40. Maintaining your Superbike

When you spend all your hard earned money to buy a superbike, the thought of it not performing at 100% is a painful one. Today’s bikes are so well engineered that it requires very little maintenance for it to keep going. Having said that its a crime to neglect the bike. Truth be told you give it a little love it would serve you loyally for years to come, ignore it for more than it likes then you're in for a real hard time.



Maintaining a superbike in India comes with a few special challenges that our counterparts in the west don’t face. Firstly, We are severely short on good knowledgeable mechanics. The ones who are good are so short of time. It’s often hard to get a good second opinion also. Secondly, Our riding conditions are hardly ideal. I don’t even think the big companies ever test their bikes in conditions such as ours. Badly laid, pothole filled roads, Incredible amount of dust and grime are that of our roads. The weather is wet and humid and finally the traffic. These are exactly the conditions a superbike is not made for. However since we don’t have a choice but to live with these conditions its very important that the bikes are looked after very well.



Based on inputs from mechanics, owners and my personal experience the following are the issues to look out for.



Trouble due to poor fuel.



All superbike engines have high compression ratios. For such an engine to work optimally, it needs fuel that is designed for it. All bikes that are now sold in India require 95 octane or higher. In my experience I have not come across any brand but BP who makes premium fuel. Speed 97 is however not available in many pumps and often one needs to take a detour to just fill gas. Using regular fuel tends to make the engine knock. Certain engines have a knock sensors and will adjust automatically. The main issue with regular fuel is that usually its contaminated. This would lead to the injectors getting clogged, throttle bodies getting dirty. Bikes will refuse to start, sometimes they will start and immediately shut down and sometimes the idling gets erratic.If you leave the bike standing for more than a month, ensure that it’s topped up with fuel. Empty spaces in the tank can lead to rusting.



Tips to solve this

1.Use premium fuel as far as possible

2.Use an injector cleaner(STP etc) The will keep you injectors clean

3.Ensure the entire throttle body gets cleaned every time you service the bike.



Trouble cause due to dusty/dirty roads



Our roads are usually too dusty, dirty and filled with small pebbles. These will bother the bike in various ways.

Airfilter: The fundamental job of the filter is to keep the dust from entering the combustion chamber. They are usually made of high grade paper, Each filter is designed to last around 10000KM. But when it comes to our conditions they usually clog up in half the time.



Tips to solve this



Ensure your filter gets replaced every service and not just cleaned. Sometimes they spray a jet of compressed air to remove the dust. This does not work for the bikes. Else use a free flow filter like K&N. they let more air pass and can be re used. Its been argued that free flow filters don’t filter very efficiently. I have been using on for a 5000km. its been good so far.



Chain



A much ignored component on the bike is the chain. All chains come with lubrication on it. While it keeps the sprocket assembly in good running condition its also a dirt magnet.



Tips to solve this



Motul has a product called chain lube and another called chain cleaner. After every 1000 KM the chain must be compulsorily cleaned and lubed. In case the chain is running dry without any lube, soon it would start to rust and can damage your sprockets. Constant use of the bike will make the chain run loose. At every service ensure you get your mechanic to tighten the chain. Else this will lead to the chain wearing out too soon.



Radiator/Fairing Chipping



Small pebbles and other matter can prove to be vicious to the bike while travelling at high speeds. They usually begin to chip the fine grooves of the radiator and you’ll find loss of paint on the front fairings. While this is not completely avoidable there are minor solutions to it



Tips to solve this



Buy a pebble guard for the radiator. This is available as an aftermarket accessory. On the faring you can paste a 3M anti scratch clear vinyl coating. This will take the brunt of most of the damage.



Trouble Caused due to bumpy/uneven/pot holed roads



One major issue that crops up is the oil seal failure on the front suspension. This can be a painful sight to see and getting the oil seal is also not an easy procedure. One needs a trained mechanic to set it right also. Often the reason the oilseals gives up is not just the roads. It could be because of the suspension not being set up properly. Bad roads could take a toll on the tires and wear them out faster. In extreme cases this would impact the steering bearings and that is an expensive affair. As far as possible keep the bike on good tarmac or ride as slowly as you can on bad roads.





Troubles caused by traffic



These machines hate traffic, ideally they need to be ridden fast and the bike would thank you for that. Traffic leads to the engine heating up and its not uncommon for the engine to shut down completely for a while till the coolant temperature reaches normal limits. Most bikes have a tolerance of upto 125 degrees beyond that it would give up. However a lesser known issue thanks to traffic is the fact that the machine is always in low revs and the battery tends to not get enough charge. There is huge pressure on the regulator and alternator. Stories of bikes having a busted regulator is commonplace. Fixing this is an ordeal as any electrical issue can turn out to be a nightmare. Once a bike has electrical issues then the chances are that it would keep cropping up again.



Tips to solve this



Ensure you ride the bike for distance at decent speeds if you have spent a lot of time in traffic this will cool your engine as well as help charge your battery. Replace your battery if its showing sigs of ageing.



I’m sure there are other issues that I might have overlooked. If you have faced any such issues and know the solution to it, kindly post them in the comments. I read a line somewhere that goes like this… “Keep your bike well maintained.. riding shoes are not very comfortable to walk in”



With Inputs from Kaulson Racing(KRP).

you can contact them on kaulson@vsnl.com, else if your're in Delhi you could drop into their workshop in Naraina.

39. All about Riding Gear

If you are a superbiker the chances are high that you have not gifted yourself anything that does not have to do with biking. Invariable all you money is spent on two things. 1, customizing your bike and 2, collecting riding gear. Most of us believe that buying the bike is the most involving process, however once the bike is bought, one soon realizes that the desire to collect gear and accessories become an addiction.Hence like a kid getting lost in the candy store, a biker gets lost within Performance Racing Store, the place to be to satisfy all your biking needs



Almost every superbiker has been to this shop around the corner in Tardeo, Mumbai.Started in 2004 by Vivek Jaisingh and Prasad Divadkar purely because they realized that India is seeing a growth in the number of superbikers and no one had any access to riding gear and accessories. Being bikers themselves they labored to convince major brands to look towards India and the hard work has certainly paid off. This post is to educate riders on what components constitute good riding gear and what are the good to have accessories that your bike requires.



Let me start with Riding Gear and will do a post on accessories another time as it would be a huge post otherwise. When I began riding, I was of the opinion that riding gear meant just a Helmet. However owning a superbike and riding with a larger group exposes you to more mature riders who inspire you to be fully geared at all times. The picture below gives you a snap shot on what all components together make up a good riding gear.







HELMET



Lets begin with the Helmet. I bought a brand called BEON from Chopra Automobiles in Karol Bagh. It costed me around Rs 3500. Being a bulleteer all my life this was a princely sum for a Helmet. I presumed that it would do the job amazingly well. When I tried it on, it fit snuggly and the overall feel was brilliant. I was happy with my purchase till I tested it on my bike. The minute the speedo crossed 120 the entire helmet began to wobble and was unbearably noisy. I thought this was acceptable and all helmets will behave in a similar manner. I was wrong.

I had the chance to try on a friends ARAI and the difference was immediate. It was incredibly stable and ultra silent. Over and above, it was actually comfortable to wear for a long time. Helmets for superbikes are designed to perform at high speeds, they have to pass stringent tests to be sold on the streets. It might be five times as expensive as the one I bought from Karol bagh but trust me, it’s the first investment one needs to make. There are plenty of great brands in the market. A good way to judge if the helmet is great or not is to check if they are connected with MotoGP or WSB. If any of those riders can wear it then id say its perfectly good for you to use. Else look for the rating, if its made in the USA then it would be certified by DOT(department of transportation), In Europe it would be certified by ECE 22.05 Some of the brands you choose from SHOEI, ARAI, SOUMY,NOLAN, XLITE,SPARX,HJC,KBC,SHARK,AGV,JOE ROCKET,ICON, RJAYS and a few other equally good brands. The range of helmets begin at around Rs 10,000 and go all the way to Rs 40,000.







