Harley Davidson Touring Road King

The history of Harley-Davidson

The history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles began in Milwaukee in 1903. Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson developed a one cylinder motorcycle in the turn of the century and the engine was developed with the introduction of the combustion engine of a cylinder gasoline used in 1903, designed for racing.
In 1908 already has a small company which built the motorcycle and another member of the Davidson family, William, joined the group. Then began to have employed about 20 people.
In 1909 Bill Harley made the first draft of the 1000 CC V-Twin, a modest seven horsepower making it the brand image of Harleys and more recognized.
In 1910 came the legendary "Bar and Shield" logo that was placed on the bike. This would become the symbol of Harley-Davidson. The numerous first places won in races, endurance contests and finally give recognition to the brand Harley-Davidson.
In 1911 the engine was introduced "F-head" engine until 1929 when the "Flathead" was placed.
In 1912 the growth of Harley-Davidson and Company had to build a new factory. It became an exporter in the same year with its first sale in Japan in the United States there were more than 200 dealers.
In 1914 dominated the racing motorcycles.
In 1915 appeared the three engine speeds.
In 1917 a third of all Harley-Davidsons were sent to the U.S. Military to fulfill their patriotic call and help in the war effort. The following year about half were sold to the U.S. Military. At the end of about 20,000 motorcycles were used in the war which were Harley-Davidson.
In 1918 already has one of the largest factories for the production of motorcycles in the world with approximately 2,000 dealers. The V-twin was Harley's time as trying to dethrone the Indiana. At this time the car was T-Ford and thus the Harley-Davidson began to dedicate to the manufacture of parts, lateral and even automobiles, aircraft engines and also to improve their own products.
In 1920 some changes occurred in the bike, which today are more recognizable. One such change was the identifiable teardrop shape, gas tank.
In 1926, a single cylinder engine was available again after being discontinued in 1918.
In 1928, the first twin-cam, engine and front wheel brakes were available on Harley-Davidson. With this modification, the motorcycle could reach speeds exceeding 85 mph.
In 1930 and subsequent years saw record losses of more awards and the Harley-Davidson.
In 1932, the three-wheel Servi-Car was introduced, becoming the police vehicle, business and family. The appearance also changes as the "eagle" placed on all Harley-Davidson in tanks of gasoline, as well as changes to the engine. Appeared then to CC in 1340, becoming the trademark of Harley Davidson motorcycle.
In 1936 became the year in which the Knucklehead of the motorcycle was launched.
In 1940, once again, the Harley-Davidson answered the call and sent its fleet of motorcycles for the war.
In 1941 the production was suspended for marketing calendar and open again in November 1945.
In 1957 the Sportster was born, becoming an immediate success.
In 1969, it was time for a merger with U.S. company Foudry Machine Company (AMF).
In 1970 there was a revolution of the Harley-Davidson.
In 1971, the cruiser was born.
In 1973 came a new plant.
In 1975 was the first of four consecutive years that the Harley-Davidson won the AMA Grand National Championships in dirt track.
In 1977, the FXS Low Rider and the FLHS Electra Glide Sport were introduced to the public.
In 1980 another change in partnership developed the engine and transmission.
In 1980, the FLT model was born with 5-speed transmission hard bolted to the engine.
In 1981 members of the Harley-Davidson purchased the Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF.
In 1983, the Hog group was founded and became the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle in the world. By the year 2000, the club had more than 500,000 members.
In 1984, the 1,340 cc V-twin engine was introduced, it took seven years to make.
In 1984, the company managed to create a modern motorcycle, which was still a Harley Davidson.
In 1987, the Harley-Davidson Company obtained a place in the New York Stock Exchange for those interested in having a financial stake in the company.
In 1988, Harley-Davidson celebrated its 85th anniversary in Milwaukee, an event that brought about 60,000 fans of Harley-Davidson. At the end of this revolutionary decade for Harley-Davidson, the FXSTS Softail Springer model was introduced. In the early 1990's the Fat Boy design was introduced and quickly succeeded. The name Fatboy was derived by combining the names of the two atomic bombs "Fat man" and "Little Boy" which were launched on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In 1991, the Dyna line of Harley-Davidson's was introduced with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis.
In 1994 saw the jump of Harley-Davidson for Superbike racing with the VR1000.
At this point in America, the Harley Davidson have 62% of the market of motorcycles with 850 CC or more! Due to the many fans around the world can say that is the brand of bikes with more success in the market for motorcycles.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R for Sale

