[Axe77]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Wife, Strom & I - Bengaluru -> Bhutan -> Bengaluru, 2023

Fabulous write up for an epic journey. Loved reading about it. I had done a ~2 week drive in Bhutan several years ago. Went with my wife, mum (then ~70) and 5 yo son. Some of it was reasonably off the beaten path and involved staying in some tents too for a couple of nights but we had a great time overall, despite having a small child and senior citizen with us.

Bhutan is definitely expensive but the sheer beauty of it makes it worthwhile for a visit. Was lovely seeing the pics including Tiger’s Nest in particular. We rented local LC Prados (really old ones at that) for the trip and used a guided tour company that managed the whole trip. Doubt I’d have done it without a guided tour set up, what with family in tow.

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by Axe77

Fabulous write up for an epic journey. Loved reading about it. I had done a ~2 week drive in Bhutan several years ago. Went with my wife, mum (then ~70) and 5 yo son. Some of it was reasonably off the beaten path and involved staying in some tents too for a couple of nights but we had a great time overall, despite having a small child and senior citizen with us.

Bhutan is definitely expensive but the sheer beauty of it makes it worthwhile for a visit. Was lovely seeing the pics including Tiger’s Nest in particular. We rented local LC Prados (really old ones at that) for the trip and used a guided tour company that managed the whole trip. Doubt I’d have done it without a guided tour set up, what with family in tow.

Thank you!

We were only there for a week within the country. Still couldn't do the Bumthang valley and eastern part. That another trip is pending, is implied
2 weeks there would've been killer! I am just trying to imagine the emotions, perceptions and other roller coasters you must have faced after re-entering India

One difference prior to 2020 was definitely the overall pricing. In 2019, the price we paid for the permission to enter (2 people) and ride a motorcycle was ~700. Now, it's expensive for sure. But an experience nontheless.

We were apprehensive about a guide with us. It all depends on two things - the guide's attitude, and more importantly, our own attitude towards the guide. This time, our chap Rangjung, was just the best! Hilarious as hell and wouldn't stop entertaining.

Leaving some memories of heaven...

[shyamg28]

Google reminding me...



It has been great going with this machine

[shyamg28]

For Bangalore folks, Suzuki Bikezone (big bike dealership wing of Suzuki in India), is now also at Domlur. It's the same as the dealer in Hoodi, Aryan Suzuki.
Suzuki owners had been invited for the event.
Quelle surprise - 3 Hayabusas delivered immediately There's something about this bike!

[shyamg28]

Finally decided to get an Android Auto/Carplay system for the motorcycle.

It also comes with a pair of front/back cameras + Typre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

A short ride so far and seems to me this might work out well. The screen is a puny 5" (in this day and age, come on). But very clearly visible.

Took me all of 15 seconds to connect to it. Bluetooth paired and Android Auto automatically came up. I turned it off and on again and within seconds, my phone was paired and AA booted up. Nice!

Service engineer fixed the front camera with some jugaad mount. I like it







I have always maintained that this is the absolute best position to view maps on the go. Minimal head/eye movement, minimal distraction.
But - the accessory bar vibrates like hell. I may end up moving it to the handlebar after testing out further.


Rear camera. Neat position.


I see many of these out in the market now. I just hope they can be more easily available, reliable and have service/warranty which is easily accessible.

P.S.: If anyone (or Google) solves motorcycle routes being accessible via Android Auto, please send a message my way, or a thread TBHP's way

[Salil]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Finally decided to get an Android Auto/Carplay system for the motorcycle.

It also comes with a pair of front/back cameras + Typre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

Awesome! And something I have been looking forward to install for long on my motorcycle. Can you please give more details about the device you installed? The make / model, price and where to buy from. Thanks!

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by Salil

Awesome! And something I have been looking forward to install for long on my motorcycle. Can you please give more details about the device you installed? The make / model, price and where to buy from. Thanks!

The device is AR Moto (or some such thing, I'm not sure because that's what it displays on bootup).
Basically, dime a dozen of them. You pick & choose what you think works for now, would be my best assessment of the current situation.

This particular device comes with an AndroidAuto/Carplay display, front/rear camera & 2 TPMS devices. The camera can be configured to continuously record on the go like a dashcam. The TPMS has an alterting feature that pops up on the display if the pressure is either too high or low.
Connecting to the Bluetooth was extremely easy. The next time I started up the motorcycle, it connected within seconds.

I do believe this is convenient, but the wireless connection can end up battery draining the phone as well as heating it up is what I hear. I am yet to ride really long with this installed. So I will hold my thoughts on this for now.

There was a bulk procurement started by a group of individuals. I do believe they should still have a few pieces left. I can share the email ID with you. Please drop me a direct message on TBHP. You could also check with Orion Motors and 6kiom in Bangalore. It cost me INR 13000.

I had it installed via the Suzuki showroom where I service my vehicle.

I am yet to fully evaluate it. So far so good. My favourite part I guess would be the dashcam feature. The value of wireless Android Auto/Carplay is still slightly lesser for me personally because I tend to carry a separate phone (with a different network just in case) on my long trips anyway.

