The feeling of freedom, living minimalistically, meeting locals, and exploring something new are just some of the reasons why adventure motorcycle travel is growing in popularity.
If you’re looking for an extreme motorcycle adventure outside the US, there’s nowhere better to go but India. We found that the Royal Enfield is the best Adventure Motorcycle for traveling India. Here is why:
- It is versatile
- Capable of off-road and paved travel
- high quality
- affordable
- many different models to choose from
- decent amount of low and high-end torque
- stable and can offer you the best ride quality
- high mileage
- durable, lasting up to 15 years
- highly customizable
But let’s learn about India and why the Royal Enfield Motorcycles are the best for adventure travel in such a diverse country.
What Are the Unique Properties of India?
India is Very Popular for Overlanding
There are no dull moments because India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. With India’s huge landmass, there is always something new to explore and experience. However, exploring places outside your home country can be a bit scary.
Everything is unfamiliar, from places to culture to food. You are also thousands of miles away from your home, where you feel secure. But these should add to the thrill and not discourage you. Finding the best adventure motorcycle for India can help lessen this worry.
If you are unsure of which adventure motorcycle you should go for, then this article can help. In this article, we’ll talk about the best overlanding motorcycle in India or for India based on its terrain and geography. Let’s dive in!
India Is the Second-Most Populous Country in the World
What does this mean? This only means a lot of traffic on highways, a lot of locals, and crowded cities. On the good side, this means lots of foods to try, different languages to learn, and different cultures and religions to experience.
From the north, you can explore the jungles, breathtaking views, and colder climates of the Himalayas. If you’re tired of the cold climates and want to experience the heat of India, go to the northwest part of the country and the Thar Desert will welcome you with open arms.
In the south, you’ll find the stunning beaches of India. The weather is hot but it is humid because of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal surrounding the region.
Take Note That India Has a Tropical Climate
So better prepare, because the weather in India can be sunny, wet, humid, hot, and very cool depending on the season. It is also important that you research the culture of India first, so you know how to deal with your new environment.
Reading about the experiences of riders overlanding India can also help.
The reason why we have to first discuss the geography and climate of India is that you should go for an adventure motorcycle that is capable enough to handle the hot climate and different terrains of the country.
Essential Needs of a Capable Adventure Bike
The best adventure bike to explore places in India is one that is versatile, which means it performs well both off-road and on highways. It has to have a tall stance, high ground clearance, and long-travel suspension so that it performs well whether you want to explore the Thar Desert or the coastal areas in the south.
An upright and comfortable riding ergonomics is also a must for an adventure bike. Lastly, it must have a fuel tank that is big enough because gas stations are rare in remote parts of India.
There is one adventure bike that meets all these requirements. And because it’s made in India, it is designed or customized with the situation of India in mind.
The best adventure bike for India and India is one made by the company Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield motorcycles are consistently ranked among the best adventure motorcycles in India.
This brand is a favorite and always sets the standards when it comes to motorcycles.
They have the highest quality and most affordable motorcycles, and with lots of models, you can definitely find a Royal Enfield that will suit your preferences.
The Features That Make the Royal Enfield Good For India
Royal Enfield is undeniably the best brand to go for when you are looking for adventure bikes in India. The company already has hundreds of years of experience in designing and building motorcycles that will let you satisfy your thirst for adventures. Royal Enfield started in 1901, making them the oldest global motorcycle brand in the world that is still in production.
They became popular when they released their Bullet model, which became an instant hit. They are also known for their classic-looking motorcycles and off-road motorcycles. The company is based in Chennai, India, which means that the motorcycles are built in such a way that they can conquer every type of road in the country.
There are lots of reasons why Royal Enfield stands out the most among its competitors. Royal Enfield motorcycles have a decent amount of low and high-end torque that can let you conquer any terrain you want to explore in India.
They are also stable and can offer you the best ride quality. Some even describe them as “sofas on wheels” because of the leather-bound seats. The seat and the handlebar will allow you to have an upright seating position to lessen back pain.
Even though the motorcycles have larger engines, the mileage for most of the motorcycles is around 35kmpl, which is 82.3 mpg when converted.
They are also durable because most of the parts are made of metal. Royal Enfield motorcycles can last from 10 to 15 years.
You can easily personalize your Royal Enfield motorcycle because it is highly customizable. If you are a fan of the retro look, then this is another reason to go for Royal Enfield motorcycles.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorcycle
Almost all Royal Enfield motorcycles are popular among riders. They all have lived up to their names and proven that they are indeed capable.
Royal Enfield has a motorcycle for every kind of ride. The Thunderbird 350, Interceptor 350, Classic 350, Continental 650, Bullet 350, and Meteor are all popular motorcycles in India. What’s surprising is that they all come from one company, Royal Enfield. The company also has a motorcycle for adventurers.
The Scram 411 and Himalayan are both great adventure bikes in India, but the Himalayan stands out the most.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a best-selling adventure touring bike in the country of India. This motorcycle is built for all roads and is capable of tackling even the most difficult terrain.
It has a tripper navigation system to keep you on course.
