10 Top Motorcycling Routes in the World

The joy of feeling the wind on your face, smelling the air, watching mother nature’s scenery go by while feeling your motorcycle engine roar below you is something that can be related by every single motorcycling afficionado around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenager riding his first motorcycle, someone going through their mid-life crisis or if you are an elderly pro who loves being on two wheels, each one will connect with this motorcycling love.

Such love can be felt while exploring these 10 top motorcycling routes across the world. Not only are some of these the most adventurous routes in the world, some of them happen to be the most scenic too. All you need to do is get your motorcycle in top condition, obtain an international driving permit, pack all your motorcycling travel gear and be ready to hit the road.

1) Ladakh, India



Home to some of the world’s highest motorable roads, the mountain roads of Ladakh in India’s Western Himalayas is for the die hard adventure enthusiast. Rarefied mountain air, stunning mountain panoramas, tough weather, gorgeous culture and lush valleys, the Himalayan roads of Ladakh has everything that a cold high altitude desert can offer and more. These roads are the mecca for all motorcyclists from across the world as they are home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Serene looking high altitude mountain lakes, 2nd highest astronomical observatory in the world, rich Buddhist culture are the icing on the cake. Below are some of the high mountain passes that you can visit in this region:

a) Khardung La – 18,380 feet – one of the most popular motorcycling routes in India

b) Marsimik La – 18,314 feet

c) Photi La – 18,124 feet

d) Kaksang La – 17,842 feet

e) Chang La – 17,586 feet

f) Tanglang La - 17,481 feet

g) Wari La – 17,216 feet

h) Umling La – 19,302 feet – getting a permit to ride on this road is tough due to its strategic location and proximity to the line of actual control between India and China.

2) Pacific Coast Highway, USA



The legendary Pacific coast highway covering over 900 kilometres of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines takes you all the way from San Francisco to San Diego near the Mexico border. It is one of the world’s most astoundingly scenic roads and is meant to be explored slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, surfing villages, expansive beaches, local wine, Hollywood glitz and endless sky. Starting in San Francisco, the Pacific Coast highway takes you through:

a) Felton – a drowsy mountain town nestled among Redwood trees

b) Santa Cruz – a friendly beach town with a university, gorgeous redwood trees and waves that surfers from all over flock to ride

c) Big Sur – rugged mountains blanketed with dreamy redwood forests that drop into dramatic coastline

d) Cambria – a charming seaside village home to rocky shorelines, bluffs and tide pools teeming with sea life

e) Morro Bay – a small city by a large bay and estuary that is home to a diverse range of fauna including blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and sea otters

f) San Luis Obispo – a mellow college town that is famous for its nearby wineries and lighthouse

g) Solvang – mini Denmark that is home to many Danish bakeries

h) Los Olivos – rustic charming town that is surrounded by expansive wineries

i) Santa Barbara – a city where beachy casual meets glitz

j) Los Angeles – home to Hollywood glamour, hipster cool, Disneyland and old fashioned food markets

k) San Diego – a border city famous for its Mexican food, surfing spots, a military outpost and a world famous zoo

3) Amalfi Coast, Italy



Originally built by the Romans, the intense 70 kilometre Amalfi coast road is cut into sheer rock face. On one side is the beautiful blue sea crashing beneath and on the other side is the massive rock face that you find yourself clinging to. Connecting the towns of Sorrento and Salerno, the Amalfi coast highway snakes and winds through endless hairpins and up and over steep hills. The famed Amalfi coast is exactly as you have always pictured: rugged coastline dotted with seaside towns whose classic, balconied buildings overlook the turquoise Tyrrhenian sea. The highlights of this route include:

a) Riding past vineyards that dot the countryside

b) Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere – a protected area with several waterfalls and lush plant life

c) Church of Santa Maria Assunta – offers views of opulent villas along the coast that hug the steep mountainside above a petite, sandy beach

d) Duomo Ravello – historic cathedral in Ravello with shops, lodging and dining nearby

e) Impossibly photogenic coast between Minori and Vietri Sul Mare

f) Lattari Mountain National Park – a great ecotourism site that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Italy

g) Fjord of Furore – special place fo artisans

h) Amalfi Cathedral – gorgeous 9th century building bearing the crypt of St Andrew

i) Sirenuse – a cluster of small islands off the coast, fulfilling all your idyllic beach dreams

j) Cetara – small fishing village located between the sea and lush green hills and that is home to affordable stay options and great dining avenues

4) Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop, Morocco



This 2,570 kilometre long exotic route offers an adventure of a lifetime. It takes you through a series of ancient citadels, souks, tall mountains and oodles of vibrant desert culture. The route starts in Ceuta (a Spanish island city on the north coast of Africa), passes through the Rif Mountains through Fez and then through the Atlas mountains to Erfoud and the mighty Sahara desert. From here, you pass through the Todra gorge to the palm groves of Ouarzazate and finally the city of Marrakesh where you get to experience the real flavour of old Morocco. From here, it is a short ride through the Tizi n’Test pass down to the Atlantic coast at Agadir, from where you can visit Casablanca and then Tangiers before returning to Ceuta.

Overall, it is a stunning desert ride where you can enjoy oodles of off roading, twisties and wide open roads, while experiencing the rich desert cultures of Morocco.

5) The Great Ocean Road, Australia



This is an Australian National Heritage listed 240 kilometre stretch of road along the South Eastern coast of Australia. The Great Ocean Road traverses rainforests, beaches, cliffs, natural limestone and sandstone rock formations to give you an experience of one of nature’s best spectacles. This motorcycle route starts at Torquay and travels westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool. Following are the highlights of the Great Ocean Road:

a) Surf coast – gorgeous coastline between Torquay and Cape Otway

b) Shipwreck coast – stunning coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy that is home to the famous limestone formations called the Twelve Apostles and that provides views of the Bass strait and the Southern ocean.

c) Anglesea – surfing town renowned for its eastern grey kangaroos, Coogoorah Park and the Angair wildflower festival

d) Lorne – seaside town on the Great Ocean Road popular for family bathing, surfing and fishing. It is known for its Falls Festival, 1.2 km Pier to Pub swim, the Great Otway National park, Otway Ranges National park and the Lorne Pier.

e) Apollo Bay – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that plays host to the annual Apollo Bay seafood festival, Winter Wild and the Great Ocean Road Running festival. Southern right whales and humpback whales are spotted off the coast from winter through spring.

f) Port Campbell – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that is famous for the following natural limestone and sandstone rock formations located in the Port Campbell National Park and around: Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.

6) Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet



This 1,250 kilometre ride will take you to the rooftop of the world while offering some surreal views of the Eastern Himalayas. The ride begins in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu and goes to Lhasa in Tibet while crossing scenic Tibetan landscapes, nomadic villages, snow capped mountains, pristine blue lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, historical cities and some of the highest mountain passes in the world. The motorcycling route would be:

a) Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi (125 kms and Elevation of 1,140 m) – Long journey through the remote areas of Langtang National Park

b) Shyabrubesi to Kerung (42 kms and elevation of 2,750 m) – Border crossing into Tibet and acclimatization day

c) Kerung to Tingri (244 kms and elevation of 4,300 m) – Ride to the highest plateau in the world and enjoy breath taking panoramas of Himalayan ranges: Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m), My Xishapagma (8012 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m)

d) Tingri to Xegar (185 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Ride through the beautiful Tibetan countryside, explore Ronbuk monastery – the highest Buddhist monastery in the world and enjoy the day at Everest Base Camp

e) Xegar to Shigatse (244 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Cross high altitude snow covered mountain passes and beautiful panoramas to arrive at Shigatse, the second largest Tibetan city

f) Shigatse to Gyantse (95 kms and elevation of 3950 m) – Head to Gyantse while visiting Tashilumpu monastery, Kumbum stupa and Phalkor monastery

g) Gyantse to Lhasa (261 km and elevation of 3650 m) – Full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola (5010 m), Kambala (4749 m) , colourful Yamdrok Tso lake and the Tibetan lifeline Brahmaputra or Yarlung Tsangpo river

