How to Rent or Buy a Motorcycle in Pakistan (2026 guide)
TL;DR
I’ll explain whether you should rent or buy a motorcycle in Pakistan and where you can actually get it done from. Take it from someone who’s been riding across this country for 10+ years. I’ve covered the type of motorcycle that works best, the paperwork you might need, what to expect when things go wrong, and a few personal tips that’ll save you from making rookie mistakes.
So, you want to do a motorcycle tour across Pakistan...
But there’s a problem… You don’t know anything about motorcycles, and you clearly have no idea about where to get one from in Pakistan?
Don’t worry, that’s where I come in, your motorcycle guru (hehehe). There is a lot to unpack, so let’s break it down.
What type of motorcycle do you need & where can you rent one from?
In Pakistan, you’ll notice three types of motorcycles: a 70cc, a 125cc, and sometimes a 150cc. These are called ‘Commuter Motorcycles‘ which are used by millions daily for, yes, you guessed it, “commute” (duh).
And the funny thing is, you can actually tour on it, too. When I was 19, I took a Honda 70cc to Islamabad. For reference,
I live in Lahore, so that’s 370+ km on a small, modest motorcycle.
Somewhere near Gujranwala in 2015, taking a short selfie break. At this point, the exhaustion almost got me (my face says it all!)
Don’t ask how I did it. I was very passionate about motorcycles (still am, don’t get me wrong), but I was crazy to the point that if you had given me a scooter, I would have gone for it too!
You can actually tour on any motorcycle, but of course, I would never recommend you to do it on a 70cc…unless you enjoy sore backsides, brutal tan lines, and yelling “WHY DID ZENITH SAY THIS WAS OKAY?!!!!!”
My 70cc home. I had no idea how to pack, so I just shoved everything into one giant rucksack and hoped for the best. No regrets! Just back pain, sunburn, and stories.
So what are your options now? The best option is a 150cc motorcycle. It’s still a “commuter” bike, but it will help you get around almost anywhere in Pakistan. It’s nimble, perfect in size, and easy on the pocket when it comes to fuel cost.
I rode 50,000 km across Pakistan on one and have zero complaints so far. Yes, at times a side mirror may come off loose, and the chains might need to be lubricated, but other than the small stuff, it has been a very reliable motorcycle!
Made it 3100m above sea level to Shimshal on my 150cc motorcycle.
If you have extra money on you and can afford to purchase a “touring/adventure” motorcycle, companies like Benelli, Morbidelli, Lifan, and CF-Moto do have great options. The CF-Moto 450MT has impressed many adventure riders worldwide. Read it from Laurent himself: CFMoto Review.
There has been an influx of Chinese motorcycles in Pakistan, and CF-Moto has captured a significant market share. If you’re planning to buy one, here is where you can purchase it from CFMoto Pakistan or Rapid Rides.
I personally ride a Lifan KPM 200cc motorcycle, which I nicknamed “Zulfi”. It’s been my partner for 5 years now, but I only took it once on a long journey to Skardu and regretted every second of it. It’s a scrambler motorcycle and not fit for long tours. I only bought it because it looked “pretty” and had an engine that had won a couple of short-circuit rallies.
Here is my review of it: The Lifan KPM 200
At the Sarfaranga Desert with a sore knee.
However, because of its awkward riding position, it messed up with my right knee, and since I am not getting any younger, I made a promise to myself to NEVER take it on a long tour again.
Even my doctor told me to discard it and start riding bigger motorcycles but hey, those big bikes cost a fortune in Pakistan!
Okay, but Zenith, where do I rent these motorcycles from?
One of my friends, Hamza, runs a company called Karakoram Bikers. He has been renting motorcycles to foreigners and locals for quite some time now. He usually rents out a 150cc motorcycle that is perfect. Here is where you can contact him: Karakoram Bikers.
Tell him I sent you, and you never know, you might end up getting a discount!
Some other places where you can rent out motorcycles:
2. Riderly.com
So here comes the next question:
Should I rent or buy a motorcycle in Pakistan?
It totally depends on what your plans are. If you are planning to stay in Pakistan for more than a month, it’s much more cost-efficient to purchase a motorcycle.
You can actually buy a second-hand motorcycle in Pakistan from popular websites such as PakWheels and OLX Motors.
