[psb300r]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to vent some of my riding experiences over the past two months. I ride a CB300R—usually using it to travel from Chennai to my hometown and back, which totals around 700 km, and occasionally to Pondicherry. I'm a fairly new rider; I've been riding bikes for around three years, and I’ve been riding my CB300R for 11 months now, having covered around 8500 km on it—mostly on highways.

I usually ride defensively, keeping speeds between 60 to 100 kmph, and when the roads are clear, I sometimes push it up to 130 kmph for a few seconds.

Now, let me tell you about three encounters I had—two major and one minor—during the last two months.

Encounter 1: Mistaken Identity

This was on Feb 15. I started from Chennai early in the morning on my way to my hometown. It was a beautiful start. On the way, I passed a few riders—one on a BMW and another on a Dominar. I waved at them, they waved back. The climate was misty, and they guided me through it for a short distance. At a toll, they stopped—I bid them farewell and continued.

After around 300 km, I reached Attur-Kallakurichi, where I had to enter a village road for a few kilometers to reach the state highway that would take me home. Here’s where Google Maps messed up—it led me through a very narrow route. At one point, I messed up a left turn while looking at the map and almost hit a biker. It was my mistake. The biker gave me some looks, I apologized, and continued.

A few kilometers later, I was on the state highway, entering and exiting small towns. I maintained a speed of 60 to 80 kmph on the highway, and inside the towns, I was riding very slow.

Then I got a call from my mother. I connected via Bluetooth and was informing her of my whereabouts while riding slowly at 10 kmph on the side of the road. Suddenly, a guy on a bike came in front of me and braked, blocking my path. He asked me where I was coming from. I said, "Chennai." Then he asked, "What bike is it? KTM?" I replied, "No, it’s a Honda." He then said, "Wait a minute," and started calling someone.

I was confused and asked what was happening. Keep in mind, my mom was still on the line and could hear everything. I asked again what was going on, and he explained that some guy on a red Duke was speeding and didn’t stop when they tried to signal him. He then asked the person on the phone whether it was a KTM or a Honda. Fortunately, the guy said KTM.

It felt like my entire life came back at that moment.

The man let me go. Throughout the conversation, he was polite, but I was scared witless—it was a very new experience for me. After I left, my mom, who was still on the line, was also very scared, and my mood was completely spoiled for the rest of the ride. I felt conflicted, wondering if I had done something wrong. Maybe they mistook my bike for a KTM, and it being a Honda saved me. I couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened if I had been riding a KTM. Or maybe they mistook me for someone else altogether, since I was fully geared up.

From that day on, I’ve been very scared to even enter small towns with my gear, and I always prefer to stick to the highways now.

Encounter 2: A U-Turn Gone Wrong

This was on March 22. I had planned a short ride—around 50 km from Chennai to a restaurant called Hotel Guru near Mamallapuram. The ride was good. I left home at 2 PM, reached there by 3 PM, and had a nice meal. I was in a good mood and decided to do another 50 km towards Pondicherry, and return once I hit 100 km.

At 100 km, I decided to turn back and stopped on the left side of the road to take a U-turn. Let me clarify—this road was under construction and was a single lane with both directions of traffic using the same space. In hindsight, I should’ve gone a few more kilometers and taken a proper U-turn at a proper divider. That was my first mistake.

I was patiently waiting for the vehicles to clear so I could take the U-turn. The oncoming traffic was just two bikes around 200 meters away. I felt confident enough to turn, and I did—leaving enough space for the oncoming bikes to pass without disturbing them.

Suddenly, the bike behind me started honking hard. As they passed, the pillion rider started throwing slurs at me. My next mistake: I went ahead to apologize. As I approached them, the guy started throwing slurs at my family. Something in me snapped—I showed my offensive finger (I kindly request others not to ever do this and always remain calm), and then zoomed ahead.

As I was entering a traffic-heavy stretch of the highway, I slowed down. Suddenly, I felt a bang on my back. Thanks to my riding gear with back protection, it didn’t hurt. Then someone started hitting my helmet with a bag—it was the same guys. They were yelling and asking me to stop. I was nearly at a stop when they started hitting me again.

That’s when I realized: if I came to a complete stop, I don’t know what would have transpired. These guys seemed very dangerous, possibly intoxicated. As their bike came to a stop, I took off with all the adrenaline I had. I started doing dangerous maneuvers, just to put as much distance as possible between us (again, I kindly request not to do this). I kept looking in my mirrors constantly, fearing they’d catch up. Luckily, they were on a Splendor, so they couldn’t. I only felt relieved after crossing 50 km.

