Riding through the vibrant streets of Rajasthan on a classic motorcycle

In a quiet village gas station on the outskirts of New Delhi, a diverse group of travelers gathers for the very first time.

Though they come from varied backgrounds, they share a common goal: an unforgettable journey across Rajasthan with Vintage Rides, a New Delhi-based company offering motorcycle tours throughout India’s regal region.

Despite India’s notorious traffic, motorbiking here is surprisingly easy, offering access to scenic back roads, rural paths, and the freedom to stop and explore at will.

Among the many incredible destinations is Rajasthan, where the landscapes, bustling markets, vibrant towns, and stunning architecture are bursting with life and color.

“For me, true travel begins with the unexpected connections you make,” says Alexandre Zurcher, director of Vintage Rides, speaking with Dinogo Travel.

“We take our riders off the usual path and into remote villages where locals rarely see tourists. The result is always an unforeseen experience.”

Starting the engines in Delhi

At 19, Zurcher uncovered his love for motorbikes during a student exchange in Delhi.

“I've had countless motorcycle adventures in India, but my most unforgettable ride was my first journey from Kanyakumari, a coastal town in the south, all the way to the northern part of the country,” recalls Zurcher.

“I truly believed that traveling by motorbike allowed me to have a more genuine connection with the local people.”

Motivated by his own experiences, the French expatriate founded Vintage Rides in 2006.

Since its inception, the company has grown to offer tours in 10 different countries, including India, Laos, Bhutan, Thailand, Nepal, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Peru.

A passionate enthusiast of classic motorcycles, Zurcher chose the timeless Royal Enfield as the ideal bike for the company’s group tours.

“Riding on a Royal Enfield gives you the space to soak in the landscape, meet locals, and stop for meaningful interactions – that’s what we love about this way of traveling,” shares Zurcher.

He adds that these bikes aren’t just stylish; they hold cultural significance, having been built in India for decades.

“Indians rode the British-made Royal Enfield during the colonial era, and after independence, Enfield India began manufacturing their own models in the late 50s,” says Zurcher.

“This bike has a deep and lasting connection with the people of India.”

Riding through Rajasthan’s roads

As experts in motorcycle tours, Vintage Rides curates a wide range of unique itineraries across India.

Among their offerings is a 10-day luxury tour winding through the Himalayan mountains, along with a ‘Routes of Hinduism’ journey that explores 10th-century temples, royal palaces, and national parks in central Madhya Pradesh.

The 13-day ‘New Land of Maharajas’ ride, which spans from Delhi to Varanasi – with highlights including Pushkar, Jodhpur, the Taj Mahal, and the holy city of Varanasi – continues to be one of the most popular tours.

Along the way, riders will encounter camels in the desert, explore small villages, and sleep in traditional havelis – magnificent mansions built by wealthy merchants between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Though there’s a planned itinerary, it’s impossible to truly anticipate what each day of the ride will bring.

For example, when Dinogo Travel joins the journey, we find ourselves in the heart of a village ‘mela’ – a vibrant and bustling festival.

“This is where we truly experience the essence of India. We meet real locals – we even took part in a spontaneous dance and sang karaoke today. It was incredible,” shares Steve Maskell, a tour participant, with Dinogo Travel.

“I’ve visited India before, but that was in the cities. Venturing out into the countryside is a whole new level of amazing.”

Maskell, who’s been riding motorcycles for over 40 years, explains that bikes provide far more freedom compared to other travel options.

“It’s the freedom to go wherever you want, do whatever you like, with the wind on your face. The smells, the sounds, the entire atmosphere,” he adds.

“That’s what I love about riding bikes – you get to experience everything up close and personal.”