Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Buying/ renting bike in India Buying/ renting bike in India
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Apr 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
Buying/ renting bike in India
Hi guys , I plan to do a ride in 2008 all arround India, I will be doing part of it with my son (10 years old) or wife . I will be looking to buy or rent a good reliable motorcycle so if any of you have tips or address let me know. I wish also to get an idea of what type of price should I expect for the buying or rental ,just to help me figure out a budget.

Thanks for any good help.

Hendi
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bombay, New York City
Posts: 18
Wink
Hi Hendi,
Most of the touring done in india is done on a royal enfield bullet (www.royalenfield.com).
You can undertake the journey on any motorcycle though the bullet is best for the following reasons:
Easy to repair as mechanics all over the country are familiar with the bike.
Easy to find parts for replacement.
The bikes are cheap and easily re-sold when you decide to leave.
A lot of torque for heavy loads and enough power/speed for indian conditions.

You can purchase a royal enfield once you get to bombay or delhi. If you would like additional contacts you can contact me though it is too early to be figuring out on the exact bike. The average cost of buying a motorcycle once your here would be around 800-1000 US dollars and you could resell for anywhere around 400-600 US Dollars depending on how much wear and tear there is on the bike.
These bikes are not as reliable as japanese bikes but they will do the jopb as most japanese bikes in india are 100-180 CC.
Cheers.
__________________
\"Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow\"
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
India
thanks for your help.
I plan to do a short ride for a month and then come back later for a longer trip.
do you know what type of mile /km I can expect to do per day. I am a good rider on and off road and I am used to riding in Asia (Cambodia/Laos/China).
I am looking to do some good photo shoot (pro) of people do you have a basic list of cities to do or avoid ( I am not looking for the tourist trap circuit)

Thanks again

Hendi
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bombay, New York City
Posts: 18
Thumbs up Long Answer
hi,
answering your query would require a lot of to and fro by email purely to know where you plan to go.. hence which roads will you be using.. hence how much distance you can cover per day etc etc.
I am currently in the US visiting family and from your website i see you too are in the US. I am out most of this weekend (with spring finally coming to NYC) riding. But you can try and gimme a call on 718-791-4614 and we can have a quick chat whereby i can try and help you.
Cheers.
__________________
\"Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow\"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Apr 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
India 2008
Hi , I just came back from a trip in Costa Rica, I tried to call you and left two messages but I didn't know your first or last name so maybe they were deleted.
If you head toward florida , you will be welcome in my home.

Hendi
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Princeton, NJ 08540
Posts: 27
hi
hendi:

definetely an enfield thunderbird or electra 500. let me know if you need help. i am in india also motorcycling.
__________________
Back in the US - aisolaz3@hotmail.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
costs: You could enquire about the rental aspect from andy(at)indiabikes(dot)com. That may help you decide whether to rent or purchase outright.

Based in Mumbai.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Jul 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 3
Premjis are also good for motorcycle buyback in Mumbai However it is best to contact them in advance as they tend to reduce the number of vehicles they carry in the monsoons.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Estonia, Tabasalu
Posts: 2
Question Purchasing paperwork
Hello to everyone!
This is my first post to this forum but I have read it for a while.

I'll go to Delhi in mid November and plan to ride through India and end up in Mumbai after one month with 350 Bullet. I have some additional questions to what HendiKaf already asked. Lonely Planet claims that when purchasing motorcycle it takes approximately 2 weeks to get the papers done. Is it True?
When it is, is it better idea to rent the bike? I originally planned to buy it (used one).

I plan to take as few things as I can to there. Is it good idea to purchase helmet (I've read that they are meant to other head shape as European ones), tank bag (for camera to shoot quickly) and side bags from there?

Cheers,
Gotham
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Posts: 41
Gotham if you are buying legally then it would take time but not two weeks, that is only for the new motorcycles and even then you can be out of the showroom riding the motorcycle in a couple of hours, only the permanent registration number, registration papers (smart card in Delhi) and insurance papers will take a week or two to arrive.

However majority of foreigners can’t legally buy motorcycles in India (check with Indian consulate in your country) and thus choose the illegal way of buying second hand motorcycles, where you get all the papers but don’t transfer them to your name i.e. the bike according to the government, still belong to the actual owner. Usually it is tough to sell these bikes in non touristy areas and resale value is low, however other tourists will gladly pick it up.

Better option would be if you can bring your helmet (as well as other riding gear) else get a good quality one from AGV, Bieffe etc. from India, they would cost you around 1.5-4k rupees.

Tank and saddle bag can be bought in Delhi and are available from both local manufacturers and Cramster. I personally use a custom made saddle bag and Mustang Tankbag, cheap and good option though quality isn’t as good as the cramster ones.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Estonia, Tabasalu
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by yogesh Sarkar View Post
... you can be out of the showroom riding the motorcycle in a couple of hours ...
Thanks Sarkar. I thought it can't be so complicated.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Posts: 41
That only applies to legally buying a new motorcycle; if you are buying a second hand motorcycle legally i.e. getting it transferred in your name then you would have to visit the Regional Transport Office where the bike was registered and get it transferred in your name. This can take quite a few hours or you can pay the second hand dealer or an agent at the RTO to get it done for you.

If you are planning to buy a second hand motorcycle, do make sure you check whether or not it is stolen DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, Delhi, India
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 25 Jan 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 5
Goa in march
Hi there, my first post here and I was wondering if anyone can give me a little advice?
I'm off to Goa towards the end off March and have a friend there who is meant to pick up a 500 Bullet for me, I'm just out for a month and wanted to know how I go about getting insurance for the bike while I'm there.
Have riding many times when there but always on a hire bike and wanted to do things differently this time.

Many thanks, Denver
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Hi Denver and welcome,
I am currently in Goa with my own bike and can tell you the following, privately owned bikes should be insured by the bike's registered owner who almost certainly will be an Indian as foreigners need residency to register in their name and this in theory covers anyone who rides it, my bike is registered and insured in the name of a friend in Mumbai and I carry a photocopy of the documents.
There also seems to be a pool of bikes here with number plates from various states that are bought and sold among tourists, I have no idea if they have insurance or who they are actually registered to but will ask around today and get back to you.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Jan 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 5
Goa in March
Thanks Mark for your answer, I was thinking. If my friend that lives there registers the bike in his name, should that be alright for me to ride then?

Denver
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
Buying a used bike alpiner84 Which Bike? 4 3 Oct 2006 04:03
Buying bike in Turkey James Galloway Europe 0 13 Jul 2004 18:25
bike licence for india pinkolive Trip Transport 4 13 Nov 2003 17:38
Buying a bike abroad - paperwork nightmare? peter_birch Trip Paperwork 3 4 May 2001 22:56
Renting a bike in Europe vs shipping from US, then to N Afri wbagwell Trip Transport 1 2 Dec 2000 03:16

 
 

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 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!

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 15:20.

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