Several times each month, I receive queries from people, asking me, which is the best motorcycle for Ladakh bike ride?
While there is no simple answer to this question, there are motorcycles which I feel are more suitable for Ladakh ride, than others. So here are 5 motorcycles I would recommend you to buy, if you are planning to buy a motorcycle soon and are looking for something, which would be a better choice for Ladakh.
Hero Impulse: When it comes to tackling bad and off roads in stock form, nothing quite comes close to Hero Impulse. It has a time tested and reliable 150cc 4st engine from Honda, which although isn’t very powerful, but has enough power on tap to take you through pretty much all the passes in Ladakh. Add to this, quite a few renters in Leh and Manali now have Impulse available for rent, which should lead to easier availability of spares and service in Ladakh.
Bajaj Pulsar 180: If you are looking for a more powerful bike, yet do not wish to compromise on fuel economy or spend a lot of money on buying a motorcycle, then Bajaj Pulsar 180 is a good option. It also has a large enough fuel tank to do Kargil – Padum (Zanskar Valley) – Kargil ride, without requiring refueling at Padum. It is also a time tested and reliable motorcycle, and I have been using its first iteration (180 Classic) for past 12 years.
Hero Karizma: An old workhorse, which refuses to fade into the history books, despite the introduction of better and more powerful bikes. Hero Karizma for the most part is still the same old bike, which was launched over a decade ago and still remains one of the best touring bikes in India. And even though it’s plastic parts might start rattling or even break after a few rough rides, its engine would rarely ditch you midway. For anyone looking for a motorcycle capable of breezing through Ladakh, but not wanting to spend more than one lakh, Karizma is still the best choice. That is until the new Karizma R with an uglier design (never thought it was possible), replaces the current workhorse.
Bajaj Pulsar 220: Since the new Karizma R is out and it is yet to prove itself long term and I haven’t riden it, I am changing my recommendation to Bajaj Pulsar 220F. Even though Bajaj Pulsar 220F isn’t as refined or ergonomically comfortable as the outgoing Karizma. However with the newly launched Karizma, it becomes de facto choice for anyone looking to buy a good motorcycle for Ladakh for less than 1lakh rupees. Bajaj Pulsar 220F does have a 55w projector head lamp, which is great for touring at night. Though I wouldn’t recommend touring at night in Ladakh, since you will miss all the vistas. It is also reliable enough, has a decent tank range and is powerful enough for touring with a pillion (as long as you aren’t overloading the bike with luggage).
KTM 200 Duke: KTM 200 and 390 Duke are the most fun Indian bikes you can take to Ladakh. However, thanks to small fuel tanks and thirsty engines, you will have to either carry spare fuel or stick to routes, which have petrol pumps every couple of hundred kilometers. Due to this, even though I believe KTM 390 Duke is a better bike for the money. I am recommending its smaller sibling, due to better mileage, which translates in to better tank range.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is the best RE bike for Ladakh; large fuel tank, powerful engine, fuel injection, souped up suspension and brakes are everything that was missing from the REs and was badly required by tourers. It is also the best motorcycle to ride to Ladakh, if you have a pillion and plenty of luggage. Reliability of newer UCE Enfields is better than ever before, even though there is still room for improvement. Having said that, I don’t quite like the ergonomics of Thunderbirds, never have and probably never will. I would have been happier, if Royal Enfield had introduced Electra with similar parts. But then again, like styling, ergonomics is a personal thing, so before you decide anything, make sure to book a test ride.
At the end of the day, no matter which motorcycle you have, you can take it to Ladakh, if it is in good condition and you ride within its and your limits. So even if your motorcycle isn’t listed above, don’t feel disheartened, because best motorcycle for Ladakh is the one, you currently own.
260 Comments
Good Guide.
Thank you sir.
Hi yogesh ,
i own Pulsar 200ns is it ok for ladakh from chandigran n then return from kashmir then back to chandigrah????