When I reached home, I contemplated the whole incident. Since then, every time I ride, there’s a constant fear of messing up. It ruined my perspective on solo rides, and for a few moments, I even considered not doing long rides anymore.

This entire incident could have been avoided if I had just taken a proper U-turn and remained calm, even when provoked.

Encounter 3: A Morning Fender Bender

This is very minor compared to the above two. It was just a usual morning. I was riding to my office, which is only 2 km away. I was moving slowly in first gear in narrow traffic, with vehicles coming from all directions.

I had to take a right turn, and as I was maneuvering slowly, an auto suddenly cut in front of me. I had to brake hard at 10 kmph, and a car behind hit me. It wasn’t a big hit—no damage to the bike or me.

Even though it was the car’s fault, I said sorry and left, as I didn’t want to spoil my morning mood. I had learned from my previous encounters that it’s better to avoid conflicts.

Reflections:

After these encounters, I often doubt myself. I carry a guilt that I might be giving riding gear and the entire riding community a bad name because of my mistakes. Even when trying to ride responsibly, hiccups happen.

I would love to hear advice from seasoned riders—what they make sure of before starting a ride, and what they do during the ride to avoid incidents like these and have a pleasant ride.

Thank you all for listening to this rant.

Ending this with a picture of a twin I found in the office.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by psb300r

After these encounters, I often doubt myself. I carry a guilt that I might be giving riding gear and the entire riding community a bad name because of my mistakes.

Arrey, this is too much overthinking. Accidents and incidents will happen, especially when you are a new rider and when you are younger. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, incidents are inevitable. Once in a while it will help to evaluate if you are really riding defensively. But apart from that, these things just happen, forget them and keep riding.

General tips, get enough sleep before a long ride, take frequent breaks, keep yourself fit, if you are stressed about something else, try not to think about what is stressing you while riding. Don't be at your limit or at your bike's limit on the road, always be well below those. Assume that other people will drive/ride like idiots and keep a safe distance/margin of safety/safe slower speed. Just general things like that and you should be just fine. As you ride more and grow older, incidents will still happen, but they will be less frequent. And you will learn to deal with them better. But that won't happen unless you keep riding.

(I had one memorable week where I was in a crash and broke my arm. Same week, I was riding pillion on a friend's bike, with my arm in a sling and he crashed into a divider 100km from Bangalore in the middle of the night and I also hurt my leg! Really began to wonder if I should stay away from bikes. But that was 20 years ago and I still ride everyday. With maturity, I also understood that both those incidents were because of poor judgement on my part. Both my crash and then being stupid enough to accompany my friend on a late night ride!)

[ninjatalli]

+1 to what @am1m said - you are way-overthinking this.

Originally Posted by psb300r

Even when trying to ride responsibly, hiccups happen.

That's all these are - hiccups. And even as hiccups go, these are pretty minor ones. Look at them as learning when riding a bike; not only for Indian roads but everywhere else. One thing to keep in mind; bikes are the most vulnerable vehicle on highways. But if you take due care, then it is also one of the best vehicle (to ride/drive) on highways.

Be at peace, keep your emotions in check; and always have your safety gear; and enjoy your trips.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by psb300r

Even when trying to ride responsibly, hiccups happen.

I would love to hear advice from seasoned riders—what they make sure of before starting a ride, and what they do during the ride to avoid incidents like these and have a pleasant ride.

Disclaimer: not ridden motorcycles for nearly 30 years, but consider myself adequately experienced on 4 wheels.

As a biker, remember that you are THE most vulnerable person on the road, so stay away from anything that moves - pedestrians, bicycles, other bikes, cars, trucks & buses. I know it's tough to do so, therefore slow right down if you can't stay away (check elsewhere in this forum about crash avoidance space or CAS, and how to maintain it). Do not manoeuvre in any way that may scare a pedestrian or force another vehicle to brake hard. And always be prepared to brake hard and stop if approaching anything / anyone too close.

Of course, an action camera recording your trip would go a long way to prove your innocence in case of a confrontation in the situations you have described in your post.

[aargee]

Road rage is quite common nowadays & it's only going to get even worse. We encountered even worse situation - 12 youngsters on 4 motorcycles boxed our car for few kilometers blocking any escape. Lead us to a situation where we were surrounded by about 50-60 people around our car. We could only recall one crucial piece of advice from this forum: Your car is your safe house, do not get out. We stayed inside and tried calling 100, but to make matters worse, we couldn’t get through.

How do you handle a municipal chairperson who is adamant not to let us drive through at night & force us to stay at a nearby hotel & leave by morning and that too 2500+ Km away from home?

