Another engine revving in Team-BHP's shed

RubberSideDown · 18th February 2016, 04:10

Hello Team-bhp, it's an honor to be a part of this community. Also wishing a belated happy birthday!

Let me start by a hat tip to the moderators and maintainers of this forum. I have no doubt that it takes significant effort in running a high quality forum like this.

A little something about me:

I grew up in the Asansol/Kulti/Maithon/Dhanbad/Chittaranjan/Ranchi region in WB and JH. Went to college in Nagpur (have really fond memories of that city in spite of the stifling summer heat). Was picked-up from campus for a position in Pune and that is the city I call home now. I am a software professional.

I have been in the US (Atlanta) for almost 5 years and will be flying back to India, for good, in a few weeks time.

Growing up, we owned a Blue 1971 Ambassador Mark II. It was a pre-owned vehicle that my dad had bought in the late 80s. That was the first "motor" vehicle that I got my hands on when I started learning to drive at the age of 16. After doing well in my 10th standard exams, I convinced my dad to let our driver teach me to drive.

Vehicles I have owned:

Hero Honda Street 100 - I wanted a bike, dad wanted to buy me a scooter we ended up at the mid point, a step-thru! I rode it 8 years until I could afford to buy my own bike. Things I liked about the bike: hell of a sleeper if you knew how to work the auto-clutch tranny. Low CoG coupled with a light weight - easy to corner.

TVS Apache 150 - Bought it after about 8 months of my first job. My first "real" bike. I really like the exhaust note compared to the Pulsars of that era. Remember riding to Lonavala for a cup of tea; and later with my wife for chikki and fudge.

2009 Toyota Camry - Moved to the US in 2011 and bought my first car (pre-owned). It is still my primary mode of transport. Great car, nothing to complain about, nothing to brag about either. Comfortable, safe, reliable, fuel efficient, competent in traffic as well as on the highway.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Bought this in 2012. This was a decision made completely from the heart and not with the head. What I missed in my "primary mode of transport", this bike compensated. And then some. What can be more rejuvenating than an early Sunday morning ride through the North Georgia mountains? With a heavy heart, I had to let my bike go earlier this week due to my upcoming move back to India.

My hobbies/interests:

I play the classical guitar (Western fingerstyle nylon) and consider myself just past the beginner stage. This is a hobby I picked up after moving to the US. Love all kinds of music from thumris to reggaes to sonatas.

Foodie - Live to eat (and Live to drive)

Ok, so that was more than a "little" about myself.

Thanks everyone for having me here! Keep the RubberSideDown.

ampere · 18th February 2016, 07:26

WB to Nagpur? Sounds like a shift to engineering from school.

You should have had an amazing run in that city. Even though it is very hot there, I am not sure if I have seen any other city which has bigger roads than Nagpur.
Welcome to the Forum.

condor · 18th February 2016, 07:36

@RSD, Welcome ! Nice title there

Coming back from the US of A ? Something I did 11 years back. Though there is nothing like coming home, there are things I still miss, and wont be surprised if you do too

.

The 99 Camry ? the one with a bunker instead of a boot ?

RubberSideDown · 19th February 2016, 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere

WB to Nagpur? Sounds like a shift to engineering from school.

Guilty as charged! (in Computer Tech.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere

Even though it is very hot there, I am not sure if I have seen any other city which has bigger roads than Nagpur.

I agree. When I went to Pune after Nagpur, my reaction was - what is this hype about Pune being a great city? It doesn't even have good roads!

Quote:

Originally Posted by condor

The 99 Camry ? the one with a bunker instead of a boot ?

Spot on. An 09' Camry but still a bunker, nothing less.

Sheel · 19th February 2016, 09:00

Welcome to Team-BHP & India.

Which ride/s are you picking up here?

RubberSideDown · 19th February 2016, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheel

Which ride/s are you picking up here?