Tauseef, no issue at all in taking your 200NS to Ladakh. Just that depending on the distance you can cover on a full tank, you might need to carry extra fuel for a few sections eg. Manali – Leh.
thanx buddy
yogesh sarkar can pulsar 150 make to leh ladakh
Easily.
Did you not feature the unicorn since the impulse was already there? Coz that too has a bullet proof engine and brilliant tank range 🙂
Sumantra, while Unicorn is a good and proven motorcycle, so are other 150cc models from Honda and Hero, which feature the same engine. And the Impulse just does a better job of tackling off road with the same engine.
true, makes sense
🙂
Putting Impulse over many good 150cc bikes doesn’t make sense I think so 🙂
There is no other 150cc motorcycle in India or for that matter with in couple of lakhs, which comes with a suspension setup like Impulse. So it has to be the choice in 150cc motorcycles.
I was planning for buying Thunderbird 350 after 6 months. When it comes kl 01 BR registration.
It isn’t available right now?
Those number series are yet to come.
They have just started the KL 01 BP Series here.
Oh ok.
Honda CBR 250R is missing in the list.
Because I do not consider it as the best motorcycle for Ladakh.
For touring to other places, CBR250R is a very good option and would be my choice over KTM 200 Duke.
I own a Duke 390, and in my experience you can’t take it to ladakh. The suspension is jist too hard to offroad for a week. Even if the rear monoshock is adjusted, it wouldn’t make that big a difference.
I went to ladakh last year on a pulsar 150. I joke to my friends that if I had gone there on the Duke, my hands would have fallen off just before Jispa 🙂
My vote goes to the Thunderbird. Ultimate ladakh ride.
U hit the nail precisely… It would have been great if TB500 spec Electra is a lot better thing to be in market. … 😀
Thank you Prasad. I like the ergonomics of Electra and Std, lets see if Royal Enfield decides to launch something like that.
A 200cc Impulse would be a clear winner here! As simple as a Karizma engine in an Impulse. People have already done it on their own.
Hero Motors, are you listening?!
Quite true Amit, and I fail to understand what is stopping them from developing and launching 220cc Impulse.
Well, to be fair to Hero Motors, I guess there really won’t be the volumes in such a model to interest them. The Impulse itself is a commercial flop. A bigger-engined Impulse will sell even less.
What Hero had (and still has) the chance to do, was kick-start the ‘affordable-Enduro-type’ segment here in India. They played too safe with a 150cc Impulse- neither here nor there. But then, since the CBZ, Hero have never even looked like they are on the verge of starting a new type of motorbike segment at all.
I guess we’ll have to depend on Bajaj as usual, to really try something innovative in this (very neglected) segment! 🙂 (Not that I’m a Bajaj fan, but they are the only Indian bike maker that does try new stuff consistently.)
Amit, majority of the people I know, who love Impulse and wouldn’t buy it, are those who will pay for a 223cc Impulse. Yes those people are few, but then again, what sort of volume Hero does with ZMR or even Karizma R these days?
As far as Hero goes, their last real good attempt was Karizma, which is a hit even today in touring crowd.
As for Bajaj, they had burned their finger with an off roader, long back. Hopefully they will retest the waters soon.
Karizma is Known as one of best tourer in this series, As per lot of gurus.
Yes, however the older Karizma has been replaced with newer and uglier Karizma.
Hi Yogesh,
What are your thoughts about Bajaj Avenger? How good are they for this trip and are they available for rent?
Raj, while Avenger is a good motorcycle. Its cruiser ergonomics and handling is better suited to highways and long winding roads. On the narrow turns and off road, it would be slower than other motorcycles and would require greater rider skill than other motorcycles.
Having said that, plenty of people have taken Avenger to Ladakh and it is available for rent in Leh and Manali.
Yogesh,
I have decided to rent a Hero Impulse for the Manali-Leh trip instead of Avenger. I am not finding any bike rentals in Manali who rent Impulse. Closest rentals I found are in New Delhi. Could you please name some rentals/share numbers or web links of rentals in Manali that have Impulse available for rent?
