The monsoon is unleashing its full fury. Evidently, scenic routes which connect Bengaluru and Pune, two of India’s premier IT hubs, are affected the most. Express News Service reported that a vast stretch of National Highway-4—largely favoured by affluent bikers due to clean roads and decent pit stops—has cracked open due to a landslide caused by incessant rain lashing the Karnataka-Maharashtra border.
Due to the popularity of the route, which goes through Belagavi, Banana County Resorts, the historic Kittur and Chitradurga forts, many riders are said to be stranded. The road has cracked into two and vehicular movement has come to a grinding halt. Either way, riders need to remain alert while travelling during this intense monsoon season. Here’s our pick of some decent gear you need to stock up on before hitting the road.
Helmet
MT Revenge Helmet - `6,500
With a 5-star SHARP safety rating, a face shield that seals flush with the viewport, and highly effective vents, the MT Revenge is an excellent option for the hot, humid, wet conditions of the Indian monsoon.
HJC CL-17 Helmet - `9,500
For those who prefer Snell over an ECE safety rating, the HJC CL-17 is the most affordable option in India. Top-notch build quality ensures the rain is always kept out, and being pinlock-ready, you have the option of a face shield that never fogs.
Jacket
AGV Sport Solare Jacket - `6,500
No matter what the conditions, you can stay cool, dry, and safe within this jacket, thanks to a well-ventilated mesh outer shell, detachable waterproof liner, removable CE-approved shoulder and elbow armour, and an 8mm-thick foam back pad that's upgradeable to CE-level.
Gloves
Rev'It Mantra H2O Gloves - `6,000
Moulded knuckle protectors and palm sliders, touchscreen-friendly fingertips, face shield wiper, all this in a pair of waterproof, breathable gloves by the world-renowned Rev'It - what more can you ask for?
Pants
Rynox Raid Motorcycle Riding Pants - `6,850
While the CE-rated armour and 600D Cordura take care of safety, the detachable rain liner and thermal liner let you ride not only into the rain but far and beyond, comfortably into the sunset.
Boots
Falco Liberty Touring Boots - `7,750
Impact protection by D3O to keep you safe, a high-tex membrane to keep you dry, and ventilated air-tech inserts to keep you comfortable. The Italians at Falco have thought of everything.
