Intro Approved

Welcome to xBHP Matt. Do try out the Hero ZMR / Honda CBR250R before finalizing anything.

Hey Matt, Thats a great plan! Kudos to it! Do let us know your itinerary once you are done!
Speaking of which bike, since pillion comfort is a priority, why don't consider a ThunderBird TS? Its got great cruiser feel, one among the RE lot, and a lower-back support all with a formidable power-house too
Speaking of purchasing, I will spread the word and let you know shortly!! BTW, Welcome to Chennai, she is a great city!!

welcome to xbhp...i hope you will continue to be a member even after you return to your native place.

and yes, do take a look at some other good touring bikes available here.


chennai xbhpians will be able to help you out better, i was about to suggest you to post your querry on chennai thread, but it seems you are already active there.

best of luck. and post some nice pics and trip log.

Wlecome Matt! But i stil say buying and selling would be a loss for you!!

Motorcycle rentals in Delhi/Manali (North India) typically charge Rs.1300-1400/day for a HH Karizma, Rs.1100/day for a Pulsar 180, Rs.2000/day for a Classic 500 and Rs. 1500-1700/day for an RE 350 (depending upon model). Expect similar charges in south India too.

@Matt, for a ~ 30 day trip, you will have to spend ~45-50k INR (Almost $1000 USD) for motorcycle rent itself. Thats like 1/2 the price of the motorcycle. Its cheaper to buy brand new and sell used for 20-25k (Or $400 USD) less. But the issue with Royal Enfield is that there is a humongous waiting period!

Thats the reason why I once again recommend that you get a brand new Karizma ZMR which has enough torque for pulling 2 people with luggage and still manage highway speeds, comes with disc brakes and tubeless tyres all round. And it is fuel injected so you will not have any startup/running issues. With the drivetrain being completely based on Honda tech, it will be much more robust and reliable than any RE. Still, its your decision to make since its your money.

Cheers!

Works to Rs 750-800 a day or so, not sure as this is what I can recall upon inquiring for a guy who wanted to rent motorcycles in Chennai last year around the same time.

Hiring from Pondicherry (closer to Chennai) works even cheaper; here's is it - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/2...tml#post721758

Hi Matt, Welcome to India and to this forum bro. Hope you are enjoying here.

I would like to suggest few things-
1) Why not ask RE showroom in chennai- tell them your plan- ask them if they have any used bikes in their stable and if you buy it will they purchase it back from you, can they rent you for one month, or if you buy it from them- how much waiting period and will they purchase the bike back from you after 1 month of use.
2) Try the sites- Quickr.com, olx.com and search for bikes in chennai.
3) ZMR is good option but if you are into more masculine looking bike then go for RE. But buying and selling will be more of a Hazzle, better go for rented bikes.

Some links for Bike rentals -

http://www.bikehirechennai.com/ - It says 750 Per day for an RE 350. Many more bikes in their fleet.

http://boards.bootsnall.com/motor-cy...ers-t1870.html - Best.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1582512 - check this site- there are fellow bikers like you, who have posted their queries and solutions about bike rentals.





Just suggestions bro.Alright, hope you get the bike and best wishes for your travel plans.
Keep us posted. Takecare