58. Gaurav's Ducati Multistrada 1200, 2012

Name: Gaurav Sharma
Age: 32
Profession: Head - Operations - TORQUED APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
Motorcycling Club: G.O.D.S.( Group Of Delhi Superbikers)

1. What did the leap from a Hypersport Tourer to an Adventure Tourer feel like?

A. Theres a huge difference in the way both the machines perform. The busa is more of a ferocious Tiger just waiting to be unleashed. The MTS is practically everything you want it to be, from a tame animal in the urban mode to a wild beast in Sports mode - all with just a flick of a button :).

2. How tortuous was the waiting period?

A. 2 months,18 days and 6 hours ( Why 6 ? - Because the bike was supposed to be delivered on 18th nite around 12 whereas the guy landed on 19th morn - A sun on our 5th G2G at 6am ) I am sure you can make out how torturous was the waiting period now :)

3. What do feel is the best aspect of the Multistrada?

A. There's too many to name. The entire character of the bike changes with the mode. The modes are different in what I experienced in busa. With these modes - its not just the power delivery which changes, its the Traction control and ABS settings as well. Secondly its an AMAZING TOURER (thats the main reason I bought this bike), this was one of the star bikes on our lansdowne trips. Dont believe me?? Ask those poor fellows who were on their busas and litre bikes. I barely got a chance to ride this bike in the entire trip as no one stopped for me to hand over the bike. Thirdly, the weight - looking at the size of the bike, one would think its kinda heavy,  Surprise! Surprise! - It weighs 181 kgs as compared to busa which is around 275 kgs :)

4. Do feel Ducati could improve upon anything?

A. The ONLY drawback I would say is the seat height adjustment. Its setup at the lowest level and its still a little high for me (Unfortunately I am not that tall )

5. Did the tall saddle ever create any manoeuvrability problems?

A. The first few rides were a  little difficult for me. I've been riding supersports and sports tourer for a very long time. This is a different bike altogether. Now that I've settled, I can even lean on this bike. The weight reduction also helps in easy manoeuvrability (181kgs remember) :)

6. How has your experience been with the dealership? 

A. Its a mix bag. There were some problems which could have been avoided. Overall out of 10 I would give them a rating of 7.

7. Any mechanical/technical issues so far?

A. None what so ever - Its just so damn perfect!

8. What questions does the public have when they see the bike on the roads?

A. Well it takes them a while to realise what went past them(doesn't have any exhausts right now). But yes the usual questions - Kitne ki hai, kitna deti hai, ye kaun si company hai (this was new). Iske badly gadi le lete ;)

9. Do they confuse your bike for a Jap bike?

A. Not realy Its only once when a college going guy just came in and asked which bike I said Ducati and he said Ye Yamaha walo ki hai na?? I mean - Seriously.

10. What made you choose the Multistrada over the R1200GS?

A. The GS1200 weighs almost 100kgs more than the MTS.  Secondly the ride height - there was no way I could adjust the height to my level. Then there was the GIZMOS , the MTS is loaded and the GS has - wait what Gizmos??

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

A. I have ordered exhausts. That is the first thing I wanted, also placed order for K&N. Well this is just to start with.

12. How long have you had her and how many kilometres have you covered so far?

A. I've had this bike for 3 months 18 days 18 hours and now 35, 36, 37, 38......well you get the picture ;)
As for no of kms , I have clocked 1800 kms.

13. Which fuel and oil do you use?

A. 97 Octane and sometimes speed or Xtra Premium in case I don't find 97 Octane. As for Oil - I still have to get the first service done - too lazy because of the Delhi heat :)

14. Narrate your best trip on the Strada so far?

A. Well I just had one trip on this bike or should I say half, I got a chance to ride this bike on my way back from Lansdowne. This bike was nick named, the "Ghoda" on the trip because of high seating position and comfy saddle. Also cuz of the fact that people just used to run away with the bike, literally! As mentioned I actually had to look for my machine as to who was riding it!

15. Have you taken her for some off-roading?

A.Considering Indian roads and highways, I don't think I would ever need to get off roading with this bike. Our sbks take a lota thrashing on our roads and highways, the MTS or an adventure tourer just glides over these pot holes - Literally. I just hope the bike manufacturers get more of these in India - we just have the Impulse which is grossly underpowered.

16. Do you have your eyes set on another bike?

A. Oh hell yeah. The list is long, starts with a Can-Am Spyder, Then there's the Speed Triple, the Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, the Diavel, the Brutale 1090RR. As Doc says, "MORE IS NEVER ENOUGH" :)

17. Here's a tough one - the Busa or the Multistrada? 

A. Hmm that's like choosing your kids -  I love em both. My son n my niece have a fight though. My son is in love with the MTS and wants me to ride it every Sunday. My niece loves the busa and she wants me to ride it every Sunday. So every Saturday there is a huge argument as to which bike I will be riding on sun :D

57. Rahul's Ducati Monster 796, 2011

Name: Rahul Kallankandy
Age: 32
Profession: VFX Supervisor (film/commercials)
Motorcycling Club: Ducati India Riders , B.O.M.B (Brotherhood of Mumbikers)
Location: Mumbai

1.When was the first time you ever threw a leg over the saddle?

My first ever ride was on a LML commuter bike. I bought the bike around the time I got my first job, learnt on it.

2. How was the experience?

The learning part was thrilling. The bike..not thrilling at all. Even then, I sort of knew, this isn't the shit.

3. Who taught you the fundamentals of riding a bike?

A friend's boyfriend who became my friend.

4. How many bikes have you owned so far?

Here's the list of vehicles I've had in my life, in the order of appearance-
LML, Hyosung Comet 250, Sym GT200 (Maxi-Scooter), Ducati Monster, Honda Activa.

