Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OWNERSHIP PAPERS
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There's plenty of paperwork associated with owning a motorcycle. The process is complicated and time-consuming,
so it's wise to seek advice from the agent selling the bike.
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Registration papers are signed by the local registration authority when the bike is first sold; you need these when you
buy a secondhand bike.
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Foreign nationals cannot change the name on the registration but you must fill out forms for change of ownership and
transfer of insurance.
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Registration must be renewed every 15 years (for around ?5000); make absolutely sure that it states the 'road-worthi-
ness' of the vehicle, and that there are no outstanding debts or criminal proceedings associated with the bike.
Insurance
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Only hire a bike that has third-party insurance - if you hit someone without insurance, the consequences can be very
costly. Reputable companies will include third-party cover in their policies; those that don't probably aren't trustworthy.
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You must also arrange insurance if you buy a motorcycle (usually you can organise this through the person selling the
bike).
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The minimum level of cover is third-party insurance - available for around ?600 per year. This will cover repair and
medical costs for any other vehicles, people or property you might hit, but won't cover you for your own machine. Com-
prehensive insurance (recommended) costs upwards of ?1200 per year.
Fuel, Spare Parts & Extras
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Petrol and engine oil are widely available in the plains, but petrol stations are fewer in the mountains. If travelling to
remote regions, carry enough extra fuel (seek local advice about fuel availability before setting off). At the time of writ-
ing, petrol cost around ?70 to ?75 per litre in different states.
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If you're going to remote regions it's also important to carry basic spares (valves, fuel lines, piston rings etc). Parts for
Indian and Japanese machines are widely available in cities and larger towns.
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Get your machine serviced regularly (particularly older ones). Indian roads and engine vibration work things loose
quite quickly.
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Check the engine and gearbox oil level regularly (at least every 500km) and clean the oil filter every few thousand
kilometres.
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Given the road conditions, the chances are you'll make at least a couple of visits to a puncture-wallah - start your trip
with new tyres and carry spanners to remove your own wheels.
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It's a good idea to bring your own protective equipment (jackets, gloves etc).
Road Conditions
Given the varied road conditions, India can be challenging for novice riders.
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Hazards range from cows and chickens crossing the carriageway to broken-down trucks, unruly traffic, pedestrians on
the road, and ubiquitous potholes and unmarked speed humps.
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Rural roads sometimes have grain crops strewn across them to be threshed by passing vehicles - a serious sliding haz-
ard for bikers.
