Himalayas: Royal Enfield Trip August 2009

SMB

SMB

Active member
UKGSer Subscriber
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
442
Reaction score
12
Location
S/W Devon, Near Tavistock
Sue & I went on a motorcycle trip to the Ladakh area in the Himalayas this Summer, on Royal Enfield Bullets 500cc. They never had much power at sea level 21bhp but at the top of the Khardung La, 18380ft, one gnat power was more like it. However it coped very well, mile after mile on full throttle, never missed a beat. It was also surprisingly good over the rough stuff. Actually it was very good fun even though, we were two up. But did I miss my GS, you bet. However if you have the time to go, it is WELL worth the money.

The roads varied from brand new tarmac to just not there. We had a number of river crossing and 2 up it was quite a lot of fun.

Anyway if you have a few minutes to spare you might like to look at some of our photos. Sue took many from the bike as we travelled.

We have a lead rider, tail end Charlie and a support vehicle with a mechanic. all luggage was carried in the support vehicle. We didn’t have to repair our own punctures.
However the support vehicle did get stuck in one river crossing and had to be towed out - we sailed straight through!!!!!
Anyway enjoy the photos at:-

http://www.gsbob.myphotoalbum.com/



The pictures are best viewed as a “Slide Show”, with the speed set to “Slower”, as it gives time to read the captions.

Did we enjoy it - Yes - going back on the Trans Himalaya Expedition in 2010
SMB
 
Nice pictures :thumb I quite fancy the idea of riding the highest pass in the world :Motomartin

Looks like you had a pretty small group, what was the accomodation like?

Looks like Sue wouldn't have been that comfortable ( not much room two up)

Thanks for posting :beerjug:
 
Bryn said:
Nice pictures :thumb I quite fancy the idea of riding the highest pass in the world :Motomartin

Looks like you had a pretty small group, what was the accomodation like?

Looks like Sue wouldn't have been that comfortable ( not much room two up)

Thanks for posting :beerjug:
Click to expand...

Yes, we were the only ones on the trip. There should have been 4 other riders, but they were involved in a motorcar accident - not badly hurt at all - on the way to Heathrow. The tour operators hoped that they would fly out the next day, but one had whiplash and had to stay in hospital. They are all now going next year.
The bike was surprisingly comfortable. Mainly due to the slow speed we travelled at. Solo would have been OK as you can stand up on the pegs, which would have been better over the rough stuff and river crossings and so could have gone faster, but Sue more than happy as a pillion . I think we got to 50mph once. Most times a lot slower.
Accommodation was good in the big towns, Delhi, Manali and Leh. The smaller places were clean, but no real facilities. Considering the views of Lamayuru, the Hotel / Guest house was fantastic! But tents with flushing toilets - how about that?
SMB
 
That bought back some great memories and looks a very competitively priced tour too. I went last year and really enjoyed myself. I recognised the lady serving Chai at the bottomg of the Barralach la.... small world.

Thanks for posting.:beerjug:

AndyT:cool:
 
Re India

Hi, tried to PM you but can't. Do you have the contact details for the people you used for this trip.
We went to India last year, hired bikes and did a fantastic trip, but the hire people were dodgy to say the least. I am thinking about going back again, but don't want to go in a big group like the more polpular tour companies.

Regards,
Neil
 
N1Rat said:
Hi, tried to PM you but can't. Do you have the contact details for the people you used for this trip.
We went to India last year, hired bikes and did a fantastic trip, but the hire people were dodgy to say the least. I am thinking about going back again, but don't want to go in a big group like the more polpular tour companies.

Regards,
Neil
Click to expand...

Hi Neil
Contact me at [email protected]
www.purebiketours.com is the company we used.
We went back in 2010 for a second trip.
Sunil will only have a max of 10 bikes on his trips. For our second trip there were 3 bikes, Gerti, Graham and Sue and I (Sue was my pillion).
We had a Lead Rider - Tensin, Tailend Charlie- Sunil, Support vehicle + driver, Mechanic and a spare helper. Had a great time. This summers trip was going west from Leh up to the Goldern Temple.
If you like to contact me I would be delighted to tell you more.
Happy New year
Cheers
RB
 
Last edited:
Re email

Thanks for the reply. I did try to email you. But

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.

Delivery to the following recipients failed.

[email protected]
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

SMB
Himalayas: Royal Enfield Trip August 2009
Replies
2
Views
1,895
SMB
SMB


Back
Top Bottom