#hamarabajaj

On the day before my 15th birthday on 7th Jan 2003 Dad gave me the best surprise - he rode a shiny blue TVS Victor home - a motorcycle I fancied in those days (link to a TVC)! To me is was a bulky powerful stallion. Wide clear headlamp, tail-lamp and turn indicators; stylist upward exhaust; strong exhaust note and latest electronics were the appealing features! I somewhat knew how to ride a MT motorcycle, so I quickly hoped on to saddle and oh boy! I’m short of words to explain the feeling! Thanks dad for that moment, among the many others. :)

I used to get to ride the new motorcycle for few kilometer in the vicinity every day - dad’s discipline-cum-freedom way to handle his kids. I used to take it for a spin immediately after school so that I could flaunt it in front of kids returning home (my home was next to school, so could reach faster). I, with my friend in the pillion seat, used to make rounds on one of the busy streets in town to catch glimpse of our crushes. Sadly, bicycle was on backstage by then. In those days, for not having driver’s licence, I used to be petrified when I used to spot a cop. In my teens , I thoroughly enjoyed leisure riding on this motorcycle in and around town. 

Then I entered engineering in 2005 - time flew by - started working in a software company in Pune, India. This was another dream come true! Live independently; make new friends; explore own self, new city and the world; and ride to Panvel, my home town, on weekends. To realize the later half of this dream, I needed a motorcycle of my own. 

To research to decide on “what motorcycle” was my pleasure anyway. During college days I used to fancy importing a used sportbike that would cost approx. 6K USD from US. But the idea seemed less viable in practical world - import duties made it further less tempting. Hence I dropped that idea altogether. Fortunately, because many powerful motorcycles have entered India, fancy motorcycles are not required to be imported anymore - they are available locally. My budget was around 100k INR. I considered new and used REs, HH Karizma R and ZMR, Yamaha R15, TVS Apache 180, Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Avenger - flagship models of almost all Indian manufacturers.

I was soon already in mad love for The fastest Indian (then)! The TVC were at their best. Look at this TVC (and this) and tell me which young power-loving, passionate rider will not be thrilled for this motorcycle!  

I'm the man... I've come for your money and all your honey coz I can... I'm the man... A legend with the ladies can't believe how crazy I am... coz I can... All the birds in the sky wish that they could fly like I can... coz I'm the man...!

Goosebumps!

I read several reviews and owner experiences about this motorcycle - all of them gave excellent grades to this steed. With 21+ bhp and 19+ nm torque, it was the most powerful, hence the fastest in its segment, had best power to price ratio, and, not to forget, had excellent fuel economy. It looked beefy and stylish. It was loaded with next-gen, first-in-class features such as rear disc brakes, wide tubeless tyres, oil-cooled twin-spark engine, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, split seat etc. The only negative thing that I heard was less reliability and durability. But I was ready to take that risk because (1) Pulsar was such a popular brand in India, (2) its after sales service was one of the best, and (3) I was sure that I would take care of my motorcycle.  

This motorcycle, along with Kawasakis and Avenger, was sold and serviced through only Bajaj Probiking outlets, giving it a needed special treatment. And again, marketing at its best - attention grabbing display making perfect justice to the mean machines. I booked mine, the jet black one, from Bajaj Probiking, Vashi. This time the delivery was taken on  Dad’s birthday in 2010. 

Once again I was exhilarated! My first own motorcycle! Very few joys come close to the joy of riding a shiny new menacing machine. Since then I have ridden this motorcycle in extreme summer, rains, winter, winds, ghats, plains, beaches, mornings, dark nights. Chased sunrises and sun sets, hopped pubs, rushed for movies. Negotiated corners, done bumper-to-bumper city riding, done long, like really long, rides, done office commute, done home searches and everything in between. And it has never failed me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this motorcycle and will enjoy more in coming years. I‘m glad that I could make the the best choice of riding this motorcycle home. 

Every motorcycle has some niggles and this has too. For example, rear disc brake could make bigger bite, fit and finish could be better. But can’t ask for more at the price at which it’s available. 

Basic checks and care go a great distance in ensuring motorcycle’s health. Just love your motorcycle and it will love you back. Its your ticket to freedom - bring your coulombs out!