That will be a big help to me. Thanks in advane!
These guys should be able to arrange Impulse for you, http://www.bikerentalsmanali.com/. However my suggestion would be to arrive in Manali, check the bikes on offer, test ride them and only then decide to hire one. Hiring in advance would only end up costing you more than what you would likely end up paying on the spot.
I checked with them. Only closest bike they have is Duke. They do not have an Impulse. I am planning to get a Impulse from stoneheadbikes in New Delhi. I live abroad and I will need to be booking the bike in advance because of my strict vacation policies and flight dates. I have decided on July 11th-July21st for the trip. Is that a good time?
July is a good time to travel to Ladakh, however this year Kalachakra would be taking place from 3rd to 14th July, so I would recommend avoiding Ladakh at that time (more details can be found here http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/ladakh-zanskar-f24/ladakh-travel-advisories-t56918/).
Also with 10 days in hand, it would be best to fly to Leh and rent motorcycle there to explore Ladakh. Since it will take you 3 days to reach Leh from Manali side and that too if you ride 12 hours a day on average. Add 3 more for coming back via Manali or 4 more for coming back through Srinagar route and you will have barely enough time for a hurried trip to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso.
Thanks a ton for the advisory. I had no idea about the 33rd Kalachakra. I was thinking of booking my international flight tickets sometime tomorrow! Glad I saw your reply in time. I will need to alter my plans now.
My exact plan is to get the bike shipped to Manali (already spoke with Stone head bikes), ride it to Leh and back to Manali and ship it to Delhi from Manali. The 10 days I have planned is solely for the Manali – Leh – Manali (not for Delhi – Manali – Leh and back). I have a buffer of 2-3 days as well. 10-12 days should be sufficient, right? Also, Please suggest me a good date (approximate) to do this trip either before or after the 33rd Kalachakra.
Thanks again Yogesh for being very responsive and helpful.
Second thoughts – If the kalachakkra is from 3rd to 14th, People would try to reach Leh on the 3rd right? And if that is true, I can start from Manali in such a way that I reach Leh after 14th (may be a day or two later) when the kalachakkra has ended.
Plan to reach Leh at least 4-5 days after Kalachakkra has ended. Initially some will stay back in Leh while Manali – Leh Highway will be full of vehicles heading back. July in any case is peak travel season for Ladakh, so expect plenty of tourists throughout your trip.
10-12 days starting from Manali will be enough for covering the basic tourist circuit with ease, though taking the Manali route will make you more susceptible to AMS and it would be a goo idea, if you can start from Srinagar instead to avoid AMS. Have a look at AMS Survival Guide for Ladakh.
Pulsar 200 NS is another contender
Pulsar 200NS is a decent bike, but Duke 200 is better at slightly higher price and Karizma is a fantastic option for slightly less price.
I would have replaced the P180 with a P220, much better in terms of power and reliability. Most importantly Ability to withstand abuse.
Anand, Pulsar 220 is costlier to buy, maintain and run than Pulsar 180. Additionally, it has shorter tank range and lower ground clearance and is more prone to damage in case of a fall than Pulsar 180. Add to this, parts for 180 are more easily available than that of 220 and in its price bracket, Karizma is a far better bet, which is included in the above list.
Where the Pulsar 220 excels is the headlight, which is a lot more power than on any of the other motorcycles in its category.
What abt a pulsar 150? Can I do Delhi – leg – Delhi on it without problems ?
Yes, as long as your motorcycle is in good condition, there shouldn’t be any issue in taking your Pulsar 150 to Ladakh.
hi people say pulsar 150 cc starts crying on the hills of leh is it true because i am going leh by my own bike pulsar 150 2011 model .Will it be okay to travel with my own bike.
As long as your bike is in good condition, it should be alright. Power loss will be there, but it shouldn’t be a hindrance to completing your trip. People regularly go to Ladakh on their 100cc motorcycles as well!
Really? I have a XCD 125 and i am considering replacing it with a better one just for the sake of ladakh. So, should i take it to ladakh considering no pillion rider?