Few tips to keep in mind when choosing your helmet are the following



1. Ensure its a little on the tighter side when you try it on for the first time. It might be a bit uncomfortable for the first few rides but it would loosen up and become a good snug fit.The last thing you want is a helmet that hangs loose over your head.It could get very uneasy while at higher speeds

2. Never choose an open face helmet if you plan to ride a bike that capable of doing great speeds. I can understand that on a Harley they look cool but still, it wont really save your face in a crash.

3. Buy an extra visor, in our conditions they tend to get scratched too quickly and getting a new visor can be a pain.

4. By clear visors. Tinted visors are great in the sun but usually superbikers are up early and in the dark they can be of no use.

5. Straps. they usually come in two types. one is the quick release type and the other is the double D. the former is easier and more user friendly but most good helmets come with double D as they give a tigher hold to your helmet.



JACKET



The second most important part of your gear is the Riding Jacket. A good riding jacket is an armored jacket.This means that it comes with protective padding usually made of high quality plastic polymer. The shoulder/elbows and Spine are protected. The outer skin of the jacket is either leather or mesh depending on the climate. Leather jackets are heavier and offer a little more protection in case of a fall, however for daily riding in warm weather this could be task which will sap the joy out of biking. Mesh jackets are preferred by riders in India and they come with a removable warm liner inside that can keep the chill out if need be. The brands that make good Jackets are DAINESE, ALPINE STARS, JOE ROCKET, KOMINE, SPEED & STRENGTH, SCOTT, FOX, AXO,RJAYS and a few others. Couple of Indian brands that make very decent Jackets are CRAMSTER and PLANET DSG. The cost of the Indian Jackets would in the range of Rs 5000 and the international ones begin from Rs 7500 and can go all the way to Rs 20,000 if its leather.







tips to look out for in a jacket



1.look for your size, you rather buy a less cooler looking jacket that fits you perfectly than a pretty one thats one size larger. the paddings will fit snuggly only if the jacket is your size.

2.Leather is strictly for the track or if you are in Delhi in the winters.Else it would suck all your energy out and in no time begin to stink like mad

3.look for jackets which come with reflectors on them. In India that little strip can save your life.Most good jackets come with it as standard



GLOVES



The Third in the list would be a good glove. Riding gloves come with knuckle protectors that are made of either Kevlar, Carbon Fibre or Steel. Usually the first point of impact in a crash are your fingers so its extremely important to have a good pair of gloves. All the companies who make the Jackets make gloves too. The Indian gloves begin at Rs 1300 and the International brand start from around Rs 2500 and go upto Rs 7500. They come ventilated for summer and you’ll find the leather full gauntlets for riding in winters.







Tips to look out for in a good glove

1.Ensure they are well padded. As far as possible look for good quality padding like kevlar or carbon fibre. Rubber padding wont really help

2. gloves should be well ventilated,they can be leather as long as they are ventilated. Sweaty palms can make your ride most uncomfortable

3. Get your size right. Else the knuckle protectors wont sit over your knuckle and it will not do the job its meant to do.

4. A full gauntlet( one that has extentions over the jacket) is best when the weather is chilly else it would not let any air enter your jacket.



KNEE& SHIN Protectors



The next in your list should be a good pair of knee and shin protectors. This is an often ignored part of the gear. One reason being that its not a very comfortable accessory to have and second it tends to scratch the tank as its worn over the jeans. I usually wear them under the jeans. As far as Brands go, you will find them with AXO,FOX, CRAMSTER,ALPINE STARS and a few others. This again begins from Rs 1000 onwards.What makes this very important to have is that your knees are extremely exposed while riding and it could result in permanent injury unless protected.







RIDING BOOTS



Riding Boots come next and they are perhaps the most stylish of all the above mentioned accessories. A good boot today is so well engineered that it would take an extremely terrible crash to injure your foot. They are made from leather and specially researched polymers. Most good boots come with a toe slider. Not only do the boots protect your feet they also help in shifting gears accurately. The good brands are SIDI, ALPINE STARS, JOE ROCKET, AXO, KOMINE,RJAYS and a few others. A decent boot will start at around Rs 8000 and go all the way to Rs 25000.







Points to keep in mind while choosing a good boot



1.Never buy a boot that one size smaller, its better to have one that right fit or maybe a little bigger

2.Get ventilated Boots if your riding in warm weather.

3.Go for comfortable Boots, Style should follow comfort and not the other way around.

4.If you plan to tuck your jeans into your Boot then ensure the boot is big enough else you'll stress you ankle out and limit the blood flow to your feet.



RIDING PANTS



The other lesser used items in India are Riding Pants . While a good pair of denims and knee guards will do the job just fine, the riding pants is a more complete deal it comes with hip protection also. The only down side to Riding Pants are that the fit may not to be everyone’s taste .All brands that make Jackets usually make Riding Pants also. They begin from Rs 7500







A full riding suit is not advisable for everyday riding as its heavy and can be a pain in traffic for they are made of high quality leather and it could get extremely hot. However if you plan to ride on a track, A full suit is a must.







Performance Racing Store is the sole Indian distributor for JOE ROCKET apparel, ARAI and SPARX helmets and SIDI boots. All these brands make extremely high quality products. They have a fair amount of stock and choice with them at all times. If there is any product you don’t find in their store they will be more than happy to order them for you. As far as pricing goes they may be on the higher side but one needs to always keep the rule of 10% in mind. Spend at least 10% of your bikes value in Riding Gear for that would ensure you remain riding for all your life.



Vivek Jaising can be contacted on Vickyj@performanceracingstore.net

You could also check out their site www.performanceracing.in

38. Ali's Yamaha R1, 2010

Name: Ali Tejani

Age: 32

Occupation: Merchant Trader

City: Pune

Riding Club(if any):None







1. When did your love for superbiking begin?



Love for motorcycles goes back during my childhood years, when my father had a Red Rajdoot. However it really became an "obsessive compulsive disorder" & kicked in back in school ,when I use to see this elderly parsi gentlemen riding around pune on his Red & White Honda CB1000. In my opinion its still one the the best looking naked bike.



2.Who taught you the first rules of biking?



Self taught & experiences did the teaching really , I was always keen to improve by riding technique, did a lots of reading on various sites on the net, watched a lot of clips online about body positioning, cornering, breaking. After which I use to do lots of practicing late nights on the back streets of Pune.





3.Which was your first superbike and how did you get it?



Well i would not call it superbike really, but my first real "sports bike" was the Yamaha FZR400. It was the most thrilling fun I have had. I was in my 12th Grade .

My first true superbike would be my current 2010 R1.







4. Tell us the story of how you got your hands on the R1?



The interesting story about the R1 is that I've been chasing it since 1998, the year it was introduced . I would take photo's along side it, since 1998 every place that i saw it or where every I traveled on vacations. At the mall or on the street or even if i had to take cab, bus or train to the showroons in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, USA, Australia !...I mean every where..( like I said its an Obsessive complusive disorder " LOL ! )



Well moving on..During my 2 years at university in Australia, I made promise to myself to buy the R1 when i got back to india. After completing my uni..on the last day of leaving Australia, just 3 hrs before I took the cab for the airport to leave Australia for good...I took the bus to the closest Yamaha Dealer (at the gabba for those who've been to Brisbane) to buy a Helmet. It was a Bright Blue & White color HJC ( the same as the R1's flag ship colors) since i knew some day OR some how....I was getting a blue R1. This was in the year 2002....after 8 years of suffering, waiting and find ways earn the money and find ways out to import the bike, to my delight the news was announced that superbikes are now in INDIA. The yamaha R1 was " Officially " available !!



