52. Keertan's Harley-Davidson 883 Iron, 2011

Name: Keertan Adyanthaya a.k.a "Kee"
Motorcycling Club: Brotherhood Riding Club
Profession : Managing Director, NGC Networks India
Age: 39
Location: New Delhi

1.When did you first put your legs over a bike, which one was it and who gave you your first lessons?

I rode a bike for the first time when i was 13. It was a Jawa 250 cc. My neighbour owned the bike and he was the one who taught me how to ride. (My family had the only telephone in the neighbourhood and it was a reward / bribe to be double quick in calling him to the phone when he got a call.) Riding it wasn't tough, but starting it could be a real bitch... we would mostly do a running start on 2nd gear.

2. How many bikes have you gone through since then?

Hmmm... lets see.. the first bike i owned was an RX 100, then a Kawasaki Bajaj, then an RD 350 and then a long lull and now an Iron 883

3.What was the reason behind going for the Iron 883?

I always used to have a soft spot for Harley Davidson. And in the last few years, i would go on the internet and this is the bike that really caught my eye for its blacked out looks. The denim black paint, the wrinkle black engine casing and the minimal look. The dealer gave me a test ride and i just loved the ease of riding this bike. I was riding a bike after a decade & a half... this was the perfect bike for me.

4.Did you consider any other bike before zeroing in on the Iron?

I did consider the FZ1 as well. But the dealer did not have a bike available for a test ride.

5.What do you feel is the best feature of it?

The best feature of the bike is its manuevrability in traffic in spite of being a superbike.

6.Do you feel there is any aspect which could be better?

The ground clearance & ride quality could be better

7.What all questions does the general public have when they see you on the bike?

a. Mileage kya hai ?
b. Kitne ki hai ?
c. Racing ke liye jaa rahe hai ?
d. Yeh Bullet ka naya model hai kya ?

8.Does the questioning session get irritating sometimes?

Not really, my patience levels are quite high.

9.What all modifications have you done?

Screaming Eagle Air Filter & Exhausts, Diamond Cut Grips & a rear seat for the wife – which hasn’t been used much.

10.Narrate an interesting experience on the road.

We were riding in Rajasthan, when we passed by 2 guys carrying a bullock calf on a hero Honda, as i passed by, i gave a small tap on the head of the calf and it went nuts and started quivering all over the place. The 2 guys had a real hard time controlling the calf & the bike, but they managed to and they were also laughing hysterically. It was hilarious at the time, but I felt very bad later.

11.Solo Riding or Group Riding?

I enjoy both. But group riding has enabled me to acquire a set of brothers that I never had.

12.Have you face any mechanical/electrical issues so far?

No issues at all, the bike is hardy & absorbs a lot of punishment

13.Tell us about your riding gear.

Icon Airframe Helmet, Scala Rider G4 Bluetooth headset, Harley Davidson Switchback Jacket, Thor Elbow Guards, Alpinestars Gloves, R-Jay’s 3 season riding pants, Thor Knee Guards, Icon Riding Boots.

14.Do you have your eyes set on any other bike?

Well, the eye’s are set on two actually – The BMW K1300R & the Harley Davidson Fat Bob. But the wallet can only afford one of them...

15.What is your advice for young enthusiasts who want to step in to the world of biking?

Wear the necessary protection & ride safe on the streets. Stay alert when on the bike and do not
ride when intoxicated. If you have to, then perform stunts in a controlled area or racetrack.