Expat Bikers Club

20POSTS

14 years ago

I recently moved from India to Riyadh; I come from a very small town in India named Pune but lived most of my career life in Mumbai, the city of the living

that's what I call it as some ppl say - the city never sleeps聟聟..
I work with an investment bank in Riyadh and 'm looking for a bikers group/club other than HOG to go riding on weekends聟. I have a Harley Davidson Road King Classic聟聟

I am a member of HOG as well but they aren't organizing weekend tours like they do in the US or even UK, so thought of checking with my EXPAT brothers聟聟

Don't take me as a specialist rider, I have just been riding for the last 15 years and still 'm a learner

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Enricoa65 Member

3POSTS

14 years ago

Hi I'm italian and since one month in Riyadh. I leave my Harley Sposter in Madrid, too expensive to bring here from Spain but I'm looking also for friends with the same passion

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

Hay, who said its expensive, you just have to get it via waterways and it wont cost more than 2k USD from Europe to Riyadh and it'll only cost you 500 Riyals to register it here聟..

I have checked it with the shippers in London for an SUV so I guess a motorcycle would be cheaper to transport. And my PRO has checked it with the local Muroor (traffic police) for local registration聟.

Also if you wish to buy a new one or a showroom pre-owned one you can meet my friend Abdulrehman Sibai who works for Harley聟聟聟.. He can definitely help!

And I have read this a lot on the blogs that there are a lot of rash drivers on the streets, but I guess when you ride a harley, no one dares to mess with you聟.. This is my personal experience.

All the best!

Umut_teacher Contributor

117POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Guys,

I also moved to Riyadh 3 weeks ago, and as a bike rider I am looking for friends to gather and cycle together at some particular and surely safe places to cycle.

Cheers,

Umut

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

Umut, you are most welcome, the entire city is safe to ride, believe me, I take a ride every alternate day from dabab street via king abdullah road towards exit-5 and its a very small road since there is some construction in progress, but I have never faced any problem with the traffic. Remember one thing, the bikers in Riyadh never ride alone and everyone knows this, so no one messes with you as they know there will be more bikers coming from behind.

We have 3 people now but our friend Erico does not have a bike, never mind we can have a pillion behind me聟.. if we have a few more, we can go for a ride to some place close by. My Arab friends keep telling me of places around the city which are more like oasis and the ride would be lovely if we have a bigger group聟.

Stay put, I'll try to arrange something sooner聟聟聟聟

Regards

Umut_teacher Contributor

117POSTS

14 years ago

Dear Mazharx,

Thank u very much for the post. I meant the traffic in terms of safety. Saudi Arabia is surely a safe country to live in. And it will be my pleasure to join for a ride.

When r we hopefully starting our riding tour? How many guys should there be to start riding ?

Cheers,

U

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

Hiya U,

I think we need a group to have a riding tour, at least 4-5 people to start with, we can go riding around the suburbs just for riding pleasure without a group but truly speaking we need more people聟.. do you have friends who wish to come along?

Since even I am new to this city, I don't know the places and the ways to reach there, so we definitely need someone who knows the city well, someone local聟...

Let me check with some of my friends too聟聟

Regards
Mazhar

Enricoa65 Member

3POSTS

14 years ago

Hi All, I was out for a business trip in London!! So sorry about delay in answering..I already know Mr Ahmed Rabah and I also memeber of HOG and the Capital Chapter of Madrid. In july I also participate at the Barcelona Harleys Days, and it was great.
In case we decide to have a biker meeting... I will go to rent one and enjoy with you...
Ciao!

ryzmohd New member

9POSTS

14 years ago

Enricoa65 wrote:
Hi All, I was out for a business trip in London!! So sorry about delay in answering..I already know Mr Ahmed Rabah and I also memeber of HOG and the Capital Chapter of Madrid. In july I also participate at the Barcelona Harleys Days, and it was great.
In case we decide to have a biker meeting... I will go to rent one and enjoy with you...
Ciao!

You can rent a harley in Riyadh??