7) Namibia, Southern Africa



Namibia is a jewel of Southern Africa. The vast expanses of Namib and Kalahari deserts offer remote solitude that is perfect for off-road adventure travel that includes national parks, impossibly tall dunes, rugged canyons, lush rivers, spectacular coastline, savannah, desert and much more. With the highest dunes in the world located in the legendary Namib desert, the infamous Skeleton coast and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, there’s something for everyone in Namibia. Following are the best motorcycle routes in Namibia:

a) Kaokoveld to Skeleton coast: Opuwo –> Palmwag –> Bergsig –> Cape Cross –> Swakopmund: 674 kms, good gravel roads

b) Around the Brandberg: About 220 km, all unpaved, very sandy in the Ugab river

c) Bosua Pass: Windhoek –> C28 –> Swakopmund: 322 km, all unpaved, but good gravel roads

d) The D707: Betta – Junction C 27/D707 – D707 to end/junction with C13: ~150 km, all unpaved, initially gravel, then sand

e) C13 along the Orange river: Rosh Pinah –> Sendering Drif –> C13 to Aubenkehr: 105 km, all unpaved, but good gravel road

8) Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan



The legendary Pamir mountains sit amidst the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayas and the Tian Shan mountain ranges, all whispering to and luring adventurers for thousands of years. The ancient Pamir highway runs between Termez in Uzbekistan and Kara Balta in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of the road however runs through the highlands of Tajikistan, cutting through the Pamir mountains. This gorgeous ride clocks in over 2000 km and climbs to a height of above 15000 feet at Ak-Baital pass. The entire route is one of the higher motorable routes in the world and hence altitude sickness is quite common. It is part of the ancient silk road and is rich in history, adventure and danger. 80% of the roads are paved and about 20% are gravel. The people of Tajikistan are very hospitable and will always help the tourist (musafir) even in the remotest or corners in Tajikistan.

The Pamir highway route is as follows: Dushanbe –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Khorog –> Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (Yamchun) –> Murgab –> Ak Baital Pass (4655 m) –> Khorog –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Dushanbe

9) North East India to Vietnam



A few years back, the Indian government opened the India-Myanmar border for overland travel. This opened the possibility of a lush forest motorcycling route spanning 5,200 kms and 5 countries. Starting in Siliguri in the Northern part of West Bengal, this route meanders through the dense jungles and tropical forests of North East India before entering Myanmar at Moreh. In Myanmar, the roads are mostly dirt tracks or gravel roads with wooden and metal bridges till you reach Mandalay. From Mandalay, you cut across Inle lake and into the mountainous province of Myanmar and Mae Hong Son in Thailand before you reach Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. From here, you follow the Mekong river and head towards Luang Prabang in Laos. Then, you head further north into the mountainous region of Laos before you enter the Sapa region of Vietnam. From Sapa, you travel east to Hanoi and then kiss the coast to travel south all the way to the capital city of Ho Chi Minh city. This entire route is a lush tropical paradise. Except for parts of the India-Myanmar border, most roads are paved or in the worst case are good quality gravel roads. You criss cross mountains, rivers, forests and cities to explore this gorgeous part of the world.

Route map: Siliguri, India –> Moreh, India –> Mandalay, Myanmar –> Chiang Rai, Thailand –> Luang Prabang, Laos –> Hanoi, Vietnam –> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10) El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia



Last, but not the least in this list is the world’s most dangerous road. Known as the ‘Death Road’, this 69 km winding road stretch connects the world’s highest administrative capital of La Paz in Bolivia to the small Amazonian rainforest town of Coroico. The journey begins at 12,000 feet high Laz Paz with its mix of indigenous and modern cultures. The winding route with a single lane ascends to La Cumbre pass (about 15,000 feet high) in the Andean mountain only to dip back down into the Amazon rainforest over the course of 65 kilometres. The road weaves back and forth as it descends, and the thick forest below tends to obscure the steep drop below. The road is a mix of paved, dusty to loosened rock. Extreme weather is the think to stay aware of. At the top, you might face blinding fog and bone chilling weather, while in the rainforest, you can face high humidity and/or pouring rain. The sheer diversity and extreme route makes it a special motorcycling route of the world.

