The Royal Enfield is the classic British motorbike that was produced in Britain until the Enfield Factory in the Indian city of Chennai took over production in 1970's. Many foreigners come to India wanting to buy an Enfield but most come without knowing much about the process of buying a motorbike in India and end up having problems when trying to sell it on after their bike trip.
Costs of Buying and Renting an Enfield in India
The prices for 350 CC Enfields start at INR 25 000 (under US$600), and it is possible to get a 500 CC Enfield from INR35 000 - 40 000 (US$ 800-950). Renting a bike costs from INR500/day (just under US$12) although for better bikes one should be prepared to pay up to INR1000/day. For a shorter trip renting a bike makes more sense, but if the bike trip is going last more than three months buying a bike becomes more economical.
How to Buy an Enfield in India
Even though a foreigner can buy a motorbike in India s/he cannot legally register the bike under his/her own name without being a legally registered resident in India. The following documents are required when buying or selling a motorbike in India:
- sales receipt
- registration book
- insurance certificate
- forms no. 29 and 30
- insurance transfer receipt
Those who want to sell the bike on after the trip also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The seller should be able to provide these papers. Foreigners who buy a bike in India without the necessary paperwork won't be able to sell the bike after their trip except to another foreigner or for a very low price.
How to Rent an Enfield in India
For shorter trips renting a bike is an easier option. The documents to keep on the bike (the papers that will be checked by the police if you get stopped, which is very likely) include the registration book and the insurance certificate. Insist on original papers.
Fitness test must be up to date and this will be recorded in the registration book. An emission test is required for entering some Indian states including Goa. Foreigners need an international driver's licence to drive a motorbike in India and not having one means fines or bribes if stopped by the police.
How to Ride an Enfield in India
The Enfield's engine is based on the model that was designed in 1948 and has been updated very little since, so it is essentially an old dinosaur of a motorbike. In most Enfields the gearshift is on the right side and rear brake is on the left side, opposite to modern bikes.
Enfields need a lot of maintenance and a lot of care and most drivers will have to spend hours at the mechanic. Riding the Enfield in Indian traffic is not for the faint-hearted either.
Shipping an Enfield from India to Europe or the US is a big bureaucratic headache and involves so much paperwork that it is best to get professional help from a company such as Lalli Singh.
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