So I got off the plane in Mumbai at the international airport and what so I see next to the baggage claim area? Honda is big over here, but there is no way I would drive the new vfr 1200 over here, or any of these. I was on the fence about the looks of it, but now that I have seen it in person I'm sold. I really like the looks of it. The middle bike is the new CBR firebolt, and the other bike is a CB1000.
Most bikes in India are only 150cc and that is considered a big bike. I've seen up to 5 people riding a bike here, two adults and three children.
Oh yeah - actually i get to work on an elephant ,,,
150 to 250 are the main categories on the bike...Big bike - 750+ have been around but only as imported bike as there were no local manufacturing. About couple of year ago local custom put a crack down on imports since the big guys were / are planning to sell in india. There are most sold as CBU (Completely Built Unit) like Sukuki, Honda, Yamaha. Harley has also joined the band wagon but they are looking at CBU and CKD (completely knocked) to reduce import costs and duties.
People prefer efficiency more than speed as primary use is commuting to work and with this traffic having a big bike is no use.
Anyways, Snowman next time you are in india - mumbai, let me know we could hook up...show you the BIG bikes around.
An authentic Indian ride to look out for is the Enfield. Heavier and bigger than the traditional 150, its the symbolic way to travel on Indian roads, at least to me. Last summer I was there in the Northern region and rode much of my time in India on an Enfield Thunderbird. Covering around 2500 Kms in the Himalayas, I really enjoyed this rented vehicle. I was told that these ancient design on these machines made them much vulnerable to regular breakdowns, but the bird I was riding went 3 weeks with me giving me no issues.
I am not sure if Enfield is still producing their old school models (bullet?) that made this company so popular.
An authentic Indian ride to look out for is the Enfield. Heavier and bigger than the traditional 150, its the symbolic way to travel on Indian roads, at least to me. Last summer I was there in the Northern region and rode much of my time in India on an Enfield Thunderbird. Covering around 2500 Kms in the Himalayas, I really enjoyed this rented vehicle. I was told that these ancient design on these machines made them much vulnerable to regular breakdowns, but the bird I was riding went 3 weeks with me giving me no issues.
I am not sure if Enfield is still producing their old school models (bullet?) that made this company so popular.
yes they are still in production....you are right...most people use these to hit the northern mountain regions. Even if they break down they are easy to fix. They now also have 500cc which are ok but the majority prefer the 350cc. They have improved a lot over the years ...disk brakes,dual plugs, redesigned engine etc.
Personally don't like the enfield but to each its own
in 1983, Yamaha had introduced the RD350...it as a shock for a lot of people on the way these bike flew...The co. had toned down the bhp for efficiency purpose but these were still fast. RD's are now a collectors item. I had one love it and had it for 20 yrs.
An authentic Indian ride to look out for is the Enfield. Heavier and bigger than the traditional 150, its the symbolic way to travel on Indian roads, at least to me. Last summer I was there in the Northern region and rode much of my time in India on an Enfield Thunderbird. Covering around 2500 Kms in the Himalayas, I really enjoyed this rented vehicle. I was told that these ancient design on these machines made them much vulnerable to regular breakdowns, but the bird I was riding went 3 weeks with me giving me no issues.
I am not sure if Enfield is still producing their old school models (bullet?) that made this company so popular.
yes they are still in production....you are right...most people use these to hit the northern mountain regions. Even if they break down they are easy to fix. They now also have 500cc which are ok but the majority prefer the 350cc. They have improved a lot over the years ...disk brakes,dual plugs, redesigned engine etc.
Personally don't like the enfield but to each its own
in 1983, Yamaha had introduced the RD350...it as a shock for a lot of people on the way these bike flew...The co. had toned down the bhp for efficiency purpose but these were still fast. RD's are now a collectors item. I had one love it and had it for 20 yrs.
I remember seeing those when I was young. Enfields as you point out have their own following. My initial plan was to hit Leh, and was looking for a Pulsar 250? for it. Its hard to find bike rentals as it is and hence, I couldn't be picky. Unfortunately the Pass to Leh didn't open in time and I had to head back. May be in couple of years I will attempt another shot at Leh, hopefully, will be able to bring my 800gs with me.
End of thread · 7 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 23 Jul 2011