[Leon]

Hey Guys, hitting India for the first time next month and will starting off in Mumbai.  I'm a semi experienced traveller who is looking for some advice on getting me dirty hands on a motorbike in Mumbai.  I know a semi descent amount about motorbikes, but I have no idea where or how to in Mumbai/India.  

I guess I need, firstly, to know where I can get me hands on one, the licensing (strict? Get away with it?  Play stupid?  Buy and dump?), you know what I mean . . . . can I just get a bike and ride.  Any advice on bike routes you've already taken will be good as well.

I don't plan on staying in Mumbai for too long so if you know something, please let me know as soon as.  If you fancy the idea as well, drop me some words.  I'll be in Mumbai from 2nd Feb and India for a few months.

Best Regards,

Leon.

[jyotirmoy]

Send a PM to vianyverma

[Leon]

jyotirmoy, on Jan 11 2007, 11:10 AM, said:

Send a PM to vianyverma

I guess PM means Personal Message rather than sending Tony Blair to a place called "vianyverma".  The question now however is who is vianyverma?

[Yashodhara]

He is vinayverma and should be knowledgeable with your kind of request.
Here is the link: http://www.gourmetin...php?showuser=69

[iwanttogoback]

cyberhippie and howieuk (two regular members) have a bit of experience motorcycling in india as well, perhaps pm them, or wait til they log on (cy, at least, logs on most days).

and welcome to the tree leon.

[priya]

A big welcome to the Tree, Leon!!!

First trip to India and you're thinking of Mumbai and a motorcyle   I don't want to sound like a "wet blanket" and dampen your enthusiasm, but I think the Dakar Rally would be a safer bet.  Driving/riding in India is an experience in itself, so I hope Cyberhippie or Vinaverma can give you some sound advice

Happy travelling Leon!!!!  Do let us know where you'll be travelling and your aspirations........

[Sudheer Poppa]

Basically you are staying in Mumbai for a few days just to get a bike and then explore rest of the country - right ? Mumbai can also help you to get used to the Indian traffic, but preferably you should not ride much there.

Some questions for you by which others can help you better. What sort of bikes are you used to in the past ? What are your interests and which cities do you intend to visit? Have you travelled in any similar countries over a long period of time?

Ideally I would take the coastal route from mumbai to chennai, coming inland mainly for Hampi, Mysore, Wynad, Thekkady, Munnar or Kodaikkanal, Madurai, and end in Chennai where the bike can be sold.

[Leon]

Thank you thus far guys.  I'm carrying no definate expectations of India and the traffic conditions.  I'm fully aware that they will be complete hell in some places and a joy in others, afterall this is a country with roads; however I'm sure a little different to the Dakar.

I can ride pretty well a bike up to 250cc, anything after that I guess will be an experience.  I know my way around a bike pretty much so any minor reparis are good.  The only advice is the bike department is, where can I get one and what are the legalisities?  Obviously never been to Mumbai/India before therefore I won't compare this to buying a motorbike from the guy in London.  

Yes the plan is to jump aboard and ride.  No definate plan of direction, just get a feel of the place and travel with my heart, the people and what I enjoy to see . . . the best way to travel life in my opinion.  As for experience I've already covered Central and South America, some off beat places, but they are theirs and India is hers.

Leon.

[john.sw]

Hi Leon!

If you haven't driven in India before you should take a look at the video linked below.

Indian driving style is nothing like you will find in the UK.  There is no lane discipline; drivers and motorcyclists will join a main road without even looking to see if there is any oncoming traffic, and vehicles drive the wrong way up streets and dual carriageways.

This is without mentioning the added hazards of livestock, pedestrians, ox carts and cyclists, all of which throw themselves into the road without the slightest concern for your safety or theirs!

You should have an International Driving Permit available from the AA and be licenced for the type of vehicle you are driving.

Ten percent of the world's road fatalities happen in India, so do take care!  

Traffic on a quiet day

[dzibead]

john.sw, on Jan 11 2007, 07:17 AM, said:

Traffic on a quiet day

And I don't think that clip even looks all that crazy!  Check out some of these:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfT5tTxOGWY&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG31kSj32eM&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spClfu3SE2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbv4IEmW7AY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spClfu3SE2k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xalUqWeJ6Y

I'm not sure that ANY of these clips do justice to the real "Indian Traffic Experience" !  

[Leon]

OK folks, please enough of the YouTube, I get the point.  I'm completely aware that this can be dangerous, crazy, suicidal . . . but hey, that's my choice . . .  please, can we leave it to my mum to worry about me :-) I

I guess if you see it that way then I will ask you to assist my youthenasia and help me get a bike.  That's all I ask for this query.  Can I just pick up a bike in Mumbai, if so where, how much should I look at, etc, etc.  Oh, do I really need a liscence?

Thank you again. Please, I would appreciate relevant information.  Thank you!!!!

Leon.

[vinayverma]

If you are going to be riding in the north then Delhi is the better option for buying a used bike. The market of Karol Bagh has all the makes and models on sale.
Being a foreigner on a tourist visa, technically you cannot buy the bike. that means the bike can not be registered on your name. your international driving license would be valid in India.
karol bagh also have few shops who rent-out bikes, this may be bit costly but you can practically by the bike today and ride off tomorrow. Buying a bike directly from an individual owner, may cost less but you'll have to spend time and money in getting it 'prepared' for the long rides.
I'm sure mumbai would also have used bike markets but I'm not aware of it.
The traffic in each of India cities behave differently but getting used to any one big city driving you'll be fine for India.

[dzibead]

Leon, on Jan 11 2007, 11:30 PM, said:

OK folks, please enough of the YouTube, I get the point.  I'm completely aware that this can be dangerous, crazy, suicidal . . . but hey, that's my choice . . .  please, can we leave it to my mum to worry about me :-) I

I was just trying to amuse you.  

[Leon]

Vinayverma, thanks for the information, very helpful.  I have managed to track a couple of people down in Mumbai who may be able to help me.  Option of renting for 2 months or buying . . . we'll see, I'm sure it'll be far easier to do it all in person when I get there.  I may just give Dehli a look in now to see what I can muster up.  

Dzibead, no problems, slowly amused . . . don't show my mum though.

From what I've read so far India on a bike will be many beautiful journies.  Very aware that my English stomach may not surfice, therefore looking at a komode/bike combination ;-)

Thanks again.

[iwanttogoback]

Quote

From what I've read so far India on a bike will be many beautiful journies. Very aware that my English stomach may not surfice, therefore looking at a komode/bike combination ;-)

something like this?

 scooters_weird_washrooms_pics.jpg   23.43K   13 downloads

i believe there may be one or two other tree-folk travelling with these...

[Judi]

    

[Leon]

Is that water proof???  Does it come with toilet paper???

Ok for those who are interested, I have been in contact with the guys in Mumbai at Team IndiaBikes <indiabikes@hotmail.com>, and they have told me the following:

You are welcome to rent (buy back) one of the following:
1. Royal Enfield 350 for Rs. 3000 a week.
2. Royal Enfield 350 for Rs. 5000 a week.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 180 for Rs.2000 a week.

These prices don't seem too bad . . . but I'm on the pound :-) I'll keep trying and keep this post updated for those whom it may help in the future.

[dzibead]

Leon, on Jan 13 2007, 04:05 AM, said:

Does it come with toilet paper???

Toilet paper???  We can tell this is your first trip!     You can't see it because of the angle the photo was taken from, but there's a bucket and and a dipper tucked away in the back corner.