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)
