Frequently Asked Questions

To participate as a rider, an individual has to be equal or above 18 years at the time of the tour, holding a valid driving license (international driver permit in case of foreigners), in reasonable health and good hold over the bike.

For Indian citizens:
a. Copy of original Driver license.
b. Copy of original Address proof.
c. 2 passport size photo graphs. d. Postdated check with amount equal to motorbike’s cost.

For Foreign nationals:
a. Copy of original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months past the intended period of stay in India.
b. Indian Tourist Visa: Citizens of several countries are now eligible for an e-Tourist Visa which can be obtained online. It is a single entry visa valid for 30 days stay. It should be obtained online before travelling to India. It can be applied for as late as 1 week before intended date of arrival in India (processing time: generally 36-48 hours).
c. 2 passport size photo graphs.
d. International driving permit.

The security deposit varies from INR 1000- INR 40000 depending on which bike model you choose. This sum is held as insurance for the damages to the bike that may incur during the journey. On your return, complete inspection of the motorbike is done by our mechanic. In case of no damages, complete sum in refunded back.

You would be given a test ride before your journey begins. The purpose of this test ride is to get you acquainted with the bike. If you are not satisfied with the machine please point that out then and there itself. The mechanic will get the problem rectified. One of our employee will also give you mechanical training so as to explain about common parts of bike and the functioning.

StoneheadBikes would provide you with full/half face ISI marked helmets. Depending upon your itinerary, you can choose the Riding gears/accessories by visiting our accessories/gears page. We have almost all the riding gears & accessories available with us on hire for the short & long term rental as well.

Please visit our “Deals” page to find available discounts and offers.

Go to the “Rentals” page to select the available bikes. Select the pickup and drop off location as well as the dates you require the bike. You would be directed to the pre-order confirmation page. Once your order request is placed, we will send you the payment link to pay 50% of the total rental in advance. Your reservation is confirmed after the payment is made.

Yes, now you can pick up and drop off the bike anywhere in India. The cost of transportation would be borne by the customer along with idle days rental.

Yes, you can walk in to our workshop but call us before to check the availability of the bikes.

Complementary helmets are provided with the bike, however, accessories like gloves, armored jackets, armored pants, tank bags, top boxes, pannier, petrol container USB charger, mobile mount, sleeping bags, first aid kit, saddle bags, bungee cords, GPS, Knee/elbow protector, face mask, and disposable oxygen can are available on rent. To check rates and more details, please email your requirements to info@stoneheadbikes.com 

Rental rates are based on 24 hours increments. If you pick up a bike at 10 AM it is due back on 10 AM the agreed upon day.

Yes, Stoneheadbikes provides pickup and drop off facility within Delhi NCR location. This service is payable at INR 350 to INR 750 depending on the location.

StoneheadBikes provides 24*7 online support. In case you face any issues with the bike please call our customer care number. They will try to resolve your problem on the phone and if not possible will redirect you to the nearest available repair shop.

All deliveries and collections need to take place during working hours (10:00 am to 07:00 pm) if we are forced to collect any bike outside of these hours or from a third party we reserve the right to withhold the deposit. In case of delivery, final settlement will be done when we receive the bike at our workshop only. Security deposit will be refunded after deducting the damage expenses (if any) through NEFT or Paypal only.

In case you want to reserve a bike for you, 100% of the total rental has to be paid in advance through our website, the rest of the deposit amount shall be paid at the time of bike pickup. No advance payment is required for walk-ins (Subject to availability only).

There is no provision for insurance in case of travel by a motorcycle in India. Clients should get personal insurance from their respective countries for motorcycle riding for 500 cc motorcycle. Only third party vehicle insurance is provided as is required under Indian regulations. This has very limited effect as you are travelling and if you cause an accident then no one is very interested in making insurance claims. The claim is made on the driver directly and usually in the form of cash compensation. Negotiate quickly and keep moving on your journey. Full attention to what you are doing is your best insurance. 

Comprehensive insurance is not generally available on most bike rentals.