I had bought my Blue & White HJC Helmet 8 years in advance for my 2010 YZF R1.. ( Blue & White In Color...offcourse !)....







5. Whats the best attribute of the R1?



- very agile

- amazing to corner

- Looks sharp.

- Slipper Clutch

- not tiring to ride. ( ergonomics suit me well, being 6'' tall)





6.Whats about the R1 can be improved?



-More Power..Less weight.

-Brembo Brakes would complement the above..!

-Zenon Headlights / Bright Headlights for Night Riding.

-the motor pours out excessive levels of heat. Effective cooling for street/city riding need to be addressed.

-the map modes STD, A & B could be revised for better throttler response

-

7.Narrate an interesting experience on the road?



Well there have been several gr8 rides & experiences, however one was particularity strange and hilarious experience. It happen at the traffic stop, when a really thin man with a little white beard on his chin riding a Luna (in terrible condition) stops by my side, points at me with and asked me English " what is horse power CC" ? so I answer .. its 1000 cc. After which we pauses and replies " respect mann..respect to you "..! and rides off..





8.Where do you get the bike serviced?



Fortunately, the yamaha factory outlet is just 5 mins ride from my place, I get it serviced at the dealership itself. However getting is done by oneself is not rocket science ! you just need the right set tools. I'd love to do it my self if I had whole setup.









9.What Fuel/Oil do you use?



Initially Shell Premium, currently 97 Octane

However I felt the bike was smoother running with Shell Premium.







10.Whats the highest speed you've seen on the speedo



I'm not really into touching High Speeds, its not the way I ride. I prefer to ride with smoothness and technique and how I enjoy the riding. Having said that, I have done 225Kms on my VFR.



On my R1...i don't intent to find out how fast it will go. I know what it can go and wish to leave it at that.





11.Tell us about your riding gear?



Nothing very fancy, the std requirements.

- Speed & Strength Vented Textile Jacket with the STD body armor for the shoulders, Spine, Elbow

- Speed & Strength Vented Full Grain Leather Gloves with Kevlar Protection

- TCX Torsion Control Vented Boots.

- Alpinestar Knee Protection.

- And OffCouse my beloved HJC Helmet ( Blue, White with flames )

- Recently Bought a Nolan N-Com Moduler Helmet ( Hi Gloss Black Metallic ) Looks Gr8 at night when the lights shines off it.



12.What is the next bike on your mind?



-- Mostly Likely a Red Ducati Monster 1100 and a Harley 48 or the new Dark Custom Fatboy







13.what is your thoughts on the new cross plane technology?



Gr8 motor the cross plane..but I think its overrated. There is lots of room for improvement.Does not have the "pop" like the inline motor.





14.where do you park your bike?



Fortunately I have a basement car park, the bike remains fairly cool and away from dusty environment. ( always covered )





15.Whats your advice to aspiring riders?



Any Mature rider would give similar advice. Start of on Smaller Sports bikes 400's, then move up 600's before you take the pluge into superbikes . This will give to opportunity get the experience necessary and to hone skills to master superbikes.



You must be in control of your bike at all times NOT the other way around ! Its not important how fast you can go,..its how fast you can stop the bike and and get in control.

37. Living with a superbiker

The post below was sent to me by a wife of an extremely obsessive superbiker....



The wife of a veteran superbiker once said to me" there is a thin line between passion and obsession". For most superbikers this is the dilemma they live, breathe and struggle with daily. But they are not the only ones to face it. Having read most of the articles on vijay's blog I found the superbike and the superbiker but an important element was missing – the family! The L Twin and V Twin engines may create the spark in a rider but it's the real flesh and blood type engines (aka superbikers family) that has to live with a petro head's madness day in and day out. The make and models may differ but they all have clear views and opinions on the subject and will not shy away from expressing it to the world. So here I am the wife of a superbiker unequivocally sharing my view on how it is and what it takes to live with a superbiker.



In short you have to be a nut! Not the mad kind (though you need a bit of madness to live with a crazy biker) but the one that holds together all the components that make a superbikers family work. Balancing family life with bike time!



We could make ourselves sound extremely important and call ourselves the skeleton or the body frame on which the rest of the parts rest or even better call ourselves the engine --the heart that pumps life into the bike and its owner but that would be like blowing our own trumpet. In truth we are happy to be the little people who live in the shadows of a superbiker. Like the pit crew of an F1 rally driver we silently support, protect, pray and share the triumphs and sorrows of a good ride vs. a bad one.



We make sacrifices everyday – from cutting our saturday night dinner short to ensure the superbiker is well rested for the morning ride the next day, to choosing our family holiday destination from places that support good bike stores, or spending the extra cash saved on a good Alpine protective riding gear vs putting it aside for a rainy day. We even help clean and polish the bike to get the perfect gleam and shine on both the bike and the biker. Yes, we do all this and ask for nothing in return. Okay, the last bit was a bit exaggerated but you get the point.



To keep peace in the house, one has to constantly negotiate and balance the two key elements required to run a happy family – time and money. Sometimes the balance is achieved by smoothly purring like an engine and at times it takes a roar like a termignoni exhaust just to be heard!



So why do we do what we do? For me personally the answer is simple. The sparkle in the eye after a exhilarating fun ride and the million dollar smile of an exhausted but happy rider (my husband) which he attributes to the rush of the ride, the bond of riding with like minded superbikers and the opportunity of letting his hair down after a tough week at work. It's like watching an excited three year old after he has finished playing with his favourite toy – tired yet content!



But like the lady Said "there is a thin line between passion and obsession" it is always good to support the passion but when the fine line is crossed well that's another story 

36.The Gixxer Vs The Street Fighter Vs The HD 48- Rishab Gulshan

As some of you might have picked up from my previous entry, I'm super fortunate to own three awesome super-bikes – a HD 48 (2011), a Suzuki GSXR 1000 (2011) and a Ducati Streetfighter S (2010). Each of these bikes is unique in its own way and when people ask me which is the best among them, I am truly at a loss of words.



Since I mostly get to ride on Sunday mornings, I rotate among the three bikes. But a couple of weeks ago I had the rare opportunity to ride all three of them back to back over three consecutive days. And each of these was a good 100 km+ run. When I talked about this with Vijay (the creator of this wonderful blog), his immediate question was "bro which one is the best?" Now as I said before, that question is a very difficult one for me answer as I truly believe that each of these bikes is special in its own way. I did promise Vijay that I will write my honest opinion about each of them for the blog….so here it goes. This is going to be a long post, so get your coke and pop corn ready 





I am an analytical sort of guy, so I like to put a structure to most things. I will attempt to do the same here as well. I will try to describe each of these bikes using the following 10 criteria –



1. Looks

2. Sound

3. Acceleration

4. Handling

5. Braking

6. Comfort

7. Features

8. Reliability (and ease of maintenance)

9. Overall riding experience

10. The X factor



Before I get into the details, let me briefly introduce my bikes to you. I will not get into their tech specs here (as that is easily available from the company websites), but will describe the modifications I have done to them, so you have a better idea about them.



1. HD 48 (2011)



The 48 is an iconic HD world-famous for its "stripped down bobber looks". I believe this is a HD that has been in production in some form or shape for over 50 years. Mine is a 2011 black on black. The modifications I have done include a Screaming Eagles exhaust, air intake and spark plugs. Other than that the bike is bone stock.







2. Suzuki GSXR 1000 (2011)



"The litre bike that feels like a 600"…is the best way I can describe the Gixxer. Mine is a 2011 white on blue. The modifications I have done include an Akrapovic full system exhaust with a K&N air filter. There are a few other cosmetic modifications I have done to enhance the look of the bike.







