07 Jun
Tip of the Iceberg

6 tips to Choose the Right Helmet

Helmet is a vital part of riding gear, and choosing the right helmet is even more important!

Here are 6 tips shared by experienced bikers to help you choose the right helmet for you.

Tip 1: The Right Size:

This is where people often make mistakes especially while buying helmets online. Helmets comes under different size options starting from XXS to XXL, in some brands up to 4XL too. Below is a size chart to help you understand the right size to choose in helmets. However, the fit and comfort may vary depends on the shape of your head too. So, it’s recommended you buy the helmets at your local store.

 

Tip 2: Purpose:

Helmets are created for different purposes depending on where they will be used. It can be for Race Tracks, Motocross, Off-Roading, Adventure ride or just urban riding. Each of these scenarios require helmets to be customized for them. For example, the helmet used for regular urban riding Can’t be used at race tracks!. So, it’s important to know what is the purpose or use for the helmet before you buy one.

Below picture is an example of helmets used for different scenarios:

  • Open Face Helmets

 

Open Face Helmets are most widely used for your Urban Rides as they are very comfortable, easy to strap and remove. These helmets offer the best Ventilation but will not protect from dust on roads. If you are looking for a short ride with comfort and basic protection, Open Face helmets are the one to go for.

  • Modular Helmets

Modular helmets come with a retractable chin cover within the helmet. They are Perfect for riders who often need to communicate face-to-face with someone else while stopped. This is common for couriers and delivery people, as well as motorcycle riding instructors. Also Riders who wear eyeglasses sometimes find modular helmets easier to wear with their glasses. Modular helmets are noisy as compared to full-face helmets, but if you compare its noise reduction efficiency with the noise reduction efficiency of open face helmets, then they are not. They definitely limit the air from entering as the rider’s face, and chin will be covered, which results in less noise. However, it is considered to be unsafe riding with an open modular helmet.

  • Full Face Helmets

Full Face Helmets offers complete protection from dust on roads as they completely cover your face and chin. Full face helmets are also called as racing helmets or urban helmets, however the racing helmets have D-ring or Double-D.

What is D-ring or Double-D?

 

D-ring fasteners are one of the main – and best – types of helmet fasteners you’ll find on modern motorcycle helmets. They’re pretty low-tech but by using solid components that won’t break and masses of friction between them, they make for great helmet fasteners.

  • Off-road / Motocross Helmets

These are light weight helmets designed for performance in off road and motocross sports. Mostly the helmets are designed without an inbuilt visor. However, you can buy googles separately as they are sold in different color options and features such as UV Protection & Anti-scratch visors.

 

Motocross helmets are not recommended for racing as the beak in front of the helmet may rise the helmet up at high speeds.

  • Dual sport Helmets

Dual Face Helmets are a mix of Full-Face helmets & Motocross helmets. They can be used on streets as well off-road as they have inbuilt visors fitted to them. However, these helmets can’t be used at Race due to the beak on the top of helmets which may make the helmet rise up at higher speeds.

  1. Ventilation:

Ventilation is another important factor to be considered while buying a helmet. Without doubt we all can agree that Open Face helmets offer best ventilation and air flow. However, Full face helmets with air intake near the chin and upper head with Exhaust at the rear offers good ventilation while ensuring the aerodynamic airflow too. Below picture is a reference of how air flow in full face helmets work.

  1. Visor :

Most of the branded helmets offers Anti-Scratch & dustproof visors. Some helmet brands also offer inbuilt Sun visor which can be enabled and disabled through a button or clamp mechanism. Also, look for Pinlock system while buying your helmet as this can help you do further customizations such as adding an anti-fog film visor in addition to the inbuilt visor. Below picture is an example of antifog & Sun visor.

 

 

 

  1. Safety Certifications:

Helmets comes with different Safety standards & Certifications such as ECE – Economic Commission of Europe, DOT – Department of Transportation & most important of all in India ISI – Indian Standards Institution. It’s very important to look for brands that offer helmets with ISI Certification as certified helmets are proven to reduce the risk of injury by 69% and risk of death by 42% in severe accidents.