Medical and Accident/Travel Insurance, ensure that you have arranged all your travel insurance prior to departure as bike riding in India and some of the places that are popular can be difficult and things do happen. Full attention to what you are doing is your best insurance. 

A delay of 30 minutes over the rental period is permissible for the return of possession. In the case of further delay or unapproved extension, the user must pay a late fee of Rs. 200/hour plus 18% GST. 

Mechanical warranty covers tyres, entire electrical components including ignition switch, complete wiring, disk assembly, Engine crank shaft with bearings and battery only. Note that mechanical warranty is not applicable on the discounted rental. Mechanical warranty is not applicable on bikes booked through third party or partner websites.

No, the fuel is not included in the rental. You would be provided enough fuel to get to the nearest petrol station.

All confirmed rental reservations are non-refundable, unless specified under that of the Reservation Cancellation Protection guidelines (see below). No refunds on early returns.

Reservation Cancellation Protection (RCP)
By purchasing RCP (20% of the total rental and should be bought at the time of booking confirmation), you’re entitled to cancel your reservation and receive a full refund for the following cases:
– Sudden severe medical condition suffered by customer that prevents travel (certified medical doctor’s notice is required).
– Pregnancy of customer (Doctor’s notice is required). – Death of customer, or immediate family member of customer (Spouse, Child, Brother, Sister, or Parent). Valid proof is required.
– Unexpected draft of deployment of customer to Armed forces (Verification required). You claim must be received by Stoneheadbikes 72 hours before the scheduled pickup time.
– For pricing and more details, please speak to your account representative.

21.1. If the keys are lost and you require a set of replacement keys we can arrange for them to be sent to you. We will try to do this as quickly as we can but it will be at our convenience. We will also charge you 1000 INR + travel fare to provide a new set of keys.
21.2. In case of any en-route mechanical issue, you can call our mechanic at 919711037060 (Hindi) or 918800371553 (English) for any online support or assistance. You can also call us to check the spare parts or labor cost (if required). In case of any major fault, you can provide us your location to look for a nearest service station (if available).
21.3. Client has to service the hired vehicle after every 1000-1200 KM’s. Receipts from a licensed motor vehicle service center must be produced as the minimum evidence of servicing. Further penalties apply if it appears the bike and particularly the engine has suffered as a result of negligent servicing. And also 1550 INR (for Engine oil & service labor cost) + faulty parts cost will be deducted from the security deposit. In case of any reimbursement, the expense cost should be pre-approved by us and will be paid on your return and as per the actual cost only.
21.4.For all the new vehicles (2015-16) covered under mechanical warranty by the manufacturer, client has to service the vehicle as per the schedule mentioned in the vehicle manual and instructed by the manufacturer. Failed to do so will lapse the warranty of the vehicle and security deposit will not be refunded!
21.5. You are responsible for the daily maintenance of the bike during the period of hire, you are required to check oil levels, electrical, chain tension, tyre pressures, battery water levels, ensure that all nuts and bolts are tight. If the bike requires service or has issues then contact the name provided for servicing assistance.
21.6. Please note if you have paid to fix the bike in a mechanic’s without letting us know or not letting us try to help you first, we will not be responsible for any charge that you claim. Failure to have problems attended to will only cause you more problems, more delay and more expense. The clutch, gearbox, brakes, cables and piston/rings can be subject to rider abuse when care and attention is not taken. In areas of high dust levels the brakes can wear quickly, as also the air filter will become clogged. Care and attention is required so that you keep moving forward on your journey. Please note that this is dependent on our schedule. We will help you as quickly as we can but we have to serve customers who have made a prior appointment first as a matter of general etiquette.

22.1. In the event of lost / stolen / written off bikes, please inform us as soon as you can and we will: report the missing bike to the police (if you wish to) consider the bike stolen if the police do not have it. estimate the bike’s current value once it is understood that the bike is stolen. You are then at liberty to check whether this is accurate or not. request you pay for the bike. We will then give you the bike’s registration papers so that you can claim the bike should the police find it.
22.2. If the police retrieve your bike, please inform us as soon as you can so that we can get it back for you. You will be responsible for any charges incurred which may include fines, storage, or transportation.
22.3. If you park the bike somewhere and lose the ticket, please inform us as soon as you can and we will help you get the bike. Please note that this is also very much dependent on our schedule. We will come as quickly as we can but we have to serve customers who have made an appointment before you.

