The Gear · Preparing for 2027
The motorcycle beneath you. The layers you ride in. The little things that make a long day better. Here’s our starting guide to getting ready for northern Pakistan.
The motorcycles
We constantly evaluate locally available bikes, with rider fit, condition and practical support in mind. Explore ten petrol-powered options listed in the local rental market. Filter by riding style and compare up to three. Availability and the right match for each journey still need confirming.
10 of 10 options · Petrol only · Compare up to three
Road · Petrol
A straightforward local road bike for a measured mountain-road pace. A practical option to evaluate for our Hunza journeys.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Road · Petrol
The SE variant of the familiar GS150 platform. We assess the individual bike, its condition and its suitability for the route.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Road · Petrol
A road-focused single with an upright riding position. One of the smaller-capacity options we would assess for paved valley riding.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Road · Petrol
A simple Pakistani road-bike staple. Included for comparison; suitability for a loaded high-altitude journey needs careful assessment.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Road · Petrol
A compact road bike with an upright stance. A locally listed option to investigate, with availability confirmed separately for each departure.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Adventure · Petrol
A compact adventure-tourer with wind protection. A candidate for longer journeys, subject to the condition and equipment of the available bike.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Adventure · Petrol
A small-capacity adventure-tourer to consider for longer road days. Locally advertised by Saiyah; our own allocation remains to be confirmed.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Trail · Petrol
A trail-oriented option for experienced riders. We would check the exact model year, road equipment and rider fit before recommending it.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Trail · Petrol
A tall dual-sport candidate for riders comfortable with mixed surfaces. Seat height and specification depend on the available model year.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
Adventure · Petrol
A larger petrol adventure option for riders seeking more capacity. A locally listed possibility, with availability and any upgrade cost confirmed individually.
Reference specifications vary by year and market. This model is locally listed; availability, condition and suitability for your journey are still to be checked.
A research catalogue, not a bookable rental fleet. Suzuki GS150 and GS150SE are separately listed variants. Photos show reference motorcycles; colours, equipment and model years may vary. We’ll confirm availability, rider fit, tyres, luggage, maintenance and support before agreeing a bike. Higher capacity does not automatically mean a better fit.
Tell us what you ride at home and any fit concerns when we follow up. Final bike allocation, luggage setup, damage terms and an orientation ride will be agreed before departure.
Your packing guide
Focus on your personal riding kit, comfortable layers and toiletries. Bringing your own helmet is recommended; tell us ahead of time if you need help arranging equipment locally.
We recommend bringing your own well-fitting, certified motorcycle helmet for familiar fit and comfort, with a clear visor or suitable goggles. If you need one arranged locally, let us know in advance so we can confirm availability and fit.
Motorcycle-specific, abrasion-resistant clothing with armour. Choose a fit that lets you move comfortably with your layers underneath.
Protective motorcycle boots covering the ankles, plus full-finger riding gloves. Bring a second pair of gloves for cold or wet days.
Pack a motorcycle rain jacket and overtrousers, or a waterproof riding suit. Try them over your complete riding kit before leaving.
Base layers, a fleece or insulating mid-layer, spare warm socks and a neck tube. Add or remove layers as the day changes.
Use dry bags or waterproof liners for spare clothes, documents and electronics. Keep rain gear within easy reach.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm — the personal items you prefer to use.
Comfortable shoes, light layers, toiletries and modest everyday clothing for time in towns and villages.
Phone and charging cable, travel plug adapter, head torch and any personal medication you normally carry. Check airline rules before packing power banks.
Our working allowance is one soft bag up to 15 kg plus a small day bag. The final limit will depend on the support vehicle and any domestic airline.
Carry only what you need between stops. We’ll agree a secure luggage setup that doesn’t interfere with steering or riding.
Bring the passport, visa, riding licence and insurance documents confirmed for your circumstances. We’ll discuss any additional permit requirements during preparation.
The support behind the ride
A support vehicle for main luggage, drinking water, tools and spares, with a local mechanic and riding support. We’re also assessing a compatible spare motorcycle. The equipment list, recovery arrangements and final inclusions will be confirmed for each departure.
More about our planned support →We’ll tailor the packing list to your route, season and confirmed motorcycle. Autumn journeys need particular attention to warm layers; wet or rough sections need appropriate waterproofing and protective kit. Gear helps you prepare, but conditions still guide whether we ride, wait or change the route.
Please wait for the final rider briefing before buying specialist equipment just for this trip.
For general protective-clothing guidance: Motorcycle Safety Foundation.