[Salil]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

The device is AR Moto (or some such thing, I'm not sure because that's what it displays on bootup).
Basically, dime a dozen of them. You pick & choose what you think works for now, would be my best assessment of the current situation.

Thanks for your inputs. My search for an AA device for my motorcycle started after my phone camera's OIS failed twice when ridden with the phone mounted on the handle bar. Is this detachable from the mount easily? Or is this permanently mounted? And what is the IP rating?

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by Salil

Thanks for your inputs. My search for an AA device for my motorcycle started after my phone camera's OIS failed twice when ridden with the phone mounted on the handle bar. Is this detachable from the mount easily? Or is this permanently mounted? And what is the IP rating?

I believe there are a few screws you'll need to remove to detach. It's not a clip on style attach/detach mechanism. So it's not easy.
Although it's not written on the device, I was told it's IP67 rated.

Here's the specs/features on the box. I am not sure of the accuracy of it.

[shyamg28]

Some snippets from the recent annual Suzuki V Strom ride conducted by Suzuki India & Aryan Suzuki.

This time it was Wayanad. Ride through Kanakpura and Bandipur. Most excellent!

All FOUR V Strom categories were present. Hmm...4? But aren't there only 2 currently sold in India, i.e., the 250 SX and 800 DE?
Lucky for me (and my 650 XT brethren), we are still very much considered a part of the community, even if our motorcycle is no longer sold in India .
That still makes 3 with the 4th being...the V Strom 1000! Yes! There was one of those beasts on the ride.

We had Durgesh and Yogesh from Tribal Adventure leading the 650/800 and 250 cetegories respectively, which made it a breeze in terms of how well organized it turned out this time.

Briefing at Aryan Suzuki Domlur


Adulting Part 1


Adulting Part 2


Narrow paths and detours on the way


Sterling Wayanad. Quite and peaceful


Offroading instructions quickly forgotten once on the motorcycle




Lower half does more than the top half




A short cut?


Aryan Suzuki bossman Yogesh takes his turn on the DE


Team Aryan
Friendly bunch, possibly screwing up all future dealership experiences I may have outside of the Suzuki brand...unless Suzuki can provide a more practical upgrade path


The Riders

[Sebring]

I had major engine issues with my VSTROM 250, and when i approached Shiva, the service head of TeamAryan, he dismissed me saying I cant ride a bike. I took it to Sapthagiri Suzuki and they diagnosed the issue correctly and changed vital engine parts under warranty. This episode kept me away from the 650, though it is on my radar. I feel that Service is a big question mark.

[shyamg28]

NOROADS 100K 29th March, 2025

Noroads 100K! 100kms of riding through...you guessed it...no roads

Sharath, ex V Stromer (650 XT), now P Stromer (i.e., 800 DE) was itching to show his X Pulse rubber, some variety and flavour. He pinged me the link to register and then there were two.

Funny thing is, I was keen on Noroads 100K since its inception. I've never been one for actively seeking out off-roading excursions, but this one sounded so unique, it immediately caught my attention.
But I could never make even one of them for almost 2 years or so. So when Sharath pinged me, I didn't hesitate this time.

The Noroads team is lead by Arvind Ramkumar. An accomplished human being I would imagine. Seeing him "work" with us on that day definitely did impress me and was a life lesson for sure.

This here is a film he made in 2023 -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wpWknrBm_k

Thejas, an alumini of Noroads himself and now part of the team, is the sweep. Poor chap had to deal with the slowest fool on the ride (me).

Vignesh, a.k.a., Commander, is the camera man, rides up and down as he pleases, but will make sure he catches you in his camera, either fallen, standing up straight, or sitting and relaxing.

Both Thejas and Vignesh are rally enthusiasts, having recently participated in SJOBA Rally as well.

Suhas is the medic and also the one with the supplies on the backup van. Also a rider, ready to replace a rider if the need arose.

I might've jumped the gun a bit, but it went like this -

1. Register via Google Forms and pay.

2. Get added to a WhatsApp group (maximum of 10 members usually).

3. A group call to clarify any queries/concerns and let people know about where and when to come (5.30 am was assembly ).

4. Meet at 5.30 am. Have some breakfast, start by around 7.00 am.

5. Ride for a bit (almost immediately off road).

6. A quick break to enjoy the view and for the Noroads team to be able to determine the pace of the group and if there needs to be a break-up into multiple smaller groups if needed. Apparently our pace was uniform so we all stayed together.

7. Brief ride to the base of a hill. Walk up to see the surface and identify the optimal line. We tried to follow (lol). Meanwhile chairs are spread across so you can take a break and replenish your body.

8. Hill climb starts, one at a time. This was a tricky one for sure. I had a fall at the expected place on the climb where we needed to very purposely switch our lines. My left footpeg broke in the process.
Arvind, "thinking of his feet", says calmly, "we can replace it with the rear footpegs". He tried that, but the bolt diameter was larger and this didn't work.
Next, he asks Thejas to fetch the right pillion footpeg from his own KTM Adv 390, which Thejas promptly does. Lo and behold, it works with the V Strom's bolt but...it's the right footpeg replacing a broken left footpeg, so it folds the other way lol.
Thejas goes back up to fetch the left (but the right one) footpeg and all is well with the world again. The V Strom gains some KTM DNA.

