Motorcycle trip from Bengaluru (India) to Singapore in January 2019, by three friends - Vish on Triumph Tiger XRX, Kiran on BMW 310 GS & self on KTM Duke 390.
Over a year back, my friend Vish had made a casual mention of wanting to do at trip on a motorcycle from India to Singapore. Doing such a trip at that time seemed far fetched for me to even consider and so forgot about it. The official land route from India to Singapore also came in the news. Meanwhile, little did I know that Vish was serious about it back then and had already done his homework and gathered information to make it happen. In October 2018, he put it forward again and this time Kiran too was excited to join in. I was still being skeptical about confirming. Why? well, I had enquired about this with other biker friends who are familiar and/or who have done such similar trip/s before and gathered that this will be an expensive proposition that could very well go upto 6 lakhs per person. Neither do I have a well-paying job nor have I inherited large sums of money / property to back me up. All I have is my then earned salary savings from employee provident fund (EPF). Besides, I also had my home loan EMI that just doesn’t seem to come to an end. I had to give it some serious thought.
Having discussed with Kiran, he said… “this opportunity comes once in a lifetime, maga”. Now, ‘Maga’ here refers to a casual connotation to ‘Bro’ in the local dialect (Kannada language). Vish’s company Beaux Adventures‘ motto – “One life, One chance” came to mind. Vish also reassured me that the trip should be around the budget of 2 lakhs (which I still had my doubts on). Thought to myself – life is running out and am not getting any younger. It’s now or maybe never. I gave in.
The trip was planned for the month of January 2019. We were stoked about doing this trip for real. In November 2018, we started out with Preparations. You could read about it below or simply skip the details. For those interested in wanting to do something similar, the Documentation part would be of interest, else just go directly to next page that covers our Journey with pictures to entice you.
This trip is split into four parts – This first part covers preparations & documentations required for this trip. Second part starts the journey from Bengaluru until the border at Moreh (India). The third part covers Myanmar and Thailand. Fourth and final part covers Malaysia until Singapore.
Preparations in December 2018
This comprised of our motorcycles, riding gear and our luggage that goes on on our respective motorcycles and finally the most important part – documentation. By the end of November 2018, Vish had already planned out the entire trip itenary, hotel bookings and even managed to get a 5 Days / 4 Nights travel package through Myanmar. We even got our Visas for Myanmar and Malaysia online.
By the mid of December 2018, we had collated all the required documents to get Carnet – the permit required for our respective motorcycles to exit India, travel through various countries and then re-enter back into India. Contacted the office of Automobile Association of South India (AASI) in Bangalore. Was directed to contact their Head Office in Chennai. That didn’t go so well for that required a good hold in Tamil – the state language of Tamil Nadu. Was suggested by Aditya and Abijith to approach Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) office at Mumbai. (These seasoned motorcycle travellers who are part of Motorcycle Travellers Meet (MTM) were most helpful.) So booked an early flight to Mumbai, met the concerned person who handles the permits for vehicles doing International travel. She was most helpful and the formalities were done by noon. She even arranged for help to have me get onto the right local train (which is faster and yet an extremely challenging effort) instead of a taxi to the airport to board my return flight back to Bengaluru. The documents were couriered to me the following day. Kiran and I submitted our passport, a copy of carnet along with other documents at the VFS office to get the Thailand Visa. Meanwhile, packing of gear and luggage was ongoing till the last day.
So the initial plan was to ship our three motorcycles to Siliguri and start the trip from there. Kiran and I decided to start riding from Bengaluru while Vish would start with us in Siliguri, for he still had work to finish up. Our bikes were given for service. Vish resides / works in the US while his motorcycle was at Mysore. Being ununsed for months since its last service, the bike wasn’t in good shape. Got his bike towed to Bengaluru and had it dropped off at the authorized service centre. Unfortunately, his bike was not ready in due time to be transported (via truck) to Siliguri which would require 14-15 days. The only option was for someone to ride it along with us upto Siliguri. So, I checked with my friends and my childhood friend Riyaz agreed to ride with us. The last time Riyaz and I rode together was back in the school days (in the early 1990s) on his 50cc TVS XL moped. Was very happy that he could join us.
The due date was closing in and I still had not got back my Passport from VFS with the Thailand visa. So, I requested my friend Pramod to pick it up on my behalf from the VFS office and hand it over to Vish, who would bring it along when he takes a flight directly to Siliguri. Here’s the important part. Pramod would need a letter from me, addressed to the VFS office authorizing him to receive my passport on my behalf. He would need to take along his ID proof and the token slip (given at the time of handing over passport for visa at VFS).
Riders, motocycles, riding gear and luggage for the trip
If the following details pertaining specifically to riding gear and luggage doesn’t interest you, do skip over to Documentation or to the Journey.
