Ever so often I get emails from Ladakh aspirants who are interested in traveling to Ladakh on a motorcycle; however they are not sure if their motorcycle is powerful enough for a trip to Ladakh.

This myth is instilled by few bulleteers who feel that apart from an Enfield, nothing can climb the steep slopes of Ladakh or withstand the torture of the journey to Ladakh.

If you are one of those who have started to wonder whether or not your motorcycle is good enough for Ladakh, then I got news for you, any motorcycle in decent condition and being ridden sanely, can withstand the trip to Ladakh.

In fact Sanyog Deshpande, a member of BCMTouring had taken his Bajaj M80 moped (80cc, 2st, 4.5bhp, 3gear) to the highest motorcycle road in the world (Khardung La), in June 2006. A record which has earned him a place in Limca book of records.

If a 20 year old 80cc, 4.5bhp moped can climb the highest motorable road and do the Manali - Leh journey with rider and lots of luggage and spare petrol, then why can’t your 100-150cc motorcycle?

The fact is, as long as you give your motorcycle enough TLC before the trip, take care of basic maintenance during it and keep an ear out for any signs of trouble, your motorcycle will come back from Leh without any serious wear and tear.

So the next time a bulleteer tries to put you down by saying your motorcycle isn’t good enough for Ladakh, show him the link to Sanyog’s record and watch his face turn red!