3. The Ducati Streetfighter S (2010)



"A naked 1098" is how the Streetfighter was introduced to the world back in 2009 (the first year it was produced). Rumor has it that Ducati had moved its super-bike engine to the 1198 and had a bunch of 1098 engines lying around. A junior designer came up with the idea of producing a naked 1098 to utilize those engines and the rest as they say is history. Mine is a 2010 black on gold, S model (I will explain in more detail later about the S). The modifications I have done include a Termignoni exhaust, with a Ducati performance air filter and racing ECU. Like, the Gixxer, there are some cosmetic modifications I have done to customize it to my taste.







Enough about the bikes….lets start with the comparison





1. Looks



They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As clichéd as this sounds, it is actually very much true. Looks are definitely subjective.



The HD 48 is a no nonsense street bike in terms of looks. It has a beautiful low profile that is accentuated by the small peanut shaped tank and the fat front tyre (the font tyre is almost as fat as the rear one). The circular headlight further adds to that street bike look. I love how HD have kept most of the bike black (to add to that mean look), yet given it just the right amount of chrome accents in a few places (engine rocker panels, wheel spokes etc). I also love the old school spoke wheels on the bike. All in all it’s a beautiful retro looking bike. I just simply love its low slung profile.



The Gixxer is your typical litre bike. What stands out about its looks to me is that gorgeous front-end that looks like Optimus Prime from the Transformers and the beautiful while on blue color scheme. Though you can't see this very clearly in the pictures, the frame of the Gixxer is painted a deep blue that looks simply stunning in daylight and really enhances the overall look of the bike.



The Streetfighter S looks like an alien has descended on earth. It looks stunning from each and every angle and there are way too many beautifu physical attributes of this bike to list out. The few key ones that stand out are – the front end with the crazy led lights, the single sided swing arm, the exposed L-twin engine and the super lean overall profile of the bike. The other thing super cool about the "S" version is that it comes with a few panels (front bumper & engine covers) in carbon fibre. That really is a nice touch and adds to this already extreme looking machine. The Italians certainly know how their design. Every time I lay eyes on the Streetfighter S, I am mesmerized….and I discover a new feature about its design. If looks could kill…I'd die every time I lay my eyes on this bike.



So this one is easy…to me the Streetfighter S is the best looking bike in the whole world, let along my small collection.





2. Sound



Now this is going to be a tough one !



The HD 48 has the characteristic Harley V-twin sound. With the Screaming Eagle exhausts, the bike really roars. It's loud enough to scare most fellow two-wheeler commuters on the road when you are putting it through its paces.







The Gixxer with the Akrapovic exhausts sounds almost like a F1 race car. The combination of an inline 4 engine and the Akra carbon fiber can is just incredible. The best part is that the more you rev the bike, the louder it gets. And if that was not enough, the Akras have a deep bass that simply sounds amazing.





The Streetfighter S has an L-twin engine (similar to V-twin, but the cylinders are at about a 90 degree angle) with a dry clutch. When idling, it sounds like a bunch of skeletons trapped in a tin can and trying to break free…but when you start to rev it, that cacophony of noises transforms into a powerful symphony that symbolizes raw aggression. I really can't do justice to how the SF sounds in words. You have to hear it in person.







So which one comes up trumps here….well like I said, this one is really tough. Each of them has a very distinctive sound due to the combination of the engine and the after-market exhaust system and honestly I love them all….but if I really had to choose one it would have to the Gixxer…this is closest I am ever going to get to owning something that sounds like an F1 car.





3. Acceleration



The HD 48 has oodles of torque given its V-twin engine. Further since the 48 is relatively light (by HD standards) weighing in at about 260 kgs, it is a reasonably fast bike. Twist the throttle and the bike plunges ahead with aggression. Since it has a cruiser type riding posture, your arms get pulled out of the shoulder sockets when then bike plunges forward. However, given the heavy weight of the bike and the cruiser style seating position, one does not feel very comfortable ripping this bike.



The Gixxer is really incredible on this dimension. Twist the throttle and the bike rewards you with unbelievable acceleration….in 1st gear, before you hit 6k on the tacho, you're already touching 120 kmph…and it has 5 more gears and another 7k rpm before you hit redline…so you get the picture. It is incredibly fast. Since my bike is new and the engine is still not fully broken-in, I have been relatively careful with how much I push it. But every time, I twist the throttle..it goes like a bullet. The light weight and aerodynamics of the bike further add to the sense of speed.







The Streetfighter S is the rowdiest bike on this dimension. It has loads of torque across the entire rev band and because of its light weight, it pulls like a freight train. Every time I look down at the speedo I see that I'm going faster than what I think I am. There is just something about the Ducati that masks speed. This is the only bike that I have red-lined on a number of occasions due to its phenomenal acceleration. Because the Streetfighter S is a naked bike, it does not offer a lot of wind protection. It is therefore tough to go beyond 170-180 on this bike as the body really begins to hurt beyond that.



On this dimension, it would have to be the Streetfighter S….it is just phenomenal the way it goes !





4. Handling



The 48 is a cruiser and therefore not really the best in this department. Its weight, longer wheelbase, fat front tyre and relaxed sitting position all contribute to its relatively poorer handling (compared with the other two)….this is not a bike you can lean…or cut through zig-zag traffic. It's meant to be ridden in a straight line and that's where it is at its best.



The Gixxer I would argue is among the best handling litre bikes of the current crop. Suzuki have spent thousands of hours and millions of dollars in perfecting the chassis of this bike. It has Showa big piston forks upfront and an electronic steering damper that make it incredibly well balanced even on our bumpy roads. The engine is extremely compact so as to reduce the wheelbase. Plus there is the advantage of it being light. All of these make it a great handling bike and something you can rip through in traffic or enjoy leaning on a twisty road. It truly has the handling of a 600 with the power of a litre bike. I remember Doc (Dr Arun) once telling me that he managed to go from GK to Punjabi Bagh (about 40+ Kms) in peak Delhi traffic on the Gixxer in about 45 min flat.





The Streetfighter S is also an incredible handler. It is lightest of my 3 bikes, has the shortest wheelbase and Ducati has loaded it with the best suspension money can buy (Ohlins – both front and rear)…the combination of all this is lethal and give the Streetfigher S razor sharp handling. The steering is even more direct than the Gixxer and bike gives you incredible levels of feedback….it's almost as if you were sitting on the front wheel of the bike….it's incredible. Another thing which makes the Streetfigher S shine on this dimension is the Ducati Traction Control system. It has 8 levels (which you can choose depending on how much you would like the system to intervene)….it works really well…e.g., once I accidentally pulled the throttle right as I was getting onto a speed breaker….the bike would likely have lifted on the front wheel and I might not have been able to control it, but the TC system sensed the front wheel going up and cut power to the rear wheel thereby stabilizing the bike…worked really well. Now I am told that if you set the TC system to its lowest setting, you can pull wheelies etc…but I am not into that kind of stuff and am more than happy keeping TC on the highest setting.









So in this criteria, it would have to be a tie between the Gixxer and the Streetfighter S. The former is a fully faired litre bike…it is supposed to be a good handling machine…and it is. The latter is a naked bike…it is not supposed to be the best handling machine…but trust me, it's as good if not better than most fully faired litre bikes.





5. Braking



The HD 48 has decent braking. It has a single disc upfront and a single disc at the rear. The brakes are good but a bit spongy. So once again they are great if you are riding at 100 or 120 and need to stop immediately. I am not sure they would be as good if you were on faster speeds….but I guess that is consistent with that type of bike the 48 is.



Braking is probably the Achilles heels of the Gixxer. It has the regular 2 disc up-front with 4 pot calipers and 1 disc in the rear with a 2 pot caliper. Having ridden most of the other litre class bikes (R1, CBR etc), I must say the braking of the Gixxer is just about acceptable. It also does not have ABS, which most of the litre class bikes are now offering. Maybe a brake system upgrade is on the cards in the future.





