buying motorbikes in katmandu

Any suggestion re. best type of motorbike to purchase for a two month trip through the Himalaya? Where is the best place to buy such a bike in Katmandu? How price? What paperwork do you need to have? Any ideas on selling it quickly two months later? And finally..........Is it possible to buy a good quality motorbike helmet in Katmandu?

Hi,
I would recommend that you buy an Enfield from www.heartsandtears.com, they are based in Pokhara and run a great fleet of bikes. They will also do a sale and buy back which is hassle free. They also have a great range of motorbike gear (helmets, jackets and gloves). Check out their website and the contact details are on there. I met up with them a couple of times in Katmandu, so they may well bring a bike there for you.

Good luck.

P.s - tell them Big Dessie says hello.....

cheers big dessie,

yeah i have looked at thier site, i know a lot of people love them but i want to stay away from enfields, i have riden them before and its not quite what we are after. Looking for info re chinese, indian, japanese hondas or something.

whats the most popular bike for nepalies to get around on? small, reliable, loads of parts and repairers is what we are after.

cheers again..

josh

Hi Josh,
most of the Nepali's ride 100 cc (or if lucky 125cc) bikes, which are great for getting around the towns. I wouldn't recommend them for trips into the Himalaya especially if you are carrying any kind of gear. There are a couple of Honda trail bikes (400cc I think) knocking about, but these are usually owned by Gurkha soldiers returning to Nepal (they pick the bikes up in Singapore on the way home). Cheddup who runs Jazz Upstairs (Lazimpat near British Embassy) has one and he may know someone selling one. You could also try Himalayan Enfielders in Lazimpat as I'm sure they have other bikes as well, I don't have a website for them but the bar staff in Jazz Upstairs will put you in touch with them.

I spent five months in Nepal last year and I can't wait to get back again - hoping to get a month of work and do some paragliding in Pokhara.......

All the best

Case you're crossing borders, customs requires a carnet de passage for your bike. Insurance is a simple transaction, however don't expect anything from coverage. Maximum stay in India is 180 days, unless you extend your carnet. A carnet de passage requires a deposit. India's automobile organisation requires a depsoit of 250% of the value when new for a Carnet. Don't know what's the rule in Nepal.