  1. Compatibility for Extra Accessories:

Branded helmets offers more customization options for the helmets such as option to add a different visor colors, Bluetooth and Intercom from brands like SENA , Chatterbox, PARANI etc. If you are someone who will certainly add any customizations from below images, then choose your helmet wisely as not all brands offer complete customizations options.

For more information check out our video on 6 tips to choose the right helmet for you at our YouTube channel.

17 May
Biker's Journal

6 Hand Signs every Biker should know

Safe Bike riding is not just about wearing the right riding gear, Protection, lights or reflective clothing. With more and more vehicles on the road, the safety of not only you but of other riders too is very important. The way of communicating with other riders and commuters while on the road is through the use of hand signals or hand gestures. It’s not just a courtesy but It’s a basic safety to let other riders know whether you are about to take a left or right turn, stop or inform them about any potential road hazard ahead. This May for Motorcycles Awareness Month 6kiom brings you the 6 key hand signals which every biker should be aware of.

Turn Right Hand Signal:

There are two hand gestures for turning right. First option is to extending the right arm fully outside, even though this way is pretty common but not legally acceptable in many countries as bikers may lose the control over the bike. The other recommended way is to extend your left arm out sideways and bent at an angle of 90 degrees at the elbow point. The hand points upwards and pam facing forward.

Turn Left Hand Signal:


Fully extend your left arm at shoulder height while maintaining the balance of the Motorcycle, away from your body, with the palm facing down and all fingers extended. You may also use the index finger to point left.

Stop Hand Signal:


When coming to a stop, extend out your left arm and turn your palm to face backwards. It’s a universal fact that a hand being held up means stop. Due to being on a Motorcycle and having to maneuver it, you can’t face the people being you to hold your hand up and let them know you are coming to a stop. So, this is a safe way to alert them with the same concept of hand being up.

Speed up Hand Signal:


This hand signal is used to tell your fellow bikers to speed up and increase their speed to match your pace. With your left arm extended, do a upward movement with your palm facing up.

Slow down Hand Signal:


Extend your left arm. Do a downward movement with your palm facing down. If for any reason the group needs to slow down, the lead rider can give the signal to everyone and they can then lower their speed.

Road Hazard hand signal:


This hand signal is to let other riders know about the hazard on the road. For Hazard towards your left, extend your left arm with your Index finger pointing towards the ground. For Hazard towards your right, take your right foot and point towards the ground. This signal can also be used to let other riders know that there is something obstructing the road or possibly, an accident up ahead.

For more interesting content on biking – https://www.instagram.com/6kiom/

 

04 May
6K ACADEMY

6000 Miles to Isle of Man

Who are we?
A biking community & store in India located 6000 miles from Isle Of Man to promote the biking lifestyle with safety and knowledge in mind through its 6 Pillars of commitment.

BIKER HUB:

Motorcycling as a sport and a hobby has grown exponentially over the last few years, opening up unlimited opportunities for riders who have a passion for riding. From choosing from a variety of bikes and gears to participating in rollicking races – the options are more than plenty. This is why 6KIOM’s Bikers hub brings to you a community of riders and experts who you can ride with and learn about all that encompasses the biking world. Biker’s hub is a family of passionate bikers and seasoned experts who organize biking activities, all year round – for riding enthusiasts who want to explore the unexplored, and share the same love of riding with fellow riders. Whether you’re interested in casual riding or attending race events you can count on us for some truly memorable experiences.

At Biker’s hub, we also share conversations and host discussions about the latest in the world of biking. We organize live MotoGP screeninghs so you can share the excitement of racing with your friends. What’s more is that we create a rider friendly environment by equipping our members with the skills to ride safely and take care of their bikes. From DIY sessions with experts to track days with the best instructors in the Business – we leave no stone unturned to give you our version of a biker’s dream. The list is never ending at 6000 Miles to Isle of Man. It’s a big world – and biker’s hub connects you to people like you, who will ride with you as your band of brothers. So gear up for this exhilarating experience for this journey will not let you down.

