Motorbike Tours

twelve_monkeys

I have heard several conflicting peices of advice over motorbike ownership legislation. Am i right in saying that to purchase a motorbike in India you need an International Driver's Licence? I have a full UK Driver's Licence, is that acceptable?
Concerning insurance, is that a legal requirement?

thanks

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MeCasa

Yes, the exact steps for legal ownership of a motorcyle and the right to operate the beast is an important question. I was going to start a separate thread, but this will do fine, or we can move the conversation to the motorbike sticky so future IMers can share

Your choice

himalayas_beckon

to be true : in india, money rules
be it nething.. jus tk a bike.
the bike rental guy wil take the whole rent in advance and also some security deposit.. dats it. he will give u photocopies of the bike papers. all u need is that and ur license (international one isnt imp, no one cares in india)

Sprocket

Brace yourself, get loud horns fitted. Good luck.

-m2-

As regards ownership: non-residents cannot purchase a new bike in their own name -- it is a bit more complicated as far as buying second-hand and I don't know if the same rules apply in each state. As a non-resident, I'm pretty sure that a used bike can be transferred and the paperwork can be worked out (probably requires time and $, though). You should be aware though, that a bike bought in one state cannot be sold and registered in another without some extra hassle, so it is something to keep in mind when you are getting ready to sell.

An International Driver's Permit, which basically shows that you are licensed in your home country, is technically required for a non-resident to drive in India. You might never be asked for it, but if you are stopped and asked for it then you are leaving yourself open to a fine or backsheesh if you can't show it. Since you have a UK license, it is a small matter to drop by an RAC office and get one.

Insurance is required, but it is inexpensive and if you are buying from a dealer, he can help. I don't think the coverage is all that great on usual policies as it is not very expensive.

gipsi47

Hi, if you want some current info on moto touring check out the 60 KPH website, they are based in Mumbai and the site has lots of pertinent info. If you have a chance to bring a decent set of lightweight saddlebags and magnetic tank bag then do so, these items are hard to find in India and maker touring a lot easier. Enfield makes a set of leather saddlebags, but they are small and heavy, though they do look good.Lightweight is better.We have travelled over 8000 k in the past 2 years on a 2001 500 Bullet- 2 up, and have never had a problem finding a mechanic anywhere in the country. You will definately need to visit them numerous times on the trip you are planning even with a brand new bike so be prepared. We averaged 250-300 k per day and that can be very tiring and sometimes very stressful. Remember to NEVER ride at night on the main roads. Always carry a small container of oil as they all tend to eat oil.
If you are travelling solo the new 350 with electric start and disk brake and hydraulic shocks is perfect. Get a pair of foam grips installed, they make a huge difference on the long trips and cost next to nothing. Also if possible bring your own helmet, the ones they sell there are fairly crappy. The new "flip face" helmets are great and very convenient for stopping to ask for directions etc which you will do constantly. One big thing is to make sure the fuel system has a good fuel filter installed, the quality of petrol is bad at best and water and sediment will eat up your piston and plug up your carbs very fast.
There is no better way to see and feel the real India than on a bike, and whatever small inconveniences the Bullet will throw at you , you will love the bike and the ride

livin-in-india

There is nothing like a bike on the (semi-)open Indian roads winding through the countryside.

My feedback:

-I was able to buy and register a new 500cc Bullet in my name in Pondichery in 1994. But, in 2004 in Karnataka my Yamaha Enticer needed to be registered in my Indian friend's name (who also signed a form that she sold it to (blank) at the same time, so it was actually owned by who ever held the papers (me), though it had a dated registration to her as the first owner.

-Insurance is mandatory and totally useless. 500-1000Rs/yr, max.

-Helmets are not required in most of the country, and though the roads are totally dangerous, helmet use just kills the fun (and the intimacy with the people and surroundings).

-The required International DL has never been asked of me. And the going rate of baksheesh (bribe) for a petty infraction as such would only be 200-300 Rs ($4-7), much less than the cost of the license.

-ALWAYS TAKE THE STATE HIGHWAYS. Most of India have state highway systems, and then the newer national highways. In India the word national means a busy road full of idiot truck and bus drivers playing their pass and honk game while farting their diesel fumes on you all day. This is not fun, not the exotic India you are seeking. State means empty roads. Every 20 minutes one bus heading the opposite direction will pass you. Some motorbikes will be riding slowly with 5 people on them. Clean, easy, safe. State roads feel great, every moment is a discovery-an adventure. National ones are stressful, hectic, dirty and dangerous.
Helmetless riding on State Hwys is safer, in my estimate, than helmet riding on the National Hwys.

-My 500cc Enfield broke down sooooo much in it's first 5000km. And, many parts were hard to find. Choose the 350cc for this reason, especially if it is a new bike. Indian quality control is not done in the factory, but rather by the consumer post-purchase.

-My one year old Yamaha Enticer is a flawless running cruiser. Not one problem in any way. Sure it isn't so comfortable for superlong hauls for tall people, but at 6'1 I am fine for the 3 hour drive to the local hillstation. The brakes are unspectacular, and it only comes with a kickstarter.

In and around major towns/cities motorcycle riding can be less than pleasant. Avoid them as much as possible.

gipsi47

Re helmets,
the law states that they are mandatory on all highway system and the police are getting vey vigilant at stopping and fining riders not wearing them especially western riders. Apart from the safety aspects it is a hassle to get stopped constantly and have to pay bribes.State roads are great if you can find them but you will have to travel on National highways eventually and even though they are a hassle, helmets are needed. The enticer is a nice small bike but it does not do great on long distance highway riding.

MeCasa

How much if you get stopped?

john.sw

I understood that the wearing of helmets (at least in Kerala) is no longer mandatory.

Apparently the law was repealed because the father of a deceased motorcyclist proved that the fatal injuries had been caused by the helmet.

I estimate that approximately 1 to 2% of motorcyclists wear helmets in Kerala and TN.

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twelve_monkeys

Great stuff. Thanks all of you for the info. Just wondering though. The State Highways - are they the equivalent of a dual carridgeway type road and the National Highways the equivalent of a motorway? I only have a 1995 map. Looks like i mite need a newer one!

Thanks again...

Digital Drifter

State highways are not dual once out of the cities. Rare is the case where you'll find dual lanes. NH roads will be generally wide enough to accomodate 2 lanes w/o a divider in most places. though links between major cities are now with dividers in most parts of the country.

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livin-in-india

the point is to avoid the truck-bus traffic. sometimes by looking at the map you can see tell which route is the one less traveled, sometimes you need to experience it or ask the locals to know. if it a road is ever too much, pull over and look for other routes. backtracking for 10 minutes is a small prices to pay for hours of easy on the nerve riding.

locals will never suggest you take the old route, as new is better for them. yet, they are a little bit more hardened against the madness of the road show. old routes are surely going to take longer, sometimes 25% to twice as long. yet, they will be quaint and peaceful. the roads might not be as smooth, yet when you are the only vehicle out there, it is no problem swerving around the potholes and finding the smoother path across the rubble (often on the side of the road in the well-beaten earth).

you'll find our comfort once you begin, especially now that you are conscious of avoiding the heavily traveled roads.

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