It began when one of
my friend prodded the idea of touring Madhya Pradesh on a motorcycle. It must
have been sometime in Mid-2013. The seed was planted. By October 2013, I was
sold on the idea and started urging my dad to let me have this life experience.
A dismissive nod and I started short listing bikes.
My objectives were
simple: The bike should cost less than Rs. 1Lakh, should have a decent fuel
economy rate and should be able to do triple digit speeds. The options were
limited. RE Electra (delivery after 6 months … no chance), Yamaha FZ/Fazer
(found it comfy but underequipped and underpowered) and the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
(my pick). KTM Duke 200 was a costly option to consider.
I test drove the
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS at Bajaj Sai Service Borivali outlet and inquired about the
specifics of the deal. Armed with all the information I went home and pleaded
with my father for giving the green signal. Sometime in December 2013, we
completed the formalities and I took delivery of my love on 28-Dec-2013.
The date of my MP
trip were finalized, 04-Jan-2014 departure. I was running short on time to
complete the run-in period and 1st service before the long trip.
The very next day
29-Dec-2013 (Sunday), I rode out on to the NH-8 highway. Holding the engine in
the tall 6th gear at a constant 55-60 kmph range. I had underestimated the
winter morning and the cold kept my adrenaline in check. I couldn’t ride fast
even if I wanted too.
That day I clocked
around 250+ km. My first ride of solace with my love. Nothing between us. Just
man, machine and the beautiful sound of the engine.
On the morning of
new year 2014, with only 3 days before the trip, I set out once again on the
NH8 highway to complete the required distance of 500 km before the first
service interval. This time I did have to open it up at a couple of places to
overtake slower moving trucks and it was really difficult for me to keep the
speed under the mandatory 60 kmph.
By noon, I had
completed 480+ km and dropped my love for her first service. The guys at the
service centre were taken aback that I had completed 480 km in just 5 days.
Serviced and shining, my ride was ready for the MP trip.
From 04-Jan to
11-Jan I rode through Maharashtra and MP and my love for the bike just grew
with every passing kilometer. I will write in detail about my MP trip. Watch
this space.
Post MP, I rode my
love to many short and medium trips: Nashik, Pune-Lavasa, Igatpuri, Tansa,
Harihareshwar, etc. Not to forget the many sprints up and down the NH8 with
friends on Sunday mornings.
But as time passed I
wasn’t able to keep up the same fervor and for many months my bike lay still.
The maintenance required to keep my love looking new and time I should have
given to maintain it dwindled. It was slow and painful. And one fine day I decided
that my bike deserved a better caring owner. With a heavy heart I bid adieu.
The memories from
all the trips, the smiles from every kilometer is something I'll hold in my
heart for a long time.
