[tharian]

Originally Posted by aadithsince1980

PS: aadithsince1980, I think I have seen your 500 at my mech's garage (Muneer) in Bangalore.

When was this? Actually my bike got stolen . I was going to post about it in the next part of my post. Please do let me know. Do let me know if you see it again

I had actually written the above article long time back but didn't post it ever since my bike got stolen by my ex-brother-in-law (long story, that I will relate in my next post. Been tied up with work, will post whenever I'am free)

Thanks,
Aadhi[/quote]

Sorry to hear about that.
This was at least a couple of years back. I noticed since the side boxes were in the same position as your bike, but I don't remember the registration number.

I think I have spoken to you as well when my 500 was up for sale., you had mentioned to me the same, that the bike was stolen. Sorry that I couldn't help you there as I was looking for best price.

[aadithsince1980]

Originally Posted by FuelInjector

superb stuff mate. Loved the emotion in this write up. I rode my first bike way back in late 80s. It was an yezdi my father bought in 1974. The czech engine with the double exhaust was a true beauty! Ahhh... how i cried when he sold it. Am still on the lookout for that - some guy in Mysore had bought it. it was registered as TNE 1381.

History repeats they say!!! i had an RE and sold it last year while moving our of Bangalore. Now in search of another RE. Hope to get a good one soon as my son now wants to do a road trip with me on that (again history repeats as i had done lot of road trips on the Yezdi with my dad).

Glad you liked my post I learned riding on my dad's Ind Suzuki in the year 1989 types. He had just bought the Ind Suzuki after selling his Jawa which he had for many many years. He had bought is Jawa during his college days for Rs. 3,600 brand new He's still got the bill!

[aadithsince1980]

Originally Posted by tharian

When was this? Actually my bike got stolen . I was going to post about it in the next part of my post. Please do let me know. Do let me know if you see it again

I had actually written the above article long time back but didn't post it ever since my bike got stolen by my ex-brother-in-law (long story, that I will relate in my next post. Been tied up with work, will post whenever I'am free)

Thanks,
Aadhi

Sorry to hear about that.
This was at least a couple of years back. I noticed since the side boxes were in the same position as your bike, but I don't remember the registration number.


I think I have spoken to you as well when my 500 was up for sale., you had mentioned to me the same, that the bike was stolen. Sorry that I couldn't help you there as I was looking for best price.[/quote]

You were the one with the Mattish- Black 500 for sale? Small world isn't it Yeah, too bad we couldn't make a deal. 1L was my max budget

[FuelInjector]

Originally Posted by aadithsince1980

Glad you liked my post I learned riding on my dad's Ind Suzuki in the year 1989 types. He had just bought the Ind Suzuki after selling his Jawa which he had for many many years. He had bought is Jawa during his college days for Rs. 3,600 brand new He's still got the bill!

Wow - Ind Suzuki was another brilliant bike. lot of two strokes during those days. remember the "Kawasaki Bajaj 4S add" . Four stroke was becoming more popular with that ad .

Let me know when you are down south near coimbatore. we can plan a road trip to top slip or valparai or avalanche...

[Mafioso]

Originally Posted by barcalad

There are two types of bikers that I know.

The second type are the ones who, before buying a new bike, research everywhere except for classified CIA files. They want to make the best decision because they're not getting themselves a bike, but a soulmate. For them, covering the bike every night is more important that receiving the phone calls of their ladies. For them, going on a bike ride is more important even if it invites scowls from the parents or the partners. For them, theyll cut down on mobile recharges, cigarettes, eating out and socialising to preserve money so that their bikes are always tanked up. If they forget to lube the chain, it's a huge blunder. A single speck of dust, off it goes. Cleaning the bike for them is not meant for only service center days, but every weekend. Mind you again, they are the ones who religiously wear helmets, jackets and gloves as well. For them, a bike is their way of showing 'status'.

It has never disappointed me or embarassed me. Some wise petrolhead said 'Respect your wheels and they respect you'. It was the perfect soulmate I could think of, as it gave me company and joy when no one else did.