Refreshed ad once more! - here's an update, the bike got sold, but the noob who bought it didnt come up with even 1% of the money, what he did come up with, were a ton of excuses.. so the bike's back with me again, and up for sale again!

A request - Brokers/Dealers please excuse, same too with people expecting me to spend hours/days negotiating.. am not a money guy, so have money, want bike, come and take it! :-)

Before you read the ad below, here's something funny: I put up the ad on various internet sites, and one of the catchlines for my ad was "Honda/Yamaha seekers please excuse" (I'll explain this line later, am sure you'll agree with me that it was needed)... one idiot had this to say as a comment:

(Yamaha/Honda seekers please excuse..) People who are looking for Yamaha R1 or Honda CBR1000 dont even see your vehicle!!! Excused!!!!!!!!!

Now, a Kawasaki Ninja hunter would not have minded me saying that, and by his own comment, he should not even have looked at the ad.. paradox? hee hee hee hee anyways...

Let me now explain why I say Honda/Yamaha seekers excuse:

Hondas are very nice bikes, very smooth, very durable, very reliable, Yamahas are very good looking, handle like a fucking dream and are generally reliable, most Kawasaki's on the other hand, are unreliable, have a crazy power delivery and very subjective looks, which not every bike buyer might want/be looking for, (I personally prefer the bad qualities of a Kwacker). Only a Gixxer can match the "personality of a kwacker.. even better it, which is why I only mentioned Honda/Yam..Which means they are not really for the average joe who just wants some big bike to pick up chicks on and show off to his neighbor/community! (which is what majority of the ignorant bike hunters out there are looking for), all money no brains... Right? Anyway, when will the cruel world understand the true meaning of my words! Sheesh! :-p I think I've been modest enough for one day... enjoy the ad again...

My Baby is up for Sale!



<> Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R (2002 mfg, 2003 import)
<> 18700 kms done
<> New Tyres
<> New Brake Pads
<> New Battery
<> VIP No.
<> Recently Serviced
<> Excellent condition (accelerates cleanly past 250kmph.. and stops too..)
<> All papers clear (valid RC. duty paid, insurance, Karnataka road tax etc)
<> 2nd owner
<> Contact Giri: 09886600858 between 9am-7pm (my little bro...)
<> Or mail me directly at askmaximus@gmail.com / yeniarenyaw@gmail.com
<> Or leave me a comment at http://askmaximus.blogspot.com













For those of you who arent aware of the ZX7R pedigree, let me take a minute and explain why a Kawasaki Ninja in the age of the R1:

The ZX7R is a WSBK Championship winning machine which dethroned the mighty Ducati from its year on year winning streak, it was one of the worlds premier bikes through the 90s, and very much responsible for making the "Ninja" tag famous! It is also regarded as one of the best bikes Kawasaki has ever produced, far ahead of its time, with technology which is still current (Slipper clutch for eg.), awesome handling, styling and by far the BEST power delivery I have ever experienced on a post Supersport machine... (funnily enough, it still gets more looks than a lot of the latest SBKs parked while we're out for a weekend coffee!)



Let me say this though, although it is one of Kawasakis best bikes, its still a Ninja, and still very dangerous, please do not buy this if you expect the handling of a Yamaha or the smoothness of a Honda, this is very much a hooligan SBK which sets itself apart...This machine is suited for very serious riders indeed! So think about it, and make an informed decision for yourself.

Before anyone asks, Yes, my next bike will also be a Kawasaki Ninja (no other manufacturer makes bikes more fun!) What the upgrade is? sssssshhh! Surprise!

