[Skyline_GT]

That was a visual treat to read with Akira in the backdrop of all that greenery!
I’m in the midst of saving up for my next big bike which is going to be a Ninja 300 and reading your opinion on how comfortable and fun to ride is very reassuring! Can’t wait to get my hands on my Ninja!

Ride Safe God Speed.

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by dmaheshkumar

Hi,
Valparai to Pollachi is one of the best ghat sections in Tamilnadu.
Roads were great with less traffic which is the main point what a rider look for.

Yes. The roads are very good and wide. And Valparai is such an amazing place to spend a weekend.

Originally Posted by dmaheshkumar

Reading all this is really tempting to do long rides in motorcycle.

All the very best and please be very careful on the ghat roads.

Originally Posted by Skyline_GT

That was a visual treat to read with Akira in the backdrop of all that greenery!
I’m in the midst of saving up for my next big bike which is going to be a Ninja 300 and reading your opinion on how comfortable and fun to ride is very reassuring! Can’t wait to get my hands on my Ninja!

Ninja 300 is very comfortable for a sports bike. Maybe it is priced at a bit premium and it doesn't have the bells and whistles. But out on the road, all that matters is the heart of the matter which is that butter-smooth parallel twin engine. That feeling you get while riding a Ninja is priceless. If sports touring is your requirement then look no further. All the very best for your future purchase.

[WalterWhite]

First Service Update:

Dropped Akira for the first service with ODO reading 945KM at Kawasaki Cochin on 12-Aug at 9:30 AM. I called the Kawasaki Cochin one day before and booked the service slot. The service center and showroom are within the same building. At the front is the showroom. The service center is at the back. I was told to wait a few hours so that I didn't need to go home(which is 25 km away) and come back. Residing in Cochin is a blessing that we have almost all premium dealerships here within a few kilometers radius. From Hero to Ducati. From Maruti to Porsche. We have almost all brands here. Just for perspective, there are only 2 Kawasaki dealerships in Kerala. One is in Cochin and the other one is in Kozhikode. So guys from faraway districts have to look for closer dealerships. In some cases, the nearest dealership can be in the neighboring state also. It is the same case with most of the states too.

When visited Kawasaki Cochin. Ugly cable work ruins the look of most of the beautiful constructions all over. We have world-class brands here. But world-class infrastructure? Not yet.

Let me move to the service experience. The service guy asked me about any complaints. I told him about the slight vibes(I don't even call it vibration, it's just a small buzz) on 4 to 4.5K RPM. He said, it is normal and they won't do anything apart from fluid changes and regular checkups in the 1st service. I didn't insist on checking the issue(knowing nothing they would do. The intention was already clear. Also this is not a big issue. The TR bike also had the same kind of buzziness. Any Ninja 300 owner here pls let me know otherwise). Opted out from washing the bike as they will have to move the bike to a third party for water service. I was waiting in the lobby inside the showroom. There was a Z900 which was kept ready for delivery. Some time I spent looking and walking around the bulky beast. Whenever I look at an inline four I always imagine the eargasmic sound it makes. The service was completed around 1 PM. The service cost has come to 7K INR. Detailed invoice below.

I knew it would come in the range of 7K to 8K. Just giving a reference for future buyers.

Post-service I took her to almost near Thrichur. Just to unlock the sleeping beast. Got a lot of chances to open the throttle wide open. But I waited patiently to hit the 1K Km mark. And achieved it.

1st milestone with Akira

Once I crossed the 1K mark. I started to explore more towards the north of the tacho. All of the top RPMs are absolutely fantastic and stress-free. 9K, 11K, 13K you take any rev range, the Ninja 300 is absolutely fantastic, exciting and the same time most importantly refined and stress-free. The twin cylinders doing their job flawlessly. The exhaust sound changes after 8K RPM. Same time the beast sleeping inside will also wake up and show its true color. All the character of the bike suddenly changes. It has transformed into a different animal. It gave me the adrenaline rush and a wide smile on my face. In the 3rd gear, it will destroy all the 350s out there. In 4th she will kill most of the so-called 250s and 300s out there. And In 5th gear, she will say goodbye to most of the fast cars. And you are left with one more gear. But that is strictly for cruising because 5th can take you to serious speeds even before you know it. In 3rd gear, you can potter around in the city. Twist the throttle and let her pass the 8K RPM and the same gear will take you to 126Kmph comfortably. And keep her all day there. She doesn't complain. What a machine!

