Name: Samyak Modi
Age: 28
Profession: Indus Technologies - Partner, 7th Gear Auto Consultancy- Proprietor/Founder
Motorcycling Club: T.C.I. (Torque Club Of Indore)
1. When did you first "Throw a leg over the saddle"?
A. 2 wheeler - When I was 8. Bike When I was 14.
2. Which bike was it and how was the experience?
A. 2 wheeler - Luna . Bike was Yamaha RX 100. The first 2 wheeler's experience was quiet exhilarating as after twisting the throttle it took care of itself. Learnt the most important lesson of my life - Always be aware of everything before trying it out. In my case all I knew was accelerator and had no clue where and what are the brakes. Ended up in a neighbour's hedge with the Luna on one side and me on the other.
RX100 - :D if you really need to know (I was barely in my teens - and I was riding a RX, still gives me the same pleasure) that was the first time i understood what flying actually means. The sense of freedom, the complication in gears (rode the only other geared vehicle - hero puch) the immense surge of power (typical of the RX) and popping the first wheelie on a bike on the very first ride (though it was unintentional - but instincts told me what to do)
3. Who taught you the fundamentals of motorcycling?
A. My stupidity initially, and then it just came naturally. then was greatly helped by reading the XBHP blogs before I bought my first bike - CBR 600 RR
4. Have you had any experience with superbikes before you got the 848?
A. Experiences were a lot - though the only bike I ever owned prior to the evo was a 2006 Honda CBR 600 RR
5. How many bikes do you own currently?
A. Just the Ducati 848 Evo. Have my eyes set on the MV - but that will have to wait a bit.
6. Was the 848 a product of long term research or love at first sight?
A. IT was love at first sight, then long term research, then long term search for an MV - and then the decision of the EVO.
7. What all was going through your mind during the waiting period?
A. Fortunately there wasn't much of the waiting period. Chandigarh dealership had the bike ready with them. Wasn't sure about the color (since I had never seen it) and fortunately they had both (Red & white) readily available with them. The moment I saw it - I knew - it had to be the white
8. Were you considering any other bike(s) before zeroing in to the 848?
A. The MV Agusta. since budget wasn't much, and there weren't any clean papers MV on sale across the country - the choice was quiet simple. the 848 evo! 1198 did come in consideration - but then after hearing about all the over heating issues (even more than the 848) I rather stayed away. and anyway - that time the new 1199 panigale was just around the corner
9. What did it feel like when you saw her for the first time?
A. :D that's a tricky question!! well it was the same feeling one would have - a big pit in the stomach! all kinds of butterflies flying around in the pit!! time just stopped dead in its tracks. when it was delivered to me in indore - again the same thing happened (though was a bit too jumpy this time around as I already had bought it)
10. What reactions and questions does the public have when they see you and the bike?
A. The reactions are not as much nowadays - all thanks to the efforts of indian bike manufacturers they indeed have come up with a lot of beautiful bikes. But the reactions that I mostly get are - where did you get it modified from (the exhaust note doesn't help there), how much did it cost, what's the fuel efficiency one gets, why not the "dhoom" wala bike and so on and so forth.
11. Where do you get the servicing and maintenance done from?
A. The basic servicing and maintenance is done by a very dear friend who understands more about bikes than any of the trained SBK mechanics I've come across. He takes care of it like a doctor would take care of a patient. Washing and pampering is my department though.
12. Which fuel and oil do you use?
A. Just the regular "speed". add about 20 ml of Iftex system G. oil is Shell Helix 10W40 fully synthetic.
13. How is the experience with the dealership?
A. Dealership has been nice when it comes to experience and behavior. But a bit too laid back for my liking. but then it hardly matters now.
14. What are the best roads in Indore for superbikes?
A. The best would be the indoor bypass which follows on to the khalghat bypass. a 4 lane tarmac road which is well leveled (but can't help the idiots cutting across and driving on the wrong side)
15. Have you faced any mechanical/technical issues so far?
A. Nope. other than the dealership reluctant to send a guy for resetting the service reminder light - absolutely nothing
16. How long have you had her and many kilometres have you covered?
A. It came to me on the 29th March 2012. Have just managed about 2000 kms.
17. Between Japs and Italians what would you choose and why?
A. ITALIANS ANYDAY!!. To be fair to all the gap bikes - they are flawless. they are well behaved. they are predictable. they are perfect. so perfect as to be soulless. That is where the ducati scores. it has a soul. it would bite you everytime you take it for granted. it scares you silly if you misbehave. it would have lot of over heating issues (not the best bike for low RPM city rides) it might sound like a tractor - but in the end - it has a soul which no Jap would ever be able to capture. With all the Japs that I've ridden - there is not much of a difference. Ok one would go faster than the other, or make more noise than the other one - but not much of a differentiating factor. change the exhaust - and they all end up sounding the same. remap the ecu - they start behaving the same (more or less). and anyone who says that he can make out a lot of difference in the same engine class bike - is either lying OR is just showing off OR is a bike god. the fact is - all the japs are more or less the same to ride - no doubt excellent - but simply boring after a while. They are are like Vodka- you enjoy them in the beginning. A Ducati is like Scotch, it's an acquired taste and once you do start enjoying it, there is nothing less that you would enjoy.
