The first question: SHOULD WE HIRE BIKES?
The Answer is a BIG NO. Avoid it until and unless you have no option!
Reasons:
1) Bike Hire guys are there for the loot. They will milk your money however smart you may be. Remember that Delhi is the logical place to hire bikes and delhites - especially in Karol Bagh; the ONLY area where you get bikes are very good at talk and even better at looting!
2) Whatever is the agreement - whatever loopholes you plug - you will still end up paying a lot more than the agreed amount.We have seen people there and we ourselves experienced this!
3) No bike is more reliable than your own.
4) Cost of moving your bike up and down from your hometown to Delhi will eventually be cheaper.
For those to whom the above makes sense and have their own bikes this is the end of the blog. Others who still want to hire, read on!
Ques 2) Where to hire the bike?
Delhi, Karol Bagh is the ONLY logical place.
Reason:
1) Chandigarh doesn't have a market.
2) Getting bikes @ Manali is not sure shot. Quality is another issue and getting things fixed there is almost impossible. Its a small town!
3) Drive from Delhi to Manali is worthwhile.
Quest 3) Whom to hire bikes from?
I will rephrase this:
Avoid:
1) Stone Head Bikes
2) Tony Bike Center
Go for:
1) Lali Singh
else try your luck wherever you get the bike :-(
Note: The guys are very good at talking and can convince Eskimos to buy ice. No exaggeration.
Quest 4) Required Bike Accessories:
Very important:
1) Luggage carrier with nylon elastic ropes having hooks at the each end
2) Bike spares - spark plugs, cables, tool set, puncture kit, bulbs, tapes and ropes (to pull bikes)
3) Helmet - VERY VERY IMPORTANT. With both day and night visors (Very important)
4) Raincoat - good quality one to protect from rain but MORE IMPORTANTLY FROM DUST.
5) Tarpaulin for covering your luggage
Optional:
1) Petrol Cans - simple ones - you will need this from Tandi to Leh (365 kms without petrol bunk) - if you bike mileage or tank capacity is limited. We had bullets and they went on full tank from Tandi to Khardungla (400+ kms) without requiring a refill..