If you’re a local looking to buy a motorcycle, it’s straightforward. The challenge comes in when you don’t look Pakistani and clearly are a foreigner. Most dealers will hesitate to sell the motorcycle and may create a lot of hassle. You might need to find a local guy who can assist you in this. There are plenty of Facebook groups online that can help you find one, just be careful not to get SCAMMED. Ask for a CNIC (Pakistan National Identity Card) & simple, logical questions before you make a deal.
Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork….
If you’re buying and you’re Pakistani, you’ll need your CNIC. If you’re a foreigner, some dealers may sell a bike to you with just a passport copy and a visa, but most will want you to bring along a local contact with a CNIC. In some cases, the bike will have to be registered in that local person’s name.
After buying, you’ll need to transfer ownership through the Excise & Taxation Office, which means filling out a form, paying a fee, and getting the bike’s chassis and engine numbers verified. For foreigners, this can be tricky, so you might want to use a local “agent” to help you out.
If you’re renting, you’ll be asked to submit a passport copy (or CNIC for locals) and probably a security deposit in cash. Some rental companies may ask for your actual passport. Don’t leave your original passport with anyone. Always carry a couple of photocopies. Also, make sure the rental agreement clearly states the bike’s condition, what happens if it breaks down, and who to contact in case something goes wrong.
⚠️ My Pro-Tip:
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If buying second-hand, inspect thoroughly or take a trusted local with you
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Take a test ride before committing
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Avoid buying from shady shops or classifieds without vetting
- Check PakWheels, OLX, and Facebook Marketplace, but always inspect in person
Quick Decision Guide: Rent or Buy?
Staying less than a month? → Rent.
Staying 1–3 months? → Depends on your budget and comfort level.
Staying long-term or planning multiple trips? → Buy a second-hand 150cc.
What happens if my motorcycle breaks down & I need help?
I am assuming that you at least know the basics of ‘Motorcycle Troubleshoot 101’ before you plan a bike trip across Pakistan.
By Motorcycle Troubleshoot 101, I mean knowing how to:
- Identify tire punctures (especially on rocky roads)
- Know when your brake pads are wearing out
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Handle clutch cable issues
- Tighten loose nuts and bolts
But let’s say you don’t, and you find yourself stuck on a roadside in the middle of nowhere. Rule number 1: DON’T PANIC!
Ask for help → Pakistanis LOVE helping stranded travelers.
Look for a roadside mechanic (aka “ustad”) — they’re literally everywhere. They will end up doing a “jugaad” (quick-fix) even if the problem seems “unsolvable.”
If you rented: Call your rental company first. Many will try to assist or reimburse minor fixes.
If you bought: Join a local WhatsApp or Facebook motorcycle group. People are incredibly helpful.
⚠️ My Pro Tip: Carry a few tools, a spare clutch cable, and chain lube if you’re going long-distance.
Honestly, Pakistan is one of the easiest countries in South Asia to get your bike fixed. Labor is cheap, parts are everywhere, and everyone knows someone who knows bikes — especially those immortal Honda bikes.
Final Thoughts (at this point, I need coffee)…
So yeah, I mean that’s pretty much everything I know about renting or buying a motorcycle in Pakistan. I’ve told you what to ride, where to get it, how not to get scammed, and why your spine will hate you if you choose the wrong seat.
Now, I know you’ve still got questions like:
“Where should I go? What do I pack? Will I get kidnapped by a truck driver named Iqbal?”
Relax. I’ll write separate blog posts for all that.
This one’s just to make sure you’re not trying to tour the country on a broken bike with bald tires.
Look, I really believe Pakistan was built to be explored on two wheels. If you’re sitting inside an air-conditioned Corolla looking out the window, sorry, but that’s sightseeing, not traveling. You’re basically in a moving fish tank made out of TIN!
So grab a bike. Strap your stuff. Learn to say “chalo chaley” in Urdu. And just go.
You’ll meet the kindest strangers, eat the weirdest snacks, and probably end up with food poisoning (okay, I really hope you don’t, but no promises). But hey, that’s the whole point. Right?
And if you ever get stuck or need to rant about your busted clutch cable, hit me up.
Email me at hey@zenithirfan.com or find me on my socials.
Taking notes hehehe and will upgrade my 125cc into 150cc in future inshallah