Cheers,

Max

ps - This aint just a Kawasaki Ninja for sale in India, this isnt your run of the mill Superbike for sale in India either, this is pretty much a little legendary piece of history you can own and ride as your own! My heart sinks at the thought of selling it, but then one has to move on in life no? ;-)

True Colours of a Ninja

I dont really have many posts of my lil baby do I? Well heres another one.

A lot of people ask me why black when Kawasaki's Lime Green looks so darn smashing! Well, I really dont know, its not that I don't appreciate the eye-catching appeals of Lime Green Kwackers, its just that I prefer a Ninja to be bathed in BLACK. For starters, it would look mighty odd if erstwhile Ninjas were caught trying to slaughter Samurais whilst dressed in vivid shades of green! (though a purist may argue that green would serve as good camouflage for forest terrain, what with Ninjas specialising in Guerrilla warfare and all that) My retort to the purist would be plainly that a smarter Ninja would have preferred to leg it during the day and save all his guile to fight at NIGHT, for which of course, nothing suits the purpose more than BLACK.



Ive always loved Black, theres something about the nothingness within it that draws me closer and closer to the dark side. White's a pain, to wash, to keep clean, to look at during times of excessive lighting. Grey is just not me, Black somehow, fits the bill to the T, er B.

Cheers,

Max

ps - am not even gonna mention the other color options because they really arent "Ninja" for me. You see a bike's not just a bike, it stands for something, er I hope you get the drift, and I repeat, am not CRAZY.

Insanity? or Blind Love.

Ive known a lot of bike lovers in my time (and beyond my time), but every now and then, one reaches out and touches your heart like the Yamaha Ad of old (remember? "Touching your heart, theres a new day, summer sun rising... etc etc?).

What would you do if you had 5 Java/Yezdi machines in your arsenal and not enough place to park it?

Simple, dump them around (inside..) the house, better still, dismantle one and escort it right into your bedroom! Enjoy:







For those of you hitherto ignorant of the Java moniker, I urge you to go out and try one right away, as in NOW. (preferably the Twins..) I was fortunate enough to spend some quality time in Mysore which helped me get closer to the Java/Yezdi phenomenon, but then the factory shut down, like all good things coming to an end. The legend apparently lives on though, I routinely see some interestingly done up ones riding around town with the familiar missed beat gurgle of the mill churning beneath.

Cheers,

Max

ps - the pics are from my phone, so... oh and by the way, am going to do a feature on the ENTIRE collection soon, a couple of them move/sound/look better than most other bikes out on the road today.

2007 Honda CBR600RR

Why 2007, why not 2008? :-) the 2008 ones are pretty much lipsticked and puckered up 07s (cosmetic upgrades..), with little or no performance enhancements.

Hondas have always been on top of my favorites list ,and for almost a decade now, even with a virtually non existent Legal Market for Superbikes in India, they remain the most sought after, the most reliable, the most adored brand. Theres something about a CBR which endears you to it (even if its as horrendous an offering as the 954RR). My personal fave with the moniker has always been the Supersport version, the 600RR and its more friendly road-going sibling, the 600F/F4i. Regular readers might even recall a test I did a while back over HERE, and my general chit chat about CBRs over HERE.

Coming back to the 07 600RR though, the first thing that struck me about it was the RAM Air duct right on its nose, NAISH I thought, older Ceebers did lack a bit in top end grunt I felt, this one would obviously set that right. The second thing that struck me was how bloody good looking this baby is in real life. Its one thing to see a wallpaper on the interweb, a completely different to see, feel, touch one in real life, completely oblivious to the trouble it can get you in out on the road if you're not careful.



