"Riding the bullet” – a simple phrase that calls to mind the horror novel by Stephen King. And yet, it offers another perspective, a little less nightmarish and just as exciting. Yes, I’m talking about riding the bullet - a Royal Enfield Bullet.
Feel the thump; ride the wind; kick to start, start to ride, ride to live, and live to ride- these phrases can only have special meaning to a true rider. So what sets apart regular motor bikers and the die hard riders?
Harish Kavirajan is a true rider. His first ride was on a Java, way back in 1983. A young man’s few rides have now transformed and matured into a passionate lifestyle and hobby. Harish's journey, from the Czech Java to Royal Enfield Bullets, has been interspersed with various other bikes, including scooters (a Lambretta, a Vespa , and a Vijay super), a Honda CB600 and a Yamaha RX135. In 2002, Royal Enfield stamped its mark on his riding career, with a 350cc Thunderbird. Royal Enfield’s robust technology that goes back to the 1940s, and its uniqueness as the only bike in the world with a 500cc single cylinder engine, form the basis for its alluring qualities. Unlike Harley Davidsons, Bullets are readily available in the Indian market and are not gas guzzlers, adding to their appeal. It is no wonder then that the Thunderbird, an A500cc Cast Iron, an A500 LB Machismo, an A350 Machismo and two Lightning 535s are prominent in Harish's motor bike portfolio.
The A500 Machismo
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The 500cc Cast Iron
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The Two Lightning 535s
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
For Harish, the preference of biking to other means of travel lies in simple concepts: "cars are boring, the bus is crowded, trucks are too big for one person, and mopeds are for girls." On a more serious note, Harish believes travelling on a bike is special – “the speed, the wind, the freedom” of a bike ride is consummate, its low fuel consumption only adds to its appeal. Harish iterates that with a bike ride the advantage of navigating through traffic, especially on narrow roads and lanes, is not only convenient but provides a chance for “off-roading” and of course, "a guy on a great looking bike is always bound to get a fair maiden’s attention!"
On average, Harish spends four hours a week on maintaining his bike. These four hours ensure that the bike is clean and any repairs or faults are fixed. For someone who has spent numerous years embracing bikes, designing his own custom bike was the next big step and the A350 Machismo is his stepping stone into customizing a bike – with work being put into the suspension, handling, performance and luggage carrying areas
The Custom A350 Machismo
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, 2010
Riding the A350
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, 2010
After a quick chat with Harish, about bikes and his experience with them, the obvious questions of favourite ride and a favourite bike pop up, and it's no surprise that the answers to these questions are Leh and (less obviously, for those who are not familiar with it) the Royal Enfield Cast Iron 500. Harish has biked to Leh three times, but the first time claims top prize in being special in every way and perhaps also because it was the Cast Iron he rode.
Harish Leh 2000
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The Bikers crew
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The 500cc cast iron against the backdrop of mountains
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
Harish’s passion for riding sets him apart from other riders because it is now a natural part of his life. As a member of the Lightning 535 club (an elite club for owners of Lightning 535 bullets), Harish is part of a group of riders who regularly bike to various destinations, over select weekends. He is currently also a partner and member of Just4Rides (www.just4rides.com), a company that specialises in tours, on Royal Enfield Bullets, to different parts of India, hoping to let the riders experience the adventures of a lifetime. Riding offers Harish a way to express personality - be it through the style of riding, the sound of the bike or simply the way the bike is decked. It would be sufficient to say that a bike ride is a ride that offers perfection!
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, 2010
Riding the A350
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, 2010
After a quick chat with Harish, about bikes and his experience with them, the obvious questions of favourite ride and a favourite bike pop up, and it's no surprise that the answers to these questions are Leh and (less obviously, for those who are not familiar with it) the Royal Enfield Cast Iron 500. Harish has biked to Leh three times, but the first time claims top prize in being special in every way and perhaps also because it was the Cast Iron he rode.
Harish Leh 2000
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The Bikers crew
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
The 500cc cast iron against the backdrop of mountains
photo courtesy of Harish Kavirajan, Leh 2000
Harish’s passion for riding sets him apart from other riders because it is now a natural part of his life. As a member of the Lightning 535 club (an elite club for owners of Lightning 535 bullets), Harish is part of a group of riders who regularly bike to various destinations, over select weekends. He is currently also a partner and member of Just4Rides (www.just4rides.com), a company that specialises in tours, on Royal Enfield Bullets, to different parts of India, hoping to let the riders experience the adventures of a lifetime. Riding offers Harish a way to express personality - be it through the style of riding, the sound of the bike or simply the way the bike is decked. It would be sufficient to say that a bike ride is a ride that offers perfection!
awesome ! i loved reading it ......
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