THE DIARY OF Z

Meet the men who live and breathe 1000 cc

“Hell! Why is that tree so close?”

Hitting 260 kmph a week ago had given software engineer T Raghu a new high. He was on his way to Devanahalli when he decided to step on the gas and kiss the air yet again. That’s when he realised a tree was coming at him at breakneck speed. Not the tree’s fault really - it was rooted there for several decades and hadn’t moved an inch.

Raghu had had a close encounter a month ago when he was taking a turn at 180 kmph on the way to Hosur. But this one was really close and he wondered if he would ever make it in one piece.

And it happened: he hugged the tree and had a broken leg to show for it.

His 1000 cc bike is no more. But he’s recovering and rearing to go yet again - old habits are hard to give up.

Welcome to the riders of the 1000 cc world.

Name: Rajesh C

Age: 27

Height: 5’9”

Profession: Businessman

The bike I own: R1

Riding since: One year

Record: 265 kmph. Did it with fellow rider Mazher on the way to Devanahalli. And then, riding with a group of friends on Kolar-Mulabagal bypass, I touched 265 kmph. I could stay at that speed for about 3-4 seconds only and then I was down to 200-220 kmph

Next best: Riding with fellow rider Amit and touching 255 kmph

Close encounters: Just one. When I was taking a turn at 180 kmph, a couple of monkeys ran across the road (Kolar to Chittoor). I used the front breaks in turns and the monkeys were smart too. They would stop and go and that helped me pass by without a hitch. Unlike conventional bikes, we use the front breaks 70 per cent of the time. They are a life saver

Milestone: I am the youngest and fastest rider in the group

My kind of food: Seafood

My kind of music: Rock and trance

My kind of movies: Action

Other pastimes: Party-hopping and travelling

Future plans: To move on to R1 2004 model. Mine is of 2002

Last word: Gives you a great high every time you are low. It�s a good anti-depressant. But if you are riding for over 300 kilometres, you will get stressed. One small mistake and you�ve had it

Name: Amit Sandill

Age: 41

Height: 5�7�

Profession: Electronic engineer

The bike I own: YZF 1000 R1

Riding since: 6 months

Record: 260 kmph

First motorcycle: TVS Suzuki

First rode: When I was 12 years old

First race bike: Super Four CB 400R

Greatest experience: Just riding the roads� curves of all kinds are what I like.

Close encounters: Came in too fast into a turn but managed to make it with front breaks, changing gears and positioning my body well

My kind of food: North Indian

My kind of music: Slow rock

My kind of movies: Comedies

Other pastimes: Soccer, trekking and golf

Future plans: Upgrade the bike every year

Last word: Be one with your bike; it will treat you well

Name: Dinesh Reddy

Age: 39

Height: 5�9�

Profession: Businessman

The bike I own: Honda Fireblade 929

Riding since: Mid 2002

Record: 230 kmph

First motorcycle: Yezdi

First rode: When I was 15 years old

First race bike: RD 350 Yamaha

Greatest experience: I went for a two-day riding clinic in Singapore organised by my friends who are pro riders. When I came back and rode the way they had taught me to, the pleasure of riding doubled. Shifting your weight and positioning yourself on the bike can make a big difference

My kind of food: Continental and Goan

My kind of music: From Carnatic to Bob Dylan

My kind of movies: Drama

Other pastime: Trekking

Future plans: To form a club where like-minded bikers come together and have a wonderful time

Last word: Ride them fast, but ride them well. It�s next best to good sex

Name: Sharath Reddy

Age: 42

Height: 5�10�

Profession: Businessman

The bike I own: Suzuki TL 1000R

Riding since: 8 months

Record: 240 kmph. My son was riding pillion with me when I reached my record speed on the Outer Ring Road at noon. He was shell shocked. Didn�t talk to me for half an hour

Close encounters: Kids running across the road. But I avoided by judicious use of the breaks and changing gears on time

First motorcycle: Road King

First rode: In 1976

First race bike: A modified Yezdi

My kind of food: North Indian

My kind of music: Rock

My kind of movies: Comedies

Other pastimes: Badminton, gymming and disc-hopping

Future plans: Graduate to cruisers. Try R 500 cc because I believe in safety � I have a family that depends on me

Last word: It�s the ride of your life

Name: Vijay Pillai

Age: 34

Height: 5�9�

Profession: Personal trainer

The bike I own: Kawasaki Ninja 1200 CC

Riding since: 2 years

Record: 260 kmph. Now I reach that speed every week. It�s a major adrenaline rush for that 10-15 seconds

First motorcycle: RD 350 Yamaha

First rode: When I was 14 years old

First race bike: CBR 900 RR Honda

Greatest experience: Doing 220 kmph with my girl friend riding pillion.

My kind of food: Continental

My kind of music: Soft rock

My kind of movies: Action

Other pastimes: Party-hopping and gymming

Future plans: Another bike of course

Last word: It�s better than sex. A bike will give you an orgasm a woman can�t

Name: Mazher Ahmed

Age: 34

Height: 5�4�

Profession: Businessman

The bike I own: Yamaha 1000

Riding since: 3 years

Record: 265 kmph on Kolar Road two weeks ago

First motorcycle: KB100

First rode: When I was in the 10th standard

First race bike: NSR 250 Rockmans Honda

My kind of food: Tandoor

My kind of music: Pop

My kind of movies: Action

Other pastimes: Squash

Future plans: Maintain my bike as long as I can. In one crash, you could be no more, so be as safe as possible and wear the full riding gear (jacket, boots, gloves and helmet)

Last word: Riding is second best to flying

Name: S Gopinath

Age: 28

Height: 5�8�

Profession: Audio engineering

The bike I own: R1 and 12R

Riding R1 since: 8 months

Record: 260 kmph

Close encounters: Seeing the rear end of a bus coming up too fast on the way to Kolar

First motorcycle: RX100

First rode: In 1986

First race bike: RD350 Gp C. I was also into races for 6-8 months

Greatest experience: The first time I rode my R1

My kind of food: Italian

My kind of music: Rock

My kind of movies: Action

Other pastimes: Nothing, really

Future plans: Buying a ZX 10R next year

Last word: Let the good times roll

Name: Ramana RV

Age: 34

Height: 5�9�

Profession: Businessman

The bike I own: Honda CBR 954 RR

Riding since: 2 months

Record: 188 kmph

First motorcycle: Ind Suzuki

First rode: In 1986

First race bike: The one I own now

My kind of food: Tandoor

My kind of music: All kinds

My kind of movies: Comedies

Other pastimes: Gymming, digging good food, clothes and perfumes

Future plans: Get on to Honda CBR 1000 RR

Last word: I am the little baby of the 1000 cc group and I have a lot to learn and miles to go

(This piece appeared in City Reporter)