Even though superbikes and high-end motorcycles are a rage, the classic roadsters still rule the road. Bengaluru’s biking enthusiasts talk about their enduring love affair with the two-wheeled tempters
BRIAN AMMANNA
Jawa Yezdi
I started the Bangalore Jawa Yezdi Motorcycle Club with three others in 2007. It was one of the early clubs when these kind of bikes were being sold for scrap.
Thrill factor Riding out and getting the early morning fresh air is our favourite pastime. These bikes are a different breed. You either like them or you don’t – right from the way they sound and look. They’re distinctive and make their presence known.
Bengaluru Vibe Bangalore is anyway a test market for everything with start-ups, companies and young crowd with high disposable incomes. It’s the right situation for lot of people to be passionate about biking. The earlier image of bikers being vulgar and crude has also changed. Bikers have their own clubs and there’s a lot of awareness on rules and safety gear. Most also do a lot of social service initiatives too.
Vroom Talk These are not actually fast bikes. They’re more cruise bikes. Of course, they can do about 100-120 kms/hr but it is nicer to cruise at 80 on the highway. They are also all-day runners.
Niche Club Scene There are bike specific clubs. You need to own that particular bike to be part of it. But most welcome guests as long as the harmony of the group isn’t lost.
Wallet factor Basic gear will do for the speed we hit and that doesn’t cost much. You can make do with lesser as long as you have elbows and knees covered, good gloves, helmet and shoes. Essentially, you spend to protect yourself. Most bikes are cost-friendly and as long as you maintain them well, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
ROSHAN MOHAN
Royal Enfield Bullet
I’m part of the Bulleteers Club formed around 2006-2007 to build the community at that time. My passion started when I was a kid since my dad had a Jawa Yezdi. I still have the first bike I got 16 years ago. There are a lot of fond memories attached to these bikes.
Thrill factor A lot of people are riders by nature. I would any day prefer a two-wheeler over a four-wheeler. You feel connected more and you move with the road. Bikes tend to become extensions of you on the road. It’s also more about the journey. We just pick a direction generally, not a destination. When we are satisfied with the trip, we turn back.
Bengaluru Vibe It has changed drastically. Back then it was only passion that drew people. Now it’s also about the look and the feel. And with Royal Enfield changing to the aluminium engine format, everyone is buying a bullet. But there are still a lot of people with the old 60s models. The city is definitely a hub for biking.
Vroom talk Any rider who is a little mature will know it’s all about enjoying the ride rather than ripping off on the roads. Of course, I know a lot of kids are taking to bikes and they love to show off, especially in clubs. It’s not that we go slow. We do a lot of fast riding only when the road and traffic allows it.
Niche Club Scene It’s not very niche anymore. The Indian market has opened up access to all kinds of bikes now. There still are a bunch of exclusive biking clubs. But there are also groups that allow all sorts of bikes to ride along.
Wallet factor Biking gear isn’t very expensive. If you have a decent protection gear, a good helmet and a full tank, you’re good to go. There are a lot of people who spend though. If you’re going on a different terrain, you may need to modify some parts. Some people install a GPS unit while others put add-ons to their helmets to communicate with others. It basically depends on the bike. It’s not really expensive since we don’t see it as an expense.
NITYANANDA M.G.
Yamaha RD 350
I’m part of the RD Club which is around 10 years old.
Thrill factor Everyone works from Monday to Friday and need some respite from the hectic schedule. Taking your bike out is one of the most relaxing and yet, thrilling experiences. We also make lot of new friends. The air hitting your face and the sun shining over you – there is something about being surrounded by the elements on a bike that makes it totally thrilling.
Bengaluru vibe The city has a young IT crowd. People here don’t mind spending on bikes. There’s also a whole range of biking brands to also choose from. Unlike other cities, people here are passionate.
Vroom talk If you have the right equipment, then you can take the risk of opening up the bike’s throttle.
Niche club scene There are so many choices now since every kind of bike has its own club. Few are keen on the brand and you cannot take other bikes and join them. But there are also other biking clubs that are open-minded and allow any bike. Their intention is the biking brotherhood and not based on the bike you own. There is a mix of both in Bengaluru.
Wallet factor It depends on the bike you own. There are high maintenance and low maintenance bikes. Servicing them is always a pricey affair. It’s an expensive hobby at the end of the day. But it’s worth every buck.
Off the track
ANOOP SAMUEL PHILIPS
Yezdi Roadking
I am not part of any biking club. Of course it’s great to be part of a group, but riding solo is a totally different feel. You stand out on the road and enjoy your ride rather than thinking of getting along with others. In terms of the scene, back then people wanted new bikes, better speed and mileage. Now people want the old feel again. You can also customise the bike any way you want. New bikes only allow you to make do with what the company gives you and can be tweaked only a little.
Thrill factor These bikes are reliable. I take my bike out for a ride whether I’m happy or sad. Any excuse I get - be it shopping for my parents or getting medicine for my grandmother - I take it out. When I ride my bike, it feels like I’ve accomplished something that day.
Bengaluru vibe The city is a great place for bike lovers since there is so much of variety and people make friends easily when the common factor is a bike.
Niche club scene It’s nice to have a closed group but gathering new people is also fun. In the future, I will hopefully join some vintage biking clubs.
THE BIG BUCKS
Helmet: Rs. 3,000 – 3,500
Gloves: Rs. 1,500 – 2,000
Jacket: Rs. 5,000 – 7,000
Knee pads: Rs. 1,500 – 2,000
Trousers: Rs. 5,000 – 10,000
Shoes: Rs. 5,000 – 7,000
Total approximate cost: Rs. 25,000