23.1. We can collect bikes within normal working hours (10am – 07:00 pm). If you need to return the bike outside of these hours you will have to make an arrangement with us for you to deliver the bike to our shop yourself.
23.2. We do not accept for bikes to be left with third parties (as this can be very troublesome and time consuming) or to be expected to collect bikes immediately. We need 24hrs notice to be able to arrange to collect bikes and check for any damage.
23.3. If there is any damage to the bike we will withhold the deposit until repairs are done and expect you to pay any extra costs if these are greater than the deposit.
23.4. When returning the bike it is your responsibility to check carefully for any items left under the seat as once we have the bike we will not be held responsible for these items.
23.5. If you are leaving Delhi and your flight is scheduled outside our working hours we will require you to return the bike the day before your flight so that we are able to check the bike and return your deposit in full.

You will be required to complete a number of documents and show originals of your documents. The process of the hire of the bike is explained to you.

As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, 59 of 1988 Reference Chapter V – Point 75 Scheme for Renting Motorcabs. ( 1 ) the Central government may by notification in the official gazette,make a scheme for the purpose of regulating the business of renting of 48[ Motorcabs or motor cycles to persons desiring to drive either by themselves of through drivers, motor cabs or motor cycles ] for their own use and for matters connected herewith. This gazette awaits formal promulgation, till which time we rent the bikes under a“ Sale Deed Under Buy Back Agreement “ where we sell you the bike on a temporarybasis, and on expiry of the rental period, buy it back from you by refunding the securitydeposit.

Document of collection and responsibility of the bike, contract agreement for the purchase of the bike, receipt for the money paid. There is an additional legal buy back agreement to be signed, this document remains with the bike supplier for safe keeping as having this document on your person may create difficulties with you and the police. The agreement also spells out the terms for hiring the bike and if the bike is returned earlier than is agreed then you maybe charged at a higher rate for the whole rental period or have to pay for the remaining days of the agreed rental period. There are no refunds for the early return of bikes. For more details, you can contact us by dialing 918800371553 or 919711037060. You can also write to info@stoneheadbikes.com.

StoneheadBikes does not allow “own motorcycles” on the tours. We follow an organized tours structure where the road captain leads the convoy and the riders and the support vehicle follows.

No. StoneheadBikes Tours provides motorcycles on the tour, the rent for which is included in the price of the tour.

To participate as a rider, an individual has to be equal or above 21 years at the time of the tour, holding a valid driving license (international driver permit in case of foreigners), in reasonable health and good hold over the bike.

Reasonably fit. In our opinion if you can go about your daily life (like climbing two flights of stairs) without getting out of breath then you’re “reasonably fit”. Consult your doctor in case you have any existing medical condition which can hamper a person’s ability to participate in an adventure activity before joining the tour. Touring in the Himalayas involves being at very high altitudes and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur in few cases. Tours in the Himalayas certain degree of fitness level from you. However, tours to the plain present no such difficulties.

Yes, a valid full motorcycle driver license authorizing you to ride a 500 cc motorcycle and international permit are mandatory to take part in our tours. However they are not required for the co-rider or passengers travelling in the support vehicles. Make sure to obtain the International Driving Permit from your country of citizenship since they are not issued to foreigners in India.

For Indian citizens:
a. Copy of original Driver license.
b. Address proof.
c. 2 passport size photo graphs.
d. Postdated check with amount equal to motorbike’s cost.