9. All climb the hill, there are multiple stories to share about each rider's experience but I won't go into them all. At the hilltop, we can see the trail below through which we rode.

10. Hill descend. Also challenging, but more so mentally than physically. Everyone makes it through. Break time. More snacks and juice.

11. Back to the trails and this continues for the next 2-3 hours.

12. Dr H N Science Center visit. Literally a hidden gem. Before we visit, some burgers from Jethro's. Oh that's right, at the registration, we each get to pick out two burgers from Jethro's each. Yummy stuff.

13. Back to the trails. Some sandy bits on the way had me stuck. I dug the V Strom deep into one such bit and was able to successfully park it without side stand or center stand for the first time. Yes yes, very intentional.

14. Trail ride ends around 5.00 pm.

15. Ride back to city and regular Road life.

I took the V Strom because I don't have any other vehicle for such a purpose at home. But the V Strom is such an easy to ride fun motorcycle. I'm sure it makes life easy on many of those sections. I was able to throttle out of most situations easily. I have gone through some training sessions so I do believe that contributed to my confidence, if not skill levels.

Where the V Strom falls short, pun intended, is the ground clearance (as if you didn't know this already), and evidently its weight, which is still relatively manageable. But that engine is so friendly, you don't need to bother much.
I did consciously have to throttle out of situations where I was sure the bash plate or center stand would touch. It still did in a couple of places but overall, it was manageable.

Coming to the event - I want to do this again, and again, and again. Nay, I need to do this again. It's addictive, it's therapy, it's safe (relatively of course), it's for the body, mind and soul. Nuff said.

The Team - These guys were thorough! Therefore calm, composed and knew what to do and when to do it. Arvind communicates clearly, has oodles of experience in varying terrains so nothing seems to unsettle him. What stood out for me though was his people navigating skills. We did need to go through some village routes in between. It was evident that Arvind had done his recce right.

I would 100/100 recommend this for anyone looking to add a day to their list of "unforgettables".

Some pics below.

Boss man Arvind briefing the gang before we start.


The grass is greener. Even with a yellow cow in it.


Last one as usual (Thejas trailing behind me to ensure I reach wherever the group is headed).


Hill climb.


Hill climb.


Arvind fixing the footpegs on the V Storm.


Arvind fixing the footpegs on the V Storm.


Arvind fixing the footpegs on the V Storm.


I cannot wheelie but I can lay it down to show you the belly of the beast.


Footpeg "fixed", let's try that again.


The top of the hill.


Hilltop.


Arvind addressing the gang at hilltop.


Hill descend.


Cornering?


Parking Pro Plus.


Good bye for now, see you again!

[bpapache]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

NOROADS 100K 29th March, 2025

Noroads 100K! 100kms of riding through...you guessed it...no roads

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a great escapade.

If I understood correctly, this was a 100kms pure off road ride? Or was it a round trip of 100kms with some mix of on and off roads?

Do you mind sharing route details please?

Cheers

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by bpapache

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a great escapade.

If I understood correctly, this was a 100kms pure off road ride? Or was it a round trip of 100kms with some mix of on and off roads?

Do you mind sharing route details please?

Cheers

Thank you!

For me personally, from home to home, it was a total of 350kms of riding that day.

The ~100k (turned out to be 115kms as I remember) of Noroads is 99% off road, with 1% being the "transits" in between. And it was not a circuit, as in, the starting and ending points for this one was not the same.

This is one of the many trails that Arvind and his team have recce'd and curated, and as it turns out, they decided that the trail we did on the 29th of March, would be the last batch of Noroads, since they're clear they do not want to abuse/misuse the privilege. As I recall, they did about 6 Noroads batches on this trail and that was it!

I would prefer not to share the route details, for two reasons,
1, I don't remember it myself
2, I'm fairly certain that the team has an understanding with the nearby villagers. It would not augur well for all and sundry to joy ride through those routes and I would like to respect the efforts of the team here.

All I can say is that this is a one of kind experience, and that the Noroads team does plan to expand their operations to aspirational places like Ladakh and Spiti!

You can get in touch through their Instagram handle here.

[bpapache]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

I would prefer not to share the route details, for two reasons,
1, I don't remember it myself
2, I'm fairly certain that the team has an understanding with the nearby villagers. It would not augur well for all and sundry to joy ride through those routes and I would like to respect the efforts of the team here.

I totally understand and respect it.
India being a small country with high population, it’s difficult to find vast trails or off road tracks. Now that the off-road bug has bitten several enthusiasts in the country with onslaught of great vehicle launches, the limited off-road places would get crowded soon. But I think there are still plenty of unexplored places. One must have patience to find them. Good that we have someone like Noroads doing it for us. I didn’t know about them, until your post came up. Will follow them. Thank you.