Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
125cc Motorbike in India?? Ladakh trip 125cc Motorbike in India?? Ladakh trip
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By bad babba

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 18
125cc Motorbike in India?? Ladakh trip
hi guys,

desperate for some help and advice here!

basically i'v organised my whole trip to india going to delhi and renting bikes to do the northern trip around the himilayas in June.

However at the moment i am renting a 350cc Royal Enfield which i am struggling to find insurance on seeing as i do not have a UK license.

My question is, can/should i try find a 125cc (would they be powerful enough for the off-roading etc...) or does anyone know of an insurance company that doesn't require a license to cover me.

for an idea of the roads i'm doing the same trip as my brother did and here is his video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV9aEdcRmP0

Thanks!

fred
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Portugal
Posts: 139
If you have a provisional license you'll be fine in India, they don't know the difference. I've done this run myself and I really think you'll struggle to get over the high passes on anything much smaller than a bullet, don't forget, it's not just you, but all your luggage as well. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Auckland. New Zealand.
Posts: 14
G'day. I did the trip from Delhi up to Leh, Khardung etc on a 500 Enfield. It was quite adequate. We did see a lot of locals on small bikes all the way, with pillion plus well loaded up. They seemed to cope ok, but their riding did'nt appear to be that pleasurable. I'd tend to think the 350 would be the minimum engine cap if you want to enjoy the ride as well as the scenery. Doing Khardung, the 500's were gasping a bit one up, no luggage. good luck. best. Geoff.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: thailand
Posts: 94
180 pulsar is a good option
efield 350 sucks no power in the mountin iff 2 people then it sucks big time some mountins not even posibol whid 2 people one it renting one to xspensive yuo loking att around 500 rupies a day minimum tray to buy a second hand pulsar 180 ful power in the mountin and the coast off a second hand pulsar 180 is around 20.000 rupies then spend around 10.000 thusand to modify it then yuo have a bike that whil overtake any enfield in the mountins new tiers and lugage raks handelbars and mudgard in the front lugageraks is 750 rs sadeal about 1000 mudgard 250 tiers arond 4000 front and back some spear parts then ready to rock the mountins remembear to put a biger jet in the carburatear and a smalear front sproket sea yuo in the mountins i am one a 650 honda grean and blak att the moment manali leh is closed but srinigar kargil leh is open
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 18
thnks guys think i'm going to go with the 350cc one, pulsar doesnt seem like the right ride for this trip.

my only problem is my travel insurance won't cover me if i crash etc unless i have a full motorbike. been looking for cover but hard to come by. anyone know a good company uk?

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2013
panman's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hampshire, UK
Posts: 18
The Post Office do some good travel insurance, which includes motorcycle cover as standard, but I doubt any insurance will cover you on a motorcycle for which you don't hold a valid UK license!
__________________
My Route 66 trip: http://www.thehandys.co.uk/blog
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jun 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
most of the people renting enfields don't even check for a licence, and if they do, like the police, they do not know what the different licence categories are..

double check the terms and conditions of travel insurance policies as most only cover riding up to 125cc.

Only problem is if you run over a kid or suchlike and it all went to court.

I know of several people riding up there now with no bike licence.

Don't be put off by the difference between a 350 and 500 Enfield, both will do it, and learn how to twiddle with your jets... and don't overpack....less is more, but it is cold up there..

take a tankbag to try and to get some of you heavy things in there.. those huge racks the tourers have are bad for the bike handling..
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Sep 2013
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: India/UK
Posts: 22
Responsible travelling
Only ride a bike that you have a valid licence and insurance for! I guess I'm a bit late on this thread but come on guys, whilst India might be a bit behind the times do the right thing. Insurance and a valid licence is a must. Forget all the drop outs travelling tosh and do the right thing. In whatever country you might be from ask yourself the question how you would feel losing a relative / damage from an unlicensed Indian on a bike in your country?

I've done that route several times on 150cc bikes and if a 125 is all you're allowed to ride it'll be fine just crack on - legally!!!!!!!!

I'm back here for another 6 months so any questions please ask.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Sep 2013
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Hi,

Quote:
Originally Posted by fredleeming View Post
My question is, can/should i try find a 125cc (would they be powerful enough for the off-roading etc...)
I used a 125ccm bike to ride around Southamerica and therefore can say yes, the bike is powerfull enough for off roading and you dont look like money to the locals, if you ride the same bike as they do. You also get parts for this kind of bikes much easyer in third world countrys as for big ons: http://motorradtouren-suedamerika.de/

Update: Yes India with 125cc was great: http://schoene-motorradtouren.de/?report=en_mumbai
Last edited by ta-rider; 12 Jan 2018 at 09:10.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Sep 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: england
Posts: 36
100cc
when I was in sri lanker I ended up with a 100 cc baja did a 1000 ks in a week 2 up with minimule lugage it managed and there was some steep climbs I have a full bike licence but or travel insurance would only cover to 125 [ pressure from the missus] would bother me but she insisted, I road an old type 350 bullet and I recon the baja wasnt much slower and had much beter brakes, much lighter if you drop it
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
india, insurance, kashmir, ladakh, motorbike

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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
2 weeks raid in Ladakh, India (Himalaya) macdohl007 Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 18 Feb 2013 14:30
Motorbike trip SE Asia starting in Hanoi advice wixtravel Route Planning 7 27 Dec 2012 20:13
Motorbike SE Asia trip no full license & insurance wixtravel Trip Paperwork 1 21 Dec 2012 23:30
motorbike trip to follow the Nile omar mansour Travellers Seeking Travellers 12 25 Oct 2012 23:21
Planning a trip to India and the Himalayas ggemelos Route Planning 14 23 Mar 2012 18:51

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 22:11.

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