For Foreign nationals:
a. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months past the intended period of stay in India.
b. Indian Tourist Visa: Citizens of several countries are now eligible for a e-Tourist Visa which can be obtained online. It is a single entry visa valid for 30 days stay. It should be obtained online before travelling to India. It can be applied for as late as 1 week before intended date of arrival in India (processing time: generally 36-48 hours).
c. International driving permit.
d. Xerox of return flight ticket
e. 2 passport size photographs.

a. Guided tours:
Guided Tours have no maps to read, or route directions to follow - you will be led by an experienced guide whose local knowledge will ensure that you get to see all the right places and ride some great roads.

b. Self-Guided Tours: All StoneheadBikes tours can be converted into “self-guided tours.” You just need to tell us which tour you are interested in and the dates that work best for you. We will organize the tour for you just like one of our organized tours except there will be no guides. One of StoneheadBikes guide will meet you the first night of your tour to go over the route and answer any questions you may have. Our self-guided tours also include a GPS with the route pre-loaded so it is easy to ride on your own.

The numbers usually depends on the bookings we receive. However, we do not allow more than 16 riders.

Mileages will vary every day, usually in relation to what we are trying to achieve. If riding in the Himalayas, it can be as little as 70 km in a single day, whereas if travelling on expressways or National highways, as much as 350 km. Whatever the distance we like to stop every hour to have rest. You will find rough estimates of daily mileages and totals for each tour within the tour details on the website.

On rest days feel free to do whatever you wish. You can rest at your hotel, if feeling energetic, explore the nearby locations. You can get the required information from your road captain or local guide. Also get your motorbike serviced today.

You will need extra cash for lunches and dinners (in case of Standard tours), snacks, petrol, personal expenses and tips.

StoneheadBikes provide you a support van to carry your luggage and any additional items you purchase along the way. There is also room for few non-riding passengers in our van.

StoneheadBikes will custom design a route to your specifications and desires for a minimum of 8 riders. So if your Motorcycle club or group is interested in organizing a unique tour all you have to do is contact us.

Yes, unless you pay a supplement. Even then single rooms may not be available at some destinations. We have to book our accommodation in advance, so let us know of your requirement and we will check the availability.

It varies widely, for Luxury tours the accommodation is provided in 4 or 5 star hotels and luxury tents where ever camping. However, some offbeat places might not have a luxury hotel, in such case the best possible accommodation is provided. For standard tours accommodation is in budget hotels or guest houses. The accommodation is always clean and the best in the area.

It can’t be guaranteed. Places like Sarchu, Pangong Lake and other remote areas do not have power supply. Dieselgenerators are used for electricity that too for few hours a day. In all power cuts are also possible at any place.

Riding in India is in no way different than riding in any other country, it always has risks involved. Rememberin India we drive on the left side of the road. If you compare driving standards of India with western countries, India would not at all fare well. In our tours we don’t take the busy roads, our ride is mostly covered on secluded roads where you find only few vehicles.

Speed generally depends on the road conditions and can vary from 20 kmph in hilly regions to 70 kmph in highways.

Yes you can. But a pillion must be aware that journeys can be really difficult for them. Some long days in the saddle, bumpy roads and in the mountains some pretty shocking drop-offs. We have limited space in our support vehicles, so in such case the seating is generally on rotational basis. It is always better to join as a rider than a pillion passenger.

Keep it minimal. Carry necessary clothing and if needed you can shop at the local markets.

Only breakfast and farewell dinner at good restaurant in case of standard tours. For luxury tours breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snacks are included in the costing.

Only in major cities. But for off road drive they might come in handy.

Yes, if your riding kit isn’t waterproof, then bring some light weight waterproof covering. Also bring a full body rain coat.

We do rent sleeping bags. But if are vary of using used sleeping bags, it is better to bring your own. It would add to your comfort especially for Himalayan tours.

Consult your physician for immunization and vaccines. Any personal medication should be carried by the client himself. A basic first aid kit is useful and will be provided by us.

Yes, you would be given a familiarization ride on the day before the tour starts. Also, few hundred kilometers from Delhi are covered on National Highways. These are excellent roads which give enough time to the rider to familiarize with the bike.

Yes, although we prepare for almost every contingency with utmost care, certain factors can cause delays, disruptions and possible cancellations as well. On Himalayan circuit factors like weather, landslides, public protest or public strikes can disrupt the normal flow of the tour. Although we make every possible effort to foresee and by-pass any disruptions, there are things beyond our control hence a flexible attitude is very essential on such tours.