Most people complain about amounts spent for Racing R&D, but hey, isnt it good to have that tech transferred onto your road going machines? Apart from mere boast value it also offers cutting edge solutions to go fast, carefully. I wont delve deep into whats new on this or whats different on this compared to the other 3 Jap Supersports, (please use google, or motorcycle-usa.com to look for a shootout, and tech specs/jargons) suffice to say, the 2007 Honda CBR600RR can lap a race track faster than any other bike in the world. Yup, Mad Max said so. Its lighter, faster, better looking, smoother, easier to ride, than most other bikes I have sped on over the past decade or so, and it does so effortlessly. Go test one to find out why (the GSX-R600/ZX6R, might be faster, but they dont have the entire package wrapped up as nicely as the 07 Ceeber 600RR)



Its got the goodies - Unit Pro Link rear suspension, right off of the MotoGPs RC211V, PGM-DSFi (Dual Stage Fuel Injection System, as opposed to PGM-Fi of yore, for laymen), Honda Multi Action System inverted front forks (a thing of beauty is a joy forever, it feels nimble, no dives, steers like a dream), Honda Electronic Steering Damper, Fine Die Cast frame for even lighter weight and flickability, an LCD Panel display and believe me I could go on and on like a Duracell battery. All this though, is no big deal because even an R6/ZX6R/GSX-R600 would boast of similar race derived technology coupled with little things here and there for the road. Where Honda scores though, is in thought, an effort in which they have tasted considerable success. The people at Honda do give a fuck about who buys their machines, which is why they would give you storage options on a Sport Tourer, or a Centre-Stand on a 600F, little things which a buyer might appreciate. The 600RRs most endearing feature is the seating, its not old school (neck down, ass up in the air). The bars are raised (as I found out online), with no change in seat height/distance, which is probably why it was such a pleasure to ride out even in heavy city traffic.



Now the test, so much for its looks, its features and its antecedents. Whats it like to twist throttle?

A VERY, if I may add, VERY, sweet kid I know picked up an 07, and bravely gave me the keys for a test ride, with the words, "Please Dont Fuck it", added for good measure (my reputation is a bit, er, you know what I mean), if I remember correctly. At that point, me, the wife, and a couple of buddies were about to head into a Dhaba for a quick hot meal. As it were I got on it, turned the key, waited for the check, switched the kill switch and thumbed the starter, the machine purred to life, even without a Helmet it was almost impossible to hear a thing. I recalled my younger days when bikes used to be loud, heavy and fast. I can never cease to marvel at technology that allows a bike to go MUCH faster (present day Supersports are much faster/lighter than most of the erstwhile litres), without sounding, or feeling it.





I revved it a couple of times at higher rpms, still no howl, very typically Honda. Turned it around and started up the road, I could swear I heard the words "now its raped" being said to my lil bro (have to cross check on that one) while I was exiting the lane onto the main street. I didnt have much time to take in its striking looks, the wonderful graphics to go with a Pearly White skin on a moonlit night, the Under-seat exhaust and lamps split by the RAM duct adding to its handsome features, but passing the Dhaba entrance and seeing the dropped jaws reminded me that it looked bloody good too.

Up the road and turned right on an uphill towards Bangalore's Ulsoor Lake, the bike felt lighter than last years R6 (which is saying a lot!), and was steering like Harry Potters broomstick, on pure instinct. I was impressed already, any bike which was steered on instinct at 25kmph at a steep right hander, would do pretty much the same on a race track at 200kmph with considerable ease, with some skill thrown in of course. Not yet on open stretch, I had to wait a while before overtaking a few vehicles, the roads were wet, it had rained, the bike was new, didnt really want to push it more than required.



Low speed steering was not as much a strain as the litreclass/sport touring machines, and was certainly the best amongst all Supersports Ive tried thus far, (remember that part about higher bars?) the gearing though left something to be desired, like most Supersport machines, its nearly dead below 4000rpm, which can be a bad thing for a novice wanting to twist his way out of traffic finding the power less, because once past 8000 rpm (peak torque curve beginning around 6500) it shoots past everything like a dragon on steroids with a jet propeller fitted up its arse, a very small, light, dragon, if I may add.



