Motorcycle touring Sri Lanka renting a proper bike for a multi week ride routes licence and safety

Motorcycle tour leader so the real picture for a multi week ride The bike YES you can rent a proper touring motorcycle the Royal Enfield (the 350 and 500 singles) is the classic island touring bike available to rent for weeks from established motorcycle rental and tour outfits they are reliable comfortable for the distances and the right character for these roads you can also find other bikes but the Enfield is the tourer of choice Licence IMPORTANT you need a valid motorcycle licence from home AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the MOTORCYCLE category endorsed and as with the self drive threads the IDP must be validated locally (the rental company or the AA handles the temporary local recognition) ride legal the police do check and your insurance depends on it Routes the island is a touring dream the HILL COUNTRY is the prize the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya to Ella roads the tea country switchbacks the Knuckles loop pure riding joy the SOUTH COAST cruise the EAST coast (quieter roads great in this season) the interior cultural triangle plan a loop that mixes hills coast and culture avoid the few manic main arteries where you can Safety ride defensively the traffic is chaotic by Western standards buses and tuk tuks are assertive expect the unexpected wear proper gear (bring your own helmet ideally) NEVER ride at night (the elephant and the unlit hazard threads) and watch for wandering dogs potholes and sudden rain the monsoon means wet roads in the southwest now so ride the dry east and accept rain gear The rental and conditions use a reputable outfit check the bike over (brakes tyres lights) get the proper paperwork and insurance and carry the rental contract so the picture rent an Enfield from a proper outfit carry a motorcycle IDP plan a hills coast and culture loop ride defensively in daylight only and the island is one of the great motorcycle touring destinations enjoy it