Roaring through the street, Bob!

Ever seen a typical American movie set in the countryside, or on the vast tracts of desert and shrubbery dotting the US South-West?

One of the greatest bikes of all time, cruiser personified, a machine for men, its roar is enough to know it has arrived or it’s approaching – Har! Har! Harley! Harley! Harley! Harley! Harley Davidson!

Seen a scene involving a two-wheeled monster dominate its way forward on a lonely road, across an open expanse, often with a bearded, black-jacketed giant astride? How can anyone watch such a sequence and not identify the monster.

Harley Davidson, or call it just Harley, the name evokes awe and respect. It has been ‘The Bike’ for many. People across the globe have fancied buying one and those lucky enough to own one of these big guns have treasured it forever.

The Harley story

It is worth giving an introduction of the famous brand. Based out of the state of Wisconsin, USA, Harley Davidson is a heavyweight in the cruiser motorcycle category since 1901.

Known for its choppers and bobbers, apart from the most popular cruisers, since its inception more than 110 years now, HD has received a cult status all over the world and is appreciated for its deep throaty vocals (exhaust sound), which can never be aped by any other manufacturer. One can recognise an HD from over a few hundred metres.

After finding its way into many global markets, Harley Davidson finally forayed into Indian shores around 2009, with hand-picked showrooms selling CBU’s (Completely built units) for a few customers and enthusiasts who adored the cult classic motorcycles.

Among the many babies from the Harley stable sold in India, Tusker Harley dealership on Lavelle Road, Bangalore, has now added two custom variants from the ‘Dyna’ family, ‘Street Bob’ and ‘Street Glide’, to its CKD (Completely Knocked-Dow) unit line-up.

As part of the CKD operations, a motorcycle is shipped completely dismantled from Wisconsin to the Haryana-based Harley Davidson plant in India, where it is assembled. This system helps reduce tax, in turn reducing the cost of these motorcycles by about 20-25 per cent.

I got a chance to test and tame one the mean machines, when Tusker offered me a ride on the Street Bob.

The Street Bob is powered by a ‘formidable’ 1585 cubic centimetre, twin cam, V-twin air-cooled engine roaring under the seat and is literally a force to reckon with.

The Street Bob is customisable, meaning each machine can be fitted with parts and accessories, making it unique in appearance, engine sound and having a different and an individual feel to it.

One can change its ergonomics and power components like the ‘screaming eagle’ exhaust pipes and air intakes to suit his thirst for power and torque, and of course, to go well with the thundering roar he wants to hear from the engine.

‘Evil’ as it gets, the Street Bob also features several specific changes made available in India, to the factory stock build, priced at Rs 12,07,000 (on-road Bangalore).

The changes include customised hand grips, handle bars, foot pegs, fuel tanks, number plates, the list goes on, and according to Tusker Harley, each bike’s price may go up based on the customisation ordered by the client. The customisation involving the paint job and engine upgradations needs to be sourced from abroad.   

Its a ‘Motorcycle’, not a bike

Motorcycling is an adventure and emotion that radiates me to don the jacket and feel the power of the motor under the seat. Bob brings a smile each time you realise being on it and there is always something new you can expect, as each Harley ride is an experience.
The legendary cult motorcycle is the father of all cruisers and all you need is a never-ending road and you can effortlessly cruise all the way up to ‘Mars’. 

The Bob that I rode had a specially customised paint job, of the sorts from the 2007 Nicholas Cage flick ‘Ghost Rider’, with skulls on the fuel tank and an aluminium skull for the fuel hatch. Oh yes! It also had an LED light fuel indicator shaped like a skull. Now that’s evil!

  The customised handle bars, though stylish, were not very comfortable for a person with an average Indian height, especially while dodging traffic and so were the foot pegs, which were far too wide for a 5-foot-9er like me.

No complaints though, as you don’t buy a Harley Davidson and ride it like a maniac around city traffic, make your way through footpaths or the motocross terrain to reach office in half hour. It is more for that Sunday ride on the highway, when you have reached Mysore even before you realised it!

Fasten your seat belt

The Street Bob derives its name from the ‘Bobbers era’ of the 1940s and 50s, where they used to ‘Bob the mud guards’ or make them smaller and when extra parts like mirrors, extra long handle bars and long mud guards were removed to make the motorcycle lighter. This Bob definitively had all the qualities of a Bobber, but weighed in more than 300 kilos of massive aura.

Around 125 Newton meter of torque (you add a 20 more for this Screaming Eagle customised version) throws your rear off the saddle, with every twist of the throttle. Seat height from the ground is just right for a comfortable ride.

The customised fuel tank, handle bars and Screaming Eagles on the machine always remind you of the raw power of the V-twin.

