Note: In the following article I have deliberately excluded limited edition bikes that Kinetic and Yamaha introduced in India between 2000-03. They reached only a privileged lot (who could as such import any super bike anyway), so they did not affect the masses and hence the overall biking scene (unlike the RD’s and Yezdi’s).
The late 80s and the 90s was the golden era of the scooter and the major players here were Kinetic Honda (another alliance, whew!) and Bajaj (now known for path breaking sports bikes). In this period, scooters outsold bikes by a big margin as they were more practical (could carry 3 with grocery, shopping, luggage) and the bikes had nothing to offer (also being more expensive).
In 1998, Hero Honda launched the CBZ. This proved to be the trendsetter in the Indian biking scene, a host of manufacturers quickly following suit. This 150cc bike was not only stunning to look, but had impeccable handling (I believe, till date, no other bike beats the CBZ in this respect). It captured the long dormant enthusiasts market and the company could hardly keep up with the demand.
This made Bajaj launch the Pulsar. The credit to bringing sports bike to the masses goes to this bike. It came in two engine sizes of 150cc and 180cc, had the looks of a naked monster and was the most powerful bike then. It received constant upgrades, firstly a bikini fairing, then dual spark plug ignition and later gas shocks. This bike was affordable, had great fuel efficiency and good power. No wonder it still is the market leader.
Hero Honda responded by launching the 225cc Karizma. This had great looks, was longer than the rest of the bikes, had accessories like digital meters, clock, big disc, great self starter etc; and was the most powerful bike (and continues to be so till this date). Its high sticker price and low fuel efficiency meant that it never achieved the sales figures of the Pulsars, but it still remains THE enthusiasts bike (so no points for guessing that I own this bike, well nothing else would do).
But all this while, the only manufacturer that heralded the carefree biking spirit was Royal Enfield. Under its new, young CEO, the company stormed into the new millennium with a slew of new models. It had the 350cc Electra (staple Enfield), 350cc Thunderbird (stunning!!!), and a 500cc (also the now discontinued 535cc Lightning). All these bikes followed the upright biking stance, though their old engine design meant that they were only as powerful as the Karizma, but their attitude, looks and that trademark (gorgeous) thumping exhaust note gave them a cult following. People who liked Enfields would not even think of, let alone buy another bike. The company encouraged and provided support to form several Enfield biking groups (that the bike is ideal for mile munching, certainly helps the cause) and these are still the trendsetters for any biking activity in India. You can often see a group of riders on Enfields with luggage on a tour or another expedition. No wonder that people now perceive only Bulleteers to be die hard bikers and rest of the sports bike clan as just another bike rider. The attraction of a thumping Enfield has grown from strength to strength and even I am contemplating to buy an Enfield (and be eligible to join the REDS group).
I think I have written an exhaustive history of the Indian biking scene, but still if you have any queries (anything), or any valuable suggestions, please feel free to write to me at the mail ids given below (or just leave a comment here). If you are making a group or are planning that trip to the Himalayas please do inform me. Well that’s it, keep the biking spirit live and kicking.
My mail ids:
icexvi@gmail.com
meetalekh@rediffmail.com
meetalekh@yahoo.co.in
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