TH- Rasisalai to Udon Thani

18.03.25 – Day 1

Breaking in the Bike: A 1,000 km Test Ride for Adventure Touring

Introduction

Every long-distance motorcycle adventure starts with preparation, and this trip was no exception. The goal was simple: rack up 1,000 km to complete the first service, test the bike on a mix of on-road and off-road conditions, and evaluate the soft, rackless luggage system.
With a bigger trip to Laos and Cambodia on the horizon, this ride would serve as a perfect test run to understand the bike’s capabilities and iron out any potential issues before the real adventure begins.

Day 1: Hitting the Road

The journey started at 08:30, after a much-needed coffee and tea, with cool weather setting the perfect tone for the ride. The first 12 km were straightforward on paved roads before transitioning to the first off-road section—gravel. At first, confidence wasn’t at 100%, but as the ride progressed, the thrill of loose terrain made it an exciting experience.

The plan was to maintain a balanced mix of on-road and off-road riding. On-road sections provided a chance to relax and recover, while off-road segments were all about fun and pushing the bike’s limits. Having this variety helped in understanding how the bike handled different surfaces.

Route Planning: From Satellite to Reality

Planning the route using satellite images and the Komoot app seemed like a solid strategy. However, reality had other plans. Several times, what appeared to be a clear track on the satellite image turned out to be a dead end or blocked due to construction, particularly near irrigation channels. These unexpected detours cost valuable time, and by the end of the first day, only 200 km had been covered—far less than anticipated.

Testing Different Terrain

One of the highlights of the day was experiencing nearly every type of terrain imaginable. From gravel roads to hard-packed dirt, soft dirt, deep sand, and even some single-track trails, the ride offered a complete test of the bike’s capabilities. Each surface provided valuable feedback:

 • Gravel – Fun but initially tricky. Getting comfortable with the bike’s movement on loose rocks took some time.

 • Hard Dirt – Ideal for speed, offering good traction and stability.

 • Soft Dirt – Slightly unpredictable, requiring smooth throttle control.

 • Deep Sand – The most challenging, demanding full concentration and a steady throttle to maintain momentum.

 • Single Trails – A surprise element that made for some technical riding, adding to the adventure.

The combination of terrains gave a realistic preview of what could be expected on the upcoming Laos and Cambodia trip, making this test ride invaluable.

Technical Issues: Power Bank Failure

One of the biggest setbacks of the day came at around 2 PM when the phone battery died due to a power bank issue. Without navigation, things became more complicated, reinforcing the need for a more reliable charging setup. A USB connector on the bike would be a useful upgrade to avoid similar issues in the future.

End of the Day: Finding a Place to Stay

After a full day of riding, a resort was found south of Yang Talat. It wasn’t the best accommodation, but at 550 Baht, it was a reasonable deal. More importantly, a 7/11 was nearby—always a crucial factor for a quick meal, snacks, or supplies.

Lessons Learned and Next Steps

This test ride provided valuable insights into both the bike and the planned adventure setup:

 1. Terrain Adaptability – The bike handled different terrains well, but deep sand remains a challenge that needs more practice.

 2. Navigation Issues – A backup power solution is essential; installing a USB charger on the bike is now a priority.

 3. Luggage System – While the soft, rackless setup seemed functional, a longer ride would be needed to fully evaluate its comfort and practicality.

 4. Route Planning Reality Check – Satellite images don’t always show the full picture. Flexibility is key when navigating unfamiliar areas.

With 200 km down, the journey towards 1,000 km continues, bringing more opportunities to refine the setup before the big adventure to Laos and Cambodia.

This test ride was just the beginning, but it already provided the kind of real-world experience needed to ensure a successful long-distance ride ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as the trip progresses!