These are not for the faint-hearted or the ones who wheelie around town on modified ‘bikes’. They are made for the ardent motorcycle fanatics, who understand the meaning of ‘Torque’ and its application.

Emotions turn awry while you are on the Bob. It’s a mysterious feeling. You get scared from the roaring air intakes while revving up and at the same time, you feel the adrenaline rush through your brain and pop out when you accelerate.

The torque builds a hungry excitement in your stomach. The heat produced by the air cooled 1585 cc engine keeps you hot even at -10 degrees! It is a fantastic experience that can only emanate from a Harley Davidson.

I liked the ‘Screaming Eagle’ air intakes which deceive you for a supercharged Mustang or a Camaro. It sounds lovely! The heart-stopping ride on the beast had an everlasting impression.  The song ‘Born to be wild’ by Steppenwolf lingered in my head even a few days later following the ride. My Bullet 500 did a bit to suffice the need for torque to match the Bob, but the power and feel just could not be matched.

CKD assembly

HD started CKD assembly operations from January last year and has been assembling three motorcycles namely the ‘Superflow’, ‘Iron 883’ and ‘Forty-Eight’ from Haryana. With the Street Bob and its chromed and flashy brother, Super Glide’s addition to its CKD line-up, Harley now assembles five motorcycles out of its 15 variants sold in India.

HD is the global leader in touring motorcycles. There is an old saying by Harley owners who believe that “Rock and Roll and Harley Davidson will never die”.

Harley Davidson sells motorcycles in more than 70 countries and also has an esteemed group of cult followers called HOG (Harley owners Group) in all these countries. Besides, it offers a wide range of HD motorcycles parts, merchandise, accessories, riding gear and apparel which have become cult in their own right and stand up for the bikes themselves.

Here is the published link - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/279587/roaring-through-street-bob.html

 

Fanning a 'fresh breeze' in the 110-cc class

More than a decade has passed since a time, when Indians were made to pick a bike and they often chose from a list of ‘reliable’ 100 cc utility commuters, swearing by their easy ride, mileage and low maintenance factor.

As the years rolled by, the Indian motorbike segment introduced everyday riders and biking enthusiasts alike to a range of babies, including cruisers and superbikes. This shift not only reflected the evolution of the biking culture in the country, but also highlighted the sudden bursts in the rise of standard of living and aspirations of the people.

But in the second decade of the 21st century, there appears to be beginning a popular resurgence of the trend from the decade gone by. Companies have begun reintroducing Indians to the quintessential 100 cc commuter bikes promising economy, fuel efficiency and value-for-money (VFM), with several new vehicles being rolled out in quick succession.

Going by the trend, Japanese biking behemoth Suzuki recently rolled out the 112.8 cc Hayate for the Indian market, offering new competition to a category which is already brimming with many other players. The company offered a lot of promise with this product, especially in terms of savings.

When we beheld the Hayate at the Aryan Suzuki showroom in Domlur, Bangalore, it was a pleasant sight. A smart-looking mid-sized green machine, the Hayate looked promising at the very start itself.

First look

The body speaks of a high build quality, with all things required for a good bike firmly in place. The metallic lush green shade with sprays of black here and there was a welcome sight, and the sharp body graphics, added more glitz to the bike’s overall stance.

The curvy 8-litre fuel tank, with the company insignia imprinted on it, apart from the angular seat, made a good first impression. The instrument panel was neat and uncluttered, with a large white speedometer, fuel gauge and all the required indicators in place. It looked to the point, yet serious.  

On the front, the Hayate looks and feels a lot more than what a mid-sized commuter has to offer. The edgy headlamp and a small dome with brand ‘Suzuki’ inscribed on it look and feel high-end. The tail section with the wedged tail lamp, it appears, is a mini replica of that on some of Suzuki’s big boys one is so familiar with.

We decided to take the Hayate out for a spin, a long one, with the objective of actually checking out if it actually delivered on its promises. Could it actually give the mileage of 65 kmpl it promised? Could it promise a smooth ride? Could it give VFM, so ‘essential’ in this category of bikes?

Taking seat on the Hayate, we again became aware of its superior quality. The ergonomics are perfectly suited, and the seat position goes well with short people too.

It was time to take off. The responsive electric start was hassle-free and before we knew it, first-gear, and we were on the road. The bike has enough power to comfortably carry two people around.

The best way to express it is by saying that the Hayate knows how to keep up with busy traffic at moderate speeds. As we moved ahead, the refinement of the engine grabbed our attention, which eventually became a constant. Indeed! The Hayate engine is refined and feels like butter. The sound of its engine, as one shifts gears and rides between speeds, creates a rhythmic tune and feels like notes from a musical instrument.