Riders and Ride
- Vish > Steady rider, level-headed & methodical, rides his Triumph Tiger XRX (800cc)
- Kiran > Cautious rider, fun, easy-going & mindful, rides his new BMW G310 GS (310cc)
- Pavan > Fast rider, pragmatic & organised, ride my KTM Duke 390 (373cc)
Riding Gear
- Vish > Helmet – Schuberth, Gear – BMW, Boots – Gearne, Luggage – Wolfman
- Kiran > Helmet – MT, Gear – Rynox, Boots – Falco, Luggage – Rynox & Decathlon bag
- Riyaz > Helmet – HJC, Gear – Triumph, Boots – Sketchers, Luggage – Kriega R30
- Pavan > Helmet – Kranos, Gear – Rynox, Boots – Buse, Luggage – Wolfman & Viaterra
My Riding Gear in detail
- Kranos full face helmet (matt black) (discontinued model) = Rs.3350/-
- Mototech Storm balaclava (black) = Rs.350/-
- Rynox Air GT v2.0 L2 textile mesh riding jacket (black/orange) = Rs.5999/- (Won at Rynox online contest)
- Rynox Advento textile mesh riding pant = Rs.7850/-
- Rynox Scout Gloves cuff length leather gloves (black) = Rs.1950/-
- Decathlon arpenaz hiking socks (grey) = Rs.199/-
- Buse waterproof riding boots (black) = Rs.13,000/-
My Luggage in detail
Tail bag – Wolfman Expedition
A fully waterproof roll top 40 litre medium sized duffel bag this. To be used as a tail bag on the motorcycle pillion seat. Priced at $166.99. Bit expensive. There are better options to consider. Good for packing clothing, electronic devices, paperwork/documents. Not a good idea to keep any sharp pointy objects inside this one. Below is the list of items carried within, for this trip :-
- First-aid medical kit
- Toiletry kit
- Electronics kit (power bank, cables, universal plug, sim card adaptors)
- Laptop (ASUS 11″ netbook)
- Nokia 105 Dual SIM (Black) basic mobile phone + charger = Rs.1280/-
- Plastic folder for documents = Rs.150/-
- Cotton T-shirts (6 nos.) = Rs.800/-
- Cotton harem pant = Rs.299/-
- Long swim shorts
- Decathlon quick dry underwear (6 nos.) (discontinued model)
- Decathlon quick dry hiking pants (2 nos.) (discontinued model)= Rs.599/- each
- Decathlon cycling shorts (2 nos.) = Rs.699/-
- Decathlon cycling long sleeve base layer (2 nos.) = Rs.599/- each
- Decathlon ultra compact microfibre towel quick dry (black) (2 nos.) = Rs.599/- each
- Decathlon ski base layer top (2 nos.) = Rs.399/- each
- Decathlon ski base layer bottom (2 nos.) = Rs.399/- each
- Decathlon ski gloves warm gloves (black) = Rs.399/-
- Rynox riding jacket & pant thermal liners
Saddle bags – Viaterra Velox
This is a saddle bag meant to go over the pillion seat and onto the sides of the motorcycle (made specifically for the KTM Duke 390 – prior to 2017). It comes as a pair with 18 litre capacity each. Priced at Rs.3999/-. It’s made of durable polyester fabric material that’s held well so far. It now comes with a inner rain protective liner besides the outer rain cover (which isn’t entirely effective as the exposed side faces the wheel and to the elements). Good for packing camping gear, spares, tools, etc. Upside to the Velox is that in the event of a fall, these panniers take the beating and softens the impact on the bike. Downside to the Velox is that one can’t lean the bike too much at corners when on the move . Below is the list of items carried within, for this trip :-
- KTM Duke 390 motorcycle spares (cables, levers, shift lever linkage, spark plug, head bulb, filters)
- KTM Duke 390 motorcycle basic tools
- Tubeless type punchure repair kit + ResQTech tyre inflator = Rs.200/- + Rs.999/-
- Motul C1 chain clean (150ml) + Motul C2 chain lube (400ml) = Rs.198/- + Rs.560/-
- Aspida Ares full gauntlet leather gloves (black) = Rs.3825/-
- MotoJack motorcycle rear wheel paddock stand = Rs.1399/- (Didn’t use it as Kiran had brought along the Groller + chain cleaning kit for Rs.1699/-, which was compact)
- Clothes line + wooden pegs (set of 20) = Rs.128/- + Rs.85/-
- Steel saucepan (handle removed) & strainer + small cutting board & parring knife (Not used during trip)
- Spices, oil, tea powder & sugar in small food-grade plastic air-tight containers (Didn’t use much during trip)
- Rubber gloves (large) + old tooth brushes + cleaning cloth
- Mototech flexi hook bungee net = Rs.450/-
- Gorilla strong tape (grey) & zip-ties
- Slip-on walking shoes
- Decathlon cotton socks (black) (3 pairs) = Rs.149/-
- Decathlon men flip-flops (rubber slippers) = Rs.199/-
- Decathlon airplane bag transport cover = Rs.1299/-
- Decathlon transport straps = Rs.1199/-
- Decathlon cable locks (2 nos.) = Rs.199/- each
- Decathlon rain coat + rain pant (discontinued model) (5 year old)
