With the advent of a slew of foreign makes, Indian bikers are now spoilt for choice, and the growing numbers of riders point to the emergence of a proper riding culture in the country
Namrata Kohli
New Delhi
“Biking teaches us to be a better human. Riding a motorcycle connects you directly to the road, the wind, and the environment in a way that feels thrilling and immersive. We all live in such a selfish world but when biking, you let people into your world. As soon as I sit on a motorbike and put on the helmet it is my time with myself, and I drop all my worries on the highway and move on,” says celebrity motorbiker Dr. Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick
Indeed, motorcycle-riding has come a long way in India. Until recently something that you saw in American movies, riding now has a clutch of clubs and a dedicated fan base among Indian riders, cutting across regions and classes.
Naturally, a hard-core biking community has evolved over the years, with multiple clubs who organise rides for their members all over the country.
“Biking cuts across several barriers- of gender, class, creed, status. The camaraderie the biking fraternity has is very strong. No matter how much you strategize inside boardrooms, you really cannot bring that spirit out. No MBA, no HR is going to teach you how to bring that spirit and that bro code. And brotherhood is not only amongst men, but this bro code is also shared by women,” says Nisha Narayanan: Director & COO, Magic FM and RED FM, which recently organised the Riders Music Festival celebrating the biking community.
Yazarloo-Pattrick herself has started some of those clubs for women who like to ride. A top-tier corporate professional with a Ph.D in marketing, Yazarloo-Pattrick was smitten by the biker bug 15 years ago. This India-based Iranian motorcyclist, who is also a motivational speaker and a women's rights campaigner, has ridden her motorcycle across seven continents and sixty-four countries over eighteen months.
“Back in the day I started riding my Harley as there was no other bike. I started clubs like the Ladies Harley of India and then Lady Riders of India and got together a community of beautiful women riding bikes and superbikes,” she told Business Standard.
Biking is also becoming more inclusive. Recently Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik, a member of Asia Paralympic Committee, conducted a motorbiking rally for people with disabilities. “Though my NGO Wheeling Happiness, we have conducted so many rallies for people with disabilities. We took our two-wheeler riders to Buddh International Circuit and very recently, I even flagged off a ride from Delhi to the Sri Lanka border covering 6,000 km. And now our people are getting ready to go to Leh Ladakh,” she says. However she bemoans the lack of enough suitable motorbikes for persons with disabilities.
But affordability as well as customisation remains an obstacle for people with disabilities, since they typically have to use a non-geared variant. "If I am an independent citizen of an independent country and my constitution says that I have a right to choice, then I should be able to exercise that choice,” says Malik. “Yes, there is a provision in scooters which are non-gear, and one can get permission to add two side wheels but it is not as good in stability.”
The Royal Enfield Bullet bikes have long been a staple of Indian riders, given its stability, cruise-style ride, and the ubiquitous ‘thump-thump’ of the exhaust-pipe. In fact, there are a number of so-called ‘Thumpers Clubs’ across the country for Royal Enfield owners, who often organise rides for members, sometimes all the way to the snowy reaches of Ladakh.
In recent years, though, the tribe has expanded to include riders of Harley-Davidsons, Indians, Triumphs, and even the re-introduced Java motorcycles. Superbikes from auto giants such as Yamaha, Ducati, BMW, Kawasaki, and Honda are also making their presence felt on the Indian biking scene.
Recently, Royal Enfield launched an EV bike - Flying Flea. “(It) combines distinctive style, city-focused practicality, and cutting-edge technology,” says B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. “This is the start of a fresh, sustainable ride for us, and offers the world an elegant, effective and sustainable everyday transportation.”
PICKING THE RIGHT RIDE
But how does one know which bike is best for him/her? “When I had started riding a bike, the most important question was CC kitna hai. For everyone, it was all-important to know how heavy or how much power the bike has. I think that’s the first criteria you need to drop,” says Yazarloo-Pattrick. “You should choose the motorbike depending on your height, weight, and purpose. What do you want the bike to do: cover long distances, use it for racing, on track or city ride? When you start learning, never go for a heavy bike. Use the basic one which is easy to move and manoeuvre.”
But a core tenet about biking is that it’s not just about the destination but the journey. And part of that is riding safely so that one returns home safe and sound. “Invest in a helmet and a riding jacket. Ride but bear in mind that your family is waiting back home. Calculate your risks as a cow may cross your path anytime or even a pothole can come and if you cannot take it out of certain roads, then leave it,” says Melvin Sehgal, founder of Young Kid Customs, which customises bikes for riders.
This 30-year-old biker, the son of a driver-cum-mechanic who knew the cars inside out, also advises learning about the mechanics of your bike. “You may know everything in the world, but do you know everything about your bike inside out. If you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, what will you do? Even electric bikes are good but for long distances, you need to plan in advance and manage your route.”
He also encourages multiple breaks when driving long distances. “I don’t have this urge to finish these many minimum kms and just believe in enjoying my journey rather than destination. While in the city, I drive differently,” says Sehgal, who rides a KTM Duke 390, and swears by side mirrors and staying within speed limits.
GEARING UP FOR THE RIDE
Investing in good-quality gear is crucial - it ensures safety and enhances the overall riding experience. Essential riding gear includes helmets which should be BIS-certified or DOT/ECE-approved and are full-face helmets for better protection and comfort. Features like anti-fog visors and good ventilation are recommended.
Riding jackets should be made of abrasion-resistant materials (like leather or textile) and riding pants must be reinforced with knee and hip protection with water-resistant or waterproof options for monsoons. Full-gauntlet gloves with knuckle protection and ankle-high, reinforced boots with anti-slip soles and riding goggles or Sunglasses which are UV-protected, anti-glare lenses are also highly desirable.
Royal Enfield even offers its own line of gear such as helmets like Optimus and Escapade, and riding jackets like Crossroader and Nirvik V2 jackets built with high-performance armour for chest and back protection. Gloves like the Hunter and Street Gloves ensure abrasion resistance and an enhanced grip, making them indispensable for both urban and touring riders. Riding pants like the Tso Kar offer reinforced materials for lower-body protection, and footwear like the Explorer V2 Riding Boots and GT Sneakers delivers superior protection for feet and ankles while maintaining all-day comfort and versatility for various terrains.
Finally, those who ride a motorbike swear by the thrill of freedom that a bike gives versus the comfort and convenience that a car offers. After all, motorcycles embody a sense of individuality and simplicity that’s hard to find in other modes of transport.
BOX:
MAGNIFICENT RIDING MACHINES
Ducati Superleggera V4, a limited-edition masterpiece designed to push the limits of performance and technology. Price: Rs 1.12 crore onwards
Kawasaki Ninja H2R: A track-only hyperbike known for its supercharged engine and unparalleled speed. Price: Starts at Rs 79.90 lakh
Ducati Panigale V4 R: A race-bred machine offering exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology. Price: Rs 69.99 lakh onwards
Honda Gold Wing Tour: A luxury touring motorcycle equipped with advanced features for long-distance comfort. Price: Rs 39.16 lakh onwards
BMW M 1000 RR: A high-performance superbike that combines racing technology with street usability. Price: Rs 42 lakh and up
Indian Pursuit Dark Horse: A luxury touring motorcycle offering comfort and power for long rides. Price: Rs 43 lakh onwards
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special: A premium touring bike with a powerful engine and advanced features for long-distance cruising. Price: Rs 40.49 lakh plus
Royal Enfield 2024 Classic 350: With a bloodline that goes back to the 1950 Royal Enfield G2, it allows for uninterrupted hours on the road. Price: Rs 2.3 lakh onwards
(All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi)
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