After selling off my Esteem,
sometime in mid-April 2015 (which had served me well for almost ten years) and
graduating to a Duster as my daily drive, I was toying with the idea of getting a motorcycle. A
modern one. I already have an “old soldier” Bullet. But that is more of a vintage
bike and not the ideal vehicle of choice if you are in a hurry to go somewhere
quickly. The level of engagement with that bike is something different. It is
more than a bike.
I wanted a bike for going to places where I wouldn’t want to take my Duster. I would also take it to the occasional medium distance day trips or weekend trips and perhaps a north Sikkim or Leh in the distant future. In short, a two-wheeled version of my Esteem.
I wanted a bike for going to places where I wouldn’t want to take my Duster. I would also take it to the occasional medium distance day trips or weekend trips and perhaps a north Sikkim or Leh in the distant future. In short, a two-wheeled version of my Esteem.
My first stop was at the Bajaj
showroom close to our office. They had launched a few variants of the Pulsar with names like AS and
RS etc. The experience at OSL Bajaj showroom was so negative
that I was really put off by the Bajaj brand. They were just not interested in
me as a customer. Test ride seemed like such an impossibility that I didn’t even dare ask.
The bikes were there but in a difficult to reach position. I could somehow
manage to reach the bikes for a closer look. In fact no one even bothered to
ask me what on earth I was doing, as I kept on loitering around in their showroom for
close to ten minutes. There was no question of listening to the exhaust note
etc.
Finally I caught hold of a sales
guy and he said, very reluctantly, that he had no idea when the bikes would
come and no commitment on deliveries. Personally, I am not in favour of rushing
to buy the latest introduction into the market. I prefer to wait and watch how
a particular brand does and then go for it. Since Pulsar is already an
established name I wanted to take chance with its variant. But the attitude of
the guys there didn’t instil any confidence in me.
In a couple of days I went, with
Monisha on tow, to the Honda showroom near La Martinere to see the CBR 250 ABS.
Here we had a slightly better experience. But I felt more disappointed here
because after all it’s a Honda and the attitude to customer was so baniya.
There was no question of turning the engine on. The person who had received my
phone call had given me all sorts of ridiculously wrong replies. I came out
quite disgusted. Incidentally, I had also written a complaint mail to Honda but nothing much came off it.
After a few days I went to the
Honda showroom near Thakurpukur. At this point of time I was hell bent on getting a Honda. Here the reception was much warmer. The sales
lady gave me a test ride on the bike. Monisha and I took a short ride and liked
the look and feel of the bike. We almost made up our mind to book it. At this
stage the sales lady chickened out a bit. When I asked her about the delivery schedule
she seemed unsure. In short what she said is this, as per last information from
Honda a few months ago, they had stopped manufacture of the ABS model. However,
now the Calcutta Honda office has told her to accept the booking with Rs 5,000.
If the bike does not come in another month or so, they would return the money.
Somehow, I got those vibes that
Honda is perhaps going to withdraw this model in favour of its more potent
brother the CBR 300. After some procrastination, I dropped the idea of buying
the Honda. No one seemed to know anything about the future plans of Honda. I
asked my sources in Delhi. They said the bike is not being withdrawn. And even
if they do, parts supply wouldn’t be a problem.
Even if that is so, I doubt how
much service support I would get from the local service centers. I am sure they
don’t stock a lot of spares. Frankly, I have never seen a CBR 250 on Calcutta roads. Of course Malcom in our office had one. But he had sold it off long ago as it was causing wrist pain.
Next stop was KTM. First I went
to the Chowringhee KTM in the ground floor of Chatterjee International. On a fine Saturday
morning Monisha and I reached for a test ride. Chenku also came along with his son
Atish. The idea was to ride and check the pillion seat of the Duke 390. The
showroom, it turned out, did not have a proper test ride mule. They took out a
bike that was booked in the name of someone else and gave it for me to ride.
