Rental in India - non Enfield

[DarrenM]

Does anyone know where I can rent or buy a motorcycle in India which is not an Enfield. Done a trip on an Enfield previously and fancy something with less character !!
Prefer to start in Delhi

Thanks.

[ColdC]

Yes, I'd like the same information, also starting in Delhi.
I've gotten some info but nothing more specific than going down to Karol Bagh and looking around and buying a used Karizma or Pulsar. Does anyone know of anyone who rents or has a buy back scheme on either bike?
DarrenM, can you please tell me your experience on the Enfield? Where did you rent? 350cc or 500cc? Where did you go and for how long? Why do you want to avoid the Enfield this time?
I will be in Delhi late June and plan on a two week trip to Leh and surrounding area.
Any feedback on Bullet Wallas? He quoted me a price for a used Enfield. Seems like a straight up dude.
Cheers

[DarrenM]

I got the Enfield on a buy back scheme for few weeks. Had a lot of problems, some fixed, some I lived with and some caused by my own error. I gave the bike a good test before I left from Mumbai, on route the following occured.

. The pushrods kept working loose every 150Km, still rode but rough.
. Kept jumping out of 2nd gear, eventually lost the use of 2nd gear, 3rd gear also playing up.
. Fork seal kept popping out, thread holding seals in was not good, gaffa tape fix.
. Serious brake fade going downhill on discs. Heat was 40c.
. Lots of bits working loose, worst case airbox which I noticed at a petrol fill, secured it and upon starting loads of smoke from ignition and under seat. Had rubbed through wiring, not a single fuse on the bike !!

On a plus the thing kept on running and was easy to fix. The people I rented from where honest and gave me 100% refund. India standards of maintenance are lower than ours, they will fix it as cheap as possible. I did give the bike a hard time, too higher speed on rough roads and 400-600Km some days.
Been searching online and for £800 you can buy a new Honda in Delhi, may take this option and sell after. The Enfield will give you a unique experience.

[ColdC]

I appreciate the reply and hearing your experience on the Enfield. When people talk of the "romance" or the "unique experience" of the Enfield; this is the type of experience I'm trying to avoid. I want to experience India, not work on a bike.
What model Honda did you find for sale? Anywhere I can go on line for info on what's available in India? I own a Honda here in California and when I ride I don't ever have to think of mechanical problems.
Have you considered a Karizma or Pulsar? I'm sure they are more available and cheaper than the Honda. Price of a new 180cc Pulsar is 64,255 INR and should be strong enough for a trip if you're riding solo and probably more familiar to local mechanics if you have a problem.
Check out this thread on advrider if you haven't already:
INDIA Calling : Everything you wanna know - ADVrider
Please post any additional info you might find and I'll do the same.
What route are you taking and when? Perhaps I can buy your slightly used Honda! Cheers.

[pottsy]

Had a Bajaj Pulsar 150 in Ladakh. Had excellent fuel mileage - all important out there (needed to be as well, with fuel at UK prices, eeep!). Reliable, smooth, comfy, just a weird gearchange pattern.Recommended.

[ColdC]

...for the info on the Pulsar. Did you buy new, used, or rent? Where did you get the Pulsar and can you tell me more about the transaction? I'm thinking about the Pulsar, riding solo Delhi to Leh and to explore surrounding area. Where did you ride and for how long? Cheers.

[DarrenM]

For Honda I have only found a place in Mumbai Allibhai Premji Tyrewalla - Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers

Would be good if you have a few months because you could go through Rajastan then up North. Unsure what route I am taking but will leave in July.
Will post on here when finished with bike as then moving on to Thailand to do some diving.

[ColdC]

Thanks for the link & sounds like you have a great trip planned. I've done the several month motorcycle tour through Thailand, Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam....
I've got a new baby at home so this trip can only be 3 weeks!
I'll be sure to post my experiences when I return.
Anyone else that can help out with some info on buying a good used Pulsar in Delhi, please post!

[pottsy]

..for the info on the Pulsar. Did you buy new, used, or rent? Where did you get the Pulsar and can you tell me more about the transaction? I'm thinking about the Pulsar, riding solo Delhi to Leh and to explore surrounding area. Where did you ride and for how long?

As i was finishing my India backpacking, my backpack went "missing" from the Manali-Leh bus roofrack so the next couple of days was spent retracing the route looking for it.So i rented the bike in Leh on my passport. After giving up on my pack i just bimbled around the area, doing the passes and up towards Kargil - such a beautiful landscape!Should you not get a bike in Delhi and bus it to Manali, then i remember a steady stream of travellers selling their Enfields (invariably...).The road up to Leh is staggering IMHO!

[chanderjeet]

For all you bike needs, you can head to Karol Bagh in New Delhi. You'd get all sorts of bikes there. Bullets to pulsar and the karizmas. Some would rent you the bikes others would sell it to you and buy back at a agreed buyback price.

Its a mine of motorcycles. You'd definitely get what you need.

[ColdC]

Good to see you on-board! When I look at my map of Delhi, Karol Bagh looks like a fairly large area. Am I correct "Karol Bagh" is a fairly large place and if so, are there specific streets to look for moto sales/rentals? I want to spend as little time wandering the area as possible when I land in Delhi so specific streets/areas to go directly to would be helpful. Thanx!

[chanderjeet]

You are right, Karol Bagh is fairly a large area. You need to head to the second hand bike market on the Naiwala Road. Its a street full of bikes. You'll get what you need there.

[yodli]

Hello All,

Is there any arrangement in delhi or manali by the bike rentals where i could ride from delhi/manali to leh and take a flight back to delhi? If so, how much extra would it cost for the service in the mid of August?

Regards,
Tarun Shetty.