Top 5 Choices of Bikes for Leh-Ladakh Roadtrip

Haarway
4 min readApr 13, 2022

Summer break is right along the corner, and you have already started making plans. Although it’s no sound feat, you’ll surely have a bike road trip to Leh-Ladakh on your bucket list. It’s time to vroom your way in making your dreams a reality. You will be met with Ladakh’s cobalt blue skies and fresh air as you ride across Zoji la and Tanglang La.

And when you witness monasteries and monks along the road, you know you have reached one of the most splendid places on Earth- Ladakh. We can talk about it for a really long time, but you need information on which bike to choose from a bike rental service in Kolkata. So, here you go-

1. Hero XPulse 200

Hero XPulse 200

If you’re running a little low on budget then, Hero XPulse 200 would be the right choice for you. Don’t let financial constraints stop you from viewing Ladakh’s glistening lakes, you can always count on rental services to get the job done.

You will need this bike because of several reasons. The mighty 220mm power for ground clearance, coupled with 190mm of front suspension travel and 170mm of rear-wheel travel, makes for the perfect companion for dubious roads and bumpy stretches.

2. Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Here comes the royalty or the name that’s most common when talking about a bike trip to Leh-Ladakh, Royal Enfield Classic 350. But why? Obviously, there are a lot of reasons for its reputation.

Let’s start with the design. Its rugged design makes it strong and durable. Plus, the comfortable rider seat and pillion seat makes it the best partner for a road trip. How can we forget to mention about the torquey engine, 19–18 inch spoke wheels set up, and all these features at a relatively affordable price.

3. Royal Enfield Himalayan

Royal Enfield Himalayan

This is the ideal expedition roadster in the company’s portfolio, Royal Enfield Himalayan. Right at the front, you’ll be in awe of the tall widescreen and 15L fuel tank. You’ll also have a split-type seat, a side carrier, a swept back engine, and 21–17-inch spoke tires on both the sides. With an easy-to-access seat height of 800mm, you will have the most comfortable road trip ever.

It’s almost like this bike is made for Leh-Ladakh. Also, on a side note, do you really need any more proof when the bike’s name says it all?

4. KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 390 Adventure is the bike to explore if you’re looking for an ADV with not just the necessary horsepower but also some advanced technology. The 390 Adventure is equipped with a 19-inch front wheel and dual sport tyres, making it fit for off-roading. All of the bike’s lights are LED, and the instrument panel has a 5-inch full-color TFT display that shows navigation and message alerts.

The 390 Adventure is also equipped with a 373cc engine that produces 43.5PS and 37Nm of torque. Advanced systems like that of cornering ABS, stability control, and a rapid shifter, are also some of the extra features.

5. Benelli TRK 502

Benelli TRK 502

When you are going to purchase it, you will have to keep your budget as high as Rs 5 lakhs. However, you will get it at a considerably lower price while renting it. With the robust and trendy appearance, it would be hard to steer your eyes away from this bike. It’s designed with long travel suspension with 19/17- inch spoke wheels for off-road rides.

You will also get a tail bar and baggage mounting points as default along with TRK502X. It’s loaded with a 500cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 47.5PS at 8,500rpm and 46Nm at 6,000RPM

Which One Will Be Yours for the Leh-Ladakh Trip?

Here’s a thing to note while opting for bike rentals in Kolkata-

Choose a service provider that has no restrictions upon mileage. Many companies give a quote that covers a set amount of mileage. You will be charged an exorbitant fee for every km traveled beyond the agreed-upon mileage.

However, if you enjoy taking diversions and uncovering unexpected gems along the way, this is never a smart idea.

--

--