But ride where? Not on the road but on the concrete driveway next to their building!!! It is a narrow stretch of about 20/30 meters or so. Grudgingly we took a ride. Monisha was more or less fine with the seat. I could barely ride the bike, because I am just not used to this posture and the 1 down 2,3,4 etc up gear shift system, that too on the other foot (I am used to a vintage Bullet where the brake and gear shift lever is just the opposite). But anyway, the bike passed our test. The showroom did not. It kept on pinching me in the heart that they let customers ride new, booked bikes. It is unethical, unprofessional.
But ride where? Not on the road but on the concrete driveway next to their building!!! It is a narrow stretch of about 20/30 meters or so. Grudgingly we took a ride. Monisha was more or less fine with the seat. I could barely ride the bike, because I am just not used to this posture and the 1 down 2,3,4 etc up gear shift system, that too on the other foot (I am used to a vintage Bullet where the brake and gear shift lever is just the opposite). But anyway, the bike passed our test. The showroom did not. It kept on pinching me in the heart that they let customers ride new, booked bikes. It is unethical, unprofessional.
Meanwhile Monisha worked out the
maths of the loan. Two-wheeler loan was ruled out because a personal loan of
the same amount worked out to be way cheaper for her. Also, as a staff she
would be able to pay back any time she wanted. She applied for it.
I soon learnt that since early
2015, Duke 390 has started coming with a slipper clutch and a few other minor
modifications. This clutch lets you downshift aggressively from a high speed
without stalling the engine. I had to make sure that I was getting the right
bike with all these upgrades. Somehow the credibility level of the showroom guy
had vanished. I asked him how I would know that I was getting the new model.
What he essentially said means I would have to trust him.
I did some net surfing on how to
find out the month and year of manufacture of your bike but to no avail.
Incidentally, now I know how it is done.
I had started feeling
uncomfortable about dealing with KTM Chowringhee. So I dialled KTM Anwar Shah
Road. They said I could come anytime for a proper on the road road test. I took
the test on the next Saturday. I quite liked this guy in what they call KTM
Prince. I decided to buy the bike from here. No more questions.
I made the payment through cheque
and a little bit by cash. Last Friday May 29, 2015 the sale was officially logged. This is
also the day when I first saw the individual bike that would be mine. I checked
the tacho, It shows 7.8 km, which is reasonable. They gave me the engine
number, chasis number, battery number and key number.
As of now I am waiting for the
bike to be handed over to me after it is produced at the Motor Vehicles
department for registration. The rule is, the bike will be first produced at
the MV. After this they would issue the registration number, after this they
will fit a high security registration plate on the bike. After that the smart
card for registration in my name will be issued. There is a huge backlog for
all the steps involved. And each step takes several days.
So the production of the bike
will take some time. I shall be handed over the bike on that very day. But it
wouldn’t have a number. So I’d have A/F (applied for) written on the number
plate. Once the number is allotted I would write it with a permanent marker
till the high security plate is issued. If you are not an Indian all this may not make much sense :-)
Wednesday June 3, 2015
I was told today that they will be "producing" the bike tomorrow at the Motor Vehicles and it should be ready for delivery after that. I have this silly superstition against doing anything important on a Thursday, if it is avoidable. So I told Joyjit, the KTM Prince sales guy, that I would come on Friday for the delivery. Feeling excited :-) The helmet has been washed in soap water and fit for the first ride at least. I have to get a proper cover for the bike and a solution for carrying basic stuff on a day to day basis.
How To Make Sense of Your KTM Chassis Number
Last Friday they logged the actual sale of the vehicle to me. They gave me the chassis number, engine number, key number and battery number. On Sunday I got an invite on my phone to download the KTM app which I promptly did. Now, this app is nothing but a mobile version of the owner's manual (which I had earlier downloaded from their website). But it has an important chapter on making sense of the chassis number. It's also known as the VIN - vehicle identification number. From this number one can work out the company that manufactured the vehicle, the plant, the month and year of manufacture, the CC of the vehicle etc. I found that the vehicle was manufactured in January 2015. Of course the first two information is same for everyone in India. Like it's a KTM and it was made at the Chakan plant. But this becomes important to foreigners if they are buying these vehicles abroad.
If you are reading this and want to understand how it is done, just let me know.