Some small things that I observed post-service:
1. After the oil change the engine runs more smoother now
2. Earlier small vibration felt at 4 - 4.5K RPM is now only around 4K RPM. I wouldn't call it vibration. It's just a small buzz.

Apart from these, I haven't felt any difference. All perfect.

Random pic. Akira in the greenery. A little spiced up.

As for detailing and paint protection, I did PFF on the tank and ceramic coating on the rest of the body from Ceramic PRO Cochin. I will come up with a detailed post.

[Skyline_GT]

Very informative post! That part where you mentioned how it would put behind most quarter litre and 300 cc competition in the dust in each gear was sweet!

Just curious as to how would you rate the stock MRFs that come with the bike? I’ve heard from multiple YouTube reviews that they are terrible and do not instill much confidence in the rider not just in the wet but even in dry conditions.

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by Skyline_GT

Very informative post! That part where you mentioned how it would put behind most quarter litre and 300 cc competition in the dust in each gear was sweet!

Thanks Skyline_GT for your kind words.

Originally Posted by Skyline_GT

Just curious as to how would you rate the stock MRFs that come with the bike? I’ve heard from multiple YouTube reviews that they are terrible and do not instill much confidence in the rider not just in the wet but even in dry conditions.

Since I changed to Applolo on day 1 itself I cannot really comment on the MRF. Only rode a few Kilometers on MRF. Yes, you are correct, there are a lot of videos on YouTube that show the bike handlebar wobbling at a speed of 60Kmph on MRF. The problem was resolved after changing the tyre.

[dmaheshkumar]

Hi,
Labour seems to be on higher side as usual. For Chain Lubing, its marked as 293 apart from the General Labour.

[WalterWhite]

Akira | Detailing Update

This was already on the bucket list. I just wanted to get the 1st service done first. I surfed the internet for the Detailing shops and found few. Called the top-rated ones and enquired about the process and the cost. The quoted cost was almost the same across the shops I called. So decided to go with the top-rated one which is Ceramic Pro Cochin. Even the Kawasaki Cochin sales executive recommended the same. I visited their shop one fine evening. The shop is at Kalamassery. Talked with Vipin who I believe is the owner of the shop, detailed to me the cost, process, and materials used. Since the PPF is very expensive, I decided to get it done on Tank alone. Before, I was thinking of doing PPF on the rear panels below the pillion seat. Because when I tie the luggage the bungee cords rub the panels and could leave some marks in the long run. Since this will cost 1K for each panel on both sides I dropped the plan. It would be cost-effective to replace the panels as such instead of doing PPF. Should be comparatively cheap that way.

The cost split up:
Kavaca ION PPF on Tank: 9000/-
Ceramic coating on entire parts: 13800/-

PPF comes with a 3-year warranty. Ceramic coating has a free extra coating after a year. They also gave me a 1Ltr shampoo bottle and 3 microfiber cloths for pampering the bike.

It took 4 days to complete the full process which is acceptable. Rushing through the process is not good in the detailing industry. Akira looks even more stunning post the detailing treatment.

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by dmaheshkumar

Hi,
Labour seems to be on higher side as usual. For Chain Lubing, its marked as 293 apart from the General Labour.

Yes. The labour cost is on the higher side. I could have opted out and done it myself. But I didn't have a paddock stand or a Groller at that time. And a trip was planned soon after.

[WalterWhite]

Hey, BHPians! Back again with another travel story!

Meghamalai - the less-explored(exploited) hidden gem!!


The ride actually happened on September 17, 2023! Why the delay in writing this up? Well, it's the same story as before: hectic work schedule, keeping up with a toddler at home, and (let's be honest) a touch of laziness on my part that put this on the back burner for a while.

I discovered Meghamalai through Manoram Online's (Malayalam Online News Portal) Travel India blog, a treasure trove of hidden gems across India. I'm a dedicated reader, constantly exploring new destinations I never knew existed! So this place was on my travel list for quite a long time. Meghamalai's pictures captivated me, igniting a travel fire in my soul!

A quick look at the Hotel Bookings app revealed no hotels available for online booking. Disappointed, I turned to YouTube travelogue videos. These videos confirmed the limited facilities in the area, including the lack of mobile network coverage except for BSNL.

One option mentioned was a Government Guest House, requiring a phone call for booking. I contacted Mr. Muniyandi at the number provided in the video. Unfortunately, he informed me that the Guest House rooms were unavailable. However, he kindly offered to book a room at a nearby stay for me. The room would cost 1000 rupees. He requested a deposit of ₹500 via GPay, which I agreed to and paid. He then instructed me to call him again upon reaching the Meghamalai check post, as mobile network connectivity would be unavailable beyond that point.