INFOTAIMENT:

We organize events like live-screening of MotoGP races, interactive sessions and even live concerts, conducted at our 6KIOM flagship store on Kasturba Road! Our Sunday Jams are a big hit with bikers around the city join together for Coffee with Adventure riding stories. You can count on us for some truly memorable experiences that can go long way more than just a Coffee! 😊

KNOW YOUR BIKE:

Riding a motorcycle is ideally a very personal and involved experience for many riders. Although the age of technology have made motorcycles reliable by adding various safety features, it is always best to know your bike in order to be the real master of the machine. Riders who take better care of their bikes benefit from a more precisely operating motorcycle, and this improves the quality of the whole experience. All riders should understand which systems and components need the most attention for reduced chances of premature failures.

Taking good care of your bike can amplify your riding experience and make it easier for you to operate your motorcycle. The saying – better safe than sorry, applies to all motorcyclists as being stranded on an unknown road can be far worse in comparison of sparing an hour worth of checkup of your beloved bike before the ride. You don’t want your Sunday ride to go down the hill before you even start for the trip, so regular inspection is always as important as the other details of your trip. The idea is to keep exploring your bike. Being proactive in seeking out what you need to know, taking better courses to stay sharp, and interacting with other knowledgeable riders are good ways to continually improve.

At 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, we host interactive sessions with professionals, experienced riders and riding instructors so you are always updated about the best care for your bike as well about the latest in the world of biking. We organize Do-It-Yourself sessions so you can avail hands-on training from the best in the field. The sessions teach you to be self-sufficient in times of turmoil, so you don’t have to break your back looking for a mechanic in the middle of nowhere. Solo trips will never leave you panicking, and your skill will keep you riding confidently, without any stoppages. Knowing your bike always pays off, so get your hands dirty and join us for some interesting sessions!

Riding & Racing Academy:

The essence of riding is personified when one rides the right way. Riding safely with the proper techniques is undeniably one of the most important aspects of riding. Needless to say, the highest number of accidents on roads today are due to negligence. Keeping this in mind, our mission at 6k academy is to help educate everyday bikers on the right way to ride. We strive to give bikers the best learning experiences through practical sessions and well-designed classrooms. We indulge bikers in exercises in a controlled environment which replicate most of the hazards faced on road so they are prepared even for the most treacherous of rides.

The aim of the Motorcycle safety courses is to teach both new and experienced riders to be efficient motorcyclists and masters of the machine. We boost the confidence of our riders by helping them learn the art of handling their bike and being equipped with skills required for the worst.

The syllabus of 6K Academy is created with utmost detail and helps unlearn the mistakes riders may have carried from the street. We help riders understand the limits of the bike by developing their muscle memory so that they have better bike control and greater efficiency on the road. Our riders receive training on a variety of aspects related to riding including tackling stressful scenarios and volatile street conditions.

Once our riders learn the ethical way to ride at 6K Academy, we provide them with Track Day services where they can practice on tarmac tracks in a controlled environment with no obstacles. Riders can also avail one on one training from our instructors.

Rides & Tours:

Tired of 9 to 6 Work every day sitting in front of a computer typing “I LOVE NATURE”? Well, your prayers have been answered! Unleash the Beast inside you by Joining 6kiom Community to explore Weekend off-road & Long trip Adventurous rides joined by Bikers throughout India.

Our team chooses best locations and routes for Riders to Experience the true riding with Nature that includes team rides, Campfire with adventurous stories, Riding lessons, Trek to Mountains, stay at forest house and many more memorable experiences that can go long way.

SAFETY GEAR & EQUIPMENTS:
The 6KIOM store at Bangalore and Chennai, offer quality riding gears such as Helmets, Jackets, Gloves, Pants, Boots, Race Suits, Protective armors for the biker and also various accessories like top racks, saddle stays, crash guards, hazard lights, fog lights, uggage accessories, luggage box, air filters, exhausts, saddle bags, tank bags and more for your bike. The product selection ranges from globablly renowned international brands like Falco, Furygan, RS Taichi, SHAD, Givi, Hepco Beckker, Evotech and Nationally renowned Indian brands like Hyperrider, Race Dynamics, Rynox, Maddog etc.

Join our Community :   

Visit our Store @ www.6kiom.com & www.hyperrider.co.in for more details.

25 Apr
Tip of the Iceberg

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy

The Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races are an annual motorcycle racing event that run on the Isle of Man in May/June of most years since its inaugural race in 1907. The event is often called one of the most dangerous racing events in the world.