Meanwhile, let me note here the various other things I learn about my bike. I learnt from the BBC TopGear magazine that the engine of the KTM is Nikasil coated. What on earth is that. Here is the explanation. Click
The Duke 390's OE tyres are two of the most expensive OE tyres fitted on any two wheeler in India. They are Metzelers . That's real luxury because in the after market they cost a whopping Rs 28,000 to replace. But apparently their cornering abilities even on wet road conditions is legendary. Let me see how good they are.
Friday 5th June, 2015
The Baby Comes Home At Last
Today I brought the baby home from the KTM showroom on Anwar Shah Road. The first ride was a little uncomfortable. I took a while to get adjusted to the gear shifts and brakes etc. Filled 10 litres of petrol from Deshapriya Park. Took Mampu to the dance class. Went back to D'Park to fill in air. It was 25/28. I made it 25/32. After coming back home with her went out with Monisha for a spin. By now I am quite confident and have worked out the things with my feet. It's a lovely bike. Very sporty. Lots of torque. I am wondering how much smoother it will get once the first servicing is done and synthetic oil is put.
In the afternoon, I had gone to Wellington to get a plastic cover for the bike (Rs 200) and also a helmet (Rs 490). The same white Aron that we have.
Today when I took the bike, I guess the tacho had some 20 km or so. I don't remember clearly because the mode was on trip and I didn't know how to change it to total km. It is now 51 when I parked it for the night.
Absolute First Impressions
Very torquey. I love the power. But it is not a city commuting bike really. You are riding at 30 on 4th gear. If you come down to 20, you will have to bring it down to 3, if not 2. It's not a Hero Honda. I was using mostly 2nd and 3rd. Once in a while 4th. Fifth only when there is an absolute empty stretch - like on a flyover. I had some fun zooming past the strugglers on the Gariahat bridge with Monisha. I would love to take it on the highway soon.
By the time I was riding it with Monisha, I had already more or less adopted to the bike. It will take some more time but I shall get there.
The idle rev is very very high. As a Bulleteer it will take me some time to get adjusted to it. But I love the exhaust note, particularly when opening throttle on 2nd gear :-) I feel much younger.
Wednesday 10th June, 2015
Today the registration number got allotted to me. WB01AG3279. Road tax has been paid. Almost Rs 20,000 !!! Of course it is a lifetime tax and I need not bother about it ever again, but it just shows how pauper our state is right now. I have also been given the insurance papers. I will need to go to Kasba Motor Vehicles Department on Monday to get the high security registration plate fixed . At 3 pm in this heat. That's the only worry.
The bike, meanwhile, has done 164 km. Monisha and I often go out riding it aimlessly. Invariably we end up going to Red Road and HSBC Dalhousie though. I am not only breaking the engine and tyres in, I am also getting used to riding the bike.
The thermostat or the cooling fan kicks in rather frequently. Perhaps it will get better after the first service.
I have ordered for a pair of gloves off Amazon. An el cheapo brand called Probiker. Total cost is coming to Rs 400+. The Alpinestars cost Rs 6k !!!
Tuesday 16th June, 2015
An important part in the entire ownership registration process got completed yesterday. The high security registration plate was affixed to my bike at Kasba Motor Vehicles department. I was scheduled to reach there at 3 pm, which I did. It is right inside the state bus terminus near the Ruby roundabout.
Lined up the bike alongwith the others. There were some 30/40 bikes in all. They came and took the slip from me which was given by the dealership. One by one the HSRP registration plates were fixed. The place is strewn with these chopped off nails. I don't know how they don't puncture the tyres. Anyway, the process was over in about half an hour. I paid a tip of Rs 30 to the guy who was doing the job. They gave me a receipt that says the thing has been done.
Now the next step that remains is getting the registration document, also known as the "smart card". Earlier we used to call it the blue book, because it indeed was a blue coloured book !!
Meanwhile, I think I should add that the bike's front shocks should have been a little softer. I don't know if they will get softer with time but right now they are very stiff. One has to hold the handle lightly on rough patches. I wonder how people ride it on the way to Leh/Ladakh. I will try with reducing the tyre pressure by two points.