As long as your motorcycle is in good condition and you travel light, you should be able to ride to Ladakh. Of course at steep routes the bike will struggle and you will have to take it easy, but it is doable.
Yogesh,
Planning to get lehed first time in august , As per your suggestion finalized Impulse for it. Any special modification for Leh in bike ?
Thanks,
Kiran
Just get a good pair of tyres, dual purpose ones, like Michelin SIRAC Street.
Sir i want to know that which bike is best in duke 200 or 200 pulsar
Duke 200 is better in pretty much all aspect, except one, price.
Hi Yogesh ,
Which is a better bike to take to leh
Duke 200 or Avenger 200 (Not 220)
Thing is i already own an Avenger 2008 model and KTM Duke is on Cards to buy.
Also i have plan to do it next year .. i can think of purchasing KTM by then if required .
Also what changes do i need to make on both Bikes respectively . especially the tires
Your Expert Advice might help me .
Thanks
Duke 200 would be easier to handle in hills and off road terrain than Avenger. However, if you are used to Avenger, then switching to Duke would be quite a big change (ergonomic and comfort wise). So make sure to buy the bike a few months before the trip and do at least couple of rides before you take her to Ladakh. If you can’t do that, then stick to Avenger, since you are used to its ergonomics and temperament.
As far as tyres are concerned, for Duke you might want to look for dual purpose ones (if available in your city) and for Avenger you can stick to stock, as long as there is enough rubber left in them.
Nothing else needs to be changed in either of the motorcycles, just make sure they are in best condition for the journey.
Hi Yogesh ,
Thanks for the Advice ,
I was skeptical about taking a brand new KTM with which i would just complete its runnin period next year by the time i head to Leh .
For Avenger its already run about 18000 km considering that i have owned it for about 6 years , have’nt used it much . Sounds good prospect on pocket as i only have to change the bike tires as i have to do it in near future anyhow, which doing on a new KTM , did not sound like a good idea (Money Wise).Rather pick up some better riding kit from the one i have right now 😛
As for the Ergonomic , I feel ok with both KTM and Avenger . as i did a recent tour covering half of the journey on a friend’s KTM .Almost 600 KM with no effect of rigid Suspension as everyone says .
As for the Saddle , i am just guessing that it would be around 20 -25 kgs , which should be better placed on Avenger than KTM (Just Hypothetically expecting).
Also is there a way i find a community get in touch with people who would be doing the same circuit . starting 1 week july next year .
Appreciate all help provided and Thanks for helping me to take the decision .
No issue mounting luggage on KTM, it does fine even with panniers and can easily take on saddle bags meant for Enfields.
For travel partners, you can look at the travel partner section of BCMTouring (disclaimer, I run that forum).
http://honda2wheelersindia.com/cbtrigger/default.aspx (Link for CB Trigger)
Is honda CB Trigger or Bajaj Avenger good for Ladakh trip?
Both motorcycles can do Ladakh without any issue.
Hi Nirjhar,
Were you able to plan do your laddakh trip with Honda CB trigger without any issue. I f there in any issue please tell as i am alos planning to go with my 1 year old Honda CB trigger!
Apart from limited fuel range, there is no issue.
hey i have avenger 220,, please advice me can i take this to ladakh or i must to rent other bike like enfiled 350
Gaurav you can certainly take your Avenger 220 to Ladakh and while it might not handle as well as other street oriented motorcycle, it will easily take you to Ladakh.
Hii.. I have Pulsar 150 35000 KM Done.. I am planing to take it from Kolkata – Leh – Kolkata.. is that feasible ???
Absolutely. Just make sure to get your motorcycle serviced properly and replace any parts, which need to be replaced.
i had an impulse with karizma engine n boy it ran so smooth like knife through butter…left almost all the enfields behind..it has been modified according to motorcross
Dear Yogesh ji,
I am planning to buy a new motorcycle which i shall be using for leh – ladakh trip in july 2015 with a pillon rider. I am considering Honda CB Trigger, Hero Extreme, Hero Karizma R and TVS Apache 160. My height is 5 feet 10 inches. I am looking for reliability, mileage and long lasting machine. my budget is 1 lakh max.