The Streetfighter S is again simply incredible on this dimension. It has Brembo brakes where the caliper is machined out of a single block of aluminum (as opposed to two pieces that fit together). These brakes have planet stopping powers…..it is very easy to pull a stopple or fishtail the Ducati if you are not careful with the brakes. But they also inspire so much confidence, that even a conservative rider like me feels comfortable ripping the bike when I see an empty stretch of road. Again, like the Gixxer, an ABS system is sorely missed on the Streetfighter.







I guess it's obvious…on this one it’s the Streetfigher S.





6. Comfort



Now this one will be interesting as all three bikes have completely different riding postures.



The HD is the most relaxed of them all. You sit upright with both your feet and hands ahead of your torso. That is how we naturally sit, when we are at work on in a social setting. So it’s a very comfortable position. The handle bars and foot pegs are well designed and extremely comfortable for someone like me (I'm about 6 feet tall). Perhaps the only thing uncomfortable about the 48 would be its seat..it has very limited cushioning and given the slammed bare bones suspension of the bike, your backside really starts to suffer after about 100 Kms. I believe HD makes a spring seat to address this issue. I'm looking to get that soon.





For a litre bike, the Gixxer is extremely comfortable. Litre bikes (or super-sport as they are technically referred to) have a pretty aggressive seating position. You sit in a crouched up posture, with your hands in front of your torso and your feet behind it (kind of like you're climbing up a tree or riding a horse). That position puts a lot of strain on your wrists as the wrists are pretty much supporting the weight of your upper body. So if the seating position is extreme then the ride can become really painful. The other critical part is the seat. A broad, well cushioned seat makes a hell of a lot of difference to the comfort of riding a super-sport (ask all the Busa owners !). The Gixxer optimizes both of these quite well and the result is a riding position that is not too extreme on the wrists (like the R1) or too hard on the buttocks (like the Ducati 848/1198). I can easily see myself doing 2000+ Km trips on the Gixxer.





The Streetfigher S belongs to the category of naked bikes and it sort of mid-way between a super-sport like the Gixxer and a cruiser like the 48. So its seating position is also sort of mid-way. You sit quite like you would on a super-sport but for the fact that the body is more upright (it has a proper handle-bar and not clip-ons like the super-sports). That makes the seating position significantly more comfortable that a super-sport. Ducati is quite miserly with the cushioning they provide on the stock seat, so I have replaced that with the Ducati Performance touring seat and it has made a huge difference. So the way my Streetfigher S is set up…it is super comfortable. What goes against the Streetfigher S is that it is a naked and beyond a certain speed, the wind drag makes you really uncomfortable.







It's tough to pick a winner in this category as they really are all reasonably comfortable. But again if I had to pick one, it would be the Gixxer.





7. Features



The 48 is a pretty basic bike and as such does not come loaded with too many features. The one thing I really like about it (and I guess this applies for all HDs) is that it had separate switches to activate the indicators with an auto-cancelling feature…its really intuitive and easy to use.





The Gixxer has a few noteworthy features. First are the ride modes – it has 3 ride modes A, B and C that alter how much power the engine makes and also the throttle response. A is the most aggressive with C being the most docile. This is a pretty nifty feature and you can toggle between the different modes at the press of a button (even if you are riding). I find this a useful feature as when I'm starting up in the morning I keep the bike in C mode (as the tires are cold) and then slowly move to B and by the time I reach the highway I'm in A mode. Similarly if I get stuck in heavy traffic, I switch to B or C modes. It has a few other features such as a lap-timer and sequential rev shift indicators (a string of lights and not just one light…that looks pretty cool…kind of like a F1 car). Another great feature of the Gixxer are the Showa big piston forks and an electronically controlled steering damper. Both of these really improve the handling of the bike on bumpy Indian roads.







The Ducati is just loaded with all sorts of features and technology. As I have mentioned before, it has Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes. It has neat carbon fibre panels all over. It has traction control with 8 settings. It has a lap-timer and the coolest ignition switch (like that of a fighter plane ready to launch a missile). Another cool gadget it has is the DDA (Ducati Data Analyzer). It is basically a USB based device that plugs into a contraption at under the tail cowl and can extract all sorts of data about the bike. It's something you can use to alter the set up of the bike to get better performance out of it.







So I guess this one will also have to be shared by the Gixxer and the Streetfigher S.





8. Reliability



All three bike are relatively new and have not given me any trouble thus far (touchwood !). Am hoping things stay that way.



In terms of maintenance, the regular servicing for all three is roughly similar in terms of cost. My sense is that spares are similarly priced. If you need any major parts then they will be more expensive and will take longer to get.



The one thing that really worries me is the fact that Ducati have shut down their dealership in Gurgaon and do not have any facility to service the bikes in NCR – it’s a real let down by them and I hope they rectify this issue soon.





9. Overall riding experience



The HD is the least stressful big bike I have owned and ridden. It is adequately powered, super comfortable to ride and has decent braking. It’s the bike I can take anywhere and everywhere. It allows me to take in more of the surrounding ambience when I am riding because I am a lot more relaxed. I remember the first time I rode the 48 back from the showroom to my house, with an open face helmet….I could see more, hear more, smell more….so in a way it has opened up another dimension of the joy of motorcycling for me. I can't wait to take it out in the winters.



The Gixxer is a whole different ball game. The joy of the Gixxer is in pulling it though its gears and hearing those Akras scream and of leaning it at a twisty corner and smirking at oneself when you look at the speedo and see the speed at which you just took that turn. I can't wait to take this one up to the mountains and see how she does there. But like with every super-sport, you have to be extremely focused and alert while riding this….you simply cannot get distracted as it only take a fraction of a second for something to go wrong and you have even lesser time to respond.







The Streetfigher S is simply a hooligan. It is so wicked and wild that if you don’t treat it with respect, it will slap you so hard that you won't know what hit you. But if you play to its tune, it will reward you with an adrenalin rush that I have not experienced on any other super-bike. If the HD 48 is the most relaxed bike I have owned, the Streetfigher S is the most involved bike I have owned. You need to keep it in the right gear…you need to be careful with the brakes….you need to be aware of the ingress and egress speeds at a sharp turn…you need to be careful with how much throttle you twist….you have to be one with the bike to get the most fun out of it..and boy is it worth it. This is the bike has really taught me the nuances of riding a super-bike.





10. The X factor



I found this part of the post most challenging to write. I can't really describe what this "X factor" is, but there is something beyond the looks & features of these bikes that make them who they are and contribute to the overall experience of owning and riding them. Maybe for the lack of a better term, let me call it their personality.



• The HD 48 is a macho machine….relaxed & with an old school charm. If I were to think of a movie character, I would describe it as Client Eastwood playing one of his cowboy roles.





• The Gixxer is a lean machine…agile to the core. It reminds me of Jackie Chan doing his mind boggling stunts in any of his action flicks.







• The Streetfigher is a mean machine….sexy yet aggressive. Batman in his Dark Knight avatar would probably best describe it.







All three are different ! They have their pros and they have their cons. But I feel incredibly lucky to own them. Every time I ride them…I feel I've on top of the world. Every time I clean them…I feel a deep sense of joy. Every time I work on them…I feel I have accomplished something big. Every time something goes wrong with them….I feel sick. Every time I get them fixed….I have a grin from ear to ear.



These three bikes are part of my family and I hope we continue to be a happy family !!

35. My Tryst with the GODS- Sriram Sridharan

Sri, all of 16 years was asked by his teacher to write an article on " My Passion" when the rest of his class wrote about the guitar and movies, Sri decided to be more honest and write about the one thing that he is truly passionate about. He is not old enough to get a riding license nor does he ride anything but his humble bicycle but he is still a biker in spirit nevertheless. The following is the article that he wrote and I'm proud to publish it on the blog. Many years from now he would read this with a smile on his face and a superbike between his legs.