Review After 500 km, Monday 22nd June, 2015
Last week I couldn't ride the bike too much. The odo was standing still at 300+ for a few days. Friday evening I dropped Mampu off at her dance class near Golpark and went for a short spin on Southern Avenue. A joker on a Thunderbird tried to race with me. Normally I don't fall for such traps. But somehow something happened and I just blasted the bugger off with a sudden burst of speed. He caught up with me near the CRC crossing where there was a lot of traffic. There I deliberately let him overtake me once, so that the insult could be rubbed in more vigorously. He turned towards the Lake Gardens flyover. Again I blasted the shit out of him on the bridge :-) A child like glee overtook me. After beating him comprehensively I turned around and came back to Golpark.
Somehow, I just cannot stand the Thunderbird. It does not have the heritage of a Bullet. It does not have the sophistication of a modern bike. I think it has a bhp of 19 while mine has 44. In terms of weight it is perhaps double mine.
On Saturday I went for two long rides down the Eastern Bypass and Salt Lake etc. The odo went up to 440. On Sunday I went on a circuitous route. Went up via 2nd Bridge and came back via Bally Bridge > Belghoria Expressway > Airport > Rajarhat etc. A total of 75 kms.
It was a very pleasant ride in light rains. Water thrown up by the other cars' wheels made me more wet than the rains. I didn't have any water proof on. Got quite wet. Worse, the glasses got wet with muddy water. I didn't have anything to wipe them clean. But I immensely enjoyed this "back to the roots" ride. This is how I used to ride my Hero Honda.
As the odo moves on, I find the bike is getting smoother by the day. The front shocks have also got softer. I don't know if I am getting more used to them or they are indeed getting softer.
Yesterday I also discovered a more relaxed and laid back posture for riding. Coming from a Bullet background, I was trying to sit with the back straight. But now I have realised that sitting back a little and resting the bottom of the back (just above coccyx) on the notch between the back and front seat makes it very comfortable. Almost like driving a car. However, I also realised that I am sliding a little forward after a few kms and have to readjust the posture. Will have to work out a way around this. Probably I have to do something with the legs.
The maximum speed I took the bike upto was 70+. We are told in the manual not to take the bike above 7500 rpm. I don't think I have crossed 4500 yet.
It's a very very powerful bike. Climbing a bridge at 50, I suddenly decide to shoot out. I can do it and zip past the crowd. Have to control these urges and use the power sensibly.
Review After 1000 km, Sunday 12th July, 2015
I went for the first service at 909 km. This was after a month or so of purchase. The guys at the workshop are pretty nice to talk to. Bengali. Educated. Except for the location of the workshop and its payment system (you cannot pay by credit card though they claim you can), the mechanics are nice guys and you can discuss things with them.
Among the things that they do is change the oil into Motul synthetic. After the first service I did only one meaningful long ride yesterday. The bike is now a lot smoother than it used to be. The gear change does not have to be so frequent. You can afford to go down a little on your speed before downshifting. The pick up is just as strong and fast but a lot smoother now.
Before the first service, I had once taken it up to 95 kmph for a few seconds. That was to test the bike against a Yamaha. After the sevice, I took it up to 105 kmph yesterday. It was a little windy and I didn't like it at that speed. You can understand that you are riding at a very high speed. When that happens I feel very uncomfortable. At 90 you really don't feel the speed. If I went on a long highway ride, I guess my highest speed would be 90/95 kmph. Possibly this is because I am not used to this kind of speeds on a motorcycle. I might get used to it. But as of now, I am not feeling comfortable. Not scared really. Just uneasy.
Thursday, 13th August, 2015
Today I got the smart card registration document. The entire process took about two minutes. Unbelievable that anything official could get done in such a short time and so smoothly in Calcutta. Amazing.
How To Make Sense of Your KTM Chassis Number
Last Friday they logged the actual sale of the vehicle to me. They gave me the chassis number, engine number, key number and battery number. On Sunday I got an invite on my phone to download the KTM app which I promptly did. Now, this app is nothing but a mobile version of the owner's manual (which I had earlier downloaded from their website). But it has an important chapter on making sense of the chassis number. It's also known as the VIN - vehicle identification number. From this number one can work out the company that manufactured the vehicle, the plant, the month and year of manufacture, the CC of the vehicle etc. I found that the vehicle was manufactured in January 2015. Of course the first two information is same for everyone in India. Like it's a KTM and it was made at the Chakan plant. But this becomes important to foreigners if they are buying these vehicles abroad.
