[-m2-]

Seeing India by motorcycle is a special experience. At the old site, we were very fortunate to have gathered a lot of enthusiastic bikers who were a gold mine of information -- not only on bikes and equipment, but also on routing and destination information. The trip reports were always interesting and the photography often spectacular.  

I'm very pleased that the we now have our own section for 2-wheeling and appreciate how responsive the forum administrators are to member suggestions:  it us now up to us to make this area a useful and interesting part of the forum and fun place for fellow bikers, both local and from the rest of the world, to hang out.   For those India thinking about biking in India, this will be a good place to pick up information, ask questions and meet some fellow enthusiasts.  

I started a similar thread on the earlier version of 'the Tree' and had several replies already.  Since it is a pain to move threads, and this introduction has been updated anyway, I hope the early responders will update their comments as appropriate and repost here.  
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Of biking members from IM, we have already heard from darkside, Hippie at Heart, vinayverma, Yogesh Sarkar and know that  Crimson, SunilG, and Salil have found the new board as well.  Still waiting to hear from Lovemax and Yezdiking amongst others, so pass on the news to your biking friends that 'We're Back'.  We would also like to hear from members planning a trip, or even thinking about a cycling trip to India or just like bikes and 2 wheel travel!

So do check in here!  

mike

[vinayverma]

Oh yeah I'm still here with my new Sprocket and chain along with my extra loud horn

[sunil]

Whoa.......its really nice to see a separate the section for the bikepackers here......

I wanted to say thanks to Admins and moderators here and all the members who voted in support of this section.

[rock mind]

sunil, on May 6 2006, 12:19 AM, said:

Whoa.......its really nice to see a separate the section for the bikepackers here......

I wanted to say thanks to Admins and moderators here and all the members who voted in support of this section.

hi all bikers I m here with my splendor only ,

[Yogesh Sarkar]

rock mind, on May 6 2006, 09:18 AM, said:

hi all bikers I m here with my splendor only ,

bike doesnt matter, what matters is the nut connecting handle bar with the seat!  

[crimson]

another forum so soon.. anyways.. I am back!  

[vinayverma]

Yogesh Sarkar, on May 6 2006, 11:38 AM, said:

bike doesnt matter, what matters is the nut connecting handle bar with the seat!  

Maybe I'm too old but for me riding/biking is a state of mind.
Machine is just an additive like we put sometime for extra lubricant when we have to ride in Rajasthan in summer to avoid extra thining of the engine oil.

[crvlvr]

Anyone try one of the package tours that are advertised on the WWW?

[Hyderabadi]

I'm by no means a biker but have enjoyed biking if the following count:

-My first bike was the Hero Honda CD100, silver color and pretty fancy in 1985/86. Those days no one believed that 4 strokes would work in India. All we had was the Suzuki 100. Had a Chetak before that.

-Riding the 160Km to my 'native place' (NH7) every Saturday afternoon and riding back Monday morning full speed, just-in-time for office - 09:30HRS, the 'Attendance Register' would be taken to the 'Manager's Cabin' promptly at 09:35HRS.

-The journey would take roughly 2.5 HRS @ an average speed of 80KMPH

-That 4 stroke engine idling, in the middle of nowhere used to be one of the most beautiful things to listen to.

-On one occasion, I had a guy hitching a ride on one of those Monday morning breakneck rides to Hyderabad, I suspect he left traces of his guts all the 160KMS. I remember wiping some off the tail light.   

Happy biking!

[rock mind]

vinayverma, on May 6 2006, 05:11 PM, said:

Maybe I'm too old but for me riding/biking is a state of mind.
Machine is just an additive like we put sometime for extra lubricant when we have to ride in Rajasthan in summer to avoid extra thining of the engine oil.

its doesnt matter how old u r ( infact u r not) your thoughts should be young,

[-m2-]

Welcome rock mind and Hyderabadi!  Those 100cc HHs are sure remarkable workhorses:  reliable, economical and capable -- and probably still the most popular bikes around despite being in production so long.   All two wheelers are freedom machines and offer that special liberating feeling -- whether it is a commute or a trip to the hills.  My Indian bikes have included a Bullet, a Unicorn and an Activa as well as shorter stints on an RX100, Pulsars, and even an old Rajdoot and I've enjoyed them all (well, maybe not the Rajdoot so much )

crvlvr: I don't know much about the biking tour packages myself, but for a non-resident with limited time, it is probably a good way to 'do it' although as you have probably noticed from looking at the websites, it may not be cheap.  A couple of tour operators were mentioned on the old site, but I don't recall seeing any actual reports from anyone trying one out.  Since many of these seem to operate in the north, perhaps one of our members from HP might have some comments.  If we get this forum section rolling, there could well be some interesting possibilities coming up with touring suggestions, and members organizing rides, help finding a good rental etc.

