Passion for riding bike strangely came quite late in life. I don't remember ever discussing with friends about bikes during the college years. So when the desire came to get a bike I had no clue which one to go for. I don't recall what made me to like Bullet but soon i was looking for a second hand. Was not sure this passion would last even one season, so didn't want to invest in a new one. The search soon ended when i found someone selling his Machismo.
The initial learning period was interesting as i came to understand a lot about my bike when i made multiple rounds to mechanics and spent time and precious money there. On one occasion i took it to mechanic only to find that the fuel tank was empty. The first road trip was in about 2 months time and it was a wonderful experience. The rush of cool air hitting your face at 80Kmph, the background music generated by the thump and the feeling of being so close to the road is something all bike lovers live for. The first big trip was a ride to Badrinath, that was when i realized the real advantages of riding an Enfield. It is always given priority when roads get blocked for other traffic and it always helps in opening up conversations with complete strangers. In the villages and small towns of India Enfield's are like legends, there would always be someone who has a story to tell about his (mis)adventures with Enfield.
Moving on bike helped in seeing and meeting real people. Many a times I was astonished by the helping nature of people. Strangers stop over and spend time with you till help comes in, sometimes also taking you to the nearest mechanic even though its not on their route. A long bike ride gives you enough time to contemplate. The blow of wind on the face helps the mind to get rid of useless thoughts and reach a state of trance. Nothing like going out on bike for a ride when mind is in a disturbed state. A long drive in a car doesn't match with a bike ride as usually a long drive is no fun if you are alone :) and then there would be constant chatter. There is always a strong urge to turn on the music and then windows have to be pulled up to prevent the sound of wind disturbing the music. So you reach your destination without getting a feel of the surrounding air. In a bike like the Royal Enfield, if you want to talk to the pillion rider, you need to shout at the top of your voice. After a few torturous attempts, its generally given up and any further communication is only for urgent topics and that too by gestures.
The best roads for bike riding in my experience have been the country roads or the state highways. They have comparatively less traffic and are more close to humanity. This gives enough opportunity to look around and also move at a leisurely pace. Royal Enfields are not to be driven like typical Japanese bikes which can go from 0-100 in under 5 sec. These beasts are to be ridden like royalty as if you own the whole world and have all the time in the world. The way one rides the bike, shows their character. More on that later....
The initial learning period was interesting as i came to understand a lot about my bike when i made multiple rounds to mechanics and spent time and precious money there. On one occasion i took it to mechanic only to find that the fuel tank was empty. The first road trip was in about 2 months time and it was a wonderful experience. The rush of cool air hitting your face at 80Kmph, the background music generated by the thump and the feeling of being so close to the road is something all bike lovers live for. The first big trip was a ride to Badrinath, that was when i realized the real advantages of riding an Enfield. It is always given priority when roads get blocked for other traffic and it always helps in opening up conversations with complete strangers. In the villages and small towns of India Enfield's are like legends, there would always be someone who has a story to tell about his (mis)adventures with Enfield.
Moving on bike helped in seeing and meeting real people. Many a times I was astonished by the helping nature of people. Strangers stop over and spend time with you till help comes in, sometimes also taking you to the nearest mechanic even though its not on their route. A long bike ride gives you enough time to contemplate. The blow of wind on the face helps the mind to get rid of useless thoughts and reach a state of trance. Nothing like going out on bike for a ride when mind is in a disturbed state. A long drive in a car doesn't match with a bike ride as usually a long drive is no fun if you are alone :) and then there would be constant chatter. There is always a strong urge to turn on the music and then windows have to be pulled up to prevent the sound of wind disturbing the music. So you reach your destination without getting a feel of the surrounding air. In a bike like the Royal Enfield, if you want to talk to the pillion rider, you need to shout at the top of your voice. After a few torturous attempts, its generally given up and any further communication is only for urgent topics and that too by gestures.
The best roads for bike riding in my experience have been the country roads or the state highways. They have comparatively less traffic and are more close to humanity. This gives enough opportunity to look around and also move at a leisurely pace. Royal Enfields are not to be driven like typical Japanese bikes which can go from 0-100 in under 5 sec. These beasts are to be ridden like royalty as if you own the whole world and have all the time in the world. The way one rides the bike, shows their character. More on that later....
