Out the door heading south ...

[sam2019]

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!

 

[Dool]

Merry Christmas, enjoy the ride.
Fingers crossed for a better 2026.

 

[sam2019]

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.

 

[Dool]

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.

 

[sam2019]

How did you determine they were Scammers?

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.

 

[sam2019]

Packed and ready

 

[Dool]

Big panniers

 

[sam2019]

Big panniers

Yeah funny how they look big but in fact are no bigger than the OEM ones

 

[sam2019]

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.

 

[sam2019]

Packing nicely