Glad you asked

Leaning towards a used SUV (yes I have read @GTO's excellent post on "Should you buy an SUV"). Budget in the 10-14 lac range. I will ask for more suggestions, providing context around what is my thought process etc. in the "What car" section. I do need the forum's help in deciding.

18th February 2016, 04:10	#1
RubberSideDown BHPian Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Pune Posts: 24 Thanked: 29 Times	Another engine revving in Team-BHP's shed Hello Team-bhp, it's an honor to be a part of this community. Also wishing a belated happy birthday! Let me start by a hat tip to the moderators and maintainers of this forum. I have no doubt that it takes significant effort in running a high quality forum like this. A little something about me: I grew up in the Asansol/Kulti/Maithon/Dhanbad/Chittaranjan/Ranchi region in WB and JH. Went to college in Nagpur (have really fond memories of that city in spite of the stifling summer heat). Was picked-up from campus for a position in Pune and that is the city I call home now. I am a software professional. I have been in the US (Atlanta) for almost 5 years and will be flying back to India, for good, in a few weeks time. Growing up, we owned a Blue 1971 Ambassador Mark II. It was a pre-owned vehicle that my dad had bought in the late 80s. That was the first "motor" vehicle that I got my hands on when I started learning to drive at the age of 16. After doing well in my 10th standard exams, I convinced my dad to let our driver teach me to drive. Vehicles I have owned: Hero Honda Street 100 - I wanted a bike, dad wanted to buy me a scooter we ended up at the mid point, a step-thru! I rode it 8 years until I could afford to buy my own bike. Things I liked about the bike: hell of a sleeper if you knew how to work the auto-clutch tranny. Low CoG coupled with a light weight - easy to corner. TVS Apache 150 - Bought it after about 8 months of my first job. My first "real" bike. I really like the exhaust note compared to the Pulsars of that era. Remember riding to Lonavala for a cup of tea; and later with my wife for chikki and fudge. 2009 Toyota Camry - Moved to the US in 2011 and bought my first car (pre-owned). It is still my primary mode of transport. Great car, nothing to complain about, nothing to brag about either. Comfortable, safe, reliable, fuel efficient, competent in traffic as well as on the highway. 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Bought this in 2012. This was a decision made completely from the heart and not with the head. What I missed in my "primary mode of transport", this bike compensated. And then some. What can be more rejuvenating than an early Sunday morning ride through the North Georgia mountains? With a heavy heart, I had to let my bike go earlier this week due to my upcoming move back to India. My hobbies/interests: I play the classical guitar (Western fingerstyle nylon) and consider myself just past the beginner stage. This is a hobby I picked up after moving to the US. Love all kinds of music from thumris to reggaes to sonatas. Foodie - Live to eat (and Live to drive) Ok, so that was more than a "little" about myself. Thanks everyone for having me here! Keep the RubberSideDown.
	(7) Thanks

18th February 2016, 07:26	#2
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 18,332 Thanked: 13,615 Times View My Garage	re: Another engine revving in Team-BHP's shed WB to Nagpur? Sounds like a shift to engineering from school. You should have had an amazing run in that city. Even though it is very hot there, I am not sure if I have seen any other city which has bigger roads than Nagpur. Welcome to the Forum.
	(1) Thanks

18th February 2016, 07:36	#3
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,241 Thanked: 16,893 Times View My Garage	re: Another engine revving in Team-BHP's shed @RSD, Welcome ! Nice title there Coming back from the US of A ? Something I did 11 years back. Though there is nothing like coming home, there are things I still miss, and wont be surprised if you do too . The 99 Camry ? the one with a bunker instead of a boot ?
	(1) Thanks

19th February 2016, 09:00	#5
Sheel Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Purnea (Bihar) Posts: 9,997 Thanked: 15,131 Times View My Garage	Re: Another engine revving in Team-BHP's shed Welcome to Team-BHP & India. Which ride/s are you picking up here?
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