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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12 Top Motorcycling Routes in the Western Himalayas for the Die Hard Adventure Enthusiast

Summers can be sweltering and sultry in the plains and coastline of India, but this same season signals a vibrant change in life in the Himalayas. The melting snow, the increasing temperatures and the bright sunshine gives the entire mountainous region a makeover. Greys, whites and browns are replaced by lush green and vivid colours. The bottom half of the landscape is made up of gurgling snow fed streams and rivers, a sea of greenery interspersed with colourful flowers and a rich array of active bird and animal life. And the upper half of this landscape is dominated by the mighty mountains and their snow capped peaks. Add to this rarefied air, a pleasant nip, longer days, clean blue skies and bright sunshine and you have a heady concoction.



With the high mountain roads in the Western Himalayas being re-opened, this exhilarating experience now becomes accessible to all of us. Motorcycling enthusiasts, cyclists and road trippers…be ready as the time has come to act on your travel bucket-list for the mountains and to conquer some of the highest mountain roads in the world.



Here is a list of the 12 best motorcycling routes in the Western Himalayas. These routes are high on adventure, spectacular when it comes to panorama and absolutely surreal when it comes to overall experience. While some of these take you to the highest villages, polling stations and post offices of India, the others take you to cold deserts, gorgeous high altitude lakes, stunning high mountain passes, India’s highest astronomical observatory, serene monasteries and temples and last, but not the least, some of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Some words of wisdom before you embark on this adventurous journey:

1) Do plan for proper acclimatization or be ready for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

2) Dare devilry is a one way track to hell in the mountains. Remember that and plan your trips accordingly

3) Mountain weather is very unpredictable. Be prepared for snow or very cold weather at all times

4) Certain high mountain passes can get blocked at times due to inclement weather. Do ensure your trip itinerary has enough buffer

5) Some areas are perilously close to our international borders. Hence, you might require inner line permits and there can be periodic checks

1) Leh –> Khardung La –> Nubra Valley –> Turtuk



This is possibly the mecca for all motorcycling aficionados. At 17,582 feet above MSL, Khardung La, which is about 45 kilometres from Leh, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. A steep ascent from Leh takes you to this high mountain pass and on the other side of it exists Nubra valley, one of the popular Ladakh tour places and that is famous for its double humped bactrian camels and scenic views of the Shyok river. A little beyond Nubra valley is the very remote village of Turtuk that shares more similarities with Central Asia than South Asia.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: Usually open throughout the year unless there is heavy snowfall at Khardung La

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)

2) Leh –> Chang La –> Tangtse –> Phobrang –> Marsimik La –> Pangong Tso



You might be mistaken if you think Khardung La is the highest motorable road in India. There is a slightly offbeat mountain pass called Marsimik La or Marsimek La that is even higher than it. At 18,384 feet, it is higher than Khardung La and hence owns the title of the highest motorable road in India. But, the road here is not in as good a shape as the one at Khardung La and hence only experienced motorcyclists should attempt to scale this pass. This route takes you through lovely Ladakhi countryside, beautiful mountain passes and authentic villages before arriving at the iconic Pangong Tso lake.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


3) Keylong –> Gramphoo –> Batal –> Kunzum La



This has to be one of Western Himalayas’ most treacherous routes. It is made up of boulders, stones, pebbles and gushing mountain streams. This route tests the true grit and mettle of the motorcycle and its rider. Connecting the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh with Spiti, this route takes you to the absolutely stunning Chandra Taal lake and the heady Kunzum pass, before descending into the villages of Spiti.