Tank bag – Viaterra Fly
This is a non-magnetic version tank bag that also works as a tail bag if/when required. It has a 20 litre capacity and is priced at Rs.2749/-. It’s made of durable polyester fabric material and has held well so far. This tank bag comes with removable semi rigid fabric divider for camera and lens. Works well. Additional use is that when in use as a tank bag, the top surface works well as a counter to rest your head on for a quick snooze. Downside is that one needs to undo the buckles and move the bag aside to uncover the tank fuel lid to fill fuel and then clip the buckles back on when done every single time and with this tank bag it’s not convenient but rather frustrating. The rain cover that comes with it is not effective as it only covers on the top side – the water seeps in from the bottom. Use a waterproof liner inside or ditch this tank bag for a better one. Else find another solution altogether. Below is the list of items carried within, for this trip :-
- Wallet
- Android dual sim 4G smart phone + charger
- EDC kit
- Hand sanitizer (50ml) = Rs.45/-
- Stanley 12-in-1 Multitool = Rs.767/-
- Enduristan ROK straps = Rs.1600/-
- Bolt smart phone charger for motorcycle = Rs.1947/-
- Decathlon reflective velcro arm bands (discontinued model)
- Decathlon reflective trouser clip = Rs.149/-
- Decathlon head lamp (discontinued model) + 3 AAA batteries = Rs.999/-
- Decathlon waterproof cover for smart phone = Rs.129/-
- Primus expedition omni-fuel stove (comes in a soft case) $169.95
Documentation
- Passport (at least six months validity) + Photocopies
- Passport size photographs (45mm x 35mm, 1 set of 8 x 2 = 16 nos.)
- Aadhaar card + Photocopy (required only within India)
- PAN card + Photocopy (required only for Thailand visa)
- Proof of current employment / Employee ID (required only for Thailand visa) (Don’t have one so Not Applicable to me)
- Credit card statement attested by bank officer (required only for Thailand visa) (Don’t have one so Not Applicable to me)
- Bank statement attested by bank officer (required only for Thailand visa)
Recent six months, personal savings account should have minimum of Rs.50,000/- - Hotel booking confirmations (for every country visiting / travelling through) + Photocopies
- Driving license (at least six months validity) + Photocopies
- International Driving Permit (IDP valid for one year from date of issue) + Photocopy. Can be procured either at local RTO for Rs.1000/- that takes minimum 6 working days or at Automobile Associations of India for Rs.1700/-)
- Carnet De Passages En Douane (CPD) (in short known as Carnet, pronounced car-nay) (Valid for one year from date of issue, from Automobile Associations in India. Fees of Rs.1 lakh + 1 lakh refundable deposit is the norm in India. We got ours from WIAA, Mumbai. Membership entrance fees Rs.590/-)
- Vehicle registration certificate (RC) + Photocopies
- Vehicle tax invoice (Bill of vehicle purchase) + Photocopies
- Vehicle insurance (Valid through the period of travel) + Photocopies
- Vehicle photos (front, rear, left side, right side) + Photocopy (required when applying for Myanmar permit & Thailand Visa)
- Vehicle photo with owner / rider (required only for Myanmar permit)
- Vehicle pollution certificate + Photocopy
- Myanmar Visa (online visa) + Photocopy
- Myanmar permits, guide, hotel stay package (From a Myanmar government affiliated travel agency)
- Thailand Visa via VFS Global from Thai Embassy, Chennai (takes about 6 working days) + Photocopy
- Malaysia Visa (online eNTRI visa) + Photocopy
- For Malaysia, there’s the vehicle insurance and ICP that is required. Details of which is listed in Part 4 – Day 22.
- Singapore Visa (via local/sponsor residing in the country) + Photocopy
- For Singapore, there’s lots more documentation/permits. Details of which is listed in Part 4 – Day 23.
Note : It’s ideal if the person travelling / holder’s Passport, DL, IDP, RC, Vehicle Insurance & Carnet has the full name, DOB and residential address that matches up identical. This is to avoid any hazzles / delays, reason to doubt by any person of authority at borders, customs, police and/or any pvt. / govt. office when approached for permits or otherwise. It’s also a good idea to keep soft copies of all documents stored in your smart phone (for quick access) besides in either one or all of – Dropbox, Google Drive, Email or any other cloud based online service (as backup).
...journey starts from Part 2