The half-duplex split cradle frame and long-travel suspension make the motorcycle ready for adventures. The motorcycle also offers a comfortable riding experience because it has an 800 mm seat height and perfectly positioned footpegs and handlebars. You can be comfortable whether you sit or stand while riding the motorcycle.
The panniers at the back serve as your storage system so that you have a comfortable motorcycle camping experience.
A 411cc single-cylinder engine, 70 mpg, 75 mph top speed, 41 mm telescopic forks front suspension, mono-shock with linkage rear suspension, dual-channel ABS, 15 liters fuel tank, and about 9 inches ground clearance all at the price of Rs. 2.15 Lakh or about $3,000 USD.
Where Can You Buy An Adventure Motorcycle For India?
The process of acquiring a motorcycle for your adventure travels in India is a complicated one. Many Americans are actually finding it difficult to find reliable information on how to do it.
But there are testimonies that you can watch on YouTube or answers on forums on how riders managed to buy their own motorcycle in India despite being a foreigner.
There Are Three Ways You Can Get a Motorcycle in India
- Buy a brand new one
- Buy a second-hand one
- Or rent one
You can either buy a brand new one, a second-hand one, or rent one. Buying a second-hand motorcycle is a much easier and more practical way.
Brand New
Buying a brand new motorcycle in India is a complicated process and requires so much paperwork. This is actually a center of debate among riders. There are those saying foreigners can’t buy brand new motorcycles in India.
For your information, a foreigner on a tourist visa can’t legally purchase a motor vehicle in India. However, there are those who still managed to get motorcycles, and according to them, all you need to show is proof of residency.
Buying a brand new motorcycle is an impractical choice for someone who would only explore India for a short period of time. Also, you’ll just sell the motorcycle anyway after you use it and go back to the US.
Second-Hand
So, there’s no need to buy brand new ones when you can find second-hand motorcycles and still get the same quality. Buying a used motorcycle is also better than renting one because it is less expensive, you can take the motorcycle anywhere and anytime you want, and lastly, you can customize it.
The challenge now is finding a reputable seller of used motorcycles in India. You can buy it from a dealer or a private seller. If you want the easiest way, you can just go to the Karol Bagh Bike Market in New Delhi, which is one of the biggest second-hand or used bike markets in New Delhi.
Here you can find lots of used motorcycles that you can choose from. Just make sure that you know beforehand the price range of that motorcycle. If you have friends in India, you might as well take them with you so they can help you negotiate with the dealers or sellers.
It is also a plus if you know a mechanic who can check the motorcycle before you buy it.
Why Is Adventure Biking So Popular In India?
Overlanding with a 2-wheel vehicle is more exciting than overlanding with a 4-wheel vehicle. The experience is even difficult to describe with mere words. There is so much freedom when you ride a motorcycle. You can hear and see nature clearly without a filter.
Life is simple yet thrilling with adventure motorcycle travel. And if you are a certified rider, overlanding India on an adventure motorcycle should definitely be on your bucket list. There’s no better way to explore India than by motorcycles or adventure bikes.
Motorcycles are the most widely used mode of transportation in India. They are affordable for the people of India, and they can get you through the heavy traffic that is an everyday situation in the land of sarees and spices.
Adventure biking is so popular in India for two main reasons.
- One is the launch of capable and affordable adventure bikes in India.
- Companies such as Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, KTM, and, of course, Royal Enfield, are leading companies when it comes to motorcycles.
- They all have their own adventure motorcycle model that is really capable and made for India. No terrain is unpassable with these motorcycles.
- Two: The second reason why adventure biking is so popular in India is the vast and varied terrain of the country. Motorcycle enthusiasts can always find a route or terrain that can satisfy their craving for adventure. India is a huge country.
- In the north, you can explore the Himalayan mountains. In the northwest part, you can travel through the desert.
- In the south are endless coastal areas you can traverse. There are lots of great overland routes to explore in India, including Leh Ladakh, the Great Rann of Kutch Trail, and the Spiti Trail.
List of 10 Adventure Motorcycles Good for India
Acquiring motorcycles for your travels in India is not an easy task. If you fail to find a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle that is best for India, know that you have other options. These motorcycles are also made for India and are popular, so you can easily find them. Here are 10 adventure motorcycles that are also capable of conquering the vast terrain of India.
- Hero XPulse 200
- BMW R 1250 GS
- BMW G 310 GS
- KTM 250 Adventure
- Ducati Multistrada 950
- Royal Enfield Scram 411
- Honda CB200X
- Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220
- Kawasaki Versys 1000
- Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT
Wrap Up
India is a great country to explore with an adventure motorcycle. From deserts to mountains and beaches, India has everything that can excite motorcycle enthusiasts.
Not only that, but India can let you experience different cultures, languages, and cuisines. In order for you to have a comfortable and convenient motorcycle journey in India, you need the best adventure bike that is made in India and built for India.
There’s nowhere to go but the Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle. This motorcycle is capable, so it can easily tackle the bumpy roads of India. The brand is also widely known in the country, so getting it modified or repaired is pretty easy.
If you can’t find a second-hand Royal Enfield Himalayan, there are also other adventure motorcycles you can look for in Karol Bagh Bike Market in New Delhi.