Level of difficulty: Difficult (the roads are really poor) with many boulders and water streams

Approximate number of days: 4 days (one way)

Accessible months: March to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh)


4) Leh –> Upshi –> Chumathang –> Hanle –> Tso Moriri –> Tso Kar



For most of this route, the mighty Indus river flows next to you and that too in the middle of the Changthang cold desert, where horses, Ladakhi kiangs, nomadic tribes and spectacular mountains keep you company. Apart from spectacular views, this ladakh road trip offers you the chance to visit the second highest astronomical observatory in the world at Hanle, a rich wetland in Tso Moriri and a lovely salt lake in Tso Kar.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year round unless there is heavy snowfall on the high mountain passes

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


5) Manali –> Rohtang La –> Tandi –> Barlacha La –> Sarchu –> Tanglang La –> Leh



When someone talks of a Ladakh bike trip, this is what they would referring to in all probability. One of the most iconic motorcycle trips in the world, this adventure packed route takes you through some of the highest mountain passes in the world, sensational valleys, beautiful landscapes and roaring mountain rivers. If you are a motorcycle lover, this route definitely has to be on your bucket list.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) depending on which way you opt for this route


6) Kaza –> Ki –> Kibber –> Tashigong –> Thinam



Home to the world’s highest polling station at Tashigang and colorful gompas in harmonious surroundings, this route in Spiti valley takes you to some of the highest villages in the world. Rapidly ascending roads, steep curves and hairpin bends and heavenly vistas greet you here. I would go here to stay in these high villages and to meditate in its tranquil monasteries.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


7) Kaza –> Langza –> Hikkim –> Komic –> Dhemul –> Chorden



While the previous route takes you to high mountain villages, this route takes you even higher. India’s highest post office at Hikkim, India’s highest village in Komic and an absolutely gorgeous village located at the base of mighty snow capped mountains in Langza are some of the treats of this route. The roads can be bad to worse, but the panoramas will more than make up for it.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


8) Kaza –> Dhankar –> Mud –> Pin Valley



This has to one of Spiti valley’s prettiest routes. Connecting Pin valley national park with the main Spiti highway, this route is full of pristine river views, cute villages and lush nature. At Dhankar, this route also offers one of the best river confluence views in the Himalayas where the pin and the spiti rivers meet. Trekking enthusiasts will love this route as it allows them to indulge in the high altitude Dhankar lake and the various treks leading towards Pin Parbati peak and the Great Himalayan National Park.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


9) Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru - Kargil – Zozi La – Sonmarg



The notorious Zozi La can be found on this bike trip to Ladakh. Running perilously close to the Pakistan border, a lot of military action can be seen on this route. It is home to two tranquil monasteries in Lamayuru and Alchi, it has the gorgeous confluence of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers, it has the unique magnetic hill and stunning valleys. While the roads till Kargil are good, do expect some back breaking conditions after that, especially as you near Zozi La pass.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December unless there is heavy snowfall on the high mountain passes

Nearest airport: Leh (Jammu and Kashmir) or Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)


10) Shimla – Sarahan – Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa

This is apple terrain. Sarahan and Sangla are famous for their apples. Chitkul is considered the last village on the Hindustan – Tibet highway. And Kalpa is home to the Kinnaur Kailash mountain view. Located in the Sutlej and the Baspa river valleys, these villages offer everything from pretty riverside to ripe apple orchards and from lovely mountain vistas to a pretty mountain holiday.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Approximate number of days for return journey: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year around unless the roads are blocked due to heavy snowfall or landslides

Nearest airport: Chandigarh


11) Leh – Padum



Recently opened, this route takes you to the heart of Zanskar valley, one of the remotest regions in Ladakh and certainly a new addition to a leh ladakh bike trip plan. This route will be cold, as offbeat as possible and will offer you some of the best views of the Zanskar river, the one that freezes to become a ‘chadar’ or carpet in the winter months.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


12) Leh – Chemrey – Chang La – Pangong Tso



From lush Indus valley to mustard fields to high mountain passes and a massive salt water body, this charming route takes you through some of the most diverse landscapes of Ladakh. The offbeat Chemrey monastery, the beautiful Chang La pass, the quiet Tangtze village and the absolutely jaw dropping high altitude Pangong tso lake are its main highlights. Camping by the lake and watching the starlit Himalayan night sky is an experience to die for.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year round unless the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)

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How to improve performance and looks of your Royal Enfield Motorcycle?