The allure of hill stations is undeniable. Imagining myself navigating winding roads carved through lush, emerald valleys, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs, and finally settling down with a steaming cup of tea to savor the breathtaking view - it's a sensory experience I crave. So I was waiting for that day to arrive.

Route :
Kochi ->Neriyamangalam->Nedumkamdam->Cumbum->Chinnamannur->Meghamalai


Munnar is practically second nature to me. Innumerable trips have etched the route to Neriyamangalam into my memory. But this time, adventure called for a detour beyond the familiar. With a dose of courage and a dash of uncertainty about road conditions, I embarked on this exciting new leg of my journey.

Secured the luggage on the pillion seat. The rain cover is from Decathlon. Started at 8.30 AM.


Reached Thripunithura around 9.00 AM. Idli Vada combo from Hotel New Aryas(Near Hillpalace, Thripunithura) set the perfect tone for the day.


In another hour, I reached Muvattupuzha. Thanks to AKira for inspiring confidence in me. I feel connected to the bike. Encouraging me to go faster. Akira was planted in the wide, sweeping corners of the Thiruvangulam - Muvattupuzha road. At Neriyamangalam, before the famous bridge, the road forks. Take the straight route for Munnar via Adimali. For Idukki, take the upper right road, which is my route. This route takes me to the Cumbummettu foothills via Nedumkandam.


Smooth tarmac with curves. A rider's dream. I am happy to report that the high-range roads in Kerala are getting better.


Since I'm taking the Idukki route, I won't be crossing the Periyar River (which flows to the left) like you would on the Adimali-Munnar road at Neriyamangalam. At some point, the river wants to play hide and seek.
River comes close as I march ahead.


Small streams gurgle under the road, eventually joining the mighty Periyar River on the left.



Lower Periyar Dam


A closer look at the Dam. Built on the Periyar River as part of the Lower Periyar Hydroelectric Project


I am always tempted by the smooth, winding tarmac surrounded by lush greenery. Well, who doesn't want to enjoy the ride on these scenic roads?


Navigating through this stretch of road was a breeze.


Kallarkutty Bridge


Stopping in a village for a short tea break.


Somewhere on the Kallarkutty-Nedumkandam road. It's very scenic, isn't it? Reached Nedumkandam around 12.30 PM.


Cumbummettu view point. This is the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border.

[WalterWhite]

Enter Tamil Nadu! The landscape changes suddenly!

Wide open roads with very low traffic, and look at the surroundings! Absolute treat!



The journey itself starts to pay off even before reaching the destination, with paddy green fields stretching out against the backdrop of the Western Ghats. Finally, Akira gets some open stretches of roads after blasting through the twisties of Kerala Ghats. It was a cakewalk for her. Cruising at 120/130/140kmph? Well, no problem at all. She can do this all day without breaking a sweat.


I can't get enough of greenery! Nature provides me with an abundance, and I always take the opportunity to immerse myself in it.


At Cumbum, take the left from here towards Theni to get to Chinnamannur.


Arriving in Chinnamannur, a small town, at 1:40 PM, I was immediately struck by the heat. This was a noticeable change from the cool, chilly Ghats of Kerala I had just departed.


I had a wonderful Tamil Nadu-style chicken biriyani from Karuna Hotel, Chinnamannur.


Taking the deviation towards Meghamalai from Chinnamannur, I was met with the sight of an open road, its sides embraced by trees.




Welcome to the Windmills!

As I cruised down the Chinnamannur-Meghamalai road, a breathtaking landscape slowly unfolded before my eyes. Imagine a smooth, open road lined with massive, majestic wind turbines, all set against the cool backdrop of the Meghamalai Hills. Absolute bliss for any traveler!





A few kilometers ahead, you leave the windmills behind and glance in the rearview mirror to be greeted by a vast expanse of banana fields.


There's a checkpost at the foothills of Meghamalai. The police informed me they wouldn't allow travel back from Meghamalai after a specific time, somewhere between 4 PM and 5 PM (I couldn't recall the exact time). So, if you're not planning to stay overnight, it's best to check out before that timeframe.

I contacted Muniyandi, who advised me to meet him at the restaurant near Highwavys Dam. As always, I had downloaded offline maps for the entire area beforehand. This allowed me to easily mark the dam as my destination and navigate there.

However, communication with Muniyandi felt a bit awkward. Neither of us spoke the other's language fluently; I don't know Tamil very well, and he doesn't know Malayalam. Despite this, I managed to communicate with him using my limited Tamil vocabulary.