- Vijay Thomas



A wise man once said “For some there is therapy, for people like us there are motorcycles”. Although it may not make sense to everyone but to a selected handful amongst this world, including me would regard this to be the most inspirational quote of our lives. Motorcycles, to the common man are cheaper alternatives to cars and other transportation vehicles that do a simple task of taking a person or object from point A to point B. But for enthusiasts, they play an entirely different role. Motorcycles to me are a new way of life. It’s an obsession, a craze, a new adventure to embark upon. Every time I see one, I can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins.



It was way back in 2000 that for the first time I experienced the feeling that there was something special about these two-wheeled crotch rockets. It was on my neighbour’s terrace, a poster of a silver Aprilia RSV Mille, one of the fastest and most desirable superbikes of its time. Fast, light and from the prestigious stable of an Italian manufacturer. That was the first ever superbike I ever saw in my life and its image keeps appearing in my head very often.



Around 4 years later, my neighbour and by that time good friend, Saurabh gave me the ultimate shocker when he came home on a brand new Bullet Machismo. I saw him from the balcony and instantly ran down the stairs to see if that was actually him or someone else. To my unbelievable good fortune, it was him and I stood there gazing at my reflection over the chrome bits on the bike. Owning a Royal Enfield gives you certain sense superiority. You have a feeling that you’re the king of the road just by sitting on one. This was the bike that was going to fuel my passion for the next couple of years.



In 2006, dad introduced me to the auto expo which was held bi-annually at Pragati Maidan. It was the place to be for all bike and car lovers. I was pretty psyched to go there. The 8th Auto Expo 2006 was a memorable event for it was the first time when I saw a superbike in flesh. That too not any ordinary superbike, it was the world’s fastest production bike, the Suzuki Hayabusa. Its menacing looks and proportions dazed me. When I saw its top speed on the brochure, for a second I thought my eyes are deceiving me. 310kmph is what it said! I picked up brochures of each and every bike or car I saw and went through all them of that day itself.





The Auto Expo was really invaluable to me as it had also promoted my liking for cars as well although not to the extent of my existing craze of bikes, I took an interest in knowing about cars too. Since then I have visited every succeeding Auto Expo without fail.







After the Auto Expo I took it upon myself that I will learn everything about bikes. It was tough trying to understand college level mechanics when you are in the sixth grade and well I did completely fail to understand what goes on the inside, but I did however manage to learn the physical attributes of bikes. I was able to differentiate between the functionality of various bikes, how to classify them by their body designs. That is when I understood the difference between cruisers, super sports, tourers and street bikes. I also became perplexed when the question hit my mind that “Why there are so many bikes between a short displacement range of 100cc-225cc in India?”

The answer to this question was understood much later.



By the time I was in 9th, my knowledge on two wheelers was immense but it was still just a cup of water from the vast ocean that existed. There was much to be learned and most of that would only happen when I could interact with someone who owned a superbike. But what were the odds? Looking for a superbiker in India would be like finding a needle in a haystack at that time! A massive import duty of 140% on every superbike kept the number of buyers extremely low. I would just have to wait for my luck to shine some day.



One of the most important days of my life was 25th of July 2010. It was a usual eventless sunny morning. I had absolutely no hint or expectation that it would turn out be one of the most memorable days of my life. I was going to a nearby park with my friends for an early morning cricket match. The park was situated on the main road that leads to Shanti Path. The roads were wide and empty at 6 o’clock in the morning. Once I reached the main road, I kept walking and was hardly expecting any surprising event to occur. Suddenly I hear a sound. It was sounding similar to a Formula 1 race in progress. Sensing the peculiarity, I turn around and again the famous,” Is this really happening” felling hits me. In front of me I see two roaring superbikes moving towards me. They pass right ahead of me and move into a petrol pump which was about 50 metres in front of me. In a reflex, I just started running towards the bunk, ignoring my friends’ shouting and there they were, a beautiful blue R1 and an Orange Busa . Two of the world’s best superbikes were standing right in front of me I went close and had a close inspection at both bikes. It felt like a dream come true. The riders were none other than Rishab and UV bhaiya (who would later become my really good friends) . They filled their bikes, started their engines and give it a nice whisk of throttle which sent a roar through the exhaust. That sound instantly made my face grin. And then they leave. Hence the 25th of July 2010 becomes one of the most important days of life, the day I saw a superbike in action for the first time.



It didn’t end here, the quest to find a superbike owner. It became clear to me that they would be coming here again as I knew that their bikes required higher quality 97 RON fuel, which was available at only selected petrol bunks throughout Delhi. The Moti Bagh pump was one one of them to my epic luck. So I decided that I would be back next Sunday at the same time. For 5 weeks I woke up at 6 a.m. every Sunday and came to the bunk and waited for 2 hours over there but they never came. I was pretty dishearted but I never gave up hope. The following Sunday, I reached the pump at 5:30 a.m. and waited, hoping that I would be able to see them this time. I looked at my watch every 5 minutes and at 5:45, I see around 5-6 bright lights approach me at a very fast velocity. A few seconds later I hear the nostalgic sounds and the adrenaline starts to flow. Last time I saw two but this time it was 4. The excitement was something that can’t be explained in plain text. A Fireblade, a Fazer along with the previously spotted R1 and Busa. I spent the previous night thinking of how should I get myself introduced. 11pm-12am was spent thinking and finally the solution was found, ask an extremely noob question about superbikes – “Is the Busa as good as the R1 in terms of handling?”. Although I knew the answer, I didn’t know why. So went to the man standing next to his Blade, Captain Anik Chowbey, the first ever superbiker I spoke to. He was very polite and referred me to Rishab bhaiya who gave me the answer. Then spoke to another person, Captain Nishant Singh. Perhaps the only man in India with a Fazer. Very friendly guy, we had a brief about his biking history. So after a few minutes, they filled up and left. While walking back home, the anxiety for next Sunday was setting into me.





The following week I met the man, Vijay Thomas whom I regard as one of my closest friends . That I day got to know the name of the group, G.O.D.S. That was also the day when I set up my most important ambition…become a part of G.O.D.S. So, I reached home and decided what my dream bike will be. Being under the influence of machismo for a long time, the dream bike had to be a cruiser and a cruiser had to be a Harley. But the important Question was which one. I browsed through their catalogue and based on pure looks (I know, very dumb of me) the decision made was the V-Rod.



For the next 5 months Sunday mornings were the most delightful times of the week and 2011 had arrived in no time. 2011 is arguably the most bikingnessfull year of my life so far and this was also the year when my passion for bikes reached a new high! In January I was introduced to xbhp.com by google. Just a random search for superbikes in India, led me to the superbikes and imports thread on xbhp. A majority part of my knowledge was from the epic community known as xbhp and I am extremely greatful and indebted to this community for teaching me so much, knowingly or un-knowingly. Xbhp had taught me the most important lesson in biking, Always be geared! Put this message into my head and went on a research over what constitutes a good set of riding gears. Even researched about the good companies and memorized each and every product they sold and what’s special about it.



As the Sundays increased my popularity on the GODS facebook page also increased, though that was not my intention. Friend requests started to pour and I was overwhelmed. Also with the help of facebook, attended every event GODS had organized, the G2G’s being the special one’s. So many superbikes parked parallel to each other harldy made it feel India any more  . At the G2G’s had the privilege to meet and have a chat with the one and only Dr. Arun Thareja. He is a true gem of a person. Interactions with him were one of the essential parts of G2G and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him about bikes and stuff.