How would you react if a bystander hit your son on the back simply because you honked when someone blocked your way?

All we need to do is: keep away from troubles as much as possible & simply move on

[rkv_2401]

Originally Posted by psb300r

As I approached them, the guy started throwing slurs at my family. Something in me snapped—I showed my offensive finger (I kindly request others not to ever do this and always remain calm), and then zoomed ahead.

Yeah, people here in Chennai/TN HATE this. They don't care too much if you yell at them, and they're happy to call you slurs with significantly worse meanings than the middle finger, but for your safety I'd request you to keep this in mind and never do this action here.

[FlyingHelmet]

I believe I might be bit qualified to answer this. I've been riding Motorcycles since 2007 on Avenger and have been owning Hinalayan 411 since 2021. I have done multiple long solo rides (1000+ I consider as long) with more than 2500 kms in a go.

My first long ride was 1700 kms in three days on Avenger and 2nd long ride was 2500 kms in 5 days on Himalayan.

I did these solo rides with no experience of solo rides at all. Initially, when we start we always feel everything would be as good as it looks on Social media/vlogs etc but the reality is always different.

During my 2nd long ride, I had a fuel pump issue and my bike was stranded at late night near Nainital and I was all alone with no RSA available as it was Sunday. I was anxious as how would I get through this and no one was available for help etc but then I decided to fix myself (using help from Youtube) and I was able to do so.

Since then, I have done many long solo rides and have encountered similar instances and hiccups. However, I believe self confidence is the most important thing while riding the bikes. Ego is your Enemy. Always know your limits, skills, knowledge and have faith on that.

Here are few tips

1. Never EVER engage in any verbal spat on road. Control your anger especially when you're alone. We cannot deal with the local idiots .
2. Try to learn basic fixes for your bike. Youtube is your guru.
3. It's okay to feel anxious about breakdowns , accidents etc that may happen in your next ride but trust me, once you're used to these, you will feel normal.
4. Don't feel sad about what you experienced last time, be prepared for your next one.
5. Take adequate sleep. The less sleep you have, you're tend to make more mistakes on the road. Take breaks in between. I made mistake in my first 2 rides by not having proper sleep and rest due to adrenaline and had hiccups.
6. Riding is all about adventure. It's risky but yet we need to follow the rules, know our limits and enjoy.

Stay safe. All the best for your next ride.

Remember, Roads will always be full of Idiots. Not everyone has the privilege to access TeamBHP and improve themselves.

[vinya_jag]

I follow these while on my bike, be it a short or a long ride

Never be on the phone/ podcast/ music while riding a bike. Biking needs utmost attention compared to cars

2 second rule even on my new bike with great brakes

A polite request to a fellow road user for any inconvenience they cause. There are all kinds of road users, in all kinds of moods. You might pick up a conversation, but yet make the other road user correct their mistake. I often ask road users to turn off high beam, and believe me, many apologise and oblige, if requested

You just have to remember that you have a better bike, and yet you can be slower, because you have more time in the world compared to your next person who might be riding for a living

Never compete, if anyone tried to overtake, please oblige. You will eventually find your space to speed

Not that I am the biggest saint around, but these are just from my experiences and corrections after having done most of what you already mentioned

[T. Singh]

Both of you have summed up the essentials of riding very well. I also like to ride alone often and if you follow the pointers you have given I would say you are pretty much sorted.

I ( and five other friends) recently did a Delhi, Goa, Kanyakumari and Kovalam ride in seven days and pretty much all went well just factor common sense being the key. I am 67 years the other friends are much younger but the ride was brilliant with no major mishaps. I was on my bike a Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1700 cc.

[FlyingHelmet]

Originally Posted by T. Singh

Both of you have summed up the essentials of riding very well. I also like to ride alone often and if you follow the pointers you have given I would say you are pretty much sorted.

I ( and five other friends) recently did a Delhi, Goa, Kanyakumari and Kovalam ride in seven days and pretty much all went well just factor common sense being the key. I am 67 years the other friends are much younger but the ride was brilliant with no major mishaps. I was on my bike a Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1700 cc.

Amazing to hear your story, sir. You inspire the other young riders to be disciplined while riding. I would love to hear your riding experiences from your point of view.

[BullettuPaandi]

Adding a few suggestions, mostly pertaining to 'Encounter One', as I don't have anything further to add than what fellow members have covered about the other two:

1.1 - Review the Route

Use cars' route on GMaps instead of bikes', when riding through unfamiliar areas to avoid such narrow roads/shortcuts issue. Also, manually go/skim through the route once just to get an idea of how it's going to be.