Royal Enfield, India’s iconic motorcycle brand and the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer makes some beautiful classic motorcycles at a really affordable price point. While these motorcycles are definitely a must have in your garage, Royal Enfield lacks the oomph factor when it comes to design, performance and refinement. I do like naked motorcycles, but I hate the fact that I am unable to use the motorcycles to their fullest potential.



When it comes to our Royal Enfield motorcycles (be it the UCE 350 or 500 Engine or the old CI engine), there is so much scope to improve its performance and looks. Below is a detailed list. Each one of them have been personally tried and tested in different environment conditions by me. And I have seen some serious and jaw dropping improvement where the motorcycle ends up being a much superior version of the one manufactured and sold by the Royal Enfield brand. I hope Royal Enfield takes note of these and makes these changes to their stock versions. Till then, you can get your local mechanic to make the modifications on your motorcycle.



Note: As per Indian law, any modification to a vehicle needs to be endorsed in the RC book. Please use your discretion before making the modifications on your Royal Enfield motorcycle.    
    
P E R F O R M A N C E   
    
Install Carberry Vibration Reduction Plate



One of the iconic things we like about our Royal Enfield motorcycles has to be its signature vibrations. While these vibrations give it a true motorcycle vibe, these vibrations increase the maintenance bills on the motorcycle and definitely our fitness levels over long hours of riding. Personally, I like these vibrations on my motorcycle as they keep me awake and sort of act as my own fully body massager. But, it sure does tire me out during those longer rides, especially when I am riding at 80 kmph or more. For a long while, I found no solution, until recently I came across Carberry’s vibration reduction plate that gets fitted next to your cam gears and sort of acts like a counter balancer. The end result is a 30% reduction in vibration at speeds of 80 kmph and below and about 10% reduction at speeds between 80 kmph and 120 kmph.  This Carberry vibration reduction plate costs about INR 3000. You can buy them directly on Carberry’s website or on Amazon India. A detailed set of instructions come with the product and your local Royal Enfield mechanic can fit it for you. Fitting costs can vary between INR 500 to INR 1000. 
       
Change engine oil to Motul 7100
   


Most Royal Enfield motorcycles use Motul 5100 semi synthetic oil as standard. While this oil does its job admirably, the fully synthetic Motul 7100 engine oil does much better. Motul 7100 oil has allowed me to rev my engine more without any negative effects, the heating has reduced marginally and the engine certainly feels more refined and smooth. I also feel my overall riding feel has improved. There is another Motul V300 double esther fully synthetic oil that is even better, but I found to be useful only for short rides and do not recommend it at all for long rides. The Motul 7100 oil holds pretty good for a 4000 km service interval without affecting any other parameters.

In terms of price, Motul 5100 costs about INR 1200, Motul 7100 costs about INR 1800 and Motul v300 costs about INR 2700 for 2.75 liters of 15W50 quality oil.
    
K and N performance air filters



Most standard air filters in Royal Enfield motorcycles get clogged with dust and dirt and hence do not allow optimum amount of air into the engine, thus affecting performance. I would recommend upgrading to performance air filters by K&N. While they cost about INR 5000, which is pretty high, they don’t require replacements at every service interval like the standard ones. And they certainly improve throttle response and acceleration.

