Out the door heading south ...

sam2019

sam2019

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After a brain mashing year of intense "red tape fighting" in India (its really the last country you want to do business in unless you are already based there) I have decided to give it a rest and will visit Madras aka Chennai and from there slowly work my way up the coast towards Kerala, Goa and then Poona from where I will probably fly back to Rishikesh some time next year.
My bike, the 440 Scram, will be shipped via DTDC movers, they gave me a quote of 8500 INR picking it up from my place and delivering it to my hotel in Madras. Its a bit more than train transport would have been but with much less headache, at least in theory. I will let you all know how it worked out in reality - which can be quite different from theory LOL.
Meanwhile I pray that IndiGo has figured out their schedules and my flight is not cancelled.
so wish me luck and a happy Christmas to you all and all the fun in the world for the days to come.
See ya in 2026.

Almost looks like Florida!
 

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Merry Christmas, enjoy the ride.
Fingers crossed for a better 2026.
 
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Almost got scammed - this DTDC "packers and movers" is a scam company. I figured that out in the last minute. Now looking for a more "real" option, but still trying to avoid the trains. Lets see how it works out.
 
How did you determine they were Scammers?
The Train option takes a fair bit of time I believe, they must move thousands of motorcycles a year.
 
Dool said:
How did you determine they were Scammers?
Click to expand...
I did do my due diligence way late. after I googled them it was pretty clear. AI also.
for train I have to go to Delhi and they do not accept panniers which are 2 and heavy. that alone is the killer.
 
Packed and ready
 

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Finally booked with ApML*. They seem professional with tracking etc. but their pricing is also quite "professional" - I pay 17500 with insurance. The insurance is double of what this bike costs PER YEAR normally. But they have the best street rep and considering they are moving a 300.000 INR piece of equipment it seems reasonable (still highway robbery).
Originally they wanted 24.000, I got them down by threatening to drive myself for that kind of money LOL
*Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd.
 
Packing nicely
 

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Originally they said 10 days from Rishikesh to Chennai. That would be tomorrow. I also arrive tomorrow in Chennai via IndiGo flight.
Tracking shows it "in transit" from Delhi since 28th.
I am curious how their estimate will compare with reality. wish me luck!
 
all worked out perfectly in the end. bike does not have a scratch and ended up right in front of my hotel.

Madras or now Chennai beaches are really incredible. Unusually clean when compared with Rishikesh, no cows in the streets, and even a big open air swimming pool for the public (50 cents entrance fee) for those who think the waves are a bit too intense.

 
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That is a big beach, did the wind blow away the teeming masses?
 
Maybe no season? At 28C its cold for them. But I have not seen a single soul in the water, except maybe the feet.

Now on my way to Pondicherry, beautiful beach front highway. First coffee stop at 11:30
 

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Would appear that you have finally got the right bike for travelling India, comparisons with your first Bullet?
 
I'll write up my riding experiences a few weeks later when I covered at least 1000 km, as of now its just the short 180km to the Frenchies.
great Hotel here, smaller room (much smaller) but enough for me (I grew up in a room 1.8x2m).
Pool on the roof is about to get tested !!!
 

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Beach is 5 mins from hotel, walking. not as clean as in Madras but ok. Even with lifeguard, however his only job is to yell at ppl when they try to walk into the water LOL
 

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While enjoying great breakfast in the old French quarter I am asking myself, can I outrun that tropical storm that's moving my way when heading for Coimbatore tomorrow morning. As much as I love riding I hate getting wet when doing it
 

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And off I went to the coast of Kerala. A rather dreadful ride, overcast with few hours rain, although its only 500km I paused half way in Coimbatore, got myself a looong hot shower and a good nights sleep. next day from 5am towards the ocean. I got lucky, the stay is very simple, just a room and a towel, but with a fantastic beach just in front of the door. Bunch of bikers from the chech republic arrived too. I have extended for another week. This is just too good to pass by.
 

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