1.2 - Hear the Route

Since you mention connecting via Bluetooth for the call, I'm assuming you were wearing earbuds or using in-helmet speakers (side note: the latter is safer). I'd recommend buying in-helmet speakers and using GMaps' audio to navigate instead. There's an intermediate setting between full verbose and mute, in which the audio only mentions turns to take- typically thrice before the actual turn, and the distance prior to the turn when you hear the audio depends on your speed, which is quite well adaptive for both city and highway use.

It gets a bit tricky in some zones like roundabouts, multiple next-to-next turns and flyovers, where it can take a while to get used to what the audio is trying to say. But under most circumstances, it is simply better and safer than having to look down. After one or two rides, you'll find it easier than using a screen in fact, especially when combined with going through the route prior as mentioned in 1.1. I used to have a mobile mount on my first bike, but after getting used to hearing the route, I haven't even bothered to buy one for my current bike.

1.3 - No distractions

Avoid taking calls while riding at any rate, regardless of speed. It is simply not safe, as we can be distracted just as easily. Avoid anything that demands some attention from our brain: calls, listening to word-heavy music, audio books, podcasts etc. Listening to Classicals, Instrumentals and such can help us stay awake, but anything more only takes us away from spatial and situational awareness.

1.4 - Don't get blocked so easily

I frankly find the encounter so weird; I'm inclined to think it's rather an amateur attempt at robbery. How does one get to overtake and block someone who was speeding earlier? (Let's even ignore why someone other than Policemen would do that) Why would their first question be about where the speedster is from? A red KTM? Come on now. He sounds rather awkward and skittish than polite by how you describe.

At any rate, if someone is trying to block you, put the agility a Motorcycle provides to good use and evade. Then pay attention to what they're doing. Even if they're trying to help you- say warn you about loose luggage- they won't really have to block you; they could and would just cruise by and signal you whatever they're trying to say. There's no situation a good Samaritan would want to block someone.

0.0 - Carry Water

There can be situations we get panicked or riled up, and safe odds to assume are that there will be. Nothing calms our nerves better than some cold water. This may sound like nothing, but a breif moment on the side of the road, mouthful of water and a couple of deep breaths can do a lot more than we'd think.

I was once riding through this canal road/trail one late evening, which in a brief section passes in between two Reserve Forest areas- nothing serious; just in between two small hills and some agricultural vegetation around; not too remote, not too busy either. I was all calm and composed riding at a medium pace, till I heard a little grunt on my rear left. I don't know if it was the jump-scare that shook my ribs or the sheer base of the grunt, but I thought it was a Leopard or Tiger and accelerated crazy fast than I knew how to handle out of pure panic. Instinctively, I looked back after a couple of seconds, only to see that it was just a wild boar chasing me, which returned back into the bushes shortly after. I still kept rushing forward for a good while till I regained control and stopped. I was under complete shock, sweating and shaking for about five minutes; too scared to get off the Motorcycle, and too shook to move forward. I somehow managed to calm myself with some deep breaths, despite looking over both my shoulders all the while. The 20 minutes ride back home, which usually only takes about 5-10 minutes was the thirstiest I have ever been.

[TheHelix0202]

My two cents as someone in my early 20s who’s been riding for almost a decade:

1. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings - that’s your first line of defense.

2. As a rule, I avoid taking calls via Bluetooth or otherwise while riding (or even while driving), especially when I’m in remote areas. If it’s important, I stop at a place with decent foot traffic - like a restaurant, gas station, or hotel - preferably somewhere with CCTV coverage.

Bonus: Slow in, fast out. I make sure not to disturb villagers or locals when entering small towns. The goal is to attract as little attention as possible - stay low-key and respectful. Always try to be on the move.

You’re probably overthinking this. Take a breath. Enjoy the ride. Learn to read the road and stay tuned in to your senses - sight, sound, and instinct. It really is a jungle out there, so ride smart.

[hrk997]

What you need my friend, is a car. Daily riding a bike in Chennai and in India is akin to flirting with death. The vast majority of Indians daily ride a bike mostly if they’re not about to get a car. I had a very fantastic road trip where I had three near death experiences in two days for no fault of my own. That kind of took the riding thrill away for me.

I still like bikes, but I would want to use it on weekend trips or maybe the track someday. Daily riding a bike in a country like India and in trafficked metro cities where common sense isnt so common and people die everyday just isn’t safe.

Before anyone says I’m wrong or gives examples of how they have never met with an accident in years, please see the annual accident related deaths in India each year. Lady luck is a bigger stakeholder than you might imagine.

I would suggest getting a small used car at the earliest. A slow speed accident in a car is infinitely safer than a slow speed crash in a bike. Just my two cents.