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. :-)