After waiting for about 5 years (I thought about it first way back in 2004 when I was just joining MDI), and talking about it forever (like here, here and here), I have been able to muster enough courage (and save enough money) to get myself a Royal Enfield Bullet Electra.
This one is a Bullet Electra 5S, 2009 Model. Silver. As compared to classic Bullets, this one has 5 gears, brake on the right side and an electric start. There are minor upgrades in terms of disk brakes, steelwool in exhaust and oil controled shock absorbers etc. The engine remains the same. So does the thump. And so does the (in)famous sound.
I got it on 15th April 2009. So far I have done some 100 KMs on it. Couldn’t annouce it earlier because I did not get the registration and other documents. Finally, I am assured that by today evening I would be a free man.
Yes, a free man. A Royal Enfield for me is not so much about heritage, performance or durability. It is a dream I have cherished for a long time. Its part of the trip I am on. It is like my second life. For me its freedom from the boring routines that we call life. It takes me to a place where I will be by myself. I will be on the road discovering new places, knowing things like I have never know and experiencing the pains and pleasures of riding a Bullet. I plan to take long journeys on it, once I master the art of riding it. Lets just say, I will get in the God Mode (alternate definitions here), moment I am on a bullet.
BTW, we are calling it RajDulara (and Chetak for brevity). Named after Neo‘s RamPyari, finally its hum do, humare do. And please, no test rides. Will try to get my hands on a camera over the weekend and upload some pictures. Next on agenda? A trip to Leh perhaps?
P.S.: My last bike was Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber Croma. I had it for about 5 years before I moved to Mumbai. It was sold without me ever getting to know about it. I plan to make this one last for the rest of my life.
P.P.S.: Next todo is to create a trip poster for myself. These posters are just brilliant. Check them out.
The trip posters are great! Let me know if I can help making one for you.
Congrats ! 🙂
Oil or gas controlled ?
Congrats my dear friend. And wish me to get Royal Enfield soon.