Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Feb 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 12
power of the Enfield?

I am planning on flying into Delhi in the next two weeks and buying a 500cc. For three months I will ride alone across the north. After that time I plan on meeting my girlfriend in Delhi. So the question I am asking is if the enfield 500cc is strong enough to carry myself and my girlfriend (maybe 260 lbs. both of us, plus luggage) up to the highlands of Ladakh. How powerfull is that little beast?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Feb 2006
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Power? Enfield 500? You're having a laugh....
22HP.
Will happily carry you, your girlfriend and all your luggage over the Himalaya and up to Ladakh. Have done the same trip 2-up on a 350 with a mega 18HP. Enjoy.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Feb 2006
Red Bull's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Clayton > Melbourne > Australia
Posts: 141
Either way in India, You cannot get anything Bigger than an Enfield! and moreover the reception / response that you will get form the locals if you are on an enfield cannot be compared with any other bike.
Enfield is no doubt the right choice!!
Happy riding!
PS: If you come towards Bombay / Poona , drop me a note maybe we can meet up for a Chai or something!:-)


------------------
Red Bull
Ride safe, ride far, ride often,,,...
http://theroyalenfieldbullet.blogspot.com/
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hari_iyer_s/my_photos

[This message has been edited by Red Bull (edited 14 February 2006).]
__________________
Red Bull
Ride safe, ride far, ride often,,,...
http://theroyalenfieldbullet.blogspot.com/
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hari_iyer_s/my_photos
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Feb 2006
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
The 500cc Bullet is ideal for your needs and Indian riding conditions.

Enjoy the views!

ChrisB

------------------
TheBrightStuffDotCom
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Feb 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 12
I thank you good people for your insight and experience. I am looking forward to a great trip.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Feb 2006
seanh's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 301
That's right, it's got bugger all power, but anything more would be wasted in Indian traffic conditions. Also, the Enfield is really comfortable to ride for long distances. The perfect touring bike for India, although the reliability is suspect.
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Feb 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Yep, power and enfields not two words often used together. Might be worth getting a free flowing filter and bigger carb jet for an extra couple of HP if youre going to altitude? enfields are very tuneable. Although I`d ask someone with experience of riding them at altitude as I`m only speculating. Parts like this for the bullet are very cheap.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Feb 2006
seanh's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 301
Enfields will get over high altitude ok without tuning. They will lose a bit of power like any bike, but i travelled with a couple of guys on Enfields over Kudung La (5600m) without a problem.
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Feb 2006
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Quote:
Originally posted by seanh:
Enfields will get over high altitude ok without tuning. They will lose a bit of power like any bike, but i travelled with a couple of guys on Enfields over Kudung La (5600m) without a problem.
Sean
Dropping the needle down one clip helps though...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 May 2006
Red Bull's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Clayton > Melbourne > Australia
Posts: 141
codyblake >> DID you do your trip??

codyblake >> DID you do your trip??

I will be in Ladakh towards end of June..doing Khardung La - Karhil - Srinagar..

Is anyone ele around in this area??
My CELL no is +91 9881498694
Red Bull
__________________
Red Bull
Ride safe, ride far, ride often,,,...
http://theroyalenfieldbullet.blogspot.com/
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hari_iyer_s/my_photos
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. Cal, US
Posts: 2
I can't see how the bullet is right tool for travelling in India or anywhere else, esp. for non-Indians, unless the financial situation is really tight. You would want something with better perf and reliability. A dual sport bike a la BMW GS bikes, KTMs etc. will be much better. Most bullet supporters in India ultimately revert to bashing "Jap bikes" to glorify bullets when all they have seen/experienced are small, single-cyl, aircooled, carb japanese bikes. It was the same story with the Ambassador cars and what not.

As for the reception one gets on a bullet that "cannot be compared with any other bike", not that this really matters, I doubt there will be a bigger crowd around a bullet in front of something like a BMW GS Adventure.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 May 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Posts: 41
dont worry codyblake, 500 has enough power to take you both to ladakh easily. if my 180cc 4st bike can take me (220+lbs.) and around 30kg luggage to ladakh, a 500 would do the duty easily
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 May 2006
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by mantan
I can't see how the bullet is right tool for travelling in India or anywhere else, esp. for non-Indians, unless the financial situation is really tight.
It's not the bike that's important, it's the ride.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

Last edited by brclarke; 17 May 2006 at 00:03.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 May 2006
Red Bull's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Clayton > Melbourne > Australia
Posts: 141
Yogesh thanks for posting a reply here!

@ Yogesh >> Your Website with the trip logs is indeed very interesting,
And having reading Sumit's Blog earlier, now its time to read the other end of the story!
Thanks for posting the link in Signature!

And this video was lovely!!!!!!!! Thanks again!
http://www.yogeshsarkar.com/trips/la...ed_the_sky.wmv


Quote:
Originally Posted by yogesh Sarkar
dont worry codyblake, 500 has enough power to take you both to ladakh easily. if my 180cc 4st bike can take me (220+lbs.) and around 30kg luggage to ladakh, a 500 would do the duty easily

@ Mantan >> True, BMW GS bikes, KTMs etc will be much better. My post there was considering the fact that Codyblake did not bring with him his bike into India. Maybe because I am a bullet rider I support the bullets much more than they are worthy of ! :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by mantan
I can't see how the bullet is right tool for travelling in India or anywhere else, esp. for non-Indians, unless the financial situation is really tight. A dual sport bike a la BMW GS bikes, KTMs etc. will be much better.
and finally as Br Clarke said sometimes its not the bike ,, its the Ride.
__________________
Red Bull
Ride safe, ride far, ride often,,,...
http://theroyalenfieldbullet.blogspot.com/
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hari_iyer_s/my_photos
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. Cal, US
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke
Sometimes it's not the bike that's important, it's the ride.
why sometimes, I think the ride is always more important than the bike, however, having the right tool for the job will not hurt. Some people get so caught up in promoting certain make/model that objectivity is lost.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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!

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 10:03.