Bikes & Riding

The legendary Royal Enfield Bullet is one of many examples of older technology, which has prevailed in modern India. It is a 500cc single cylinder true classic which has been manufactured in Chennai (Madras) continuously. Our fleet comprises well-maintained later models sporting 12v ignition and disc front brakes. The Bullet has good positive handling and suspension with a maximum speed of around 100 kph. A realistic cruising speed on most Indian roads is 50-70 kph and the bikes have ample power at these speeds. The Bullet has passed the test of time and remains the ideal bike for India’s sometimes challenging conditions. We use modern left hand gear change bikes. If you would like to use a ‘classic’ right hand shift we will do our best to accommodate.

The bikes used on our tours are rented on your behalf from Lalli Singh, a dealer with an international reputation for preparing first class motorcycles for both extensive touring in India and for export. He and his team of mechanics have been supplying our bikes for the last 27 years and they work tirelessly to provide the best machines possible.

Before each tour each bike is thoroughly overhauled and tested and they are checked by our mechanics after every riding day during the tour. Being passionate bikers ourselves, we know that there is nothing worse than a poor machine on a tour and we are fanatical about getting the bikes right. All of our tours are followed by a back up vehicle, carrying our luggage, mechanic and a full array of spare parts. There are limited places for non-riders to accompany us on tour in this vehicle. In case of temporary sickness, a rider is able to take a break from riding.

Travel & Accommodation

Our decades of experience in India has enabled us to develop close relationships with many boutique style hotels with emphasis on heritage style properties. There is some variation in standard across our various tours but all are 4-5 star properties with a mix of comfort, character and location. All rooms have their own toilet/shower, towels, air conditioning and clean fresh bed linen. All breakfasts and most dinners are included in the tour cost. After a hard day on the road we are certainly not ‘roughing it’.

For tour participants travelling alone the single accommodation supplement applies. If you are a single traveler and wish to share accommodation we will endeavour to find a suitable room mate but we cannot guarantee this.

We offer our tours excluding air travel from New Zealand to enable you some flexibility. You should arrive in plenty of time to join the tour on the dates suggested on the itinerary. If you arrive early or depart later, we will gladly organise a pick up and extra accommodation at a very reasonable cost. We are also able, through our networks, to arrange any Indian add-ons that you may wish to enjoy.

Health & Safety

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all our tours and our team are fully trained in first aid. We carry our own oxygen equipment on the Himalayan tours in case of altitude sickness.

Though your riding skills will undoubtedly improve during your tour, you must be an experienced rider. India is not a good place for a novice rider to learn, nor for a lapsed rider to become current. At the beginning of each tour we hold a detailed safety briefing and allow ample time for you to get used to your Bullet. To ride on one of our tours you must hold a current international motorcycle driving license. You must be 18 years of age or over to ride and at least 12 years of age to be a passenger on one of our bikes.

Our tours are run at a leisurely pace and there is no pressure to travel at speeds that you are not comfortable with. However, responsibility for the speed and control of the bike rests solely with its rider. We will do our utmost to keep you safe at all times on tour but ultimately, only you can be responsible for yourself – this is your adventure!

We insist that you wear a crash helmet when riding as you may not be insured without one.

Insurance

It is essential that you obtain personal travel insurance. This should include cover for medical, hospital, emergency repatriation, additional unforeseen travel expenses with provision for cancellation, curtailment and baggage loss. You should make it absolutely clear to the insurer that you are traveling by motorcycle of 500cc capacity as some policies exclude motorcycle travel. The motorcycles are insured for third party, theft and accident damage.

In the event of accident damage to your motorcycle, you will be liable for the first NZ$300 of repair costs.

Driving Licenses

To ride on one of our tours you must have with you a current international motorcycle driving license. This must be accompanied by your local driving license to be valid. You must be 18 years of age or over to drive and at least 12 years of age to be a passenger on a bike. Though your riding skills will undoubtedly improve during one of our tours, you must be an experienced rider. India is not a good place for a novice rider to learn nor for a lapsed rider to become current. At the beginning of each tour we will hold an extensive safety briefing and will allow ample time to acclimatise to your bike.

Our tours are run at a leisurely pace and there is no pressure to travel at speeds that you are not comfortable with. However, responsibility for the speed and control of the bike rests solely with its rider even when following a tour guide. We will do our utmost to keep you safe at all times on tour but ultimately, only you can be responsible for yourself – this is your adventure! You must wear a crash helmet and suitable safety gear when riding with us.

Visas & Passports

A current Passport valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay is required for entry into India & Nepal. You will also require a visa to enter both India & Nepal and we will forward all visa information to you upon receiving your booking.

Still have questions? Our FAQs may be able to help. If not, please email us: booking@indianmotorcycleadventures.com. We would love to hear from you.

FAQs

  • Age – Riders age must be between 18 years and 75 years and co-riders must be 12 years or above (at the time of the start of the tour).  Passengers in the support vehicle must be five years or over (with the authorisation of an adult/guardian).

    Visa, Passport & International Drivers License - all riders must carry with them a current International Drivers License. To enter India or Nepal you will also require a Passport with 6 months validity past your intended stay as well as a current travel Visa. We will provide all the relevant information to support you with your Visa application.