There are two types of performance air filters that can be fitted on to Royal Enfield motorcycles. One is the regular round one and the other one, which I use is the conical air filter. There are a lot of users who are against conical air filters, but if installed properly, it can lead to some serious acceleration and throttle response. After changing to K&N conical style performance air filter, my performance has shot over the roof. No more does the motorcycle feel like an elephant. Instead, it feels very nimble and much like a sports motorcycle. Of course, mileage drops a bit, but when you are looking at performance, mileage has to take a backseat. In case you wish to know, I get 30 kmpl in the city and about 32-33 kmpl on the open highways.

Better quality fuel like Shell premium
   


In India, most fuel stations sell low quality petrol (due to impurities and wrong additives in the fuel) and this affects the day to day running of the engine. Not only does this affect the mileage of the motorcycle, but it affects the longevity of the engine and other movable parts. Hence, I recommend shifting to cleaner fuels offered by Shell petroleum. This high quality petrol is mixed with essential minerals and additives that work towards cleaning the engine and other internal parts of the motorcycle.

As a best practice, for every 5 tank full of petrol, I opt for one tank full of V Power petrol and the other 4 times as Shell regular petrol. This allows me to enjoy the cost benefits as well as clean my motorcycle internally from time to time. While you cannot find Shell Petrol always, this healthy practice prevents knocking, leads to better longevity of engine parts, improves performance and certainly increases mileage.

500cc carburettor for a 350cc engine
   


If your 350 cc Royal Enfield motorcycle comes with a standard carburettor, replace it with the carburettor of a 500 cc Royal Enfield motorcycle for much better throttle response, acceleration and torque. This will require some tuning, which your Royal Enfield mechanic can do for you. A 500 cc carburettor costs about INR 5000 and the mechanic might charge you INR 1000 or thereabouts.

Remove EFI and change to carb
   


Most of the modern Royal Enfield motorcycles these days come with the Electronic Fuel Injection system. While, this is a step in the right direction, I feel the EFI system of Royal Enfield motorcycles are basic when compared to other motorcycles. The throttle response gets very poor on mountain roads and where the air is rarefied. Plus, since all fuel inlets are pre-loaded for best mileage, the overall performance is compromised, which I personally do not enjoy. If you are one such rider, I would recommend removing your EFI system and replacing it with a 500 cc carburettor.

500 clutch assembly for a 350 engine
   


This is another of those changes that I did on my motorcycle and am super happy with the results. Along with upgrading the carburettor from 350 cc to 500 cc, I changed my entire clutch assembly to that of a 500 cc Royal Enfield motorcycle. The result is unbelievable acceleration and my good old Royal Enfield thunderbird feels so nimble and agile like a KTM. A word of caution though. Do go to a Royal Enfield mechanic who has done this customization before as this requires a lot of subtle changes and adjustments.

Free flow silencers
   
Now, this is something that all Royal Enfield motorcycle lovers would know. Free flow silencers offer a better thump or beat and provide significant increase in acceleration, power and top speed. While there are a lot of exhaust options in the market, you can easily put them into two categories. One such category is made up of silencers that use glass wool for the muffling. These are cheaper, but glass wool needs to be replaced every 3000 kms or so and they are also prone to knocking and misfiring, which can lead to long term engine damage. Popular ones are Indore Dholki, Goldys, Wild Boar, Fish and Gun. The second category is made up of silencers that use ceramic wool for the muffling. These are much more expensive, but it doesn’t need any ongoing maintenance.



I opted for the latter and my choice of free flow silencer is the Red Rooster Racing Silencer, which costs about INR 9500. This silencer is slightly lighter, looks sleek and offers loud and smooth beat that does not have any knocking or misfiring.

Non- maintenance battery



Most of the older Royal Enfield motorcycles come with batteries that need periodic maintenance where you check the electrolyte level and charge it often. While this is not that big of a headache, there are options of non-maintenance batteries available in the market that solve this problem too. The newer Royal Enfield motorcycles come fitted with these. While these don’t enhance the motorcycle performance, they sure do prevent ugly acid leakages and offer reliability during long rides. Both Amaron and Exide come with such non-maintenance battery options.

