15. Titus' Harley-Davidson FatBoy 2010

Name: Titus
Age: 43
Profession:CEO -United Consultancy Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Motorcycle club: Brotherhood Riding Club
City:New Delhi




Describe yourself in less than 20 words
I am in relationship with Jesus and live a life for His Glory. Am very keen to spread goodness around me.

1. When did you first get yourself on a bike? which one was it? How was the experience?.
It was way back in 1986, I was 18 and had my eyes set on an IND Suzuki, The proud part of the deal was that I purchased it with the money that I earned as Salary so it was all the more satisfying. Learned riding only after I bought my bike and the very first day ended up taking it to work! I was younger and braver!

2.Who taught you the first rules of riding a bike?


I used to ride my mother’s TVS 50 that was gearless, when I got my Ind Suzuki I had no idea how the clutch and gear needed to be used, A friend gave me few tips and that was it, I took to it like a fish to water.

3. How many bikes have you owned since then?
Four in total, Ind Suzuki, two RD 350,and the Harley – Davidson FATBOY. The RD 350 was the one on which I learned the tricks of riding fast, in fact I did Rohtang and Leh way back in 1989 on her.



4. Which one is closest to your heart?

RD 350 was the one that I owned when I was 20, It will always be a special bike as the thrill of riding her was something else, I don’t think they had any better bikes available at that point of time except for maybe few superbikes here and there.the insane things that I did on it is unforgettable. However the one thats closest to my heart is the FATBOY as it was always a dream to own a Harley. The joy of realizing ones dream is an incredible feeling.

5 What made you choose the Fatboy?

I had gone in for the test ride organized by the HD dealer, At the very first sight of the Fatboy I wanted her, there was this strong connect with the bike. As they say the owner never chooses the bike but the bike chooses the owner.however the dealer got me to test ride the Dyna as the fatboy was given to another prospective client, on my return, though I impressed with the Dyna I wanted to try the Fatboy, my persistence got me to ride and that’s when I realised that the Fatboy suited me the most. The Look, the Power, the legacy..It had to be a FATBOY

6.Was there any other bikes in your mind while you were zeroing in the FatBoy?

Hmm.. I did explore the Intruder but I found the handling on the Intruder to be below par. The front felt very heavy at slow speeds. Somehow the bike refused to appeal to me. It just was not a HARLEY!



7.Whats the best feature of the FatBoy?

Although it’s a big machine its handling is superb! One has to ride it to realize how nimble she feels. The bike is balanced perfectly.

8.Whats the most irritating issue of the bike and what do you think H-D should do to fix it.

Its low clearance, the Indian Roads and speed breakers are bothersome. The fear that I may not be able to take her to Leh Ladakh. That’s been troubling me a little..

9.Narrate a memorable experience on the road..

On my recent trip to Bali I hired a Harley Softail Classic and embarked on an eight hour ride to the Kintamani hills with my wife. She was riding Pillion with me after about 20 years. The weather, the roads, the scenery and the orderly traffic was fantastic. It was just amazing.

10. How about a not so memorable experience..

In1989 a trip to Manali on my RD 350 with my friends ended up abruptly as the Rectifer (charger) stopped working. As no one could repair it I had to get her up a Himachal Tourism bus and return to Delhi. What a kill joy!

11.Whats the best way to answer this question on the road " How much does it cost?

"Show two fingers and leave it to them to guess!!



12. Do you get irritated when asked about the mileage?.

On Indian roads these are the standard question that you can expect, Kitni deti he? Kitne CC ki he? Kitne ka he? By now have figured out how to respond to each of the questions. Many a times put myself in the shoes of the ones who cannot even dream of owning such a bike and feel humbled, hence no room for irritation when I am on my bike as I am constantly reminded of my beginnings! Hence I respond to them in a manner that does not insult them.

13.Solo riding or group riding. which do you prefer?

The feeling of brother hood which gets shared among bikers, no matter what they ride, the colour, language, and ethnicity makes group riding more preferable.

14. Has biking changed you as person?

Not really I think I’ve been biking since a very young age so I’ve been this way for far too long a time.



15. Where do you park your bike? how do you deal with people sitting on it when its parked.?
I have a closed parking available at home, Feel a little upset at times when people try to sit on the bike when parked with their feet on the silencers, the sole of their shoes would have melted and a mark left on the chrome! I should also mention that I pay 2000 bucks extra to maintain that closed parking. This too after much difficulty in convincing my neighbour to part with the space.

16.Have you ever run into any mechanical/electrical issues? if yes how did you fix it.
The horn would not stop honking, had to remove the connecting wire, the dealership was prompt in replacing the horn switch under warranty. Its awful when the horn refuses to stop. You can imagine the looks I got on the road. People must have thought I’m filled with road rage and in a terrible hurry.



17. How has your experience been with the Harley Dealership?
Initially the experience was not that satisfying however with time it seems they are getting to have a better understanding of bikes and the bikers. Supply chain management is an area that they need to improve.

18. Which is the next bike you have set your eyes on?
I am content with what I have and usually you buy a H-D for life.

19. You enjoy having a pillion? do they get scared or do they fall in love with biking?
I love having a pillion, most of the time I see them fall in love with biking.



20. Whats your advice to someone who wants to begin riding.
Pick the right kind of bike, one which is not very aggressive, slowly progress to a bigger bike. Have respect for others and ensure that you enjoy responsibly.