With the New York Times stating that the number of deaths has risen “to 146 since it was first run in 1907; if one includes fatal accidents occurring during the Manx Grand Prix, the amateur races held later in the summer on the same Snaefell Mountain Course, the figure rises above 250”. An on-site account of the 2003 race by Sports Illustrated writer Franz Lidz called the spectacle “38 Miles of Terror… A test of nerves and speed that may be sport’s most dangerous event.

Format of the races:
The TT Races since the first race in 1907 have been in the format of time-trial. The races held on the Clypse Course during the period 1954–1959 were the more traditional full grid starts along with the 1924 Lightweight TT Race and Clubmen TT Races from 1948, which were also “mass-start” races. The current format is a “clutch start” and race competitors will be “started singly at 10-second intervals

Race procedure

Start Preliminaries:

  • First Signal – 45 minutes before the start with a warm-up of engines in the Race Paddock and assembly area.
  • Second Signal – 30 minutes before start.
  • Third Signal – 15 minutes before start, race competitors move to the start-line and form-up in qualification order.
  • Fourth Signal – 5 minutes before start, signal to clear the grid and race competitors move towards the exit-gate.

Eligibility?

  • Many would be interested to know they do have an amateur section in which anyone who has made qualifying times for the Manx GP, an amateur Road Race Event seen as a practice run for TT. You will also need a racing license (British) for a minimum of 1 year prior to signing up for the TT
  • Entrants must also cite pre-filled documentation of completion of a UK drivers license or motorcycle certification or a drivers license from a comparable country that is recognized by UK comparable department of transportation standards and may withhold due to any pre-race or post-race suspensions

Are you a Video Game Lover? There’s something for you too…

  • There have been numerous videogames based on the Isle of Man TT, the first being the 1995 Sega arcade game Manx TT Super Bike, which was later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1997.
  • Several other games have followed since, including Suzuki TT Superbikes, TT Superbikes: Real Road Racing Championship and TT Superbikes Legends, all of which were released exclusively for the PlayStation 2, and developed by Jester Interactive.
  • Bigben Interactive has since revived the TT game license, releasing TT Isle Of Man: Ride on the Edge in 2018 and TT Isle Of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 in 2020

How do you get to Isle of Man?

Travel to the Isle of Man is extremely simple with Direct Ferries. The island is perfectly placed for ferry travel with connections offered from England, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Douglas Harbour is the entrance point for all passenger ferries travelling to the island.

Google map location

For more details visit – https://www.instagram.com/visitisleofman/

15 Sep
Biker's Journal

Tips To Ride Responsibly

Being a biker is far from being clad in leather and chugging beer. It is about being responsible and just enjoying your machine and surrounding while riding. It is about camaraderie and about being a model for those who aspire to own a motorcycle when they are old enough to ride one.

Yes, there is a certain amount of fun in being an outlaw. But none of those apply to the laws to be followed on the road. Being on a motorcycle has additional responsibilities, which a true biker follows assiduously.

Bikes are hard to spot and are vulnerable. The fact that you drive a little automobile does not give you the right to drive recklessly.

Here are some tips on how to be a safe and responsible rider.

Undergo proper training:

One of the perks of owning a motorcycle is also its biggest hazard. Which in our case is learning how to use it. When on road, it’s not just your safety that matters but everyone else’s too. Learn from the professionals before your start. Be it long hauls or crazy ass motocross stunts, train with professionals.

Checks before every ride:

As an owner, it’s always your responsibility to keep your vehicle road-worthy. Ensure every working part of your rides works to their best including the signals and lights.

Be Mindful of your surrounding:

Riding a motorcycle gives you the right to swerve through traffic. But doesn’t give you a get out of jail free pass. Maintain proper distance between vehicles and always keep a lookout for signals and pedestrians.

Know your Strengths: 

Always be mindful of your capabilities and your bike to support you when needed. Blasting at full speed may be fun, but unsafe for you and your fellow riders too.

Wear the right protection:

Your brain and bones look better inside your body than on the road. Always be accountable for your safety. Wear proper riding gear with appropriate certification to ensure safety. Keep in mind your riding style and needs before you decide on what you require.