So this is basically it. A summary of how bikes have been an essential part of my life. Desperately waiting to get my hands on my first bike which currently as planned should turn out to be a Kawasaki Ninja 250r. At the end of this I would like to say that I am a bike fanatic and I am proud of it. Wishing everyone with a superbike dream all the very best and looking forward to ride with them some day.



And a very special mention to the following people – Vijay Thomas, Rishab Gulshan, Yuvraj Singh, Himanshu Sharma, Alex John, Sanjay Tripathi, Anik Chowbey, Col. Satya and Monty Sen. A million thanks to all of you for giving me a chance to see your amazing machines every week .

34. Sumit's Suzuki Hayabusa,2010

Name: Sumit Mehra AKA Buffy the Busa Slayer

Profession: Real Estate Developer

Age: 36

Club:G.O.D.S





When did you begin riding and which was your first bike?



Two wheels have always fascinated me beginning with the humble bicycle, which earned me the name of wheelie champ, credited to the front wheel seldom contacting the ground. Very quickly the love of two wheels fixated itself on my 1st bike the KAWASAKI BAJAJ KB-100 It was the first 100cc 2 wheeler to have a RPM meter along with a beautiful dash a treat full of lights and indicators.



My maternal uncles RX-100, my 1st love at 1st sight! (my biking genes come from my Mom’s side as all my uncles had bikes ranging from RX-100, Yezdi , Bullet ) He gave me biking tips not realizing that I was a super biker in the making, I set my hands on his RX-100 and hopped over every chance I got to go to granny’s place. That was the turning point and I have never been able to live without a bike since. The gushing wind that takes the tears from your eyes and slips them behind your ears, Speed to super speed the road was set!



My parents like most are vehemently against bikes! And to convince them to let me get one, now that was a super big roadblock! But much nagging and sulking finally won them over ;-) I got me my very own KB-100. My 1st love.









Tell us about your wheels while you were in college??



The KB-100 was my 1st. I kept her for an year went manic mechanic with all the modifications possible (of course with the limited resources available at the time) from a free flow exhaust to a wheelie sprocket to rear rim. I was on the verge of Fitting a 5th gear when the RD-350 bug bit me the queen of Bikes and GOD! Was she stunning!!.. The pulsating engine sound and the dual carb’s, dual exhaust.. She was

Gorgeous.. I fell head over heels in love pining for power! Drooling over the super curvaceous looks. Now I just wanted to jet my hands on her! But knowing that the

RD-350 was known as the YAMDOOT the challenge was to get family to agree that too less than a year after my 1st bike! Having pondered on a way out for a while I sold off my year old KAWASAKI and picked up an immaculate condition RED RD-350 (had not mentioned about the change and gave my parents a huge surprise “read SHOCK” till now all my new loves have been a surprise, no advance warnings on this front)



The RD was beautiful.. with dual exhausts.. the mesmerizing sound. Setting up the timing and standing It was the beginning of the life long love affair with Superbikes.. I was so thrilled with a two pot bike and that too with 6 gears. Long nights spent just gazing at her just admiring the size and beauty of the machine.

I rode to college and my love was every guy’s envy. My baby and me had a blast. There was a group of 350’s that used to ride in the evenings, I rode with them for a while, I did some mods to the RD then.. It was a CDI engine so got it changed to a stroke for more power. She was a real head turner and spent 7 polished, speed filled and shining years with me. We went everywhere together!





Which was your first superbike and how did you get your hands on her??



The lust for power never died ! And faster bigger was always better! I spent my life in love with superbikes and its Superbikes, which gave me direction for my life!



Availability and price was a challenge, But the bug had bitten so hard that whenever I saw a SBK I was camped next to it gazing and lusting! Just had to have one of my own! One Sunday morning on the way to Jaipur we stopped at the Mc-Donalds in Manesar, I saw a couple of guys wearing proper riding gear and helmets in hand walking out, on seeing the gear I realized that the superbikers were there! As those guys opened the throttle on the highway I floored the accelerator of my corolla and zoomed after them but in vain.. Could not even read the number plates of any of the bikes (I was so engrossed in bikes that I forgot my parents were still at Mc-D waiting for me,) The rest of the journey was spent with me singing like a canary about the gorgeous machines!



So I asked for a Bike (1000 Cc of power, 10 lacs of cost, 250 KMPH speed) we all know how that conversation with parents ends! BIG BIG NO!! My father simply said, “When you can afford one of your own, then we will talk” for him it was end of story! For me it was the beginning of mine! I diversified out of the family business taking a path of my own building homes! Dream mansions, which became the stepping-stones to my dream bike! 16 months later with the sale of my 1st project came the purchase of my 1st SBK. A HONDA CBR 954.. It was a 2005 RED with beautiful black graphics. Mint condition.. I remember when I first sat on the bike after taking delivery from the dealer.. My legs were trembling as I fulfilled a dream with my own determination to succeed.







As usual my father was not aware of my latest possession (till date he never knows which set of wheels I will go and pick up next) When my Mom finally broke the news to him and he saw my new love, He was stunned and speechless, He gave me the best advise any biker can get, Just one sentence “Son, now that you have already bought this superbike.. Just remember ALWAYS RIDE WITH YOUR HEAD ON YOUR SHOULDER.. This is a very powerful machine so don’t try to test its limit ever… THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WAITING FOR YOU AT HOME..” I HUGGED HIM.. And till date I have not disregarded this advise.



That’s when I joined G.O.D.S met Doc.. Who is like an Elder brother.. And with him we all are ONE BIG FAMILY.









How many have you owned after that and which is your favorite



More BHP more CC more and more!

After my CBR 954 I fell in love with the mighty GSXR 1300.. The

HAYABUSA.. FALCON.. Man she was a mean machine.. and the sheer size

in itself marks the presence on road.. The looks were stunning, those

curves .. I drooled over the bike when I saw her up close for the

first time during one of the rides with G.O.D.S but kept myself in

control as to master the 954 was a big task and eyeing a bigger

machine was something which required a lot of experience on a smaller

machine.. So I kept practicing more on the 954 and after 6-7 months my

back problem (which was more coz of the riding position on the 954 ) I

had to go for a surgery and was advised STRICTLY NOT TO RIDE by the

surgeons… After being on bed for 2 months when I got up for the first

time I went and sat on the my 954…It was painful, I decided to go in for

a bike with better seating position.. Only one mighty mean machine was in mind..The HAYABUSA as

To stay without riding was IMPOSSIBLE so there I was hunting for a New

Hayabusa and I got the first ever 07 black hayabusa in town, She was

a dame. And the bug bit me so deep that I have been a committed BUSA

fan since then. I have changed 4 BUSA’S ( If you still wondering why

am I given the nick.. BUFFY…THE BUSA SLAYER ) Presently I own a 2010

BLACK/RED HAYABUSA and in 9 months already clocked 9000 kms. Its true

after riding this bike no other machine can tempt for a change.. Atleast in my case.. Am a BIG HAYABUSA FAN 





How friendly are the Indian roads to the Busa?



Ummm.. its ok but I’ve had a not so good experience with one of my BUSA’S. I had

customized the bike’s bodywork with great effort and lot of pains and

came out with the best graphic work I bet (obviously with the help of

a dear fellow rider) I owe the result to her hard work. She worked on

the bike for a very long time and the result was AWESOME. The bike

looked so so stunning that wherever I would park her, people would

just keep gazing at her in awe… So when the bike was out of the

paint shop with those flying dragons and flames all over the bodywork

(which were imported from the U.S. 3 times to match the exact size and

dual tone color of the tank) We wanted to celebrate it so went to a

coffee shop after a ride. We had just parked the bikes and went

inside, After a few minutes a guy walked upto us and said that someone

has tipped the bike while reversing the car… I rushed out to see the

horrific scene when my BUSA was lying on one of the side.. The guy

never saw the bike parked and bumped into her. The bodywork got

damaged and fairings gave way.. Thankfully the extra bodywork was in

stock and not to forget this dear friend was beside to help and work

on my bike again.. She just made the bike look Stunning again.