Bosch Iridium and Platinum spark plugs



The standard spark plugs of the Royal Enfield motorcycle are good, but if you want smoother ignition, longer life and much better firing, then opt for Bosch’s Iridium and Platinum spark plugs. In my motorcycle, I have one platinum and one iridium spark plug. The starting is way smoother and I haven’t had any misfires till date.
       
    
L O O K S   
    
Alloy wheels
   


Alloy wheels offer two important benefits to owners of Royal Enfield motorcycles. One, they increase the glamour quotient of the motorcycle by many notches and second, they allow you to leverage tubeless tyres, which means that you don’t have to worry about those punctures (flats) during your city or highway rides. But, they do cost you a good sum up front and you need to keep a close watch on its quality. I use the Parado India intensive ultimate 36 spoke allow rims for my motorcycle. The pair cost me about INR 10,000 and they are really heavy duty and I have used them in many off-road and dirt trails and they have held up very well. And if maintained well (like a good wash and rub down), they are certain to turn heads wherever you ride.



These days, Royal Enfield themselves have woken up to this mass market need of having alloy rims and tubeless tyres and hence have started including them in their own approved accessory list. If you wish, you could opt for those too.
    
LED headlights
   


The stock headlights of Royal Enfield motorcycles do not inspire confidence to ride in the night, especially on our Indian highways. They lack the throw, luminescence and put a whole lot of load on the battery. Now, there are two options. Either you fit a powerful bulb with better quality reflector or you opt for a new age LED headlight set. While the powerful bulb and reflector will do the job, they will add more load to the battery and which is why I opted for the LED headlight set.

Not only do these LED headlight sets look stylish, they give good luminescence and throw and they don’t drain the battery as much. However, it is important to select the right LED headlight as there are a lot of good and bad options available in the market. I opted for the LED headlights of Mad Dog. They are a bit pricey at INR 6000 to 7000, but once you start using them, you will absolutely fall in love with them.

Fog lamps    



If you have a good set of headlights, you usually don’t need fog lamps, but if you are one of those who go on off-roading trips and ride on dangerous roads, it is better to pack on a good pair of fog lamps on your motorcycle. I use the Mad Dog Fog Lamps. At 40W each, 2 of them cost you INR 9500. And in terms of quality, they feel like Denali and Clearwater, that are usually fitted on superbikes and other international motorcycles like Triumph, Ducati and Harley Davidson. You can either connect them to the high beam of your headlight or keep them separate. Either ways, you will totally enjoy their luminescence, hybrid beams and wide throws during your night rides.  
    
Custom paint job
   


Royal Enfield motorcycles may have a good engine, but they certainly lack when it comes to good design and aesthetics. Yes, they do have stealth black and military green, but apart from that, I don’t like their color options and finishing. If you are one of those who wish for something more when it comes to design, you should definitely opt for a custom paint job. You can choose your own color palette, you can choose matt versus glossy. You can also choose color and finishing of all metal parts, like bolts, nuts, etc. In simple words, if you plan well, you can change your Royal Enfield motorcycle into the bike of your dreams. One word of advice…do choose a good paint shop to do the custom paint job and don’t be in a hurry as custom painting entails removing the entire motorcycle piece by piece, painting, drying and then re-assembling.

Off Road knobbly tyres
   


If you want your motorcycle to have a persona, you have got to fix those off road knobbly tyres. Not only do they allow you to handle bad roads and off-road trails with ease, they give the motorcycle a menacing stance. And if you have alloy wheels, you can opt for the tubeless version. Some brands that specialize in good off road knobbies are Ralco, Timsun and Michelin. Ralco is the cheapest and Michelin is the most pricey. Timsun falls somewhere in the middle in terms of cost.



Personally, I use the Ralco Speed blaster and they sit perfectly on my 19 inch front rim (90x90x19) and 18 inch rear rim (120x80x18). I have tried them in/on rain, slush, mountain roads, landslide zones, off-road trails, forest roads, highways, city roads and others and they have handled all conditions admirably well and I have felt very comfortable and secure traversing such terrain on these tyres.

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