A superior 112.8 cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine has enough kick, offering a smooth ride and allowing reasonable power. As we approached a steep incline on the road, we noticed that the bike effortlessly begins the climb.

The most impressive observation we made was that the bike gives little drag, even as it accelerates.

As we moved on changing gears, we noticed the responsiveness of the gear-shift. There is no jerk or jolt whatsoever and the ride is maintained as smooth as ever, with the manual 4-speed gearbox, along with a wet multi-plate type clutch, doing their job with finesse.

We hit peak traffic requiring riding at slower and steady speeds. It is here that the Hayate displays a tiny hiccough. While it can punt ahead in busy traffic, at parking speeds, the bike seems a little unstable. To make matters worse, the bad roads and many speed breakers we found in front of us, were more than a match for the bike.

As we hit pockets of heavy traffic along the way, the slowing bike acted cranky, needing careful manoeuvring and negotiating between other vehicles, many of whom were faster than the one we were on.

It must be stated here that the Hayate is essentially not a fast bike, owing to its commuter segment positioning. It takes one to shift all four gears for the bike to touch a negligible 60 kmph, and that’s quite a lot of time spent if one needs to suddenly accelerate and ride fast on finding an open road. And once it does reach speeds in the excess of 60 kmph, the Hayate gets a little shaky.

Being a bike in the 110 cc category, it sports no disc brakes. But the shakiness and crankiness is handled well by the existing mechanical, leading-trailing drum type brake, assisted by the reasonably broad tyres, and the 5-step adjustable rear shock suspension, which do a pretty good job of keeping both bike and rider in control.

We rode further, continuously assessing the bike’s minutest details, its ride and handling. The most important feature of the Hayate is that despite its shortcomings, it is a no nonsense, fun bike to ride and one could never go wrong with it. The engine, with its not-so-good points, still keeps running effortlessly and comfortably carries commuters to their destination. 

When we ended our long ride, we were convinced that like all things ever made, the Hayate is no perfect bike. It has its unavoidable negatives and imperfections, but there are also those many match-winning positives and best-in-class nuances that make it stand out.

The Hayate’s looks, riding comfort and the ride itself are good examples of its reliability. The best part is that for a good 112 cc two-wheeler, the Hayate does deliver a mileage of 60-65 kmpl, which is a great deal of savings considering today’s petrol prices.

Available in five colours, it is amazingly priced at Rs 46,455 for kick start and Rs 48,706 for electric start (both on-road Bangalore – subject to change), which is its best feature ever.

The term ‘Hayate’ translates as ‘fresh breeze’ in Japanese and by making this bike, Suzuki has not only brought some breeze into the 110 cc category, but has also brought in some fresh air to the two-wheeler segment itself.

Here is the published link - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/279586/fanning-fresh-breeze-110-cc.html

All-terrain, all day long

End of week and end of December! Brief respite from office and work! It was a sunny Sunday and we were on the lookout for a bit of fun and adrenaline-pumping adventure.

After considerable brain storming and assessment of the different options at hand, it was decided that we try some skills at off-roading, an adventure motorsport involving speed, energy, action and a lot of terrain.

We got the ultimate opportunity, when Polaris, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of powersports and ATVs (All-terrain Vehicles) came calling and a test ride was organised to make one understand the quintessential intensity and thrill that off-roading entails.

The off-road test ride was held at Kothanur village, a short distance out of Bangalore, where the company’s Bangalore-based dealership, AKB Motors, had meticulously constructed a dirt track with all relevant features such as gravel pit, slush, obstacles and so on.

Off-roading

The name says it all! A pastime, which is popular in the West, refers to riding in those parts where there are no roads and you may choose your purpose to tread such often ‘dreaded’ tracts. Some like exploring the countryside or climbing atop rocks and mountains, while others opt for just ‘getting lost in the woods’.

We were yet to figure out our purpose. On arriving at the venue and signing paperwork, we were made to wear certain body protection equipment, including helmet, as this sport has its share of risks and accidents.

After turning into knights in shining armour, we mounted a couple of ATVs. A powerful beast is the 850 Sportsman XP, which is powered by an 850cc 4-Stroke SOHC Twin Cylinder. It uses an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) and works on automatic transmission.

The ATV began to roll the moment the throttle was applied. These ATVs are monster trucks with a handle! Initially, it feels a little awkward, as one negotiates a hairpin curve or a hump, on a four-wheeler, which is controlled using a handle that feels like a bike. But once getting used to it, it only promises hair-raising action.

The ATV is indeed powerful. One can realise this fact, while riding on obstacles at considerable speeds. Even on entering the slush pit, the wheels tend to develop enough traction and the entire machine, with the rider, easily emerges out of it. Another feature is that these off-road vehicles are extremely comfortable, owing to the powerful shock absorbers present on all four wheels.