18. How often do you ride?
A. As often as I can. try to take her out almost daily (if wife, work and rain gods permit)
19. Narrate the most memorable ride you've been to till date?
A. Every ride is etched in my memory. There has been no ride till now which hasn't been memorable OR maybe I am still waiting for the most memorable one
20. What do you feel is the best part of the bike?
A. The way it looks, the way it throws tantrums, the gorgeous curves, the single sided swingarm, drop dead gorgeous looks, quirkiness, beauty in every piece that's on the bike, the popping noise it makes when you are de-accelerating, the italian curves, the way the front comes up even when you are shifting from 3rd to 4th (though you have to ride real hard) - and did I say how great it looks?!?
On a serious note - what I most love about this bike is how it's making me re-learn how to ride. it's a different world altogether as compared to any Jap.
21. Any areas where Ducati could have improved?
A. Maybe they should consider changing there importer and distributor in India. they could have gotten someone who is not just interested in robbing the customer.
22. Tell us a little about your riding gear.
A. Finally have managed to put it all together-
1. Arai RQX helmet
2. Ducati 2012 Flow Jacket
3. Dainese 2 stroke gloves
4. The shoes and pants have to wait as I am still not OK wearing them yet.
23. What is the maximum figures you've seen on the speedo so far?
A. On a tricked out R1 - 190 (mph-unintentional), CBR 600 RR - 248 km/h. Ducati 848 Evo - 192 km/h
24. Any advice for someone who is looking to enter the world of superbiking?
A. Start slow - respect your bike, respect the people on road and more importantly respect your life!! one wrong judgement and you might end up dead. Usually the only idiot on the road is the one who has a twitchy right wrist - don't be that guy and ALWAYS ride with a helmet!! Ride SAFE!!
Age: 28
Profession: Indus Technologies - Partner, 7th Gear Auto Consultancy- Proprietor/Founder
Motorcycling Club: T.C.I. (Torque Club Of Indore)
1. When did you first "Throw a leg over the saddle"?
A. 2 wheeler - When I was 8. Bike When I was 14.
2. Which bike was it and how was the experience?
A. 2 wheeler - Luna . Bike was Yamaha RX 100. The first 2 wheeler's experience was quiet exhilarating as after twisting the throttle it took care of itself. Learnt the most important lesson of my life - Always be aware of everything before trying it out. In my case all I knew was accelerator and had no clue where and what are the brakes. Ended up in a neighbour's hedge with the Luna on one side and me on the other.
RX100 - :D if you really need to know (I was barely in my teens - and I was riding a RX, still gives me the same pleasure) that was the first time i understood what flying actually means. The sense of freedom, the complication in gears (rode the only other geared vehicle - hero puch) the immense surge of power (typical of the RX) and popping the first wheelie on a bike on the very first ride (though it was unintentional - but instincts told me what to do)
3. Who taught you the fundamentals of motorcycling?
A. My stupidity initially, and then it just came naturally. then was greatly helped by reading the XBHP blogs before I bought my first bike - CBR 600 RR
4. Have you had any experience with superbikes before you got the 848?
A. Experiences were a lot - though the only bike I ever owned prior to the evo was a 2006 Honda CBR 600 RR
5. How many bikes do you own currently?
A. Just the Ducati 848 Evo. Have my eyes set on the MV - but that will have to wait a bit.
6. Was the 848 a product of long term research or love at first sight?
A. IT was love at first sight, then long term research, then long term search for an MV - and then the decision of the EVO.
