Insane to plan Colombo to Jaffna motorbike round trip over 10 days?

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M
Matt1115 rep2

Considering a Royal Enfield rental. 10 days. Colombo to Jaffna via the west coast, back via the east. Am I nuts?

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3 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Not nuts - it's a genuinely great trip if you're an experienced rider. Concerns: (1) Sri Lankan road culture is chaotic. Overtaking on curves, buses that expect you to move, tuk-tuks changing lanes without signaling. If your riding experience is Sunday cruises in Europe, don't. If you've ridden in India/SE Asia, you'll be fine. (2) The A32 to Jaffna is fine road quality. East coast return via A15/A16 is more variable, some stretches rough. (3) 10 days is enough. Include rest days. (4) Rain in Sept can be intense - reconsider timing?

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Ravi7260 rep1

^ agree. Also: motorbike accident is #1 travel insurance claim in Sri Lanka. Full gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, closed shoes). Insurance rider for motorcycles (World Nomads has one but check). And have a Sri Lankan license/AAC permit sorted - not just IDP.

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D
Dave6760 rep1

Ok reconsidering timing to avoid rains. And gearing up properly.

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M
Matt1115 rep2

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