Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
india: which bike to rent? india: which bike to rent?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: La Spezia, Italy
Posts: 47
first of all, thanks a bunch for all the replies. ill never tire of saying howmuch i love this friggin forum!!

Don't get me wrong guys. i certainly see the romantic side of touring india on an enfield, and if i had 6 months to spare, it would be a no-call. but i only have a month, maybe a month and a half, and after reading all the reports, im afraid id be spending a great deal of my trip trying to put back bits that have fallen off. that's the factor that makes me lean toward the jap bikes, its simply an issue of time. nonetheless, i havent exactly written it off yet, and im still open to suggestions.
as far as lending/renting/buying from a private... how long do u reckon it would take to arrange the deal once in place? do you guys know anyone i could contact in advance to start planning ahead?
So far i have contacted lalli singh, who has a buyback scheme for enfeilds, and who comes highly recommended, but so far no answer.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Approximate dates? And start point?

In Mumbai you could try contact indiabikes.com or Allibhai Premji Tyrewalla - Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers

Perhaps you could communicate your needs to them and take it from there.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: La Spezia, Italy
Posts: 47
ok guys. ive found a pretty good buyback scheme on a 2005 karizma. very good price indeed!
jst one question though... does the karizma have the gearshift on the left or the right?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 1
Go the Enfield
Have a look on the Royal Enfield website it will tell you all the specs

The enfield is great for cruising very comftable and you can ride it all day. It may break down but you can get parts and mechanics any where even in the middle of rural india. I rented a smaller 2 stroke for a week and it was like riding a razor blade not much fun at all.

Good luck and don't forget to give way to everything bigger than you, including at green lights as trucks and buses etc don't respect motorbikes even if they have a red light or you have right of way.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadoblazo View Post
ok guys. ive found a pretty good buyback scheme on a 2005 karizma. very good price indeed!
jst one question though... does the karizma have the gearshift on the left or the right?
Conventional, gear on the left, toe shifter.

Be sure to check the bike THOROUGHLY before you start and replace anything that needs it, or is likely to need it BEFORE starting.

That includes (if there is even slight doubt):

The clutch plates
Chain sprocket set
Timing chain tensioner
Battery
There should be NO leaks

Sometimes there is a shortage of parts even in the major cities - a failure of any of these components out in the countryside will mean that you will have to ship it home (though a 9A battery can be substituted, available everywhere).

If you have everything sorted out before starting and are prepared to check oil levels daily (there is no oil warning light) you can donate your spanners to the nearest enfield guy you see and be on your way.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 52
Hi,
I just returned home from a 3 month trip through S-India on my Enfield. 350. 2up and lots of luggage. This one is mine and only 1 year old. Last year my wife and I spent 4 months on the bike. In total 10.000km and no problems apart from the regular services. Even no flat tires. When you run them on 40psi aft and 30psi front.
Before this one we had an old 500cc bullet and travelled 6 months. About every 500km problems. So rent a good 350 with a luggagerack.
In Delhi you could go to Lalli Singh in Karol Bagh. Madaan is another one but not so reliable.
All the smaller bikes are a pain in the ass and lack luggage space.
Remember for the planning more than 200km a day means real work and NEVER go faster than 50km. That is the speed you see and avoid potholes and beautiful speedbreakers.
Happy riding
Menno
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by metita View Post
Hi,
In total 10.000km and no problems apart from the regular services. Even no flat tires.
Before this one we had an old 500cc bullet and travelled 6 months. About every 500km problems.

Menno
It would be nice if one could make out which enfield will give problems - and which won't (and usually, the old 500 is a more reliable bike) but this is a bit of a lottery.

Quote:
Originally Posted by metita View Post
Remember for the planning more than 200km a day means real work and NEVER go faster than 50km. That is the speed you see and avoid potholes and beautiful speedbreakers.
Happy riding

Menno
Again, this depends on the roads. We have had total newbs in our group do 700km in a day (not advisable). There are places where 50kph is too fast, and places where 130 kph is no big deal.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Mar 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
renting bike in India
As far as bike I am now in India with a Royal Enfield from Carol in Delhi, its a 500 cc and fully loaded two up we can do up to 80 km/H on good road ( wich are rare) we did 2700KM so far and the bike run great, its also a great looking ride (if that make a difference to you)I will recommande it to anyone travelling loaded or two up as the smaal bike suffer way too much in the mountains.
my 2 cents
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Mar 2008
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadoblazo View Post
i certainly see the romantic side of touring india on an enfield, and if i had 6 months to spare, it would be a no-call. but i only have a month, maybe a month and a half, and after reading all the reports, im afraid id be spending a great deal of my trip trying to put back bits that have fallen off. that's the factor that makes me lean toward the jap bikes, its simply an issue of time. nonetheless, i havent exactly written it off yet, and im still open to suggestions.
I'll be there on my 1965 Ducati 250cc in May. Well, the bike probably won't show up until June, but I don't sweat the small stuff. If I wasn't planning on a bike that would break down, I'd go Japanese or local. Once you're there you'll be able to find out what people are riding.

If I blow up the bike again, it's Enfield 350 for sure. I'm a sucker for punishment.

--Dave
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
Buying/ renting bike in India travelHK West and South Asia 19 2 Mar 2016 05:46
leaving bike in India for 5 months,Possible? Polly Trip Transport 6 31 Aug 2009 05:38
Indian Visas... what odds if I just rock up to India on a boat with a bike? Cpt Barbarossa West and South Asia 3 3 Jan 2008 19:35
bike licence for india pinkolive Trip Transport 4 13 Nov 2003 16:38

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 05:02.

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