items

Shops offering essentials are scarce in Ladakh region. It’s recommended you buy necessary gloves, jackets, warmers and snacks to satisfy your cravings on the go.

3. Take inner line permit

There are rumours that Ladakh administration has removed the need of inner line permit temporarily. Take it before you venture out into the inner line if in case it’s required. It costs around 450 Rs per permit for 3 days covering almost all of inner line region.

4. Withdraw enough cash while you are in Leh

Neither the shops have UPI or you have network coverage in most part of Ladakh. It goes without saying that you need cash for all your transactions for food and accomodation in Ladakh region. Withdraw from ATMs in Leh and carry enough cash.

5. Get local SIM

No prepaid SIMs work in Ladakh region as part of the security protocols. You’ll need a postpaid SIM of Airtel, Jio or BSNL. Don’t worry if you don’t have any. You can buy a local sim for around 350 Rs and it’ll be activated within two hours of purchase.

6. Local sightseeing in Leh

Leh has some great spots for local sightseeing such as Shanti stupa, Hall of fame, Leh palace, main market and Thiksey monastery. Don’t miss out on any of these.

7. Take adequate rest and fluids

The best medicine to beat Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is water. Hydrate yourself well. Make a conscious effort to drink a lot of water and take rest for the adventure ahead.

Preparing yourself for what the unforgiving terrain and weather Ladakh has to offer will go a long way in ensuring you enjoy your trip to the maximum.

Here’s everything you need to know about Acute Mountain Sickness before your dream Ladakh trip https://bulletstrings.com/acute-mountain-sickness/

Check out the link below if you want to see these tips in a vlog format.

Check out my review on all the riding gear I use here – https://bulletstrings.com/motorcycle-riding-gear-review/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days to spend in Leh to get acclimatised?

24 – 48 hours is enough to get acclimatised. Spend at least 2 days in Leh before you go to places like Khardung La and Chang La.

What are the places to visit in Leh city?

Shanti stupa, Hall of fame, Leh palace, Main market and Thiksey monastery are few of the famous tourist spots you shouldn’t miss in and around Leh city.

Which month is the best to visit Leh?

The months of June to September are the most ideal to visit Leh Ladakh.

Does prepaid SIM work in Leh?

No prepaid SIMs work in Ladakh region as part of the security protocols. You’ll need a postpaid SIM of Airtel, Jio or BSNL or can buy a local sim for around 350 Rs and it’ll be activated within two hours of purchase.

Is diamox necessary for acclimatisation in Leh?

Although not a necessity, Diamox helps in acclimatisation faster and relieving mild symptoms of AMS. Read more about it here – https://bulletstrings.com/acute-mountain-sickness/

How much does a Leh Ladakh bike trip cost?

The cost of a bike trip to Ladakh varies due to multiple factors. Read more about the budget for a bike trip to Ladakh here – https://bulletstrings.com/how-expensive-is-a-ladakh-trip-on-a-motorcycle-budget-for-ladakh-bike-trip/