If you are reading this and want to understand how it is done, just let me know.
Meanwhile, let me note here the various other things I learn about my bike. I learnt from the BBC TopGear magazine that the engine of the KTM is Nikasil coated. What on earth is that. Here is the explanation. Click
The Duke 390's OE tyres are two of the most expensive OE tyres fitted on any two wheeler in India. They are Metzelers . That's real luxury because in the after market they cost a whopping Rs 28,000 to replace. But apparently their cornering abilities even on wet road conditions is legendary. Let me see how good they are.
Friday 5th June, 2015
The Baby Comes Home At Last
Today I brought the baby home from the KTM showroom on Anwar Shah Road. The first ride was a little uncomfortable. I took a while to get adjusted to the gear shifts and brakes etc. Filled 10 litres of petrol from Deshapriya Park. Took Mampu to the dance class. Went back to D'Park to fill in air. It was 25/28. I made it 25/32. After coming back home with her went out with Monisha for a spin. By now I am quite confident and have worked out the things with my feet. It's a lovely bike. Very sporty. Lots of torque. I am wondering how much smoother it will get once the first servicing is done and synthetic oil is put.
In the afternoon, I had gone to Wellington to get a plastic cover for the bike (Rs 200) and also a helmet (Rs 490). The same white Aron that we have.
Today when I took the bike, I guess the tacho had some 20 km or so. I don't remember clearly because the mode was on trip and I didn't know how to change it to total km. It is now 51 when I parked it for the night.
Absolute First Impressions
Very torquey. I love the power. But it is not a city commuting bike really. You are riding at 30 on 4th gear. If you come down to 20, you will have to bring it down to 3, if not 2. It's not a Hero Honda. I was using mostly 2nd and 3rd. Once in a while 4th. Fifth only when there is an absolute empty stretch - like on a flyover. I had some fun zooming past the strugglers on the Gariahat bridge with Monisha. I would love to take it on the highway soon.
By the time I was riding it with Monisha, I had already more or less adopted to the bike. It will take some more time but I shall get there.
The idle rev is very very high. As a Bulleteer it will take me some time to get adjusted to it. But I love the exhaust note, particularly when opening throttle on 2nd gear :-) I feel much younger.
Wednesday 10th June, 2015
Today the registration number got allotted to me. WB01AG3279. Road tax has been paid. Almost Rs 20,000 !!! Of course it is a lifetime tax and I need not bother about it ever again, but it just shows how pauper our state is right now. I have also been given the insurance papers. I will need to go to Kasba Motor Vehicles Department on Monday to get the high security registration plate fixed . At 3 pm in this heat. That's the only worry.
The bike, meanwhile, has done 164 km. Monisha and I often go out riding it aimlessly. Invariably we end up going to Red Road and HSBC Dalhousie though. I am not only breaking the engine and tyres in, I am also getting used to riding the bike.
The thermostat or the cooling fan kicks in rather frequently. Perhaps it will get better after the first service.
I have ordered for a pair of gloves off Amazon. An el cheapo brand called Probiker. Total cost is coming to Rs 400+. The Alpinestars cost Rs 6k !!!
Tuesday 16th June, 2015
An important part in the entire ownership registration process got completed yesterday. The high security registration plate was affixed to my bike at Kasba Motor Vehicles department. I was scheduled to reach there at 3 pm, which I did. It is right inside the state bus terminus near the Ruby roundabout.
Lined up the bike alongwith the others. There were some 30/40 bikes in all. They came and took the slip from me which was given by the dealership. One by one the HSRP registration plates were fixed. The place is strewn with these chopped off nails. I don't know how they don't puncture the tyres. Anyway, the process was over in about half an hour. I paid a tip of Rs 30 to the guy who was doing the job. They gave me a receipt that says the thing has been done.
Now the next step that remains is getting the registration document, also known as the "smart card". Earlier we used to call it the blue book, because it indeed was a blue coloured book !!
