BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE | PAGE 16
BC: Why biking? What do you mean by a bike?
Are all motorcycle riders called bikers? What
qualities you think a biker should have?
SR: It's a Passion. Something that you are
attracted to from your heart and soul. You like
doing it whenever you get a chance, you do it
with your heart and soul and derive a unique
sense of satisfaction, pleasure and
achievement.
Biker is a responsible rider who possesses a
strong sense of 'Brotherhood' amongst fellow
bikers. Respects senior riders. Is helpful to any
one in distress on the roadside. Mostly are
attached to one or more social cause to arouse
attention of the public on issues like Girl Child,
Women Empowerment, Blood donation, Traffic
Regulations, help during natural calamities etc.
A strong sense of brotherhood amongst other
biker clubs is also maintained. Mostly biker
clubs are confined to a particular brand of
motorcycle.
I wouldn't call all riders as Bikers. In simple
terms a rider is more of a commuter in daily life
and would occasionally go on a leisure ride by
himself or with few friends. The riding discipline
in the biker clubs is different as every ride is
analyzed and shortcomings deliberated after
every ride for a better ride next time.
BC: How many bikes you own? Which is your
favorite bike? Why? Have you named them?
SR: I won two bikes. First, a 500cc Royal Enfield
Classic since 2009. Second, a Ducati Scrambler
icon 803cc since February 2019.
My favorite bike is the RE Classic 500. I am very
attached to it due to innumerable rides covered
on it in various terrains all over the country and
neighbouring countries too. It has helped me
reach out to the community of riders across the
country. Well I have named the RE Classic 500,
"THE WIZARD" for it has taken me through my
journeys even when it had failed, help magically
arrived.
The Ducati Scrambler is nick named
"BASANTI."
BC: Any particular bike you DISLIKE?
SR: I do not DISLIKE any bike. But would like to
point out about 'UM Motorcycles' which is a
joint venture with 'Lohia Group' since 2015 and
began sales in 2016.
They have abruptly closed operations last October
leaving about 80 dealers and bike owners in the
lurch. There are no spares being supplied for repair
of the bikes. Auto dealers body 'FADA' have just
initiated legal action against UM Lohia. Hopping their
complaints are taken up with the fastest means for
they have left bike owners and dealers in pitiable
condition. The government too should take a lesson
from this group and avoid entry of such players both
in the interest of bikers and dealers who invest their
fortune to start a showroom.
BC: What made you want to ride a bike? Any
inspirations?
SR: In my young days it was only bicycle and bikes.
There were no scooters. The brands of BSA,
Matchless, Indian and Royal Enfield were definitely
an eye catching and had made an impression in my
mind. Scooters like Lambretta, Bajaj Super, LML
Vespa, etc came in much later but they never
appealed to me. My inspiration was seeing my father
riding the motorcycle to work.