View from the Meghamalai Ghats


The wide Ghat roads, with their neatly paved tiles at hairpin bends, stretched out before me. The near-empty road allowed me to enjoy the smooth uphill climb. Spotting signs for elephant crossing zones at a couple of places added a touch of adventure to the journey.

[WalterWhite]

Welcome to Meghamalai.


In another 30 mins, I reached the top. The first sight of the tea garden! Mist swirled around the emerald expanse, and a gentle drizzle kissed the air. It was a truly magical feeling


The deeper I ventured, the thicker the mist became. Even though it restricted the view ahead, it was a wonderful experience to be immersed in nature. Near Highwavys Dam, the mist completely shrouded the dam, obscuring everything from view. Just a few meters ahead, I spotted the restaurant where Muniyandi was. After greeting him and taking in the majestic atmosphere, I decided to explore a little further before settling in. I informed Muniyandi that I'd be back in a few minutes and ventured deeper into the mist, traveling a few kilometers further. This decision was well rewarded. The breathtaking beauty of Meghamalai unfolded before my eyes, a true gem of a place.






I was lucky to get into this heaven in the right season.




Took a tumble while making a U-turn on a downhill slope. Didn't get a good grip with my right foot, so I had to lay her down. The good news is that the Puig frame sliders did their job! They took most of the impact, with just some minor scratches on the exhaust muffler, pillion footrest, and rear brake lever.


Went back and met Muniyandi at the restaurant. He insisted on coming as a pillion rider to show me the way to the stay.

However, since the luggage was mounted on the pillion seat, and the bike had a ground clearance issue, I didn't want to take anyone as a passenger. I politely but firmly told him it wasn't possible and that he had to come in another vehicle. We argued briefly, but in the end, he agreed with my decision.

I went inside the hotel and had some tea. When I came back outside, Muniyandi told me he would show me the way in a Jeep so I could follow. He then got into an old Thar with some other passengers.

I followed the Thar for a few kilometers until it stopped. Muniyandi got down and showed me a gate leading to the stay he had arranged for me. He instructed me to go in, give my name, and pay the remaining 500 rupees. Trusting him, I went inside.

Unfortunately, the guy at the stay informed me that Muniyandi hadn't made any arrangements with him. Despite this, he accepted the 500 rupees and gave me a room. It turned out I had been scammed.

The guy at the stay was also a bit rude, muttering things under his breath. After putting my luggage away in the room, I went back outside. There was another guy present. They were both having a conversation, and it became clear that Muniyandi had cheated me and fled with my money. They seemed affected by this incident as well, mentioning they weren't getting enough customers lately.

Hearing their situation, I decided to give them another 500 rupees. While one person had cheated me, I didn't feel it was fair for the others to suffer as well.

While the stay itself was below average at best, the surrounding area was excellent! Surrounded by tea gardens and a small stream flowing nearby, the scene was complete with beautiful, colorful plants and a distant view of the mountains.


Went for a late-evening ride around 6:15 PM to enjoy the evening view. Little did I know, things would change dramatically. The roads became darker, with no sight of people. It turned into a scary experience when I spotted a Bison walking on the road in my bike's headlight. He seemed unconcerned, but I was terrified since the road was empty and devoid of any other vehicles. I cautiously decided to proceed slowly. When I reached near the bison, he just turned his head and looked at me. It felt like he was giving me a look and saying, "Hey buddy, what are you doing out here? This is my time to roam freely at night." With a surge of adrenaline, I continued my journey, seeking solace in a hot cup of tea at the restaurant near the highway dam. The pictures below appear brighter because my mobile camera was in Night mode, which increases the brightness to show more details. In the 1st pic(clock wise) you can also spot a wild boar.


Woke up at 7:00 am to a delightful sight - monkeys frolicking around! Enjoyed a hot cup of tea while observing their playful antics.


Maharaja Mettu

On a whim, I decided to explore Maharaja Mettu, just 20 kilometers from my stay. The captivating images on Google Maps had me hooked! It was 10:00 AM, and Meghamalai seemed to be peacefully waking up, wit roads still covered in Mist. Wonderful isnt it?


The road became like this just under 7 kilometers from my destination. I decided to continue riding as long as Akira could handle the road conditions comfortably.


After another half kilometer or so, the road conditions changed dramatically. The previously rough surface gave way to slush, uneven terrain, and I had to be very cautious to avoid scraping Akira's bottom. Despite the challenge, I decided to press on as it seemed manageable.