When to and When not to:

You should pick your moments carefully for when you go on Full Monty with the throttle and when to slow on down. It comes with experience and being responsible. The level of wisdom you acquire with experience can be life-changing for you or your fellows. Do pass on your wisdom unto those fickle minds of rookie show-offs and get them to follow all safety protocols.

BONUS TIP:

Use 6KIOM for your next riding gears and accessories purchase. As riders ourselves, we understand the suffering and needs of other motorcyclists. So, if you have any questions about your bike, riding safety, or the appropriate gears and accessories to get the most out of your bike, don’t hesitate to contact us.

20 Aug
Biker's Journal

Are Motorcycles Better to Ride in City Than Cars?

Motorcycle vs car. It’s a debate as old as time. Or, at least, as old as the automotive industry. Still, the debate rages on.

Do you prefer the spaciousness of a car or the fresh air and freedom of a motorcycle?

Other questions include ones around fuel efficiency, resale value, parking, and traffic jams.

With so many things to consider, many people choose a car by default. However, as many riders know, motorcycles can be mighty rewarding.

No matter what you look for in a vehicle, there are plenty of worthwhile reasons to swap your car for a motorcycle.

Avoid Traffic Congestion

Everyone is in a mad rush in cities. Commuting to your office in a car is like creating a fuss for oneself daily. Getting to your destination faster is easier with motorcycles because it can squeeze through traffic and avoid jams, as gaining an advantage in traffic requires only a gap. It can filter through the traffic easily so you reach your destination much faster. 

A motor cycle can easily sift through traffic maneuvering your way to the front. 

Forget the Parking Woes 

Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they can fit into tighter spaces, which can make finding a parking spot easier.

Not only can motorcyclists save time circling the block looking for a park, they generally pay less for parking than car owners.

No Queuing Up at Tolls

Not only that the motorcycles are exempt from paying toll tax in India, but they also gain the advantage of avoiding the long queues by passing through split lanes at the toll gate. The average time spent in a car on a toll gate in India is around 10-15 minutes during the peak hours, which ideally should take 10 seconds only. Commuting on a motor cycle saves a massive chunk of your time while crossing crowded toll plazas during peak hours. 

Affordability

Motorcycles are more fuel-efficient than cars. Many consume less than four litres of fuel per 100km — outperforming even the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars.

This can save a motorcyclist literally thousands of rupees a year in fuel costs.

Feel Closer to the Nature

Imagine this: sunshine, a cool breeze, an open road, and the scent of leather and the great outdoors.

Few things beat the fresh air and freedom you experience when riding a motorcycle. It can be equal parts exhilarating and liberating.

Studies have shown that riding a motorcycle can both reduce stress and promote relaxation.

A recent study found that riding a motorcycle had “a positive effect on stress levels, decreasing hormonal biomarkers by 28 percent compared to the other measured activities”.

Sounds like the ideal excuse to hit the road!

Fun

Motorcycles are fun. You’re roaring down the road, adrenaline pumping, off on an adventure.

In contrast, many cars are simply a way for their owners to get from point A to point B.

Health

Not only are motorcycles a whole lot of fun, they’re also good for your health.

A 70kg motorcycle rider will burn an average of 170 calories during a one-hour ride — roughly 40 calories more than the same person would burn by driving a car for one hour.

Plus, riding a motorcycle engages far more muscle groups than driving, giving you a full-body workout. While this admittedly isn’t enough to forego your regular exercise routine, it’s certainly a nice bonus!

Keeping Clean

When was the last time you cleaned your car (driving in the rain doesn’t count)?

If it’s been longer than you’d like to admit, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The good news is that motorcycles are significantly easier to clean than cars, for the simple reason there’s less to clean.

This is particularly true for people who ride their motorcycles mainly on sealed roads (as opposed to off-road).

Plus, you don’t have to worry about decluttering the boot, tidying the glovebox, or trying to clean under seats.

Safety Concerns

Over time, cars have gained an advantage over motorcycles when it comes to safety concerns. But today, we have a plethora of safety gears for the biking community that offers utmost safety so that you do not have to compromise on your love for the two-wheeled engineering marvel. 

So grab your helmet and other safety gear to zoom through traffic. 😉 

06 Aug
Tip of the Iceberg

Most Common Biking Injuries and How to Avoid Them

The motorcycle is a gateway for many enthusiasts to a world that turns not on an axis but on a bearing. Biking is a serious hobby and lifestyle for lakhs of people and, for better or for worse, isn’t the same as being a cinephile or a swimmer — it involves a varying degree of danger.