A. Fortunately there wasn't much of the waiting period. Chandigarh dealership had the bike ready with them. Wasn't sure about the color (since I had never seen it) and fortunately they had both (Red & white) readily available with them. The moment I saw it - I knew - it had to be the white
8. Were you considering any other bike(s) before zeroing in to the 848?
A. The MV Agusta. since budget wasn't much, and there weren't any clean papers MV on sale across the country - the choice was quiet simple. the 848 evo! 1198 did come in consideration - but then after hearing about all the over heating issues (even more than the 848) I rather stayed away. and anyway - that time the new 1199 panigale was just around the corner
9. What did it feel like when you saw her for the first time?
A. :D that's a tricky question!! well it was the same feeling one would have - a big pit in the stomach! all kinds of butterflies flying around in the pit!! time just stopped dead in its tracks. when it was delivered to me in indore - again the same thing happened (though was a bit too jumpy this time around as I already had bought it)
10. What reactions and questions does the public have when they see you and the bike?
A. The reactions are not as much nowadays - all thanks to the efforts of indian bike manufacturers they indeed have come up with a lot of beautiful bikes. But the reactions that I mostly get are - where did you get it modified from (the exhaust note doesn't help there), how much did it cost, what's the fuel efficiency one gets, why not the "dhoom" wala bike and so on and so forth.
11. Where do you get the servicing and maintenance done from?
A. The basic servicing and maintenance is done by a very dear friend who understands more about bikes than any of the trained SBK mechanics I've come across. He takes care of it like a doctor would take care of a patient. Washing and pampering is my department though.
12. Which fuel and oil do you use?
A. Just the regular "speed". add about 20 ml of Iftex system G. oil is Shell Helix 10W40 fully synthetic.
13. How is the experience with the dealership?
A. Dealership has been nice when it comes to experience and behavior. But a bit too laid back for my liking. but then it hardly matters now.
14. What are the best roads in Indore for superbikes?
A. The best would be the indoor bypass which follows on to the khalghat bypass. a 4 lane tarmac road which is well leveled (but can't help the idiots cutting across and driving on the wrong side)
15. Have you faced any mechanical/technical issues so far?
A. Nope. other than the dealership reluctant to send a guy for resetting the service reminder light - absolutely nothing
16. How long have you had her and many kilometres have you covered?
A. It came to me on the 29th March 2012. Have just managed about 2000 kms.
17. Between Japs and Italians what would you choose and why?
A. ITALIANS ANYDAY!!. To be fair to all the gap bikes - they are flawless. they are well behaved. they are predictable. they are perfect. so perfect as to be soulless. That is where the ducati scores. it has a soul. it would bite you everytime you take it for granted. it scares you silly if you misbehave. it would have lot of over heating issues (not the best bike for low RPM city rides) it might sound like a tractor - but in the end - it has a soul which no Jap would ever be able to capture. With all the Japs that I've ridden - there is not much of a difference. Ok one would go faster than the other, or make more noise than the other one - but not much of a differentiating factor. change the exhaust - and they all end up sounding the same. remap the ecu - they start behaving the same (more or less). and anyone who says that he can make out a lot of difference in the same engine class bike - is either lying OR is just showing off OR is a bike god. the fact is - all the japs are more or less the same to ride - no doubt excellent - but simply boring after a while. They are are like Vodka- you enjoy them in the beginning. A Ducati is like Scotch, it's an acquired taste and once you do start enjoying it, there is nothing less that you would enjoy.
18. How often do you ride?
A. As often as I can. try to take her out almost daily (if wife, work and rain gods permit)
19. Narrate the most memorable ride you've been to till date?
A. Every ride is etched in my memory. There has been no ride till now which hasn't been memorable OR maybe I am still waiting for the most memorable one
20. What do you feel is the best part of the bike?
A. The way it looks, the way it throws tantrums, the gorgeous curves, the single sided swingarm, drop dead gorgeous looks, quirkiness, beauty in every piece that's on the bike, the popping noise it makes when you are de-accelerating, the italian curves, the way the front comes up even when you are shifting from 3rd to 4th (though you have to ride real hard) - and did I say how great it looks?!?
On a serious note - what I most love about this bike is how it's making me re-learn how to ride. it's a different world altogether as compared to any Jap.
21. Any areas where Ducati could have improved?
A. Maybe they should consider changing there importer and distributor in India. they could have gotten someone who is not just interested in robbing the customer.
22. Tell us a little about your riding gear.
A. Finally have managed to put it all together-
1. Arai RQX helmet
2. Ducati 2012 Flow Jacket
3. Dainese 2 stroke gloves
4. The shoes and pants have to wait as I am still not OK wearing them yet.
23. What is the maximum figures you've seen on the speedo so far?
A. On a tricked out R1 - 190 (mph-unintentional), CBR 600 RR - 248 km/h. Ducati 848 Evo - 192 km/h
24. Any advice for someone who is looking to enter the world of superbiking?
A. Start slow - respect your bike, respect the people on road and more importantly respect your life!! one wrong judgement and you might end up dead. Usually the only idiot on the road is the one who has a twitchy right wrist - don't be that guy and ALWAYS ride with a helmet!! Ride SAFE!!
