A Whimsical Purchase and a ride map
The Background
Rather late in life, the courage to buy and ride a two wheeler came. Most males, i think are fascinated by moving machines of some kind. Being no exception, i bought an automatic scooter. However, that was nice for a while and reasonable kudos to the TVS motor company. However, for a few years i have been observing the advent of the Honda Highness. Royal Enfield or rather simply the Bullet has been the leader in the thump domain, for people of my generation and a few years older as well as younger. Especially the army 500 version was the tub thumper of our times. Those days, 25 years back, RE Bullets were way beyond afforrdable range for the middle class. Those were the days of Bajaj Chetak, Vespa(LML) came later, Lambretta was before my time.
Anyhow, times change, economic situation improves and Indian two wheeler market explodes with motorcycles. The generation which promised itself and dreamt bought Bullets and the Eicher Motors which probably was on the verge of closing Bullets suddenly could not manufacture enough. So many variants; and then the foreign manufacturers. Anyhow, circa Honda launched the CB Highness, and different variants. Some uncharitably call it the Bullet made by Honda or some such. Anyhow, due some personal circumstances, my mind got set on this model. After picking courage for 4 years and tipping point finally came in 2025 3rd quarter. I must acknowledge the financial advice of The Hound who assured me that I wouldnt be a pauper and have to go around in beggin bowl in my old age if i splurged on this motorcycle, costing roughly 2.5 lakhs INR(250,000) with all the company cost, tax, yet more tax, yet more road tax, surcharge fees, and of course bribes for vehicle registration. The booking itself was an adventure and anyhow it was delivered.
Random Information
Interestingly, The Hound himself graced the occasion of us inspecting the vehicle(a rather cursory check i must say after i saw the manufacturing date). At this point, I must recommend that the sales outlet called Topline Honda(St. Marks road nearabout) is quite decent. For the uninitiated, the Bigwing showrooms are the ones where premium motorcycles upto 500 CC or so are actually sold. The workhorse model are not available at Bigwings; these are available at Redwing showrooms. Then come the Topline showroom. I was led to believe that the Topline showrooms are the elite of the elite.i saw the Honda Goldwing there; unfortunately the Africa Twin is no more sold in India due to emission norms.The jokes never end. Anyhow, i would recommend checking here or even buying from here. The Hound, came to the showroom looking like a lout; and took a few pics of me riding or sitting astride the motor. After a quick inspection, i made payment and invoice was generated.
A note to the unwary: the day your invoice is generated is the day your warranty starts. Date of delivery is immaterial. I got delivery after a week, even though the vehicle was ready in couple of days.
The Hound also treated me to a filter coffee at a nearby expensive coffee chain - it is quite popular. I was taken aback to see that we two were the most senior citizens. The clientele there was pathetic - affected, pretentious, self absorbed, narcisstic young people - hoodies, laptops and fashionable glasses popularised in tome TedTalk to some prophet of AI. These ghastly and pathetic creatures were staring into space or typing something int he laptop as if ... words fail me. Probably there were a couple of youngsters trying to feel cool with loose clothing and unhealthy pallor and body structure, maybe trying to act the way they saw some american movie and bosoms falling out. The nation is in terrible hands if this is the future. The other fun part of it was the the Hound himself was trying to act cool with some sleazy sun glasses. The Cashier at the counter promptly cut the Hound to size by declaring positively that his coolers or shades were from lenskart and not some Armani. This deflated the Hound and increased my joy.
Rides
I have not gone on many rides but posting the route map of the latest on. I was accompanied by Mr. AN who acted as an excellent second seat. The motorycle is very good, at least as per my usage; obviously there is a bias as i have plonked a good amount of money.
The weather was pleasant, how 50KM passed is a mystery. Being a long weekend, the roads were very clear and it was a pleasure to ride. People were fairly civilised in giving way; and even BMTC buses were not actually trying to run you over. I hope it is not beginner's luck.
Postscript
One cannot crop an image in blogger - at least i could not find a way to do it.
Need to buy helmet(new), gloves, a riding jacket and maybe shoes.
