I want to buy a small bike (50cc-125cc?) to learn to ride on in West Africa. I can fly to Banjul for £100 from the UK, so I would like to start somewhere around there.

1. is Banjul as good and cheap as anywhere to buy a bike, or is it better to take a bus to another country to look? [I would need someone to give me lessons on quiet roads too, so this would be another consideration; is there too much traffic and tourist-industry-related hassle in Gambia for this?]
2. are there any particular models of bike to look out for (or avoid), and roughly how much can I expect to pay? [I would want something capable of taking panniers and riding off-road through West Africa once I have learnt to ride properly; it doesn't have to be fast, just reliable]
3. are stuff like racks, panniers/boxes, locks, helmets etc easy to find, or do I need to buy stuff like that before flying out?
4. what is the procedure once I've bought the bike? do I need to register it with anyone - what papers should I expect to recieve in return? what about crossing borders with my new bike?

As you can see, I am a complete beginner, so sorry if I come accross as naive. I have travelled in West Africa before and think that the quiet roads and friendly people would make learning to ride a bike there a pleasure. Thanks for any help,

Dave.

This sounds pretty mad. You don't seem to be able to ride a bike so I seriously suggest you learn before you leave. Africa may be a great place but they drive like lunatics. If you want to learn there fine... but don't expect any respect from other road users, especially in urban areas. get good medical cover too.


1. I would nearly think that dakar is better, especially seeing that you get proper papers (see 4.). Prices vary a bit but are more or less constant in all countries. You may also have a better chance of getting a second hand bike there.


2. Suzuki and Yamaha 125 and 175's are fairly widespread all over west africs and sre robust enough too (my experience) but as anywhere else on the planet you can also buy a dog.

3. Bring your own helmet, goggles, gloves, elbow pads and so on. Racks etc. can be made in any local workshop.

4. Gambia is a bit different in this case. There aren't any real papers as such. you buy insurance and at the border on the way out you are given a bit of paper which is looked on dubiously by cops etc in countries further away from gambia.

If your looking for a wee little bike like that try buying a second hand transporter type deal. Motorcycles are used for tonnes of stuff like transporting coke etc, you can get shitty old bikes cheap. Learn to ride there! just start off slow and in low traffic areas and you should be fine.. look for some nice slow roads and if need be hire a compitant gambian to drive you to this area. definatly do not start in the city, but go at it hard and you'll be ok

hi dave
if you are still interested buying a bike in banjul - we sell a honda xr 600 for little money. we should be in banjul at x-mas, but won't stay for long. give me a private message.
mike

hi there !! Hi Kevin !

well , I got a Spanish Motorcycle (Honda600XL) .. but when in Gambia I registered the motorcycle in Gambia . For all practical purporses is like I bought it in Gambia .

ok ... They don't give you any formal doccument of ownership . Belive or not is just a photocopy of some doccument .. and the -original ?- of some sort of tax/duty

anyway .. I have almost crossed africa with that very same bike -still registered in Gambia- and WITH NO TITLE/ REGISTRATION -nothing - .. and made it to the Congo(s). with no problem.

as long as you ask for a PAssavant ... you can cross from one border to the next one .. stamping the in/out as if It were a carnet . No problems . Indeed , they take the Insurance policy as if it were the actual and only proof of ownership.

as ussual , It requires a bit of "face value" (can't translate this better , sorry ). Driving a Gambia registered (i.e = unregistered and undoccumented ) motorcycle in Africa can land you in some troubles ,. So far .. nothing that a couple ciggies and a smile can't sort out .

also , remember than in Africa they don't have big motorcycles .They have either mopeds , or one of those horrific chinesse bikes . So most countries don't consider those a vehicle (for legal purposes , tax , insurance , registration , etc) ... at all .

Anyway ..my advice is DONT buy a bike in Africa , and if you do .. buy it only from a European . Try Camping Sukuta's car park , or Heinzt campsite.

and , please , don't buy that black XT500 you will see for sale in Senegambia's road . It has been sitting there for sale for at least 6 years ... !!!! ITs probbably destroyed by now .

have a nice day
Javier
Viajes y Aventuras - Índice

hi javier
do u know prices to rent 1 125cc for 7 days?
gracias

can u tell give me 1 idea how much can cost 7 days bike rental in kololi?
THANKS

Hi there,

I know it's more than 2 years ago, but would that bike still be for sale? And running?.

Sorry for taking up such an old threadm but since I'm new, I can't send PMs yet...

Thanks
Mike

It's an old thread, but does anyone have new info about buying or renting a bike in Gambia?

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Cheers!
Arthur

I did it in Serakunda. You can find a lot of bikes at the market there. Just ask for moto district. They will show you everything. There is also an option to rent a bike from local people.

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Cheers!
Arthur