But the purpose of this blog isn’t to lament the interlaced accidents with the euphoria of biking; rather it is an attempt to keep your wheels upright by exploring some common biking errors, the danger they pose and how to avoid them altogether.

  1. Ankle bruising: In case of a fall, the first contact with the ground is likely to be the lower leg. The ankle has the smallest radius to turn before scraping against the ground and that is why the responsible rider must always be geared with quality boots that have ample padding for the ankle. These reinforced essentials are sturdy and flexible with brands such as Falco, Stylmartin and Axo using advanced technology and adaptable shoe bodies.
  2. Knee scrape: The knee acts as a protractor that gauges how close to the edge a rider is. Those thrilling bends and apexes are an integral part of the riding experience. But a little debris on the track or a second’s distraction can turn a ride into a rumble. And the knee used to gauge angle can undergo serious injury. A trusted knee guard can not only save skin, and deeper tissue from damage but also complete your riding look! Knee guards like those available from Rynox are lightweight and crafted to cover the shins, too.
  3. Road rash: Our reflexes are lightning-fast, especially when moving at high speeds. The adrenaline makes sure our body makes the right moves when riding and even in case of a mishap. Bikers who undergo an accident often don’t remember how they saved themselves. The hands, legs or posture take a position to save the face, head or back. In this process, the skin can rub against the road and suffer severe abrasions and lead to something called road rash. The tar is painful to remove from the already damaged skin and makes for nasty scars. Simple prevention is a biking jacket that is stylish and durable. Match your motorcycle or your moods and stay safe from road rash.
  4. Head trauma: India has the highest volume of road accidents and deaths. But so many of these are easily preventable through good quality helmets and gear. Whether it is a motocross helmet or an urban design, protection is paramount and every rider must own a helmet the minute they own a motorcycle. International brands such as HJC, Arai, AGV and more are here to stay, so explore and take your
    pick.
  5. A Mind block – Any damage to the body is unacceptable. And just as unwelcome is damage to the mind. An unprepared ride can be far from pleasant under the wrong conditions and leave hesitation and fear in the rider. Injuries are preventable with the right gear and riding training, both of which await at a single hotspot in Bangalore. Before the sins of recklessness slow down the next ride, gear up for life.
06 Jul
RIDES & TOURS

2 Wheels & 5 Passes

The road from Manali to Leh-Ladakh spans 500 kms. These paths can be covered by car or bike but this is a journey of the soul above all else. And the bare, free soul rides on two wheels. The most recommended bikes are tourers with big engines that will have no problem conquering the changing terrains and carry you with ease. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, Royal Enfield Classic and Bajaj Avenger are the standard bikes available for rent but your own wheels are always the best. As for the time of the year, any time between June to mid-October will have forgiving roads and thriving greenery after which the snow makes the journey precarious. So, in this new month of July, the legendary trails are awoken that have been deepened by wheels trading over them for decades.

The journey will begin by tracing the Beas river through the narrow, scenic and breathtaking Rohtang Pass. There is little to no allowance for any mistakes because the road really is narrow. While two vehicles can pass through simultaneously, there isn’t much room to meander or swerve, and the harsh, muddy paths won’t have any of it. The elevation of 3980 meters, however, is enough for the mind to wander endlessly. The world drops off into nothing and panoramic scenes unfold on the path to Suraj
Tal, the highest lake in India. You and your bike can get ready for the photoshoot of a lifetime set against a lake so blue it puts the sky to shame. By now, your warmest jackets and innerwear have been worn and you’re covered from head to toe with your bike’s angry engine as a respite from the cold.

The next landmark will be the Gata Loops. The Gata Loops are filled with exhilarating bends and quick braking zones that will elevate you over 400 meters in 7 kilometers. They are a taxing portion of the journey but also one of the most memorable and of course, are surrounded by myth and mystery. More breathlessness, elevation and terrains filled with imposing trees or lifeless rock will greet the rider. Grit and a need to see the beautiful valleys of Ladakh will take you halfway; the right gear and protection will give you the confidence to make it across!