For Motorcycle Enthusiasts: India Enjoys Bikes

Hello folks. So, we are in September 2024, a pretty futuristic time in our lives, with not many classic cars or bikes on the road. However, a motorcycle company in India released a new bike that has 1960s styling combined with modern features such as LED lighting, and will compete against JAWA models.

@rockytopva , while I will never ride or buy a motorcycle (plus I do not drive due to my disability), I am somewhat fascinated with vehicles. What are your thoughts on India getting a beautiful bike that is affordable? Seems that India gets a lot of cool stuff for much cheaper than the Americans, partly as folks in South Asia have a lower wage compared to North America or Europe. It is almost unfair how India gets all the cool stuff.

2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350 (launched September 1, 2024 in India for only $3000):

Ahh, that 20th century style chrome plating.


Info about Royal Enfield (established 20th century):

Bradskii said:

My wife and I were travelling around the north of India a few years back. We had a driver for the whole time who looked after us really well (always managed to find a few cold beers for me when we booked into each hotel).

He stopped at a place near Jodhpur where there was a shrine where people prayed to...a Royal Enfield. The story about the bike is here: Om Banna - Wikipedia

I asked our guy if people really believed that there was something supernatural about it. He said a lot did. But when I asked him if he thought there was something in it, he demurred. But I did see him leaving a small offering - maybe for a safe journey. Considering the state of India's roads, I didn't think it was a bad idea.

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Wow, I know nothing about Indian culture, but I know the folks seem to care for each other pretty well. Wait, people prayed to a bike? India does have rough roads, so I see the reason why folks would pray to a bike. As a Christian, I would never do this, but I try not to judge.

Which city in India did you stay at? I have never been to India before, but it would be fun to go there one of these days, though the country is overpopulated with 1.4 billion.

Bradskii said:

We did a loop around the northern states for 4 weeks. Fascinating trip. Quite confronting in a lot of ways. Very religious people.

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It must have been an eye-opening experience. The Hindus and Buddhists can be a little too much to handle, but hey, the same could be said for Christians as well. What was your favorite place in Northern India?

Bradskii said:

Taj Mahal. Stunning.

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Man, I want to go there. It was one of the larger buildings of the time (mid-17th century).