5. How many do you own currently?

Ducati Monster, Honda Activa

6. What did the transition from the GT250 to the Monster feel like? 

In one word, Shocking.

The 796 has so much bite, that it kinda comes across as a wild beast. Its kinda like Mumbai. Never sleeps, never rests. You can never chill out on a monster at lower RPMs. It taunts you. It pushes you, nudges you to go faster. The overall sound of  the GT250 is very decent, tame, almost non-existent due to it's non attention grabbing sound design. The Monster would be an overall flip in personality. To put it in the terms of human personality, lets consider the Comet to be an introvert, and the Monster to be an out and out extrovert. I could go on and on about the differences. But it really is a case of apples and oranges.

7. Was the Monster love at first sight or a product of long time research?

I've always wanted the monster. It wouldn't really matter if its the 795, 796, or the 1100. To me the motorcycle has this character which I personally relate to. I only seem to relate to nakeds and why not ride the one naked that rules them all. The fact that it was put together as a personal commuting vehicle and then goes on to become the most popular naked in the history of Ducati adds so much more of a backstory.

8. What all was going through your mind during the waiting period?

Honestly, I do not remember the specifics,at this point. All I remember is the first time I saw the box. I don't want to remember the wait. I'm sure it was painful. I'm sure, my expectations were far exceeded by my imagination. The 796 in turn, far exceeded my imagination. Generally, we are aware of the marketing jargon and promos and advertising strategies and product placements and what not. None of these things come close to the real thing. One twist of the throttle and one forgets the past. I still remember thinking to myself "Fuck, am I worthy. This shit is too beautiful."

9. What reactions does the public have when they see you and and the bike on the road?

I've written a little something based on this thought.

You pull up at the traffic signal...ease of the clutch, as you stop..
sit back and wait for it to turn green..take a breathe of polluted air..
a creeping feeling at the back of your neck..like you have a tail on you..you gently look around..almost everybody around you is watching you..almost everybody..
watching your every move..
you start having a conversation with the traffic signal,

"Change, damn it.."

You look at the biker who pulls up right next to you..he stares..without remorse..beyond rude..invading your privacy..

You are just about to ask "What the hell are you looking at, Punk!?"
But then you realize, you ride a Ducati.
You resist the urge.
You tell yourself "be nice"

The signal is now green..The crowd wants a show. "Entertain us." They want to hear the beast roar. You feel their piercing eyes at the back of your neck..pushing you..do it..The horns blasting away. "Do it."

You pop the clutch, click it into first gear. Gently ease of the clutch. Gentle twist of the throttle.

Not today guys..

I just don't feel like it.

A day in the life of a Ducatista.

10. How do you answer milage and cost related questions?

I smile and say I don't know. I genuinely don't know, and genuinely believe it doesn't matter. The feeling of riding this bike cannot be simplified or quantified into numbers. Anyway, to me these questions seem to come from a place of inquisitiveness which can easily be satisfied by a quick search on google. I mostly have a totally different set of questions in my mind when I see a performance vehicle. Mostly about feelings and emotions. I'm sentimental like that.

11. Do people confuse the Monster for a Jap bike? 

Screw Japanese confusions. Its mostly confused with the Pulsar. Go Bajaj, Go.

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

Mostly aesthetic personalization type mods:
CRG bar end mirrors (great crowd response on these)
Evotech tail tidy kit (looks great, fucks things up in the rain)
Dynamic Duo Pro Arrow short 7 LED indicators (does anybody even look at indicators!)

13. Who maintains the bike - servicing, cleaning etc?

My man, Jainul from Worlo Ducati Service. Cleaning is taken care of at the local pressure wash shop.

14. How has your experience been with the dealership?

Can't complain really. All I can say, treat people the way you want to be treated. Being rude doesn't amount to speedy service/deliver.

15. Have you faced any mechanical/technical issues so far?

Nope

16. What do you feel is the best part about the monster?

The character. Lots of personality. It's something to be inspired by and look up to.

17. And what do you feel needs to improved upon?

I wouldn't change a thing

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

200 kmph

19. Which fuel do you use?

Speed 97 mostly. But I have used regular fuel whenever i've forgotten to fill'er up before the ride.

20. Do you plan to upgrade to a bigger bike anytime soon?

No plans so far. The monster's keeping me happy.

21. Tell us a little about your riding gear?

Helmets: Shoei Qwest Bloodflow, Studds Modular Full Face

Jackets: Cramster Breezer, Alpinestars Matrix

Gloves: Fox Bomber, Icon Justice

Pants : Alpinestars 2012 AST-1 Water Proof

Boots : RJays H20

22. What is your advice for young enthusiasts who plan to step in to the world of superbiking?

Its not my place to give gyan to anybody, but if i must, i'd like to point out that motorcycling is a way of life. A pure emotional activity. Let's not cloud it with bouts of arrogance and pompous pride. Let's get away from fickle comparisons and social status type conversations. I prefer the term motorcyclist over super biker. I look forward to a world of motorcyclists with mutual respect for one another. There isn't much super about the biker if all you've ever done is purchased a super bike. A motorcyclist takes that purchase and makes it an extension of his or her body. Be inspired by your icons and aspire for their mental strength and skills. If it's attention one wants on the streets, there are other better, cheaper, safer options. Being a motorcyclist is about the thrill of fucking with gravity, but thats not all. There is this strange sense of responsibility. Towards yourself, your family, your biker bros and also the pedestrians. Its about skills, knowledge and of course the need for speed. Wear your gear, be safe, don't think we are invincible. Have fun. :-)