Category: Moto Adventures

Motorcycling & Flow State

Motorcycling is more than just a hobby or mode of transportation – it’s an experience. When you ride a motorcycle, you become one with the machine and the road, and everything else fades away. Time seems to stand still, and you’re completely focused on the task at hand. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but it’s often referred to as being in a state of flow. This state of flow is often associated with extreme sports, such as surfing, skiing, and yes, motorcycling.

When you’re riding a motorcycle, you need to be fully present and focused on the machine you are riding and the road ahead. You need to be aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and make split-second decisions. You are so consumed by the activity, that there’s no room for distractions or wandering thoughts. Your mind and body are completely engaged in the activity, and you become one with the machine.

It is said that awareness in the state of flow is akin to your state when meditating. Monks use physical tasks like walking,  chanting, or sweeping the floor to put themselves in the present. Being lost in that act allows them to live in the moment more completely. The wasted energy spent on tending to your ego & mind is instead spent on the activity itself; the activity becomes who you are. Is this meditative state absolute for me when on the bike? Absolutely not, there are still some thoughts & distractions. But these distractions are minimal for extended periods of time, while I’m motorcycling.

As you ride, your body moves in harmony with the motorcycle. You lean into the turns, shift your weight, and adjust your body position to maintain balance and control. It’s a dance between you and the bike, and everything else fades away. Your mind is clear, and you’re completely focused on the ride. However, being in a state of flow while motorcycling requires skill, experience, and focus.

The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… the best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile

Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Dr. Csikszentmihalyi, who introduced our world to the concept of flow, points out eight characteristics of the state of flow:

  1. Complete concentration on the task;
  2. Clarity of goals and reward in mind and immediate feedback;
  3. Transformation of time (speeding up/slowing down);
  4. The experience is intrinsically rewarding;
  5. Effortlessness and ease (a well-practiced skill);
  6. There is a balance between challenge and skills;
  7. Actions and awareness are merged, losing self-conscious rumination;
  8. There is a feeling of control over the task (experienced).

Studies have shown that being in a state of flow has numerous benefits. It improves focus, creativity, and productivity. It also reduces stress and anxiety and can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Motorcycling, in particular, has been shown to improve cognitive function, increase self-confidence, and promote a sense of freedom and independence.

References:

What makes the Africa Twin unique?

All said & done, what does the Africa Twin have that no other bike has?

DCT!

Not “no gear”, “no clutch”, etc., it is Dual Clutch Transmission.
I get asked a lot about this choice. How does it feel? Isn’t it boring? Doesn’t it take the fun out of riding? 

What do I get from the DCT?

  • lightning quick gear changes, be it in auto or manual mode; the speed of change is UNMATCHED by human agility (at least mine); I get my riding thrills from acceleration, more than top speed; it is a lot safer & practical to experience this thrill more often!
  • option to go manual or auto or hybrid wrt gear changes; I love & use hybrid the most .. the popping noise when downshifting is beautiful!
  • lesser riding fatigue; a blessing for city riding and for the last 10% of long ride days (600+ kms days); I’m not getting younger & can use any help from technology! Did you know that most riding mistakes are committed when you are tired & towards the last part of your journey?
  • option to alter bike characteristics; with auto modes, I can pick a mode that suits my mood – a playful & aggressive S3 , or a relaxed S1 (never D!)
  • an intelligent bike; even when in fully manual M mode, the Africa Twin makes up for rider lapses to ensure you are never stranded with the wrong gear; I know you are already intelligent & don’t depend on a bike for it, but I WILL NOT BELIEVE you are flawless!

Decades ago, I thought auto transmission in cars is for sissies. Then I traveled the world, became wiser, and learnt that driving is not just about gear changes. The driving pleasure never diminished with lack of manual transmission. Sometimes you wait for the tech to catch up; the adventurous option is to rush forward & embrace it.

Forma Adventure Boots Review

Forma Adventure Low Boots – I’ve had these for about 5 years now & has been my primary riding boots across Tigris, Altoid & Kiara. And they continue to be my primary riding boots even now.

Here are 5 inputs for anyone planning on buying them:

1. Made of tough leather, they take some getting used to. For me, it felt odd for the first 4-5 rides. I had to change the position of my gear lever to accommodate the boots under it. But once the leather settled in, it felt like a natural second layer. Now, it feels strange riding without them. Boots are flexible, but not enough to do a Tiger’s Nest trek in Bhutan.

2. They have a Drytex waterproof layer which has worked well. It has gone through water, snow, sand – and has kept my feet safe & dry. They’ve been submerged fully multiple times too – obviously can’t keep water out beyond its height. The waterproofing continues to work even now – tested extensively in the recent monsoons. There is at least one instance when the boots took the full weight of Tigris (230 odd kgs) when I dropped it during an off roading adventure. Though I was pinned down, no discomfiture or injury.

3. The construction of the boots are comfortable & it’s never bothered me even on long riding days (>12 hrs). I opted for the low version since I wanted to use this along with knee braces. This setup has worked well for the last 3 years I’ve had the braces.

4. I have done zero upkeep of the boots except to wash off the grime & dirt once in a while. I’ve not soft handed them at all & thrown them at the deep end when required (e.g., some flat tracking too, where they took quite a beating). With a little bit effort, these will go an even longer way.

5. Watch out for the manufacturing date before you buy the product. Many a time, they are stocked by retailers too long before it is sold. And these products start deteriorating even if the product is not in active use. A few quarters might not matter; but be wary of buying if it is much older.

I have been so impressed with them, that I bought a Forma for urban use as well. They haven’t been used anywhere as much as these, but they have also lived up to expectations.

Deliberate Practice: 2 Finger Clutching

When I started riding a motorbike (my first ever) two years ago, I got into the habit of using four fingers to operate the clutch. It was probably because of the belief that I had to press the lever fully for proper gear changing.. like in a car. Doing so has become a part of my muscle memory now.

Over the last few months, I’ve been trying to pick some off roading skills. And I’ve discovered that using 2 or 3 fingers for clutch control is a game changer. Since then I’ve tried to clutch with fewer fingers.. but never succeeded. Until today.

Clutching with 2 fingers offers multiple benefits.

  • optimize energy used & resources (fingers)
  • the freed fingers can be used to maintain control on the handlebar
  • .. & use the horn

But, it wasn’t to be. I was scared of crushing my fingers between the handlebar & the gear lever. I always thought four fingers are a must to declutch properly. I didn’t want to risk trying a new skill… it felt weird. My hand – foot coordination was severely compromised whenever I tried it.

Today’s morning ride was dedicated to the deliberate practice of two fingered clutch. It was a conscious & focused practice of this method. It was dedicated to getting over the feeling of uncomfort.. or getting used to the feeling till it became normal. It was an attempt to force the muscles to not depend on its memory.

Upshifting was relatively easy, downshifting not so. The hand – leg coordination just wasn’t working. It took a lot of conscious effort. Discomfort zone.

But, a start was made. And I’m definitely on my way to developing the two finger clutching skill.

Disclaimer: I’m a biking & off roading noob. Sharing my experiences, is an attempt to solidify my learning.