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#10

I dont know if you can rent a HARLEY in Riyadh or not, but for sure in UAE, you can. But to answer your question about RIYADH, you can call Abdulrehman Sibai.

And yes, we should plan for a ride and a catch up before the winters say bye bye聟..

Regards
Mazhar

lizziebee55 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#11

I ride in Canada and am missing my mc soooo much. I know I'm not allowed but I just wanted to share. I have only seen 3 bikes since arriving in Riyadh a month ago.聽 Lots of scooters (they don't count)
I am wondering if women are allowed to ride in any other Arabic countries?
For instance, Oman?

1 member reacted to this post

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#12

Hello! Welcome to Saudi Arabia

I am going to Oman tonight so will let you know if women drive or ride in OMAN.

If you wish to see HD's you can visit the HOG group club at Exit-5.

There is a group called the RIYADH RIDERS that I have recently joined and they group up near the Dunkin Donuts at King Abdul Aziz Road. They do a long ride on weekends and start at 7.30 am (you can see them there).

I am sure women can ride in Dubai, so if you wish to, you can do so in Dubai and for riders like you, they rent HD's in Dubai as well (they don't rent in Riyadh unfortunately).

Have a nice ride聟聟聟聟

Regards
Mazhar

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#13

Hello lizziebee55 - I was in Oman-Muscat yesterday. Women are free to drive in OMAN, there are more woman than men driving across the city & suburbs. The driving rules are really very good. Drivers are so polite and follow rules unlike Riyadh. I felt so very different.

Now, if you want to ride you can do so in OMAN.

All the best.

Regards

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#14

Hello All,

Just an update for you all guys (& one girl)聟.

HD Riyadh will soon start renting out bikes聟..

There is a bikers rally in KUWAIT on the 26th and 27th of Jan (near marina mall - morning/afternoon)

There is a bikers rally in Dhahran, KSA (ARAMCO) on the 2, 3, 4 of Feb

Anyone interested, be there聟聟

They have bike shows and you will get to see a lot more than you can imagine聟聟聟.. I will be missing DHAHRAN though but trying for KUWAIT VISA.

See you all there聟.

Regards
Mazhar

lizziebee55 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#15

Thanks Mazhar. I will have to get Oman or Dubai, unless the law changes here in KSA.
I appreciate your replies. I haven't seen many riders here in Riyadh but when I do
it always brings a smile to my face.

Ride safe and keep smiling.

Lizzie

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#16

Hello,

I keep reading this "not seen many riders" and didn't know how to change the perception so what I thought of doing was to show you and how, simple; visit these youtube links -

Hi Lizzie: I think the rules will change sooner or later and if you live here for long, one day you will ride. By the way, there are lot of countries around Saudi, like Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait etc, they all allow women to ride and you can visit any of these easily.
I also know of some British Expats who ride with their wife's early in the morning. So you can ride with your hubby

Have safe ride where ever you ride, God Bless!!

Regards
Mazhar

lizziebee55 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#17

I will have to be patient. I ride alone

Do you think I would have difficulty getting a rental bike in one of the neighbouring countries?
Will they rent a bike to me?

Many thanks!

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#18

Hi Liz, I know for sure they will rent you a bike in DUBAI if you have an international driving license (2 wheeler) or a driving license in Saudi with GCC LOGO on it (which is not possible for a woman). I'd suggest you visit this website (link at the bottom) because at least I feel that their rentals are tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohigh!
Regarding Doha, Qatar - my friends tell me that they do rent a bike out there. Not 100% sure about Kuwait and Bahrain though.

The best is to have friends in this country who have bikes OR travel with your friends here how are riding this month and in March to Kuwait and Doha respectively and you can ride by yourself out there聟聟..

Hope you get to ride soon.

Regards
Mazhar

HD DUBAI Rentals -

lizziebee55 New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#19

March? Interesting - I have vacation time then.
Thanks for the link I'll give it a look over...and salivate.

Watched the videos you posted, only makes the longing all that more sweet.
I shall ride!

In shaa'Allah

risi New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#20

Hi All,

Arrived聽 Riyadh on the 16th (16/03/2012) and need advise on how to go about getting a bike and riding.