That, my friend, is the crux of being passionate about your motorcycle. And not everyone will understand this.

Guess I chose love as well, mate!

Well said Barcalad. I can actually associate myself to this. It is been a pure pleasure riding bike than driving cars. Had a hiatus for about 3 years after buying a car and was too accustomed to the comforts of AC & loud playing music, but then once the eyes set on Duke - there was no turning back. No matter how comfortable you are in a car, when the cool breeze hits your face or the thrill and adrenaline rush you get revving your bike past cars/bikes is incomparable. The weekends are well spent now a days either on rides or ensuring your bike is dust free and the chains are lubed, serviced

And I do look forward everyday morning going to work just because of my bike

[aadithsince1980]

@Tharan and other guys, here's the next part of my post. Not a very happy one at that


Well, unfortunately this love affair was cut short two years ago when Lana got stolen from me by my own ex Brother-in-law. Yes, you heard it right, my brother-in-law (Now ex) stole my RE 500. You might wonder why I didn’t go to the cops. I did, but unfortunately the bike’s RC book was still in the previous owner’s name and I never saw the necessity to transfer the same into my name in all the years I owned the bike (A mistake that I regret to date!). Sadly, the bike was stolen with all original documents including signed TO forms.

I didn’t bother to follow up with the cops because of the mental trauma I was going through at that point of time due of a troubled marriage. Though I had all the proof and witnesses that my BIL stole my bike, there were more significant things on my mind so I left it at that. Anyway, what happened has happened, no use cribbing about it.

PS: I heard that the bike was sold later. If anyone comes across the bike, do let me know. I am just inquisitive to know where it is, even though you can’t blame the current owner who would have bought it completely legally.

Fast forward a year or so later.

Just out of depression and putting the past behind, I decided to piece back my life together. The bitter truth sunk into me that I would never get Lana back. So here started my quest for a replacement. And the choice of my next ride was obvious. It had to be a good old CI 500!

I did come across a few examples (and very few at that). One of the bikes that I came across even belonged to a Tbhpian (forget his membership handle). The price he was quoting was reasonable compared to the counterparts I had seen.

But, I still feel second-hand bulls are grossly overpriced and unrealistically hyped. Though my heart was ready for the 1+ Lacs quoted, my mind was a definite NO NO considering the real world it would be sacrilege to spend that amount of money for such ancient technology. However much ever a bullet fanatic I might be, I just didn’t get my heart to rule over my mind this time.

So what were the choices I was left with a + or - 1lac rupees in my pocket? (I did not consider a new motorcycle for obvious budget reasons.)

My priority in a motorcycle was always performance and exclusivity:

• RD 350: I already own one- So not part of the list.

• Used KTM 200: Enjoyed using a friend’s bike extensively. Loved the looks, power delivery and handling. Was put off by the fact that they’ve become so common. Every Tom, Dick and Bihari owns one! So, reluctantly backed off.

• The likes of a used Honda CB 400 (Which my cousin owns): He got the entire project completed within a budget I had in mind. The spares are relatively easy to procure and reasonably priced. But alas, he must have been one lucky guy because I searched high and low but it was near impossible to come across a decent example.

• Hero Impulse: I never thought of this one, because you never see one in the first place!!! One fine day a friend of my brother shows up in one. Oh yeah, I remember seeing this one when it was put on show in the Bangalore Hero showrooms. I remember thinking to myself at that point of time; “This is going to be next beauty to join my garage parked besides Lana and Pearl”. It was love at first sight because of its sheer looks!

Wasting no time, I straddled my bro’s bike and was off. All my love for the Impulse was shattered at the twist of the throttle. She wouldn’t go anywhere! A grossly underpowered engine was a complete let down to her gorgeous looks! (To be contd…)

[aadithsince1980]

Originally Posted by tharian

An Enfield Bullet is what hit the chords in most of us bikers.

Hi, I've narrated the whole incident on the Above.
Cheers!
Aadhi

[barcalad]

Originally Posted by aadithsince1980

Loved the looks, power delivery and handling. Was put off by the fact that they’ve become so common. Every Tom, Dick and Bihari owns one!

