Bali is a small island, with a roadsystem that follows the ridgelines and hills. Roads are often rutted and narrow and driving 10km as the crow flys, can take an hour. It is because of this, that scooters and motorbikes are so popular, cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to park and able to navigate the gaps.
A couple of years ago ,a good friend of mine, Mick Turnbull, wrote an article, about a motorbike trip in Bali. Here’s his account.
For tourists planning on renting bikes and exploring Bali, its entirely possible. Speeds rarely exceed 30mph on most roads. For a coastal journey, a Honda Supra can carry 2 people. For westerners, you’ll be better off with a Honda Tiger (200cc) for carrying 2 people into the highlands. The first and last hour of my trips are always the worst. It takes me an hour to escape the Kuta / Seminyak / Denpasar traffic, but then things ease up. Sun protection is vital on a long ride. The breeze may feel cool, but the sun is just as strong. I use a long sleeve t-shirt, gloves and a sarong around my neck. Needless to say I never ride without a helmet.
