riding in India

[sir_lurk_alot]

My girlfriend and I are going to Goa later in the year and we are thinking about hiring an Enfield 500cc to go and do some site seeing on and generally getting around whilst out there.

I am hopefully doing my DAS this weekend so will hopefully have a full license but will be a new rider.

Is there any tips or advice anyone can offer so that we are as prepared as possible.

cheers

[N Dentressangle]

Try a search:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/search4.asp?h...



If you look at the Blazing Trails website:

http://www.blazingtrailstours.com/

you'll find more info on what you propose, as well as some rider experiences with the help of google.

HTH

eta I'd want more than a few months' experience on a bike before I tried riding an Enfield on Indian roads, but then you might be more confident / suicidal than me.

If you come off and sustain much of an injury in India, you'll need flying home. If you're much less than 100% confident, with balls to match, then you won't make a lot of progress in Indian traffic, and you'll probably fall off...

Edited by N Dentressangle on Thursday 5th February 09:49

[trumpet600]

Having been to India a number of times, I would suggest going on holiday, relax, and hire a driver to take you sightseeing.

While you are there, take time to look how little is thought of motorcycles and then decide if you want to come back and ride a bike.

Unfortunately, the rule in those sorts of countries is set around the survival of the biggest. Overloaded lorries tend to win.

I would love to do it one day. I'll add it to the ever growing list.

[catso]

In at the deep end eh?. Indian traffic is somewhat chaotic, it'll make you more aware (if you survive). If possible get in some practice somewhere where the traffic is more civilised, like Rome or Naples......

Enjoy the trip.

[Twit]

Ha ha!!I've ridden all over India and its utter chaos!

I assume you have never ridden a bike? Its not the easiest of places to ride but actually not being experienced is no real loss as it bares not resemblence to any riding over here. Basic premise is that there are literally no road rules except one - size rules. As a bike you will be at the bottom of the pecking order so ALWAYS be prepared to take evasive action as required. Don't expect anyone to do anything predictable, I have seen people lay out stalls etc on main roads as the ground is good! Keep your speed down, most roads are pretty rough so that should not be too much of an issue. The cities are hilarious, no point trying ot describe it, its chaos and you need to bee looking in all directions at all times. Again there are no real rules and expect everyone to cut you up, I couldnt even begin to count how many times a car would come so close as to brush my legs.

Having said all that, it is a great laugh and once you get into it you will enjoy it. Don't bother about protective gear except a helmet, you'll be too hot and the speeds are not really quick enough to make it worth while.

The only place I have ridden that was more chaotic than India was Iran and Tehran in particular, try that after!!!