Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Buying a Himalayan in India as a foreigner Buying a Himalayan in India as a foreigner
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Chris Scott

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Smile Buying a Himalayan in India as a foreigner
Hey guys,
I would need some advise from you.
I'm currently in Chennai and trying to buy an Royal Enfield Himalayan. It turns out its way more complicated then it should be haha.
So what is the best way of buying a new Himalayan in India?
Also, is it possible to buy the export model here? As the models from Europe are a bit different than the ones they sell in India. the factory is here in Chennai too if that is any help.
It would be nice to get it on the proper was to obtain a carnet.
Also, if its possible to get an export model I would drive it back to Germany. but that would be too good to be true hehe.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Greetings
Andrew
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Oct 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
People have bought RE Bullets to do India for years, haven't they?
So don't see the problem unless it's a tied-in buy-back deal.
Ask en-gb.facebook.com/lallisinghenfield in Delhi

I very much doubt you can buy direct from the factory, any more than you can do so elsewhere in the world.

To export the bike I think you need an Indian friend and maybe some smoke and mirrors.
I know intrepid Himalayan rider, Noraly S (itchyboots.com) did so and travelled all over Asia and has since got it plated back home in NL
Last edited by Chris Scott; 24 Oct 2019 at 16:49.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Oct 2019
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
People have bought RE Bullets to do India for years, haven't they?
So don't see the problem unless it's a tied-in buy-back deal.
Ask en-gb.facebook.com/lallisinghenfield in Delhi

I very much doubt you can buy direct from the factory, any more than you can do so elsewhere in the world.

To export the bike I think you need an Indian friend and maybe some smoke and mirrors.
I know intrepid Himalayan rider, Noraly S (itchyboots.com) did so and travelled all over Asia and has since got it plated back home in NL.
Noraly did not get Basanti (The Royal Enfield Himalayan) she somehow bought in India plated in her homecountry. First of all I think she had an indian friend who helped her with the ownership (but I might not remember those details incorrectly here)
Secondly she did not get Basanti plated in her home country - The Netherlands as Basanti was made for the indian market and thus didnt have the same specifications as the export models. And thus it would not be recognised or comply with dutch/EU legislation.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Oct 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
You are right.

Turns out her original bike has been in someone else's (Indian?) name all along.
It worked all over Asian borders but won't in the Americas where she is now.
Plus, as you'd expect, it could not be imported into EU for all the usual conformity reasons.
Luckily, RE in NL swapped her old one for a new one.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Oct 2019
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,231
This has been a long running dream, to buy a Royal Enfield Bullet in India and ride it overland to Europe. However it has NEVER been legal / possible in the past and is unlikely to change, if anything even harder now due to tightening regulations in the west.

See:

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/get-ready/paperwork
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
thanks for alle the reply's =)
I got an Indian friend who will help me to get the bike in his name. the next thing what we gonna do is a Letter of Authority. That would allow me to obtain a Carnet and drive the bike into other countries on his behalf.
But im not 100% sure if it will work that way, fingers crossed.

right now its more about the cost to obtain a Carnet. I couldn't find any clear information of how much it will cost and of how much the security guarantee will be.
I will try to get more information from FICCI here in Chennai.

I'll hope the best =)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Oct 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Italy
Posts: 499
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
[...]However it has NEVER been legal / possible in the past and is unlikely to change[...]
Well...
Legal, probably not.
Possible..yes. It has been done
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Oct 2019
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
In the past Europeans have purchased export model Enfields in Nepal, arranged the CdP from their home country and then ridden via India, Pakistan etc back to Europe.

There will be issues legally importing/ registering such a vehicle in a European citizen's home country (emissions/import taxes etc.)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris View Post
In the past Europeans have purchased export model Enfields in Nepal, arranged the CdP from their home country and then ridden via India, Pakistan etc back to Europe.

There will be issues legally importing/ registering such a vehicle in a European citizen's home country (emissions/import taxes etc.)

Yeah to get it from Nepal is an option.. BUT in saying that, RE is really expensive in Nepal. I got already a quote it would be around 900.000 Nepal rupee what is about 561.000 Indian rupee.
A new Himalayan will cost 220.000 Rupee here in India =)
Ive texted RE here in India regarding an export model, but still waiting for an answer.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Jan 2024
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: Kendal
Posts: 5
Hi there,
Well did you do it..? I'm wanting to buy a Bullet too, sort a CPD just like you, and ride back to UK from India via PAK, AFG & IRAN... I'd love to know if you made it.

Thanks,

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Jan 2024
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
Try this thread, both pages, and if you're not scared off by the 3+ months it took him you can maybe track him down on Instagram.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...dia-feb-103874
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Jan 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Try this thread, both pages, and if you're not scared off by the 3+ months it took him you can maybe track him down on Instagram.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...dia-feb-103874
It is a little disappointing that member Gnarlymate did not get back to us with at least some idea of how he achieved registering a bike in his name or whatever solution he achieved, I did look at his instagram but as I don't have an account was only allowed to see a little of which there was nothing about India.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 23 Mar 2024
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 5
Under the right circumstances, a foreigner can own a bike in his name in India.

This foreigner did it, here's the donkey I owned.



However, truth be told, most people probably wouldn't go through the whole ordeal.
Here's how I got the bike in my name;

1. Business visa
2. Rental agreement in my name
3. Adhaar card(Indian ID)
4. Some luck, dealing with an honest Hero dealer in Rishikesh

Basically, you need to be a resident, with some paper trail of your residency in India. Getting it in your name on a tourist visa isn't likely to work.
However, with the right connections, and some bribes, everything is possible in India.

If you wanna give it a shot, you'll have to go there and hope for the best. Have at least an e-business visa(easy to get online) and figure out a way(maybe with your guesthouse) to have a rental contract. That should be a much better start than having just a tourist visa.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2 Days Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 231
I know a guy who managed to register a Himalayan to his name (New Zealand passport).
The thing is, it depends a lot on which state you're doing it. Some are easier and in some states it's just impossible. He did it in Himachal Pradesh with a 12-month rental contract as proof of residency (bogus).

But as others already said, the Europeans RE models are (ever so slightly) different from the Indian ones, so it's impossible to register an Indian RE in Europe (on purpose, I bet, to avoid trafficking). Same for KTMs built in India.

Laurent
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
buy a bike, buy a bike in india, carnet de passage, india, royal enfield himalayan

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Getting Ready for your India & Nepal Riding Adventure robertllavelle West and South Asia 9 4 Mar 2023 00:04
From India to Europe overland on a Royal Enfield - The 101 introduction leooo TRAVEL Hints and Tips 2 8 Mar 2020 09:05
From India to Finland on Royal Enfield Himalayan 2018 Dani Amosov Route Planning 20 9 Dec 2019 20:52
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
Himalayan Holiday : New Delhi ( India ) to Leh. RAJIV15Y Ride Tales 1 2 Mar 2013 10:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:26.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top