I still recall being cosily ensconced behind the fairing in 3rd gear doing a paltry 60 kmph, twisting throttle slowly to see what the curve had in it, well for one it certainly wasnt flat (very unnecessary procedure to find that out, maybe something wrong with the programming on the Fi). Suffice to say if I hadnt instinctively dived behind the minimalistic wind screen, my neck would have been several kms away from the rest of me. I have rarely felt such drastic, exhilarating pull from a machine beyond 11000 all the way upto its claimed 15000rpm, with some grunt left in it. A Steep left hander had me shifting weight to position myself only to find the machine was one step ahead of me and already ready to attack the corner at 145 or so kmph (I didnt get a look in but it felt about that much), good sense prevailed and I braked hard leaning into the left hander (it was blind, wet roads, city traffic, didnt want to risk a brand new machine), feeling more and more impressed at this machines capabilities, progressive, and COMPREHENSIVE (theres one word you wont find in most motorcycle tests!!) are 2 words that come to mind to describe the smooth braking under heavy pressure on a wet road at good speed, the beauty of Tokicos.

A lil tip to future owners, dont let it dip too far below 8000 rpm because thats where the juice begins, you would need that to exit corners as fast as possible, and believe me, you can exit corners about as rapidly as you can on this little baby, its that good.

As much as I would have loved to ride and ride and ride and take it all in, stray drops of rain reminded me of my wife and buddies waiting patiently at the Dhaba for me to get back and eat (I was famished too in all honesty). I gave him back the keys, we took some pics (which explains the muck you see on the front and bit out rear too) and chatted on about what an exciting machine this was, and what havoc one could spread with an Akrapovic full system exhaust and a Dynojet Kit.... Thats right, more on that later.




All in all a very eventful dinner indeed, I couldnt stop raving about the bike, the wife was giving me looks as usual, but then I have to give a machine its due. The 2007 Honda CBR600RR, is simply, one of the BEST machines I have ever tested in my life. No 2 ways about it, it would have been the best save for one particular Hayabusa without the limiter. If Honda can actually translate this performance onto the 2009 1000RR, I'd be the first one queing up to get one for myself! (am not much of a SuperSport guy)

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

A Long time ago (well, sure seems like it) I had prophesied about a possible Ninja invasion in the land of Suzuki's Samurais (me and my puns, I know.), regular readers would probably recall this post right. However, the baby Ninja (as it is popularly referred to in reverence to its much bigger siblings) has drifted on and off coffee table chitchat for many years now. Bajaj had always planned a coup of sorts but things never seemed to fall into place. So the prophecy by itself, was nothing new, its actually rather poignant that its that time of the year again (ritual when we recall and revisit and re-hope the forthcoming, hypothetical launch).



There's a festive mood all round automotive circles, ignoramus' are still buying the R15 (the FZ16, is by FAR a much better VFM machine FTR...), the P220 came, saw, conquered, a Zma upgrade has always been on the cards, TVS Racing R&D is translating to superb road going machines (god bless them for trying), and its nearing Diwali. That time of the year when my fellow beloved countrymen indulge in frivolous, garish, almost sociopathic display of spending (and they call our country a developing economy...sheesh) to celebrate light over darkness. One such shining light, could well be the now iconic Kawasaki Ninja 250R.



I am a huge fan, air-conditioner, cooler, ice bath, of the Ninja moniker and most other Kawasaki bikes too. I have always felt them to be a maker for the Rider. Hondas are simply too nice, Yamaha's have very often flattered to deceive, and Suzukis lack that something (I dont know what, just something). Which is why I gave up an R1 and a very nice Gixxer600 for a ZX7R... a legend in itself (how many bikes do you know who could beat Ducati at a World Superbike Championship?). But can a 250R live up to the name made famous by much faster, bigger, fierce elder siblings? How about being the highest selling (in its class), most talked about, most VFM, and now best looking (arguably) 250 around? Impressive to say the least. The 250 category is one of radical importance for a manufacturer and buyer because a lot of License registrations for future Supersport riders begins at the 250cc cap, onto 400, and so forth. To rule that roost, takes some doing, and to rule it for so long like a shameless monopoly speaks of untamed pedigree (a paradox by itself). If bought for what it is, the Ninja 250R promises (and in most cases DOES) to deliver the goods.