____________________________

Still quite a few biking members from the old site haven't found us yet, so if anyone has contact information for Bora, Rahul1000, Madnomax, Tigr, or the still missing Lovemax and Yezdiking, do let them know where we are.  There were a few western cyclists who visited the old site on occasion, Indiboy and Sprocket for two, and I'm sure there are more already here with an interest or some experience to offer so do say hello.  (I wonder how MeCasa is doing )

____________________________________


To help our little corner of the Tree become more useful as a resource and to grow, I'd like to see some biking/touring fundamental type threads started.  I hope Hippie at Heart will repost his excellent Manual to Ride in Himalayas  which will be a good start.  Some 'basics' threads will be very useful for those not familiar with what is on offer in India -- the bikes and equipment available, scenic drives and destinations, renting/puchase questions, and such.  Having a bunch of knowledgeable people around to answer questions and offer advice will be great and it could be a good place to find a riding partner or to arrange meet-up weekend rides!.  In fact, that's another thread topic that comes to mind:  Great Weekend Rides for members to post their favorites.  Lots of possibilities here, so do plunge in!!

mike

[HowieUK]

Hi Bikers,

I am interested in Bikes too, and am thinking when I arrive in Delhi in a few months time a bike is my preference to buy (second hand!)
I have ridden Bullets before and also Japanese small and big bikes!

What I am after is a workhorse that's good on fuel, I don't need any 0 - 60 speed, but need it to carry a bit of luggage!

Economy is the driving force here!

Any suggestions?

Edited by HowieUK, 10 May 2006 - 02:03 AM.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

-m2-, on May 10 2006, 01:14 AM, said:

Tigr, or the still missing Lovemax

do u mean tiger? if yes, then that was my old id, stopped using it when I left xbhp. oh yes, I had informed lovemax bout this site, lets see when he shows up.

Edited by Yogesh Sarkar, 10 May 2006 - 02:01 AM.

[crvlvr]

-m2- yeah those tours are expensive.  but it saves the headaches of having to deal breakdowns etc. I can't seem to find the website of the rtour that offered motocross bikes and a cross country trip. that one looked really interesting.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

HowieUK, on May 10 2006, 01:41 AM, said:

Hi Bikers,

I am interested in Bikes too, and am thinking when I arrive in Delhi in a few months time a bike is my preference to buy, (second hand!)

I have ridden Bullets before and also Japanese small and big bikes!

What I am after is a workhorse good on fuel, don't need any 0 - 60 speed and can carry a bit of luggage!

Economy is the driving force here!

Any suggestions?

if that bit of luggage isnt too much, then most of the 150cc bike would be gud. will give u 50kmpl easily and arnt that tough to ride.

in case u want some thing peppier, then go in for a karizma(arnd 35kmpl) or pulsar 180(40+kmpl).

Bullets are quite good, especially if you hav tons of luggage. but they are not know for good fuel efficiency.

The choice will mainly depend on what exactly you want in your bike. in case u want even better fuel economy, then get a 125cc discover from bajaj. but dont go for a less then 10bhp bike, it will be headache to drive on the highways with a top speed of 80-90kmph and cruising speed of 50-60kmph.

[HowieUK]

Thanks for your info yogesh!

I for some reason think (and I don't know why!) a 150- 180cc will be a little too small to handle the 'tour' of India?

I would like your opinion on that?

Maybe the newer smaller cc  bikes are that capable?

Howie

Edited by HowieUK, 10 May 2006 - 02:37 AM.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

HowieUK, on May 10 2006, 02:21 AM, said:

Thanks for your info yogesh!

I for some reason think (and I don't know why!) a 150- 180cc will be a little too small to handle the 'tour' of India?

I would like your opinion on that?

Maybe the newer bikes are that capable?

Howie

Howie it mainly depends on how you want to tour. If you are going to carry a huge amount of luggage and have a pillion, then don’t even look at any thing else then an Enfield.

However if your luggage would fit in a saddle bag + tank bag + a small back pack tied on the rear seat, then you can look for alternatives to an Enfield.

A normal 150cc-180cc 4st bike will be happy doing 80-90kmph all day long with your weight and 25-30kg of luggage. Enfield on the other hand is also happy cruising at these speeds, but it can do this with a pillion and more luggage.

The 150 to 223cc bikes that we have are quite reliable and quite a workhorse. However they are smaller and lighter then an enfield, also do check the seat comfort before you decide.

Me and my friends do all our touring on our 150-180cc bikes, these bikes are used for commuting when we are not touring and in touring I haven't yet come across anything that would make me wish for a larger bike.

Edited by Yogesh Sarkar, 10 May 2006 - 02:44 AM.

[HowieUK]

Great info!

Thank you and I think I will go down the "Small is beautiful" route! ie smallish bike!

Maybe I can then do a run somewhere with you guys later in the year?

Howie

[HowieUK]

Yes!  I have had bikes that were supposed 'Tourers' but fell short of that title by a long way! {Yam XJ900!) and I believe that the seat is probably the main reason for their short comings!

Howie!

[Yogesh Sarkar]

HowieUK, on May 10 2006, 02:55 AM, said:

Great info!

Thank you and I think I will go down the "Small is beautiful" route! ie smallish bike!

Maybe I can then do a run somewhere with you guys later in the year?

Howie

sure, drop us a line when ur in India

Edited by Yogesh Sarkar, 10 May 2006 - 03:43 AM.