GOA
 

Due to work etc, looks like a long term plan to travel to S Africa is out for a while so I'm thinking of renting an enfield in GOA for a few weeks, is there anyone who can give me a few tips so i don't get ripped off or kill myself.

Martyn,

Should cost about 300 Rupee/day to hire a newish (2002 model) Enfield in good condition. Be prepared to look after it carefully if you don't want it to break down regularly, ie have a good look over it at the end of each day and tighten up any loose nuts, etc.
If you haven't ridden in India before it'll be a bit of an eye opener! Many people take up the local habit of riding without a crash helmet, I wouldn't advise it, but it's a personal choice.
Otherwise, the best advice is to take your time (150 miles in a day is good going in India), ride defensively, give way to anything with four wheels, be prepared for pedestrians to step out without looking and learn to use the horn a lot!
If you want to ask anything more specific, drop me an email.
Harvey

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no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

Thanks for the info harvey, I always wear a helmet, found out the hard way when living greece years ago.Is it advisable to get a honda scooter instead as I'm not a great spanner man.

Martyn,

I think it would be far less hassle if you did it on a 180/225cc two-wheeler. Most of them are Japanese designed, but made under licence in India and the newer models are excellent - they'll do 60km+ to the litre, have decent brakes and are very reliable.
I'm not sure if you'll be able to hire one though, I've only ever seen Enfields for hire. You could always buy one - the 225cc bikes are about 80,000Rs (£1000) new and the 110cc bikes are 40,000Rs. If they're anything like Enfields, they'll be very cheap second hand, but you might struggle to find one for sale because I think most people ride them to destruction!

Having said that Enfields are unreliable, there's no shortage of Enfield 'mechanics' in India who, for a few pence, will bodge it back together and get you on the road again. You just have to be prepared that you might spend a fair amount of time waiting for repairs.

Hope that's useful!

Harvey

------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

[This message has been edited by harvey (edited 26 September 2004).]