Regards and many thanks.
Since you will be traveling with a pillion, it would be a good idea to go with Karizma. It will give you the lowest mileage and its parts will be costlier, but it will be easier and more fun to ride.
Hi Yogesh,
I took a test ride of the new Karizma ZMR, It turned out to be a bit disappointing, They have new clipon handle bars which result in a sportier riding position, My palms started aching after 2 minutes of riding. I also took a test ride of CBZ extreme sports, The engine lacked refinement and it seemed it lost out on power while ascending a slope with a pillion rider. I am awaiting test ride of honda trigger, have heard that the engine is very smooth.
Many thanks.
Yogesh i had ktm duke 390 but my frnd had pulsar 135ls we should take which bike to ladakh next season with the group of frnds with pulsars plz suggest
Abhinav, if you are only planning to do Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley, then take the KTM. You will need to carry spare fuel for both these places (enough for around 50-150km) and also for Tandi – Leh stretch. If you do not want to carry spare fuel and your 135ls is in good condition, then take that.
CAN we take 135ls to laddakh ?
Is it powerful enough
As long as bike is in good condition and you aren’t stressing it too much, there is no issue.
Hi Yogesh
I am planning to go Delhi-Ladakh-Delhi tour next year on my 2010 pulsar 180 model with pillion. I already did Gwalior-Shimla-Manali-Gwalior tour on My pulsar 180 without any problem in 2011. Is pulsar 180 good option for ladalh tour and with pillion rider how can i take luggage on my bike. Any suggestion or advice for carrying luggage on bike. what is the minimum budget for both for 12 day long trip beacuse i have to save from today.
Thanks
Hi Ankur,
As long as you aren’t overloading your motorcycle and it is in good condition, you should be fine. You can use saddle and tank bag to carry luggage, since they are the most convenient method.
Expect to spend between Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per day, per person for food and accommodation (budget places). Fuel for the motorcycle would be extra.
Hi Yogeshji,
A Karizma R, 2011 model with 13,000 on odo is available for resale at 45k. Would you advise me if I should buy it for Leh Ladakh trip and subsequent use after that?. My only concern is the re-sellablity and /or maintenance since this model is out of production.
Regards.
Parts should be easily available for at least 3-4 years.
Hey out of curiosity wanted to check if you got chance to TEST Suzuki Inazuma, have rave reviews on Highways but wanted to validate its performance on Uneven and Uphill terrain.. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
I haven’t yet tested it. However with the price cut, it is an option worth exploring. Though it would be harder to fix in remote areas and I am not sure, how many Suzuki service centers service and support it.
Hello sir i am confuge to take 150cc or 180cc pulsar in off road
Pulsar 180 is a better bet, since it is a bit more powerful than 150. Of course if you want better mileage, then go for 150.
i have a cbr 250 and a impulse225 i went spiti this summer on my cbr 250 tho it was fully modified with michilin tyres and free flow air intake and outlet
i belive any bike could go any where u just need to alter it little accouring to ur needs …….
impulse it one of its tyre nothing can replace its handling yet…
Sir g i m planning to buy a new bike nd want to go on long rides in future… My height is 5’6″ Nd my budget is max 1.25 lakh… What should i buy… Only requirement is comfort nd power… Plz help me…. Planning to buy after march 2015
Test ride the CBR250R, see if it is comfortable for you. IF it is, go for it. It might not be the best touring motorcycle for Ladakh, but for rest of India, it is unbeatable.
Dear Yogesh,
May I know why you are saying that Honda CBR 250R is not the best/suggested motorcycle for Ladakh or Leh. Because I own a CBR 250R and I am planning to do solo ride to Ladakh via Manali. Advise me. Thanks in advance
Karthick, if you already have the CBR250R, you can certainly take it to Ladakh. However due to its design and ergonomics, it isn’t the best motorcycle for riding on rough trails and is more suitable for highways and smooth mountain roads. That is the reason, why I wouldn’t recommend it to someone, who is specifically looking for a motorcycle for Ladakh.