Meanwhile, I think I should add that the bike's front shocks should have been a little softer. I don't know if they will get softer with time but right now they are very stiff. One has to hold the handle lightly on rough patches. I wonder how people ride it on the way to Leh/Ladakh. I will try with reducing the tyre pressure by two points.
Review After 500 km, Monday 22nd June, 2015
Last week I couldn't ride the bike too much. The odo was standing still at 300+ for a few days. Friday evening I dropped Mampu off at her dance class near Golpark and went for a short spin on Southern Avenue. A joker on a Thunderbird tried to race with me. Normally I don't fall for such traps. But somehow something happened and I just blasted the bugger off with a sudden burst of speed. He caught up with me near the CRC crossing where there was a lot of traffic. There I deliberately let him overtake me once, so that the insult could be rubbed in more vigorously. He turned towards the Lake Gardens flyover. Again I blasted the shit out of him on the bridge :-) A child like glee overtook me. After beating him comprehensively I turned around and came back to Golpark.
Somehow, I just cannot stand the Thunderbird. It does not have the heritage of a Bullet. It does not have the sophistication of a modern bike. I think it has a bhp of 19 while mine has 44. In terms of weight it is perhaps double mine.
On Saturday I went for two long rides down the Eastern Bypass and Salt Lake etc. The odo went up to 440. On Sunday I went on a circuitous route. Went up via 2nd Bridge and came back via Bally Bridge > Belghoria Expressway > Airport > Rajarhat etc. A total of 75 kms.
It was a very pleasant ride in light rains. Water thrown up by the other cars' wheels made me more wet than the rains. I didn't have any water proof on. Got quite wet. Worse, the glasses got wet with muddy water. I didn't have anything to wipe them clean. But I immensely enjoyed this "back to the roots" ride. This is how I used to ride my Hero Honda.
As the odo moves on, I find the bike is getting smoother by the day. The front shocks have also got softer. I don't know if I am getting more used to them or they are indeed getting softer.
Yesterday I also discovered a more relaxed and laid back posture for riding. Coming from a Bullet background, I was trying to sit with the back straight. But now I have realised that sitting back a little and resting the bottom of the back (just above coccyx) on the notch between the back and front seat makes it very comfortable. Almost like driving a car. However, I also realised that I am sliding a little forward after a few kms and have to readjust the posture. Will have to work out a way around this. Probably I have to do something with the legs.
The maximum speed I took the bike upto was 70+. We are told in the manual not to take the bike above 7500 rpm. I don't think I have crossed 4500 yet.
It's a very very powerful bike. Climbing a bridge at 50, I suddenly decide to shoot out. I can do it and zip past the crowd. Have to control these urges and use the power sensibly.
Review After 1000 km, Sunday 12th July, 2015
I went for the first service at 909 km. This was after a month or so of purchase. The guys at the workshop are pretty nice to talk to. Bengali. Educated. Except for the location of the workshop and its payment system (you cannot pay by credit card though they claim you can), the mechanics are nice guys and you can discuss things with them.
Among the things that they do is change the oil into Motul synthetic. After the first service I did only one meaningful long ride yesterday. The bike is now a lot smoother than it used to be. The gear change does not have to be so frequent. You can afford to go down a little on your speed before downshifting. The pick up is just as strong and fast but a lot smoother now.
Before the first service, I had once taken it up to 95 kmph for a few seconds. That was to test the bike against a Yamaha. After the sevice, I took it up to 105 kmph yesterday. It was a little windy and I didn't like it at that speed. You can understand that you are riding at a very high speed. When that happens I feel very uncomfortable. At 90 you really don't feel the speed. If I went on a long highway ride, I guess my highest speed would be 90/95 kmph. Possibly this is because I am not used to this kind of speeds on a motorcycle. I might get used to it. But as of now, I am not feeling comfortable. Not scared really. Just uneasy.
Thursday, 13th August, 2015
Today I got the smart card registration document. The entire process took about two minutes. Unbelievable that anything official could get done in such a short time and so smoothly in Calcutta. Amazing.
No comments:
Post a Comment