An adventure activity of any kind carries its risk with it and motorcycle journeys are no exception. A comprehensive medical & first aid kit (including bottled oxygen on the Himalayan yours), a ride leader who is certified in FIRST AID and loads of know-how help in minimizing the possibility of an adversity. However, for an emergency which requires hospital care, we have to rely on the nearest available medical facility in the region, under the circumstances.

It will be our greatest pleasure to return the entire deposit to you at the completion of your tour if there is only normal wear and tear of the motorcycle. But if there is damage to any part of the motorcycle or its appendages & accessories (including helmets) out of negligence or due to an accident/ fall, the price of repair and replacement part will be deducted from your deposit/or charged to your card.

You will be riding Royal Enfield motorcycles during these tours. Royal Enfield 350 cc in case of standard tours and 500 cc or Himalayan for luxury tours. We have entire fleet of new Royal Enfield motorcycles for these tours.

Helmets, Riding Gloves, Knee and Elbow protectors will be provided from StoneheadBikes. All other protective gears are available on rent from our workshop. If you have your own gears you can bring those.

Yes, you would be given two 1 litre mineral water bottles per day.

You can recharge your electronics through power outlets on the days we have hotel accommodation. Note that in India, the power mains run at 220v. Most modern electronic device chargers support both 110v and 220v but do check each charger / device in advance since 110v chargers and devices will not work without a special adapter. The standard plug socket is also of a different kind. You will need to get converter plugs to enable your chargers and devices to plug into standard Indian wall sockets.

No, all your luggage would be carried in the backup vehicle.

If you have international roaming activated on your mobile phone plan, it will work in places where network coverage is available. But you might want to check with your cell phone company for related tariff and compatibility.

After judging the situation on the ground, the Road Captain will take a call on the alternate route.

No, but we can guide you to the best of our knowledge to make your stay in India comfortable before and after the tour dates. There will be no consultation fees for the same.

No

An experienced Ride Leader from StoneheadBikes will be part of each tour, leading from the front on his own motorcycle. Our ride guides are well versed in English, besides being familiar with the local language, culture, routes and conditions. Besides, StoneheadBikes ride guides are certified in Emergency First-Aid .

You will have access to the internet in major town and cities, but in remote regions of Himalayas you will have zero access.

No, International airfare is NOT included in the price of the tours. We have found that most clients often prefer to arrange their own flights using frequent-flyer miles and are either extending their stay in India before or after the tours.

Ideally all the tours start and end at New Delhi.

Yes, we do! Please visit our "tours" page to see upcoming tours program and pricing. 

Please refer the inclusions and exclusions of each tour.

Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national is prohibited. Therefore, we would advise you to bring currency of your respective country/domicile and get it exchanged into Indian Rupees (INR) here. You are authorized to bring foreign currency notes equivalent to USD 5000 (without declaration). Also there are no ATMs in remote areas, it is therefore advisable to withdraw cash at major cities like New Delhi, Srinagar, Manali, etc.

It is advisable to pack sensibly as the space in luggage van is tight. Pack as compact as possible.

In case of any other query feel free to email us at info@stoneheadbikes.com. Please refer to Contact Us page for further information.

There is no provision for insurance in case of travel by a motorcycle in India. Clients should get personal insurance from their respective countries for motorcycle riding for 500 cc motorcycle. Only third party vehicle insurance is provided as is required under Indian regulations. This has very limited effect as you are travelling and if you cause an accident then no one is very interested in making insurance claims. The claim is made on the driver directly and usually in the form of cash compensation. Negotiate quickly and keep moving on your journey. Full attention to what you are doing is your best insurance.

Comprehensive insurance is not generally available on most bike rentals.

Medical and Accident/Travel Insurance, ensure that you have arranged all your travel insurance prior to departure as bike riding in India and some of the places that are popular can be difficult and things do happen. Full attention to what you are doing is your best insurance.