Still Manageable


Damn it! No way I'm getting out of this. Time to call it quits on this adventure. The road ahead looked like a nightmare for Akira. All this effort, wasted. Sadly, a U-turn was the only option from here.


Close up look at the mess ahead.


Even though the road conditions were rough, the view from here was absolutely stunning. The Iravangalar Dam reservoir, surrounded by lush tea gardens, created a breathtaking panorama.


Finally back to where Akira truly belongs! What a relief.


Left: Final Photo Session before bidding adieu to Meghamalai. Right: Somewhere on the downhill journey.


BHPians, please be cautious if you're planning to travel on the Meghamalai Ghat Road. Landslides are a frequent occurrence, especially during the rainy season.

[WalterWhite]

The route I choose to return home:

Meghamalai->Chinnamannur->Cumbum->Kumily-Kochi

The different root way back home allow me to experience Kumily as well. This hill station sits on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and is famous for Thekkady and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Back to the wide, open roads of Tamil Nadu. This is Cumbum - Kumily road.


Penstock pipes in the Cumbus-Kumily Ghat road.


The rain started once I reached Kumily. And the rain intensified as I went ahead.


Beautiful Teagardens of Kumily


Look close and you will find the workers busy in harvesting the tea leaves


Valanjaganam Water Falls - Mostly similar to the Cheeyappara Water falls in the Neriyamangalam - Adimaly road.


Akira taking a short break guarded by Monkeys while I was sipping a hot tea nerar the waterfalls



Relentless rain pounded down for most of the return journey. As night fell, visibility became a critical concern. My SMK helmet visor, equipped with a Pinlock film, unfortunately created a glare from oncoming headlights, significantly hindering my vision. At times, I was forced to open the visor entirely to navigate safely. The return journey, especially after the rain intensified and darkness descended, proved to be a tiring one. Once I reached home, staright ahead went for the bed after taking a shower. The return ride felt very tiring..

Upcoming Posts:

• Bhoothathankettu - Mamalakkandam ride
• Twinning with Triumph Speed 400 on a Wagamon ride
• The unskippable ride to Munnar in Winter
• Nelliampathi Ride
• Ayyappan Kovil Hanging Bridge: Ride to Idukki
• Ride to Munnar Gap road with a rented Himalayan 450

A lot has happened since the Meghamalai ride. I need to prioritize writing these up soon. This is it for now, folks. See you in the next one.

[FURY_44]

Originally Posted by WalterWhite

A quick look at the Hotel Bookings app revealed no hotels available for online booking. Disappointed, I turned to YouTube travelogue videos. These videos confirmed the limited facilities in the area, including the lack of mobile network coverage except for BSNL.

One option mentioned was a Government Guest House, requiring a phone call for booking. I contacted Mr. Muniyandi at the number provided in the video. Unfortunately, he informed me that the Guest House rooms were unavailable. However, he kindly offered to book a room at a nearby stay for me. The room would cost 1000 rupees. He requested a deposit of ₹500 via GPay, which I agreed to and paid. He then instructed me to call him again upon reaching the Meghamalai check post, as mobile network connectivity would be unavailable beyond that point.

Next time you are in Meghamalai, look no beyond Raja Andhuvan Coffee Estates https://maps.app.goo.gl/YEQFK85JxKA3CuS78, there are no luxury homestays except for Briar Bungalows, but if you are looking for a cheaper option with a stunning view and delicious homecooked food, Raja Andhuvan is the go-to place.

[Prashant_BHP]

Beautiful pics and thanks for sharing your journey! Did not imagine the pristine environment beyond Munnar! Also happy to see you keeping your Akira as good as new with all the travel. Wishing you many more miles and looking forward to seeing upcoming travelogues from you!

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by FURY_44

Next time you are in Meghamalai, look no beyond Raja Andhuvan Coffee Estates https://maps.app.goo.gl/YEQFK85JxKA3CuS78, there are no luxury homestays except for Briar Bungalows, but if you are looking for a cheaper option with a stunning view and delicious homecooked food, Raja Andhuvan is the go-to place.

Thanks for the information FURY_44. For sure, I'll give this a shot when I stay over!

Originally Posted by Prashant_BHP

Beautiful pics and thanks for sharing your journey! Did not imagine the pristine environment beyond Munnar! Also happy to see you keeping your Akira as good as new with all the travel. Wishing you many more miles and looking forward to seeing upcoming travelogues from you!

Thank for your kind words Prashant_BHP