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MOTORCYCLE INFORMATION

Posted on by Shreya Bothra

MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORT-ATION

The 2 most common ways to transport bikes is by train or truck.

TRAIN :

There are 2 ways in which one can book the bike in the train – As a parcel or Along with the train ticket.
 
As a Parcel : You need to book the bike way in advance as it can take 7-10 days to reach the destination. The bike will be dropped off at the parcel office of the destination station from where the consignee can collect the bike.
Along with train ticket : it is best recommended to reach the station 3-4 hours prior to scheduled departure of the train. This is the best way to ship your bike in the train as the bike is in the luggage compartment of the same train you are travelling in.
When booking the bike as parcel or along with ticket you will need the following documents.
1) Copy & original registration certificate of motorcycle
2) Copy & original of insurance policy of motorcycle
3) Copy & orginal of ID proof such as driver’s license.
4) Copy & original train ticket (only required when traveling with bike in the train)

IMPORTANT TIPS

Avoid going through an agent while booking your bike on the train. First go to the parcel office, fill out the form and pay the required fee for which a receipt will be given. While filling out the form you will have to declare the value of the motorcycle. 10% of declared value will be charged as insurance fee. You can mention whatever value you want to and not necessarily the value on your insurance policy. Then look for an agent who will pack and load the motorcycle onto the train. Loading fees are included in the parcel fee however it is best to pay an agent a little more so that it is handled carefully.
For packaging the motorcycle, an agent can pack it with gunny bag and cardboard cartons. You can also get your own packaging material and ask an agent to pack it for you. A good option is to go to your motorcycle dealer and ask them for old packaging material. Make only a part payment in advance to the agent and pay him the balance only once the motorcycle is loaded onto the train.
The fuel should be completely drained out of the motorcycle before packing it.
At some railway stations they make it compulsory to disconnect the battery and put a metal plate on the packaging, mentioning consignee name, destination and contact number.
Always remove the motorcycle mirrors as these may get damaged during transport.
It is best to carry an original and photocopy of all required documents.

 

TRUCK:

There are various transport companies all over India who will transport your motorcycle with their facilities varying from door to door delivery, to loading and pickup from various transport warehouses. The best option is door to door delivery.
Documents required are a photocopy of the registration certificate of motorcycle, insurance copy of motorcycle and a letter by the sender stating that it is a personal vehicle not for sale.
 
Gati will deliver your motorcycle to and from Ride Inn to all major cities & towns. Their contact number for varous regions across India are –
Mumbai – 07738372191
Pune – 07709005232
Nagpur – 09561011711/01
Ahmedabad – 07600061423
Bangalore – 09741160122
Hyderabad – 08008559490
Cochin – 09567609526
Trivandrum – 09995804287
Goa – 07709005028
Kolkata – 09903002448
Guwahati – 09678002878
Mandi & Manali – 8894704138 / 9318068862
Transporting from Manali : Gati – 8894704138
Nitco transpoters : 0190 222344 / 9816025656
Transporting from Leh : Nitco transpoters : 9469177106
Transporting from Srinagar : Nitco Transpoters : 0941 2495192 / 09419010549
Transporting from Jammu : Nitco Transpoters : 0191 2476865

SPARE PARTS & TRIP ESSENTIALS

Spare Parts

1) Break cable
2) Accelerator cable
3) Headlight bulb
4) Spare motorcycle key
5) Spark plugs
6) Clutch plates
7) Air filter. ( In Ladakh its extremely dusty and air filter must be cleant after every 500km so the motorcycle can breathe well. Its always best to carry a spare air filter as such parts are not easily available in Ladakh.
8) Chain link
9) Wheel bearings
10) Tyre leaver
11) Puncture repair kit and spare tube
12) Foot pump
13) 500ml engine oil
14) Electrical tape
15) Fuse
16) Plastic ties
17) Small piece of wire
18) OEM tool kit.

 

Trip Essentials

1) Complete riding gear : Jacket, pants, gloves, balaclava.
2) Good quality waterproof riding boots. A good alternative is gum boots as it is ideal during water crossings (use the light weight gum boots made of same material as crocs floaters).
3) Thermal inners
4) Monkey cap
5) UV protect sunglasses
6) Head lamp torch
7) Extra pairs of socks and warm gloves
8) Medical essentials such as first aid kit provided with motorcycle, a nasal spray for blocked nose, paracetamol for fever/headache, medication for gas, vomiting and stomach upset
9) Lip balm, cold cream and lots of sunscreen lotion. Neutrogena SPF 50 works excellent.
10) Glucon D & electoral
11) Protein/ nutribar to keep you energized in case of breakdown or if stranded due to road block/landslide.
12) Plastic or water proof bags to pack all your clothes in before putting in your saddlebags/backpacks.

RIDING TIPS

1) It is always best to start early and arrive early. Make sure your bike is loaded and engine is warm, so you can head out at the break of dawn. By doing this you will avoid a lot of traffic. More importantly, the water level in the water crossing/glacial melts will not be high and will be easier and safer to cross. It also gives you a lot of buffer time in case of a breakdown or landslide en route.

2) It is important to have good quality waterproof riding boots. A good alternative is gum boots as it is ideal for water crossings (use the light weight gum boots made of same material as crocs floaters). If water enters, empty it out immediately, wear a new pair of socks and tie the wet socks to your motorcycle luggage rack or handlebar to dry. The worst thing one can do is ride with cold and wet feet. Wet feet will lead to the body getting cold which in turn may lead to AMS.

3) Your luggage should always be wrapped in a waterproof cover or tarpaulin to prevent clothes from getting wet during rain or while riding through a glacial melt/nallah/water crossing.

4) Being a cold desert, Ladakh & Spiti can be very cold at night and early morning. However post 8-9 am it can be extremely hot. Its best to wear a thermal layer and your riding jacket inners when starting to ride. Once it gets hot you can take them off and put it your tank bag.

5) Try and carry as little luggage as possible. Carry a tent & sleeping bag only if essential and if you are going to camp in areas where accommodation is not available. It really does not make any sense carrying a sleeping bag and tent just to camp for a night, Also, balance your luggage properly. Make sure the centre of gravity is forward and not at the rear of your motorcycle. Avoid excess weight at the rear as this will make the front end of your motorcycle jump up on even the slightest of gravel. Try putting most of your heavy stuff like tools etc in the tank bag/crash guard bags or side panniers.

Shreya Bothra