The ATV comes with 4WD (Wheel Drive) and a 2WD options. If it is your first time, please keep the switch on 2WD, as you don’t want to be thrown out of those wheels.

Another smaller monster we caressed that day was the 550 Sportsman, which is the best-seller in its class globally. Fewer whips in the throttle compared to the 850cc, but sure packs a punch with every twist of the finger (These ATVs have a choke lever on the right thumb which acts as the throttle).

ATVs are made for people with a bit of humour left in them, who trail the path of no-men. A word of caution is that these ATVs and Rangers (with a steering) are not road permissible. So these machines cannot be registered and are best played around with on rough terrain, preferably outside city limits.

Certain of their practical purposes may include moving along country roads to one’s farm or driving to a mine, wherein one can sit up on one of these and start trailing on those endless tracks, with a mountainous torque beneath a comfortable actual seat, with lot of leg room. It feels like sitting on a throne.

The day was complete. Wanting to know more about these vehicles, we managed to learn that they are meant to tear up dirty tracks in an open land or mountains and forests with style and power, with the company claiming that the 850 can pull up a tonne of weight.

Presently, Polaris has dived into the Indian shores with its range of off-road heavy duty ATVs and Rangers. It has launched the Polaris ATVs, Polaris Ranger RZR Side-by-Side vehicles and Snowmobiles in the market.

What an end to the year gone by! Mammoth 850s and 550s at our realm, torquing on slush, obstacles, huge boulder size rocks, literally, all day long!

Here is the published link - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/220007/all-terrain-all-day..

Playing their way to Wacken

‘Kryptos’ reminds the Americans of the encrypted Sanborn sculpture at the CIA headquarters in Virginia. But in India, ‘Kryptos’ is associated with hair-raising melodic thrash metal, mosh pits, flashing guitars, leather and denim, and a never-ending drum line that straightens the ears of a metal music fan. And of course, the devil-horns!

Kryptos is a four-piece melodic thrash metal outfit from Bangalore which needs no introduction really. They are the torch bearers of metal music in India and have influenced a number of musicians over the last 15 years.

The band gets candid on how they named themselves, and the 1990s without Internet or phones, to opening for ‘Iron Maiden’, and to make it to the Wacken Open Air Metal Festival in Germany this August.

“Ganesh (ex vocalist/bassist) and I were in a pub on Brigade Road and decided to call ourselves ‘Kryptos’ after we penned down many absurd names on paper napkins. At that time, we did not know what the name really meant,” says Nolan Lewis, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the band. “We started off as a three-piece band with Ganesh K on bass guitar and vocals, and Ching Len on drums, and I was handling the guitar duties,” he adds.

Nolan talks about how influenced they were by Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin before they got a melodic heavy/thrash sound of the likes of Coroner, Judas Priest, Dark Tranquillity, Iced Earth, Sodom, Candlemass and others.

Lewis opines that the 90s was different from the current scenario. “Those were the days without the Internet and mobile phones, so no free download of music was possible, and the availability of a single album was limited to a couple of shops in Bangalore, but it was so expensive,” he says.

But today, it is easy to download a band’s entire discography in a matter of half an hour. “We used to wait for our landline to ring, just to hear after registering ourselves for a college competition,” Nolan gets nostalgic.

Currently, Nolan is the only founding member in the band. In 2001, Ching Len was replaced by Ryan Colaco, and Ganesh quit the band after the first album and suddenly they did not have a singer and a bass guitarist. “Ryan and I wanted to take Kryptos forward and auditioned Rohit Chaturvedi for guitars and Jayawant Tewari for bass guitar,” Nolan says. He says that it was a hard but eventful decision that he chose singing, and credits Anupam Roy, their producer, for pushing him behind the microphone.

In 2009, Kryptos opened for the Iron Maiden concert. The band’s manager, Salman Syed, made it happen. “The first concert that Salman got us was in a shady pub on Brigade Road with some god forsaken equipment, and in the next few weeks he tells us, ‘How do you like to open for Iron Maiden?’, we were shocked,” Ryan recounts.
“We used to worship Iron Maiden, and to open for them in our city! It still gives me goosebumps when I think about the time we spent with them after the concert,” Rohit recollects.

There is no denying the fact that the band is going places. Kryptos had toured Europe in 2010, and this year, they are representing India at the world’s biggest metal festival — Wacken Open Air in Germany. “It’s a dream come true. It’s also the right time I guess, as Kryptos turns 15 this year. Looking forward to spending two months touring Europe and sharing stage with the who’s who of metal music at the Wacken Open Air,” says an excited Rohit.

Here is the published link - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/328856/playing-their-way-wacken.html