If you could buy any bike in the world.. What would that be ??



Well biking is my passion and to shortlist just one would be really

difficult. Every machine is different and I would not have settled for

just one.. Infact would have as many as I can. So the list will be

never ending. I so wish that I have a huge collection of these

beautiful babies from all manufacturers and I take a walk down the

where all these are parked in a huge garage … which is mine

wondering which one to ride when..





Tell us about your riding gear and where do you buy it from ??



Riding gear is the most important thing for a rider. Specially when

you are riding such fast machines. One should never ever compromise on

this, it is the only life saving thing. I never ride without my riding

gear and never promote riding without proper gear. Over these years I

have got so used to the gear that I find it uncomfortable to ride

without it even for a short distance. I have the SHOEI X-11 and SHOEI

X-12 series helmets, besides other ones which I have I find the

fitting of these the best. They are very light yet a very strong

shell. The shape is aerodynamic for the least wind drag on high

speeds. I have armored jackets from Alpinestar, Joe Rocket (they are

fitted with spine protectors, elbow and shoulder padding)My ankle high

riding boots are again armored at the toe and heel not to forget the

ankle protectors which are in built. Leather Gloves with knuckle

gaurds and extra leather padding on the palm, Knee and shin protectors

from Alpinestar again. Most of the stuff was bought on trips abroad

and some of it bought from stores within the country such as

Performance Racing Store in Mumbai.







Have you ever had a fall from a superbike ? if yes what have you

learnt from it ?



I don’t think there would be any 2 wheeler rider who has never had a

fall, it’s a part of the deal I guess.. infact the most perfect riders

ve had their share and so have I  this was a few years back when I

was trying some crazy stunt on my Hayabusa.. Well what happened I

still don’t remember (concussion left me lost) all I remember was that

I started my bike… went on the main road and a bang.. after which I

was in the hospital going through a frenzy of tests. What happened..

how it happened… what hit me.. is still a mystery, Thank god I was in

my riding gear else.. I would ve been a history or if not me my biking

would ve surely been. I was just shaken, thankfully not even a scratch

anywhere…bike was damaged though. That day I learnt my lesson loud

and clear..

These are beasts hence can never be tamed. One wrong move and they

will never give another chance. Flying just 6” above surface is indeed

risky so never cross your limit. These machines cant be tested to

their limit on roads so never try that also, track is the only place

where one can try however I still don’t recommend that ..if one has to

ride for long one has to be in shape with all the bones intact. This

is my passion and I want to carry it on for as long as my body

permits. Don’t want to bring it to a full stop.

LIVE TO RIDE.. RIDE TO LIVE.. IS MY MANTRA. Always wear proper

gear and never ever perform stunts or overspeed. When the inner voice

says SLOW DOWN.. time to hit the brakes man..



What advice would you give to aspiring riders ?



Well biking is a passion and if the passion is deep within and one

wants to keep that going then have to follow few things

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE RIDING GEAR

NEVER OVERSPEED

ALWAYS BE IN CONTROL

ITS BETTER TO OVERPOWER THE MACHINE THAN LET THE MACHINE OVERPOWER

DO NOT PERFORM STUNTS ON ROADS… YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE..

LIVE TO RIDE… RIDE TO LIVE

33. Kamal's Honda CBR1000RR FireBlade,2011

Name: Kamal Sachdev

Age:29

Profession: Self Employed

Motorcycle Club:C.O.P.S(Club of Pune Supebikers)







1.When did you first begin riding?

A.Well as most schools kids do,I started with a kinetic honda at the age of 14 , but had a massive dream of owning a real bike,the RX was high on my list and finally after 2 years of fighting for it, I got my self a Yamaha RX-100 on my birthday & so began my life of biking



2.How many superbikes have you owned since then?

A: Honda 954 was my 1st ,Yamaha R1 , Hayabusa ,Gsxr 1000 & Finally The Fireblade





3.What made you choose the 2010 fireblade?

A:I was always a liter class lover and just did not wanna digress from that class. However for my size and build the 1000 are not as weildy as the middle weights.but being on the blade changed all that. It was just perfectly sized for me. I jumped for it.



4.Whats the best attribute of the fireblade?



A:Undoubtedly the most nimble bike in its class with ultra smooth power delivery. Its suprisingly comfortable to ride too.

5.There has been complaints from many riders about a faulty ECU that drained the battery in the 2010 1000RR. Did you face any such issues?

Ans : Touchwood have not yet faced any trouble on that, I think the problem of the drained battery was caused due to the ABS/ECU malfunctioning in the 2010 model but I think they have cleared all the problems in 2011 model by changing the ECU …







6.What according to you could have made the bike better than what it already is?

A.The bike has a gr8 mid range …. But its not good on the initial start … honda people should work on it. I know its not fair to expect an inline to behave like a V twin and manage a great initial but if Yamaha and BMW can have a great initail, I think even Honda should also do it.



7.Tell us about the COPS? How many members are there? When do you meet and what routes do you ride?

A.Pune had no organised superbike clubs initially.so few of us riders met each other & planned up a few rides & after that we got many enthusiastic riders & the count went on.





We have 22 members in the group , our meeting points normally changes , We don’t have any fixed place as such … … the best part is that we hardly have to ride some kms to touch to the Banglore highway ..



8.How good are Pune roads for superbiking?

A:Roads in pune are fairly good however during the day its not too good to ride thanks lots of traffic, but in the eveningsafter 9.00pm we would enjoy burning the city roads.



9. Who maintains your bike and how much do you spend on it everytime you service it?

A: Normal servicing I do it myself at home , as have got the toolkit & love to strip her & service her for the major repairs we have a guy here in pune … he is good with the minor & major things …. All u need to give him is the time …..

Normal servicing costs aprox 5000/- fro every 3000 kms



10.What mods have you done till date and how effective has it been?





A:Presently MGP Exhaust ..... But have ordered lots of aftermarket stuff .....

1) RaceFit Growler Exhaust ,

2) Power Commander V , Auto tune, Quick shifter ,

3) Galfer brake pads , brake lines , Front & rear Rotor set ,

4) Race Taylor made Tail tidy kit ,

5) Seat Cowl ,

6) Radiator silicon hose kit ,

7) coloured bolt kit ,

8) Shorty Levers & Bar ends ,

9) Reservoir cap set ,

10) Race foot pegs ,

11) Dark smoke screen ,

12) HID ,

13) Customised Frame sliders , Fork sliders & spool sliders



After all this stuff she will be the craziest blade around .... Just a lil throttle & this aggressive machine will throw u beyond ur imagination





11.Where did you buy the above accessories from?



A:PERFORMANCE RACING STORE mumbai, Vicky is the only guy who can manage to get all this stuff in India.



12.Tell us about your riding gear

A: A star suit , Boots & gp gloves with KBC helmet Ed hardy version



13.What mileage do you get?

A: Normally I ride on low gears , so I get mileage of aprox 10km / l



14.How friendly are the cops to the C.O.P.S in Pune?

A.Cops are very friendly as we don’t trouble people with our loud exhust nor we create mess on the city roads. We try to follow all the rules and keep ourselves away from trouble





15.Which is the next bike on your radar?

Ans : May be BMW S1000RR



16.How has superbiking changed you life?

Ans : Superbiking has changed many things in my life … cause of this we get to meet new people make new friends,learn many things from the new friends and make some great contacts also







17. What do you think of the superbiking culture in India??

Ans : Oh I think we are living in a great time. The future looks very bright and promising





18.What is your advice to aspiring riders in India?

A: Please respect ur machine , or she wil throw you off very hard , never abuse the power of her , you cant never completely tame the beast …. Learn it , Live it , Love it