I love long distance riding and would prefer to ride to work everyday (as opposed to driving) do same in Lagos.

My iqama is still not available......聽 what are my options?

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#21

Hi Risi,
Without iqama you will not get a license. But in time being you can use an international license if you have one.
Harley in Riyadh will be starting to rent bike soon but not right now. If you are interested to buy one I can guide you.
You have many options here, but since you said long distance riding I am assuming you like touring bikes like mine a road king classic. You can get Honda, Kawasaki, Harley, and some other bike and even if you like racer bikes then we have so many from Ducati to hayabusa turbo available in Saudi.
Riding to office is not a good idea. Saudi weather becomes oven in summers. Yes If you wish to cruise or go on a tour with our group you are most welcome. I can introduce you to them and you will need to take a membership which is cheap just 200 riyals. we all go on rides every weekends and sometimes out side Saudi like Jordan in may, Doha this weekend and so on....
Also I'd suggest you ride with a group and not alone. This is Saudi and not Lagos. I will not comment more here.

All the best and welcome to Riyadh and nice to know that one more brother rider has come to Riyadh the desert world.

Good luck!!

risi New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#22

Thank Mazharx,

I don't think聽 i can do cross-country yet (until iqama) as i have a single entry for now.

I agree with your point about the office and more keen on riding weekend (will prefer to be on the road than watching TV)

Would appreciate your assistance on club membership and bike purchase (can i call you - my number is 0500748337)

I am not a Harley fan (would gladly go Honda/Suzuki/BMW/Aprilla.)

I saw this advert online and hope to check the bike out this week () what do you think?

Thanks

Creative85 Active member

76POSTS

14 years ago

#23

Hi Mazharx,

Thank you for the post. Could you please update us when Harley Riyadh will start renting bikes so we can join you.

mazharx Member

20POSTS

14 years ago

#24

Hi,
I will ask them day after tomorrow itself.
My friend was suppose to start this business withy the al rajhi family but was shot down by the idea of Harley dealer starting the business themselves.
We'd love to see more of us expats join rides especially ones who speak English.

Have a nice day
Mazhar

saimans Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#25

mazharx wrote:
Hi,
I will ask them day after tomorrow itself.
My friend was suppose to start this business withy the al rajhi family but was shot down by the idea of Harley dealer starting the business themselves.
We'd love to see more of us expats join rides especially ones who speak English.

Have a nice day
Mazhar

Interesting. If my stay in KSA is long enough. I will surely join you guys for a long rides after getting my hands on some cruiser bikes. BTW I did Mumbai-Leh-Mumbai ride couple of times on my 2008 Enfield !! Nothing comes close to bike riding.

I still feel its dangerous to ride bikes in KSA at least in the cities. Freeways would be surely fun. Enjoy riding !!!

ghanshyampdave ViP

1494POSTS

14 years ago

#26

Can anyone tell me what bikes are available and how much they cost ??
I would love to buy one when I come there. I prefer bikes over cars on anyday..

risi New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#27

Hi ghanshyampdave,

There are show rooms for most of the brands.
As stated by mazharx you can buy used or new from the harley store also. (visiting them next week)

Alliecat ViP

8790POSTS

14 years ago

#28

ghanshyampdave wrote:
..

At first glance, does anybody else read this guy's screen name as 'grandpa dave' or am I the only dyslexic one?

ghanshyampdave ViP

1494POSTS

14 years ago

#29

Alliecat wrote:
ghanshyampdave wrote:
..

At first glance, does anybody else read this guy's screen name as 'grandpa dave' or am I the only dyslexic one?

Ppl have mis-pronounced my name as Gun-Shaam.. Although I dont belong to the Family of ammunition..

By the way Alliecat, my name is Ghanshyam; and my famile name is Dave (as in "The-way")..

Nice meeting you...

ghanshyampdave ViP

1494POSTS

14 years ago

#30

Alliecat wrote:
ghanshyampdave wrote:
..

At first glance, does anybody else read this guy's screen name as 'grandpa dave' or am I the only dyslexic one?