The pricing (courtesy Bajaj willing to take the challenge of assembling it here once the bikes are in CKD and our economys FTA with the govt of Thailand), would stick around the 2L range, which is really not that much (if people are stupid enough to spend a lakh plus for an R15, rather than an Apache RTR 160Fi or the FZ16, then selling a 250R is childs play). I just hope Bajaj doesnt make a joke out of the whole deal by messing up the assembly/pre sales/after sales. I owned a P180 once, I know how much the quality at BAL can suck. Kudos for them for perennially trying though, takes heart.



This time last year I thought we were ready for this machine, but I was wrong, I am ready, and so are a lot of my performance oriented buddies, but is the general public? After the R15 launch, and seeing a few owners around, my heart sinks to be in the same group as someone wanting just a bike with a fairing and fat rear tyre. Sad but true. Maybe we need to wait a bit more, educate ourselves about bikes and WHY we BUY a PARTICULAR bike.



Some things never change, and for every performance oriented true to his heart biker out there, there will be a dickhead with a couple of lakhs to spare who wants a furniture to seat his weekend lay on. Pardon me if it sounds a bit rude, its after much study and experience that I generalise this way!

Forget the ranting though, we ought ta move onto more important matters for todays agenda. Performance Mods... Yup, what can you do to get the most out of your Ninja 250R (if and when it does launch!):

1. Yoshimura Slip-on: They have one which goes rather well with the 250R, can be imported from Singy, I wont be surprised if Bajaj does stock up the pro-biking outlets with similar performance upgrade parts too! Sounds nice, goes bit faster and looks yummy in true Yosh pedigree!

2. Kits: Yup, multi cylinder Sport bikes are very easy to modify thanks to their race-worthyness, and the easiest of them all (most bikes actually), are the trusted Jets, Filters, Exhausts, Chain Sprocket Kits, Braided Brake Line Kits. Much more GO for the show.

3. Lookers: from Huggers to Rear Seat Cowls to HID lamps to Stickering (as with most faired bikes) and graphics, one can do a lot with a 250R (that includes plonking a fatter rear wheel, which am sure a lot of dorks would do first thing, to make it look bigger than it it actually is)

4. Serious Mods: Not many know that a nicely done up 250 can keep up with many a Supersport machine... so if you are serious about your riding, if you can handle the power, and if you have some money, but not enough to buy a bigger machine than the 250, you could still go in for Custom forks/suspensions/frames/wheels forged for rigidity and lesser weight than stock, turbo-chargers, what not. I wouldnt recommend it though, save enough for a bigger bike I'd say.

Theres much more you can do, but we'll stop here for now.

The baby Ninja is not a very powerful machine (30 odd hp), but packs enough punch for a beginner to get his bearings right before moving on to a bigger capacity machine, Its light, compact, torquey, and handles reasonably well (the exact term a journo buddy who tested it used is - "Confidence Inspiring"), and thats around a race track. On a crowded city street, respect its power as well as its worth, crashes are painful, expensive affairs with bikes (especially Sporty ones).



I found the older Ninja 250 reasonably pleasant to look at, but it certainly wasnt a Supermodel! The newer one has clearly defined lines and curves to aid aesthetics as well as aerodynamics and overall stability. The package is pretty basic, but it delivers as much, and bit more than it promises. Besides, the twin between your legs will plant many a smile on your face before the looks start to date. The ergonomics, more importantly, seem just right. I would certainly test one of them and post a complete review once done, but most of the feedback I have got (from owners abroad, and a couple of really close/reliable journo buddies) has been positive. As long as one does not imagine oneself riding a litre, one will enjoy the 250 to the core.





I dont think we'll be getting US Spec machines so Red and Blue might be out, but theres always Kawasaki's lime-green and any Ninja looks best in BLACK. Lets not be greedy!

Country Roads... take me home

I've never been a huge country guy, but John Denver, is, well, John Denver.... although I cant really afford a Jet Plane to leave on yet, I did let the country roads take me home sometime back.

