Indian Rides FAQ

Question 1

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most international travellers need a visa to enter India. For eligible nationalities travelling for tourism, the Indian e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) can be applied for online before departure.

Your passport should generally have at least six months of validity and two blank pages at the time of application. Eligibility and visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so we recommend checking the official Indian visa website before applying.

Question 2

Do I need an International Motorcycle driving Permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are travelling to India to ride a motorcycle, you should bring a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your valid national motorcycle driving licence.

Question 3

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Indian Rides participants and must include medical assistance and repatriation cover.

Before travelling, please check with your insurance company that your policy specifically covers motorcycle travel and riding in India

Question 4

What motorcycle riding gear should I bring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend bringing your own motorcycle riding gear to ensure a good fit, comfort and protection throughout the journey.

Essential gear includes:

. A good-quality motorcycle helmet — we recommend a modular (flip-up) helmet, which is practical for touring and regular stops.
. A motorcycle riding jacket with protective armour
. Riding trousers or protective motorcycle pants
. Motorcycle gloves
. Riding boots with good ankle protection and grip
. Comfortable base layers and clothing suitable for the weather
. Waterproof gear or rain protection where required

For Himalayan tours, temperatures can change significantly during the day, so we recommend bringing warm layers and waterproof clothing in addition to your standard riding gear.

Question 5

How much luggage can I bring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend bringing up to 20 kg of luggage per rider. Your main luggage will be transported in the support vehicle, allowing you to ride comfortably without carrying heavy bags on your motorcycle.

We strongly recommend using soft luggage or soft travel bags rather than hard suitcases. Soft bags are easier to pack and take up less space in the support vehicle.

Question 6

What motorcycle will I ride?

Accepted Answer

Our tours are primarily operated with the Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc. You can also choose the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc as an optional upgrade, depending on the itinerary and availability.

Question 7

Can I adjust the motorcycle to my height?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please discuss your height and riding position with our team before the tour. We will do our best to make the motorcycle as comfortable as possible for you.

Question 8

What type of helmet should I bring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a good-quality modular (flip-up) helmet for comfort and practicality during the tour.

Question 9

Is there a support vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A dedicated support vehicle accompanies our motorcycle tours throughout the journey, carrying your luggage and providing assistance whenever needed.

Your luggage is transported in the support vehicle, allowing you to ride comfortably without the weight of heavy bags on your motorcycle.

Question 10

Is a mechanic included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An experienced mechanic accompanies our motorcycle tours, Our aim is to ensure that any mechanical problem is dealt with as quickly as possible, allowing you to get back on the road and continue enjoying your journey.

Question 11

Who travels with the group?

Accepted Answer

Our dedicated team travels with you throughout the tour, including an experienced tour leader, motorcycle mechanic and support vehicle driver.

Question 12

How far in advance can I / should I book?

Accepted Answer

As we travel in small groups with limited places, we recommend booking as early as possible. We announce our departure dates well in advance on our website, allowing you to plan your trip and secure your preferred departure date and motorcycle.

Question 13

How do I book a motorcycle tour with Indian Rides?

Accepted Answer

Booking your motorcycle adventure with Indian Rides is simple. Each itinerary on our website has its own departure dates and availability, so you can choose the trip and date that suit you best.

Select your preferred itinerary, choose your departure date, and check the number of places available for that departure directly on the website.

Once you have selected your trip, complete the online booking form. We will then provide you with the booking documents and payment details. Your place is confirmed once the required deposit has been received.

Question 14

When is the remaining balance due?

Accepted Answer

The remaining balance is due 3 weeks before your departure date.

Question 15

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept credit card payments and bank transfers. Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide you with the payment details and instructions for your chosen payment method.

Question 16

Can I extend my stay before or after the tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. You can extend your stay before or after your motorcycle tour. We can arrange additional nights, airport transfers and other travel arrangements according to your plans.

For some of our itineraries, we also offer specially designed extensions to discover more of India before or after your motorcycle adventure. These options vary depending on the itinerary and can be discussed with our team

Question 17

What happens after I arrive at the airport?

Accepted Answer

A member of the Indian Rides team will welcome you at the airport, regardless of your arrival time. We will then arrange your transfer to your hotel or to the next destination according to your itinerary.

Question 18

How many kilometres do we ride each day?

Accepted Answer

The daily riding distance depends on the itinerary, road conditions and the region we are travelling through. On average, you can expect to ride around 150–250 km per day, although some days may be shorter or longer.
We also make regular stops for photos, tea and water breaks, giving you time to relax, enjoy the scenery and experience the places we pass through.

Question 19

How are meals organised during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast and dinner are generally organised at the hotel. For lunch, we usually stop at small local restaurants along the route, allowing you to discover authentic regional food and experience everyday life in India.

Question 20

What type of accommodation do we use?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation depends on the itinerary and the region we are travelling through. We carefully select comfortable and characterful places that reflect the spirit of India.
Whenever possible, we stay in authentic heritage properties, historic havelis and traditional hotels, combined with carefully selected modern hotels when they offer the best comfort and location.

Question 21

Do we stop for photos during the ride?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly stop at scenic viewpoints and interesting places along the route so you can take photos, enjoy the surroundings and experience India beyond the road.

Question 22

What is Indian Rides?

Accepted Answer

Indian Rides is a specialist motorcycle travel company offering guided motorcycle tours across India. Born in India, we create authentic journeys that go beyond the usual tourist routes, combining the freedom of riding with a deeper discovery of Indian culture, landscapes and local life.

Our tours are designed around small groups, carefully selected routes, local expertise and full support on the road. Depending on the itinerary, you can ride a Royal Enfield motorcycle through destinations such as Rajasthan, the Himalayas, South India, Gujarat and Central India.

From mountain passes and remote villages to historic forts, temples and local communities, Indian Rides is about discovering India beyond the roads.

Question 23

What makes Indian Rides different from other motorcycle tour companies in India?

Accepted Answer

At Indian Rides, we believe a motorcycle journey should be about much more than simply covering kilometres. Our tours combine motorcycle riding, cultural immersion and authentic experiences, allowing you to discover a different side of India.

We travel in small groups, follow carefully selected routes and often go beyond the usual tourist paths. Our local team brings first-hand knowledge of the roads, regions and communities we visit, while our support vehicle and mechanic provide assistance throughout the journey.

From riding through remote landscapes to staying in heritage properties, visiting local villages and experiencing India's traditions and festivals, our aim is to create memorable journeys that connect you with the real India — beyond the roads.

Question 24

Are your motorcycle tours suitable for first-time visitors to India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our motorcycle tours are suitable for first-time visitors to India. Our local team guides you throughout the journey.
Whether it is your first visit to India or you are a returning traveller, our aim is to make your journey safe, comfortable and genuinely immersive.

Question 25

Can I request a specific departure date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are travelling as a group of friends or family, we can arrange a private departure on a date that suits your group, subject to availability.

Question 26

How much time do we spend riding each day?

Accepted Answer

The riding time depends on the itinerary and the day's route, but we normally spend around 4–5 hours riding each day.

Our tours are not about simply covering long distances. We make regular stops along the way for photography, tea breaks, village visits and opportunities to discover the local surroundings. This gives you time to enjoy the journey, meet local people and experience India beyond the road.

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