    Travel insurance – Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for your tour with us and is not included in the price of the tour.  If you are a rider or co-rider on the pillion the insurance must cover motorcycles of 411cc/500cc for leisure.  Ensure that travel insurance also covers you against cancellation charges, unexpected curtailment of the holiday, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses arising overseas, loss or damage to luggage & property and personal liability claims against the participant. 

    Experience – This depends on the tour/region you want to ride in.  Conditions in India can challenge your skills if you have never ridden a motorcycle in similar conditions.  We want our riders to be fully aware of the conditions expected and the skills/ experience required to deal with them.  Therefore, we have a separate “advisory” for each of our tour regions.  Please read the “advisory” for the respective tour/region you are looking at before signing-up/committing to the tour.  As a general guide, if you do not have at least 3-4 years (<10,000 Km) of motorcycle riding experience, you should consider things very carefully.  

    Fitness – (*for High Himalayas) Riders must be reasonably fit, for instance, must be able to go about daily life (like climbing two flights of stairs) without getting out of breath. Consult your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions. Please be aware that touring in the Himalayas involves being at very high altitudes and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) may occur.

  • The services of the tour coordinators. Motorcycle hire from Inder Motors, motorcycle insurance for third party damage, theft and accident damage.

    Luggage transport in the back up vehicle [20kg maximum per person].

    Mechanical and puncture repairs, petrol and oil.

    Accommodation from first night of tour until checkout on the last day.

    Breakfast is provided daily during the Indian portion of the tour. Most evening meals. We have found that our groups take most of their meals together and we have included those in your tour cost, [approximately 15 meals].

  • Personal injury and health insurance.

    Vaccinations.

    Passports & visas.

    Meals and drinks other than breakfast and most dinners.

    Porterage, items of a personal nature such as laundry, tips, gifts, telephone services, camera and video fees.

    Emergency evacuation costs, fines.

    Entry fees and camera fees for forts and monuments.

    Extra accommodation if joining the tour early or departing later.

  • Absolutely - pillion passengers are very welcome on all of our tours. Many of our clients travel with their partner or friend on the back of the bike, and we offer special discounted pricing for the pillion passenger sharing a motorcycle.

    If you feel like taking a break from the bike for a day - or even just part of the day - you’re always welcome to travel in our back-up vehicle instead. It’s your adventure, so we want you to enjoy it in whatever way feels most comfortable.

  • No - we do not provide riding safety gear, so all riders and pillion passengers will need to bring their own protective equipment. While it is sometimes possible to rent gear in Delhi, we strongly recommend travelling with gear you know fits well and are comfortable using.

    A good quality helmet and protective riding gear are essential for these tours. Helmets are compulsory in India for both riders and pillion passengers and must be worn at all times while riding.

  • No, India & Nepal are a food lovers paradise!

    We know ‘Delhi belly’ is one of the first things people worry about when travelling in Asia but after 26 years of running tours in India and Nepal, we’ve become pretty good at helping our clients avoid it with a few simple hygiene & safety precautions.

    We eat at carefully chosen restaurants, stay well hydrated with bottled water and use a little common sense along the way. Our team know where to find the great food, best dhabas (roadside lunch spots) and the best chai stops.

    The good news is that most of our clients are pleasantly surprised by just how well they eat throughout the tour.

    We’ll send more detailed information about food and drinks on tour when you are booked in and we’re always here to answer any questions you have.

  • Absolutely. If you’re part of a motorcycle club or group and have 6 or more people interested in travelling together, we’d be happy to discuss creating a private tour tailored to your preferred dates and style of adventure.

    Whether you’re looking to ride through Rajasthan, the Himalayas, Nepal or South India, we can work with your group to design an unforgettable journey together.

  • Yes! We can accommodate non-riding clients in our modern tour vehicle. This is a great option for solo travelers or partners of riders and is an excellent way to join our tours in comfort. Please contact us for more information.

  • 26 years of experience - and riders who return

    For nearly three decades we’ve operated motorcycle tours throughout India and Nepal, with over 1000 happy clients and many returning again and again to tour with us - some riders joining us this year are now on their fourth tour with Indian Motorcycle Adventures. They are our best advertising by far. 

    Authentic India & Nepal beyond the tourist trail

    Our local friendships and decades of experience take you far beyond the usual tourist route into hidden roads, remote regions, rural villages and unforgettable experiences most travellers never see.

    Family-run with unmatched local knowledge

    As a family-run New Zealand company we are able to provide English-speaking support to our clients from their first inquiry through our team in Auckland to the last dinner on tour. And our incredibly experienced crew know India & Nepal intimately, allowing us to adapt quickly to challenges and ensure every tour runs smoothly.

    Small groups & relaxed touring

    With small groups and carefully planned itineraries, our tours feel more like travelling with friends than being part of a large commercial convoy. We don’t rush and relaxed chai along the way stops are mandatory. 

    Fully supported & expertly guided

    From airport transfers to luggage transport and mechanical support through to navigating Indian traffic and discovering the best local experiences and ordering meals, we handle the hard work so you can simply enjoy the ride.

    Adventure without sacrificing comfort

    We combine exciting motorcycle adventures with carefully selected, high-quality accommodation - from family run guest houses and havelis to heritage palaces and hotels - chosen for their character, comfort and atmosphere. After a day in the saddle, you’ve earned it. 


  • Easy! Just complete our online booking form. We’ll take it from there and have you adventuring in no time.