My association with Royal Enfield Motorbike goes back in the year 2005 when I bought an old Machismo A350 AVL version. Quite amazingly, I went for a stroll on my previous non-RE bike to buy a T-shirt and came back with the Machismo. There were no plans as such but the thumping always made me wonder how robust and powerful machine Eicher co. has made. During those days, I used to hear a lot about Himalayan Odessey and the association of RE with such an event. Being a traveler enthusiast myself, I was always fascinated to reach the mountain tops biking all the way from remotest of the places.
A green Machismo A350 was standing at a local motorbikes dealer shop. I confirmed the price which suited my budget and the dealer agreed to exchange my previous bike with this one. I didn't give it another thought and closed the deal within a few hours. Then there was no looking back. The rider in me rise manifolds and I took my traveling interest more seriously.
My first trip was a weekend ride to Jaipur from New Delhi. I was accompanied by 2 of my colleagues and we completed the one way journey in around 6 hours. Though I had plenty of outings before, it was my maiden bike trip above 150kms.
After riding the Machismo for almost 2 years, I switched to a 2000 Standard 350cc which I got from disposal. Unfortunately, I couldn't go on long rides since the important paper-work were missing the RC was under the name of Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police. There was no way I could have transferred the papers on my name, neither could I get a 3rd party insurance done on it.
Realizing the mistake of selling the Machismo and switching to Standard (DP one), I sold it on cheap prize and got another old '98 Standard Deluxe 350cc. It was my last bullet before 25th May, 2009. I have done Massourie, Chamba, Garhwal, Jaipur, Shimla, Agra on this bullet. I named it THUMPSTER! It remained as one of my loyal soul mates for a very long time.
But on 25th May, 2009 I finally decided to have my own bullet. Moreover, the upcoming Ladakh trip made me skeptical about the condition of my old Bullet. This gave me a reason to buy a new Standard 350cc (Black). Lots of people suggested me to go for Electra 4S or Machismo LB 500cc but my love for Standard model did not budge my decision.
My love for the Royal Enfield Motorcycle + Riding encouraged me to build my own riders community. Since 2007 I am administering an all RE riders community called Delhi Bull Riders (www.delhibullriders.co.in). DBR has gave me a chance to meet different people from all across the community and religion where we only talk about Royal Enfield and our riding experiences. The group got jelled up so much that we started thinking about Megadventures. Ladakh 2009 is a result of such long talks and brotherhood.
To know more about me, visit my personal website - www.sajeeshnair.info
My passion, my dream, my present & future - www.delhibullriders.co.in
Cheers! and mind it.......ride safe, b'coz someone is waiting for you at home.