Got to disagree with you, mate.

I am a Bihari (Indian first) and I don't own a KTM 200 Duke.

If one were to desist buying a fantastic motorcycle just because its 'common', the 2015 Karizma would've sold like hot cakes, I reckon.

[aadithsince1980]

Originally Posted by barcalad

Got to disagree with you, mate.

I am a Bihari (Indian first) and I don't own a KTM 200 Duke.

If one were to desist buying a fantastic motorcycle just because its 'common', the 2015 Karizma would've sold like hot cakes, I reckon.

Hey am sorry If I offended you, the 'Bihari' part was just a pun intended to add an Indian twist to 'Tom, Dick and Harry'. Am not biased towards anyone.

Regarding the KTM bit, It's my personal opinion, that's all. Am always used to standing out in a crowd, be it amongst my friends, colleagues or on the road That's just me, no offence intended.

Hope you understand.

Cheers!
Aadhi

[trumpet]

Hi people,


Thanks aadithsince1980 for this wonderful post. There's a heart stopping moment when we talk of the bulls. I, till date haven't understood what made me blindly go in for 500 than a 350. And i don't regret it. It's one of those moments when your gut instinct tells you otherwise. Read my ownership report here

What i love about the TBTS 500:

1. Towering height
2. Locomotive torque
3. Smooth ride (the second heaviest bike from RE)
4. Cruising at the 5th cog at 45-50kmph with the wind on your face. The 'moment ' is beyond words.


Let me honestly tell you guys, i used to open up the TBTS for quite sometime, but of late i've settled down to be very sedate because of the 4th point above. Once you reach that 'moment' i begin to feel like a frog in a pond - enjoying the beat, enjoying the drive and nothing changes that...

I've done 4000k till date and no issues at all.

If anyone's ready for a short biking trip (Chennai folks), we could all meet up and chalk something out.

Regards
Trumpet

[barcalad]

Originally Posted by aadithsince1980

Hey am sorry If I offended you, the 'Bihari' part was just a pun intended to add an Indian twist to 'Tom, Dick and Harry'. Am not biased towards anyone.

Regarding the KTM bit, It's my personal opinion, that's all. Am always used to standing out in a crowd, be it amongst my friends, colleagues or on the road That's just me, no offence intended.

Hope you understand.

Cheers!
Aadhi

No offence taken at all. I just needed to confirm that you meant it in jest. You know how it is.

Seconded. Personal choices need to be out of bounds for external opinions. I am actually glad that you are among the rare breed who stick to their opinion, come what may.

Cheers! Ride safe.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by barcalad

I am a Bihari (Indian first) and I don't own a KTM 200 Duke.

As a counter-view, I am a Bihari too and I did own a KTM Duke 200.

But yes, absolutely, even if every second bike on the road was a KTM Duke 200, it still would not dilute an iota of the brilliance of that machine. Its just so good.

[barcalad]

Originally Posted by ebonho

As a counter-view, I am a Bihari too and I did own a KTM Duke 200.

But yes, absolutely, even if every second bike on the road was a KTM Duke 200, it still would not dilute an iota of the brilliance of that machine. Its just so good.

Doc, I hope a certain bespectacled politician isn't reading this.

Jokes apart, I second you on the D200 part. It became a trendsetter the day it was launched and still is.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by barcalad

Doc, I hope a certain bespectacled politician isn't reading this.

Jokes apart, I second you on the D200 part. It became a trendsetter the day it was launched and still is.

You will be surprised how many college classmates (my cousin included) and personal friends of Bihari origin the bespectacled politician has in real life.

And I have lived in Maharashtra for more than half my life. I am also a Maharashtrian by domicile and birth (I was born in Bombay). That does not make me Maharashtrian or any less Bihari, as I like reminding many over-aggressive son of the soil types here.

Anyways, on the Duke 200, it just oozes fun and edginess. I don't think even today its become plain jane Pulsar common. I still look at one when it passes. I never do that for any other regular Indian bike except old Bullets.