Dear Yogesh,
Thank you for your swift reply. I got the key point. So far I rode my bike in highways and city roads near tried a road like ladakh or any high attitude. I will try it and post my comment.
Thanks in advance
High altitude isn’t going to be an issue, if anything; CBR will excel in that, due to fuel injection. However it is the rough roads, which will be little more difficult to manage on the CBR than on something like an Impulse.
Hai recently I brought a new Honda CBR 250R Standard Variant – Sports Red Color.
I got few question to ask please advise me.
1. Gear shifting up/down is making noise. I asked the Service center guy he told for new bike it is common after 500kms it will automatically rectified. Is it true?
2. While riding in 3rd/4th gear for little long run (usually in traffic) my legs fells more heat from the engine.
3. While applying brake and rpm reaches from 5k to 2k I feel more vibration than normal.
4. After a shot ride when I turn on the ignition and engine switch on I see the radiator fan is running continuously is it normal.
speaking truly I don’t have any previous experience of riding bikes above 200 cc especially imported bikes because neither me nor my friends no one own such a bikes. so help me soon.
Rajni, please post your queries at the following thread http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/motorcycle-reviews-f43/honda-cbr250r-ownership-thread-t32743/. You will find many Honda CBR250r owners there, who can help you better. Having said that, seems like you are riding/shifting way too early, try to ensure you only shift gears upwards if the RPM is between 4000-5000rpm and downshift if rpm dips to 3k.
Heating in traffic is normal, especially during summer months.
hi i have baja avenger 220 its pretty good bike decent power .and comfort level is very gud
its gud for touring stuff
is 220cc pulsar is good for off rod or not give reason…..
i have query between ktm duke 200 and royal enfield classic 350. i m gonna travel from pune to ladakh so which bike will be great to have fun and also the most is confort. m very confused between 2 of these. n m not looking for only ladakh bt also for like 500km trip in one day return. and also in city which is crowded. as u know the indian road so what will be ur mind for 2 of these.
Sumit, both these motorcycles are more than capable of doing all that you want to do with them. However these are very different motorcycles meant for different style of riding. While KTM Duke is setup for aggressive riding, Enfield has a more laid back riding style. Test ride both the motorcycles and I am sure, things will become clear to you and you will go with one, which fits your style of riding.
How about Yamaha Rx-135 in perfect stock condition? I have always dreamed of leh in my Rx
If the bike is in good condition, you can take it to Ladakh. Just make sure oil pump is working properly; else you will be in a lot of trouble. Also you need to keep in mind that you will have to carry spare fuel for certain sections and vehicles which are older than 10 years, are not permitted to cross Rohtang Jot from Manali side.
yogesh, thanks for your valuable sharings appreciate it. I own a Yamaha SZ-R 150 cc(good condition) and planning to ride from chennai to leh in july-15…i also have thunder bird 350cc. but l would like to ride with SZ-R only..
can you pls share your thought and also share Merit and De-Merit of SZ-R…
Saravanan, as long as you are planning to travel light and won’t have a pillion, your SZ-R would be alright. It is a lighter motorcycle, so should be easier to handle in slow sections and off road. If you have to carry lot of luggage or a pillion, take the Thunderbird.
Thanks Yogesh. Can you please suggest shoe for leh am planning for this july.
(i already have timberland hilking shoe is this enough?).
I was planning to take my honda dreamyuga to leg ladakh please give me suggestion
Rahul, you can take your Dream Yuga to Ladakh, provided it is in excellent condition. Since it is an 110cc motorcycle, make sure you’re traveling as light as possible. While there shouldn’t be any need to carry spare fuel, for Manali – Leh, you might want to carry couple of liters of petrol in a coke bottle.
