We gave the rental shop a real challenge. We wanted a bespoke Self guided tour - just got back and have to say it was absolutely epic. They sorted all the varied and fabulous hotels, the recommended routes, meticulously planned the route, and adjusted and tweaked it without complaint. They met us personally at the beginning and end, delivered a great motorbike but most importantly followed our progress and checked in with us at least twice every day. We really felt they were with us every step, checking we were leaving and arriving safely and on every day providing a menu of recommended places to eat, and the best things to do and see they went to above and beyond to create a mind bending trip of a lifetime to places and always we will never forget. Every detail was meticulously thought through and they organised our Bike in Colombo and even a Sri Lanka driving permit. We will never forget it, having done many Self guided tours, it was the best. The rental shop is a true passionate riders man, a fountain of knowledge and a committed and very caring organiser. A massive thank you the rental shop. We'll be back - as someone once said! James and Caroline XXX.

I was traveling to India for work and wanted to fit in a motorcycle trip while I was there. Shiva organized a fantastic two-day ride from Chennai to Yercaud and handled everything seamlessly—from the motorcycles and accommodations to great places to eat and well-timed refreshment stops. The route was excellent, the logistics were effortless, and it made for an unforgettable riding experience despite my tight schedule.

The rental shop is a professionally managed organization, meant for passionate, mature and skilled motorbike riders with determination, skills and endurance to match. It is certainly not for teenagers whose parents have bought them an R15 or an Apache and who zig-zag on city roads, putting themselves and other road users in danger. To be a part of the rental shop continues to be a great experience on each ride, whether a short breakfast ride or a Grand Himalayan Expedition spanning several days, over varied terrains and altitudes. Of course, safety of each rider and others in the team and other road users comes first. Each rider is expected to be in full riding gear attire, including riding pants, jacket, helmet and hand gloves, all of good quality. Additionally, each rider is expected on each trip to carry the necessary attire for protection against rain, cold weather and also carry sufficient drinking water. Each of the trips, whether short or long, is carefully planned in advance, including the rest stops, breaks for tea or refreshments along the way and the stay, which is usually five or four star accommodation. I consider myself lucky and blessed to be invited and become a part of this team, despite my advanced age of 70. The younger members of the team readily accepted me as part of the team and whenever I lagged behind by a few minutes due to my conventional and extra-cautious way of riding, they wait for me to catch up at each stop, which I truly appreciate. On each ride there is usually a leader, a tail and a sweep rider, the sweep rider moving to & fro across the tail and lead rider and ensuring that each rider is comfortable, no loose luggage or parts hanging out, no under-inflated tires due to puctures, etc,. etc,. There is usually a feedback at each stop as to what each rider did wrong or right, which is a great help in improving the riding skills. I would recommend experienced and passionate riders who are willing, determined, and with skills and endurance to match, to apply to join the rental shop team and be a part of the greatest riding experiences ever. Of course there is an annual fee, which is very reasonable, considering the facilities that the rental shop team provides, but it is worth every paise considering the time, research and care taken to organize each ride.

After landing in Chennai, jet-lagged but buzzing with anticipation, I got a text from a friend who had arrived a day earlier: “Want to do a motorcycle tour tomorrow?” I hadn’t been on a motorbike in over a decade — not since my Harley days riding around Las Vegas in my twenties — but I didn’t hesitate. I was in. I’ve been to India more than 30 times, mostly for work. I’ve traveled from the hill stations of Ooty to the chaotic pulse of Delhi, from the solemn dawn on the Ganges to the white sand beaches of Goa. But always in the back seat. I thought I knew this country. I didn’t. That morning, after a quick hotel breakfast, we met Shiva and Giresh in the lobby. They greeted us like old friends and walked us out to our rides — mine, a Royal Enfield Himalayan. As I threw a leg over the saddle, I didn’t expect what was coming. We zigzagged through traffic past the Victory War Memorial, Chennai Central, and Fort St. George. We paused at monuments, heard stories of colonial pasts and Tamil heroes. The ride had rhythm — from the contemplative air of St. Thomas Basilica to the windswept coast at the lighthouse. We turned back after lunch in Mahabalipuram at Idlers Farm where we had a fish curry thali, some tea, and a kulfi to cool down. We then drove a short distance to the Crocodile Bank where we strolled around the crocs while our lunch digested. The real adventure wasn’t the sights. It was being in the driver’s seat — navigating the beautiful chaos of Indian roads. I remembered my first time here, a decade ago, hunched in a cab staring down at the floor, overwhelmed. Now, weaving between traffic barriers, buses, cows, pedestrians and cars so close you could touch them, I felt in control. Alive! We ended the day back at the hotel, salty from sea breeze and sweat, with smiles etched into our cheeks and a new story to tell. I’ve taken dozens of tours across the country, but none have left me feeling more thankful to still be alive. If you’ve ever wanted to feel India — not just see it — do it on two wheels.

Bike Himalayan 411cc. Rides Well. Management personnel follow up on move and update on destination. Service friendly and recommend for new rides programmes.