29/09/2018
Top Three Motorbike Adventures by Experience Level (and Cost)
Many dream of buying a motorbike and hitting the open road. Unlike driving a car or van where you’re strapped in by a seatbelt and separated from the environment by a glass window, riding a motorbike is a physical connection between machine and rider, human and environment (I could say the same thing about riding a bicycle, but that’ll be described in a future post)
Although a world motorbike adventure is a dream to many, more often than not, one hesitates to undergo such an adventure for three main reasons: inexperience, logistics, and cost.
This post is relevant to both motorbike enthusiasts and aspiring new riders, which aims to outline how one can start their world motorbike adventure with no previous motorbike experience, with little logistical preparation, and with very little money.
1. VIETNAM: Where new riders are born
Vietnam is the easiest country in the world to buy a bike and learn to ride. If you have any concerns about your ability to learn to ride, first try renting a semi-automatic scooter in any Southeast Asia country (usually about $5 a day). A Honda Win 110cc motorbike is the machine of choice in Vietnam because of its versatility, affordable price, and ease of repair. A benchmark price for a used Honda Win 110cc is $250USD, though I bought mine for $150USD from a French traveller who was in a hurry to leave because his visa was expiring. In terms of logistics, the only documentation you need is the laminated blue ownership card which the seller should provide you upon purchase. You do not need to change the ownership name. With just the ownership card and your government ID card (anything that resembles a drivers license will suffice) you’re ready to hit the road, and can even take the bike into neighbouring Laos and Cambodia (there are some tricks to this, message me for more info on crossing borders with a Vietnamese motorbike). Once you’ve bought the bike, you’ll want to head to the Ho Chi Minh trail for the North/South journey (north of Hanoi is amazing, check out Ha Giang province then take an off-road track to remote Bac Ha local market (Sunday only) before going onwards to Sapa. Any problems with the bike can be fixed at the nearest mechanic, usually located just down the hill from wherever the breakdown happens. Typical mechanic fixes include welding the rack (about $1), fixing a flat (about $1), and an oil change (less than $10). Guesthouses (‘Khach San’) cost about $10 which can be split between two riders. A typical lunch or dinner costs a dollar or two, and draft beer is less than 50 cents. Vietnam is the perfect place for new riders and for experienced riders who want to immerse themselves in beautiful landscapes and culture. Message me for a detailed route map for the best roads and places to visit in Vietnam.
2. INDIA (and Nepal): Where the highest peaks are reached
India has so much to offer. Rich culture, diverse landscapes, and experiences that are likely to make you very uncomfortable. Like Vietnam, it is incredibly easy for a foreigner to buy a motorbike in India. The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic or Electra 350CC are the go-to bikes for touring, which will set you back about 1,100USD (most/all can be recovered by reselling afterwards, don’t opt for a cheaper bike that’s in less than good condition because you’ll end up spending a lot more for repairs). There is a big bike market in Delhi, but if you’re not a strong bargainer you are likely to get ripped off. The best option is to buy a bike from another traveller. The only documentation you need is the registration card, which does not need to be put in your name. If you’re buying the bike in Delhi, you’ll want to leave very early before traffic starts to pick up. If the Himalayan mountains and feeling like the only person on the planet interests you, you’ll want to head towards Manali on the way to Leh, then pass over the Khardungla pass (world’s highest road at altitude 5,578 metres) on the way to Nubra valley, then to Pangong lake. Be extremely careful not to over exert yourself, as any increase in heart rate / breathing could lead to fainting (luckily when it happened to me, I was near a medical outpost with an oxygen tank). For more adventure, head through Nepal to Mustang and Manang, and then to India’s far northeast: Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland (message me for information on traveling through Nepal with an Indian motorbike).
3. CANADA and USA: Where your own Easy Rider journey is made
I used to pass up travel in Canada and USA for adventures far away, but now I realize all the beauty that Canada and USA have to offer. Start the journey in New York or Maine, where there are many excellent motorbikes for sale at incredible prices. A classic Goldwing or BMW tourer can be bought for around $2,000USD (foreigners have no problem buying a bike in USA and getting insurance). Head to Chicago to start the world famous Route 66 and drive to Santa Monica, California. Ride the Pacific Coast Highway in California then continue up the coast through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia, and further north to Alaska. Then, ride the long stretch across the Canadian prairies to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, and further to Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula on route to the world renowned Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, where you can catch the ferry in Sydney, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. Finally, journey back to the starting point in New York or Maine, where you can sell your bike to pay for your plane ticket back to wherever home is. Out of the three trips I’ve described, this is by far the most costly because of the high mileage gas expenses, but if you are left without any money, you’ll keep with you a wealth of experience.
NOTE: I have a 2007 Royal Enfield Electra 350cc for sale in Kathmandu, Nepal. Indian Registration. Selling for $750USD!
As always, contact me for cheap flight bookings, AirBnB finds, and personalized adventure travel itineraries! Pay-what-you-can!