The feeling of fresh crop swept breeze kissing your face as you glide through an open highway is only about 2398734534098 times better than spending a Saturday night at an over-crowded disc surrounded by a dozen wannabes. Thats never been for 'me'. I still recall being surrounded by colours of myriad hues and shades brought to life by a fleeting sun hiding itself every now and then amongst the naughty clouds. If I sound a little eccentric here, its because the whole experience was somewhat ethereal, sublime as it were.

If you dont ride a bike, you're already amongst 89.71% (give or take .71839 here and there) of the worlds pop who are missing out something in life, of the rest, if you do ride a bike and do not explore the countryside with it, get the fuck out of this blog, get your fat wrinkled ass on your bike and go explore right now! Take some pics too, your grand-kids might not get to enjoy such scenic beauty after all. The highway I was on (Bangalore-Mysore), is one I have traversed rather frequently over the past 8 years, and to say that there is some degree of change on either side as you pass through everytime is a gross understatement. There are still some stretches of bliss to be found though, it all depends on whether you have the time, or inclination, to stop and take in the sights.

Enjoy:





Cheers,

Max

ps - the vadas at Maddur, and the cool, calm river at Srirangapatna are still a delight. You can find the rest of the pics at the Ninja label on the right! Oooh nostalgia can be a very painful thing at times... :-p

V Twin JAWA (Yezdi?)

Original Post HERE Dont normally have more than 1 post for the same topic, but this effort right here is worthy of another, and another mention.... :-p

All are aware of the recent cosmetic upheavel (?) my baby Bird went through. While he was at it, the mech had this very interesting project being worked on.

A V-Twin Yezdi (JAWA?). The Colour, styling, looks, everything was fucking grotesque (to each his own I guess..) but the bike sounded, and apparently moved, like a Dream. Some minor chassis and other frame mods were indulged in, on the whole a very cumbersome time (money?) consuming affair, with an almost ecclectic result.

I dont have better pics, (oops) the phone was mad at me that day and kept shaking no matter what I did!







I still remember when the JAWA (Yezdi?) Factory closed down in Mysore (was there for a year), people were flocking to the factory and picking up spares, tyres, engines, cables, head lamps, any fucking thing they could lay their hands on! Smart move, hoarding has always had a bright future in our country, those spares now are worth their weight in gold, because there are Jawa enthusiasts, and some of them are willing to pay nifty sums to procure what would otherwise be a cheap rip off made in some bylane (Gujri, anyone.) The bikes by themselves were always a beauty, my personal fave being the 350 Twin (what sweet sound, I swear!)

Coming back to this particular twin, its an off-shoot for my own dream project, V-Twin what? You'll know when the time is right.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird - Old meets New!

Went out for a little spin the other day on REs newest offering, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twin Spark. A very bold move by RE who are inadvertantly going down the Harley route of trying to mix retro with next gen tech, but how much old world charm have they retained while trying to add modern ergonomics and styling with the legendary name? Lots. Apparently. Being the cameraman I couldnt be a part of the pics (as usual), but then you'd rather see the 2 good looking babes than an ugly ol geezer right? Enjoy...

Now, Ive already posted a couple of things on it in my earlier posts (including pics), which you will find HERE But here's how it compares with the first gen TBird (2002). Which came with pretty much nothing except the lighter engine, disc brakes, left side gears, and decent styling. It was however a path-breaking venture considering the shift from erstwhile hangovers towards something new. The platform in itself was fuel efficient and smooth, faster and more reliable as well. Ive already done a review on both (browse the archives please!), but here's a photoshoot of the elder bro and the faster, fuel efficient, chromed younger sibling:

Two of my buddies discussing the nifty lil details separating old from new:

































My exhaust is custom, the bars on mine are from the RD350, the Twin Spark is of course completely stock. The most glaring difference (not in the pics), is the free revving zippy feel from the engine, the brakes too give better feedback, seating is plush and a shade above the first gen too. Goes to show that one CAN improve on a good product as well! 20+hp is of course a nice little number to play with as well.