Thnks Risi & Mazharx.. The link was very helpful.
I'm landing in Dammam only during May, for a two year contract.. I'm excited about the place.. Dont think that I can afford a Harley, but I'm thinking of some cheaper bikes.. Will take advice from you guys on buying bikes

Alliecat ViP

8790POSTS

14 years ago

#31

Hi there--so this is your actual name?? I'm sorry, didn't mean to sound like I was making fun.

Just always mentally saw 'grandpa' and then your pic is of a young guy.. so I laugh to myself (you'll learn once you get here that you have to be able to amuse yourself in small ways like this

).

Welcome aboard!

ghanshyampdave ViP

1494POSTS

14 years ago

#32

Alliecat wrote:
Hi there--so this is your actual name?? I'm sorry, didn't mean to sound like I was making fun.

Just always mentally saw 'grandpa' and then your pic is of a young guy.. so I laugh to myself (you'll learn once you get here that you have to be able to amuse yourself in small ways like this ).

Welcome aboard!

That's my real name.. I'm a proud Indian.. :-)聽 I really dont mind it, because I like to have fun and play a lot of pranks too.. And tat's my real pic..聽 I'm 25 and landing in dammam shortly.. I wish to be part of the expat social group allie.. Call me Dave :-)

saimans Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#33

Count me in guys if you start riding !

lionheartnaveed Member

11POSTS

13 years ago

#34

hiii guys nice blog ... need help for buying a sports bike or any cruiser bike above 400cc i have visited many web site but could not find any bike in my range and my only purpose of taking this bike is to go to office then home which is from malaz to dabbab street-riyadh, i m little afraid also due to if i m riding alone i wont face any problem with other biker like they wanna race and all, i just want to ride it not to race so can u guys help me to buy at list a聽 400cc bike i have a budget of 8000 to 10000 riyal, some days before i went to a bike show room whr i saw some bike which was Yamaha 400cc and 250cc cruiser with the range of 9500 riyal, should i buy this bikes or anyone over here selling it.

mazharx Member

20POSTS

13 years ago

#35

Hi Naveed,

Well some point that I wish to clarify:

1. No one in Riyadh would buy a bike to commute to office. The weather and traffic and people mentality does not allow

2. The good thing about bikers is, they respect each other like brothers.

3.聽 The bike you are looking for is not in my purview. But if you like it: go for it. Also the bikers club here usually have bikes above 1200 to 1700 cc cruisers or tourers. This helps us to ride long distances and different countries.

All the best and hope to see you someday.

Regards
M

saimans Guest

0POSTS

13 years ago

#36

Interesting, would require more info on this.....

lionheartnaveed Member

11POSTS

13 years ago

#37

but in 10,000 riyal can i get any used nice bike or anyone over here selling it and can i get a loan frm a SABB bank for used bike or new bike.

mazharx Member

20POSTS

13 years ago

#38

Loan on bike is itself difficult, feels like on used bike it'll not be easy. Well personal loan is a good option if ur company has a tie up with sabb.

10k is a good amount but getting a Harley woul be a little difficult. Getting a BMW would be possible for less than 20k but used one.

All the best.

lionheartnaveed Member

11POSTS

13 years ago

#39

ok thks for ur information, i cnnt spend more then 10k and will try to find out the location in Riyadh whr i cn find used bikes dealer and guys if anyone come to knw about any seller plz inform me

thks all and u too MAZHAR

mazharx Member

20POSTS

13 years ago

#40

Naveed, you are most welcome. Keep checking websites (search google for: "bike for sale in Riyadh") and believe me, you will find ample options.
Give me ur email id so if I find something I can email it to you. Usually the Harley showroom ha a lot of used bike, do try to visit them to get a flavor of it but remember, Harley is not just a bike it's a class, it's a pride unlike other bike though they might seem to be better than Harley

It's easy to import from Dubai as well. So if you happen to visit Dubai, drive down to jumeira 3 and there is a bikers cafe out there and if you go a few blocks ahead you will see bike auction showroom. They sometimes have weirdest of bikes.

All the best.