Thanks sir for ur advised
I have got duke 390
Yogesh, I have bought pulsar 220 a week ago. Is it okay to take a long ride for about 400 KM? And that too on a avg. speed, say 60 -70? I have heard things that we got to set the engine initially by giving it a decent ride. I’m afraid if it would hit later on the mileage aspect of the bike. pls do reply….!
No issue at all in riding the bike for 400km, just make sure you aren’t riding at constant speed (keep it as per manual) i.e. keep varying speed and you should be fine.
Is it possible to take a pulsar 180 cc bike for hilly ride on the western ghats and cover a stretch about 1500 km
Absolutely.
can we take 150cc pulsar for the trip which is in good condition.
Absolutely Kiran, as long as your motorcycle is in good condition and you do not overload it, you should be fine.
Hello Yogesh, Can I do a ladakh trip on pulsar 180 with a pillion ride?
You can visit Ladakh on your Pulsar 180 with a pillion, however you will have to ensure that you aren’t carrying too much luggage and your motorcycle is in best condition possible.
My motor cycyle is almost 9 years old but i am replacing my clutch plates and bore piston and the suspensions this month. Will go for shorter rides to free the engine…Also please let me know how is the rear seat comfort on pulsar??? I have never been at the rear seat… Snd also depending on the ladakh terrain
Plz do advice which areas mostly the pilluon has to get down and have to make a walk?
Pulsar’s rear seat isn’t all that comfortable, so make sure whoever is going to be your pillion in this ride, does at least 1 or 2 long rides with you, before Ladakh. You can also get the seat modified if you want, to make a little more bearable.
Technically, as long as the motorcycle is in good condition and you aren’t carrying too much luggage, there shouldn’t be any need for the pillion to get down from the bike. Having said that, there are a few points en route to Chang La (while coming back from Pangong) that the bike really struggles to climb. At these places your pillion might need to get off the bike and walk.
I have a hero splendor 125 cc is ladakh trip possible with it from shrinagar..
Nishant you can certainly ride to Ladakh on your Splendor 125, as long as the motorcycle is in good condition. You will have to ride a bit more carefully and ensure you aren’t carrying too much luggage. In case you get stuck in an incline and bike refuses to climb, take out the air filter for short duration and attempt it.
Hi Yogesh ,
I am one of member on your website i own Pulsar 220FI & it’s completed more than of 30,000 km it’s basically between 30000-40000kms. I am planning for Leh Ladakh would u plz suggest me if my bike can reach upto Kargil. I will start my journey from Chandigarh-Manali-Leh-Ladakh than back to chandigarh. What basic things i have to take care on my bike & would it possible for me to visit with my girl lol?????????
Lakhan, you can definitely take your motorcycle to Ladakh as long as your motorcycle is in good condition. You can read more about preparing your motorcycle for Ladakh in the following article I had written http://www.bcmtouring.com/cms/how-prepare-your-motorcycle-ladakh/
Yogesh how aboout the new pulsar RS200
It should be good for street riding, but not for something like Ladakh.
Yogesh CBR 250 would it comfortable at rear seat???
Depends on pillion. A friend does most of his touring on CBR250 with his wife and she feels comfortable, though she is quite fit, so it may or may not be true for everyone.
Hi Yogesh.. Myself n my friend are planning to hire two bikes from Leh n drive to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso in May first week. We may also go upto chuchul if possible. I have just started to do my research.
Is Duke available for rent in Leh? What will be the cost/day? If not, is Yamaha FZ good enough to tackle the roads? We are not comfortable with Enfield, n so what other bikes is best suited for this season.
Regards
Harsha
Harsha, Duke 200s are available in Leh quite easily these days along with Impulse and Pulsars. FZ isn’t something I would recommend. You can contact Dorjeychubi Inder (+919906971501), he should have brand new Duke this season along with Impulse.
Thanks Yogesh for your comment. Now i am planning to buy Avenger 220. What mileage should i expect from it on ladakh Trip.
what is feedback for Bajaj Avenger 220 for Leh tour
It is a decent motorcycle, but ergonomics aren’t suitable for narrow roads and off road trails.