Crossing Vietnam by motorbike is rather challenging than driving a car. This long-term trip tests your endurance and the ability to withstand abnormal and adverse weather conditions in each area. You can reference our tips below to stay in shape during this journey.
Two common risks that may occur during this journey are brake failure and brake locking. Brake failure typically happens on stretches of road where continuous braking is required, such as during downhill descents.On the other hand, brake locking occurs when sudden braking leads to skidding. Both of these situations are very dangerous for your trip across Vietnam, which has many central highland routes that you cannot miss in this journey.
If you want to clean the brakes before your journey across Vietnam, consider the Onzca MC308 product. This product effectively removes grease, tar, rust, and long-standing residues that can cause unusual sticking and reduce braking performance. It is suitable for both disc brake and drum brake systems.
Carefully inspect the tires, focusing on the tread and sidewalls. If you notice uneven wear on the tread, it is primarily due to overinflation. Conversely, if the edges of the tires are worn down, it indicates that you have frequently kept the tires underinflated.
If you have made abrupt stops or skidded on wet roads, check for flat spots on the tires. In any case of worn tires, proactively replace them to ensure optimal performance and safety while cornering or navigating slippery areas in the rain.
After prolonged use, the sprocket and chain will show reduced performance and deterioration. Common signs include:
The motorcycle struggles to accelerate under those conditions when shifting gears and feels sluggish.
A clunking sound from the chain.
The chain continuously stretches (loose) even after multiple adjustments.
During a journey across Vietnam, this sprocket and chain area endure much pressure due to continuous travel distances of 100-200 kilometers, especially on medium to steep roads like those in the Central Highlands or the Northwest regions of Vietnam. The hot and humid climate makes it easier for dust and sand to accumulate on the sprocket and chain.
For this reason, the process of cleaning and lubricating, as well as removing dirt, grease, and tar from the brake system and brake pads, is extremely important on any trip. Proper cleaning and maintenance of the brakes help maintain the performance and lifespan of these components. In this context, MC311 serves as a cleaning solution, while MC312 is a chain lubricant.
Before your trip: Use the combo of MC311 and MC312 for cleaning and maintenance.
During your trip: Use MC312 to keep the sprocket and chain functioning optimally. If you pass through filthy areas, you can use MC311 to clean the brakes after washing the motorcycle.
After your trip: Use the combo of MC311 and MC312 to remove any residual dirt and rust from the sprocket and chain surfaces.
Oil plays a crucial role as an effective lubricant for the engine throughout your journey across Vietnam. The engine works continuously, requiring good oil to ensure smooth operation without overheating during long distances.
To check the oil, first, you need to place the motorcycle on a flat surface and use the kickstand to keep it stable. Next, wait about 20 minutes for the engine to cool down and drain the oil into the reservoir. Then, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, and put it back into the reservoir. Wait a few seconds and pull the dipstick out to check. You should change the oil if the oil level is close to or touching the "Min" mark. If the oil level is between "Min" and "Max," it is sufficient. Finally, place the dipstick back in its original position and tighten it to prevent dirt or foreign objects from falling into the oil reservoir.
Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged and functioning well. Check the voltage levels with the multimeter and ensure there are no signs of corrosion or damage at the battery terminals. If the battery is weak, you should fully charge or replace it.
Check the entire lighting system, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. Ensure all lights function correctly to help you travel safely in low-light conditions or at night. Replace any burnt-out or dim bulbs immediately.
Ensuring horn and turn signals usually function and maintain regular operation under all conditions. These are essential elements for communicating with other vehicles on the roads.
You need to inspect the wiring system for any signs of damage, such as wear, cracks, or loose connection. This ensures that the electrical system does not experience short circuits or interruptions during the journey.
The fork ensures stability and shock absorption when traveling through rugged or mountainous terrain. Before starting, please check the components below.
Check the available suspension oil and make sure it is not leaking. If you notice the suspension noises during operation, you should replace the oil and double-check the fork system. Fork oils help the suspension operate smoothly and absorb shocks effectively.
Compress the suspension to check its rebound and elasticity. If the fork feels stiff, weak, or makes an unusual noise, it indicates a malfunction. Replacing and servicing the suspension maintains fork stability when traveling rough roads.
