54. Ankit's Yamaha FZ1, 2011

Name: Ankit Sahney aka Diehard
Age: 26 Years
Motorcycling Clubs: Born Riders, Xbhp, Bangalore Bikers & Superbike Higlanders
Profession: Senior Executive, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Bosch india
Location: Bengalore

1. When did you first throw a leg over the saddle, which bike was it?

The first time ever on a bike was on my dad's '82 yezdi 250 classic when I was 13 years old I remember I could never start riding in 1st gear as I would always leave the clutch too fast and end up stalling . The bike is still with me and I cherish it a lot

2. Who taught you how to ride a bike? 

My dad taught me how to ride.

3. How many bikes have owned till now?

3 of them-
2003 Bajaj Pulsar 150
2007 Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSFi
2011 Yamaha FZ1N

4. How many do you currently own?

I currently have 2 bikes in the stable, i.e. the 220 and the FZ

5. What made you go for the FZ1? Did you consider any other bike(s)?

Firstly this is my first superbike and I have never ridden a superbike before but i always made one resolution that the first superbike I would ride would be mine and so I was basically looking for the whole package (looks, power, presence and ofcourse a head turner). Thats basically why I took the FZ1 because the bike had perfection written all over it. It had the brutish, heavy and big look. It had the power of a proper supersport and everything about the bike was simple and best part was that the riding position was upright which meant riding in city would be perfect. Fuelling was also a criteria because since the FZ runs on a lower compression ratio, it meant that we could use normal or 93 oct fuel which was great. Basically I settled for the FZ1 because I would the bike is perfectly positioned between 600s and superbred 1000cc. Although it's a "naked" bike you can still take it to the track and have a lot of fun on it.

I remember about 4 months before actually getting the bike. my parents and I started visiting the showrooms we went to ducati, suzuki and yamaha.

The bikes I-short listed where:

Ducati Monster 796
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Yamaha FZ1N

We went to ducati first, saw the 796 and first impressions were not so good, I didn't get the brutal feel when I saw the bike and it looked small. The bandit I felt was too subdued in its persona because its has a lot of torque 1250cc engine great bike but I just dint see myself fit perfectly on a bandit something was missing !

The FZ, well I saw this in the showroom and I went crazy after the looks of it looked massive, intense, brutal  and it had 150 bhp on tap ! Man it's a super deal for 10L !!

6. Describe what all went through your mind during the waiting period?

The wait was agonizing because there was a lot pressure from my grandparents to not invest in something like this instead go in for a car etc. Of course ask any passionate biker he will definitely say when it comes to buying your dream, passion comes before logic that was the same case here made a lot of promises to parents and committed to hear them for whatever it is when it came to me riding this bike. Finally I went ahead and booked the FZ but there was a catch. I wanted the white colour but due to the tsunami in Japan earlier last year the production had stalled and whites would take anywhere from 6 to 8 months to get delivered. that was crazy only black in stock.

I finally settled for the black, waiting period was just 20 days but man they were long 20 days. The thought of sitting on the bike and riding it for the first time, a superbike out of the showroom gave me the jitters. Trust me this was one hell of an experience since I had cancelled the booking once due to family pressure and basically reserved and dedicated the next 3 years of my hard earned money on the bike.

7. What do you feel is the best feature of the bike?

I would say there are 2 best features of the bike-

1. The Engine - Brilliant engine so much of low end torque starting off at 2k rpm and pin point sharp acceleration after 7k rpm give you a wide range on experiences of riding you can ride slow take it easy cruise at 100 -130 kmph or if ur having a bad day whack the throttle and there is an instant smile on your face.

2. Riding position - The upright riding position means that you don't get tired easily no presure on the wrists and touring / city riding becomes even better.

8. Do you feel there is anything which you don't like or needs to be improved upon?

The main problem is the wind blasts. I guess thats a drawback all naked bikes have. Windblast at the speed of 120 kmph are crazy! Left me with a neck pain a lot of times.


9. Have you done or intend to do any modifications?

Yes I will be putting a Puig Flyscreen and belly pan on the bike.

10. How does the General public react when they see the bike on the road?

Well the reaction is quite amazing and sometimes too much and its insanely addictive. The FZ is a head turner because its a different bike in appearance. for the general public the super bikes mean always the faired supersports like the R1 or the Gixxer but the naked bikes dont have a lot of exposure so I have noticed that a lot of people see this as a different bike and always ask me which bike is this . If you observe closely the people are always looking at the engine section of the bike which they would have never seen before and that's what makes the FZ1 a head turner I mean the big engine big tires have a profound effect on people

11. How do you answer the following questions -
     (a) How much does it cost?
     (b) What mileage do you get?
     (c) Are you going for a race?
     (d) Wanna race? 

(a) I usually quote the price. Don't want to be a wise guy, just be honest
(b)Honestly tell them what I am getting
(c) It's actually funny because one of my close friends father had asked me this and all I could do was laugh it off :)
(d) LOL I don't get this question at all. But I would say hell no on public roads. Get me a drag strip.

12. Which fuel and oil do you use?

Currently using Yamalube Semi Synthetic. Will shift to full synthetic after 10k kms. Fuel, Usually Shell Super but sometimes normal petrol from HP or BP bunks

13. How many kilometres have you covered so far? 

Around 4,500 as of now.

14. How often do you ride? 

Riding is limited to weekends but I also have a family restriction of 2 rides a month. Otherwise I would be riding it all day everyday

15. How are Bangalore's roads for superbikes?

I have a mixed opinion about this. City roads a big no no during traffic hours but early mornings is ok.

Highways: Again mixed opinion some roads are bumpy and some are brilliant but keeping 100-120 cruise speed its no problem at all bike is very stable and planted.

16. Would the FZ make a good daily use superbike? 

Yes, definitely if you ignore the crazy inner thigh burning heat produced by the engine and of course the frequent visits to the bunk. In city the riding is manageable but the heat will get to you, brakes are amazing so no problem in sudden stops etc.

17. Who maintains the bike?

I maintain it have all the oils, wax, plastic polishes etc.  Wash both the bikes 2 times a month.

18. How has your experience been with the dealership?

Got the bike from Perfect Riders on Lal Bagh road in Bangalore. The owner Mr. Gurudeep is a very nice person and SBK owners are treated very well. If you book the service in advance there are absolutely no glitches and they also explain what they are doing, take all precautions and go by the book

19. Have you faced any mechanical/electrical issues so far?

Touch wood None at all

20. What are the maximum figures you have seen on the speedo?

Never seen beyond 150 on the speedo. I am a slow rider always last in the pack keep speeds of 100-130 kmph band on highways, nothing more

21. Tell us a little about your riding gear.

Well currently I have a DSG jacket, LS2 helmet, DSG gloves

I have ordered few items-
Sidi ST Air boots, A-stars GP Pro 2 PC suit and still deciding on the helmet between Shoei X-12 Tony Elias replica or the Normal Matte black one.

22. if you were to add another bike to your stable which one would it be?

I have 2 bikes on my mind

1. My favourite: Ducati 848 Evo - It got away from me because of the price tag but will own one someday for sure.
2. Triumph Daytona 675R: This bike is a keeper. An amazing all round performer. If I would have waited a little longer, would have got this for sure :)

23. What is your advice to young and budding enthusiasts who are looking to enter the world of superbiking?
 
The main fact that I have learned is that you have to earn your dream / bike otherwise you wont have the respect for it. Work hard, be focused and trust me its  feeling out of this world when you see the mechs removing the Box packaging to reveal the bike ! Truly amazing!