My association with riding began when
I started my journey with the humble scooty 10 years ago. In the last five years I learnt the motorcycle. I bought a 150cc motorcycle. I recall my 1st ride, a 650 kilometre round trip from Bangalore to Sringeri, Karnataka . Likewise I’ve done:
Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 11 days.
Bangalore to Kolkata 3 days.
A 15 day ride on a rented Bajaj Avenger 220 with a friend from Delhi to Badrinath thus covering the state of Uttarakhand ,
Seven Sisters in 2019. Four states of North East – Assam, Meghalaya ,Tripura & Nagaland in October 2019.
My previous rides were
In 2019 I upgraded from the Bajaj Avenger 150cc to the Royal Enfield interceptor 650 cc. Prior to that I had a TVS Scooty.
My options were
Initially, I looked at the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 came as a recommendation.
I chose my current bike because
I chose the Interceptor 650 cc because it offered best in class saddle height and power to boot. Typically a short statured girl (I am 5 feet) for being unable to ride larger capacity motorcycles. For beginners and amateurs the choices are dismal, at best a Classic 350. At first the idea of short girl riding a motorcycle petrified me. One day, I decided to change this perception. From a scooty I migrated to a Bajaj Avenger, certainly I can raise the bar.
It is said that nothing is impossible for a woman should she rise to the challenge.
These words of inspiration encouraged me to go the next level
The number of kilometres clocked so far – 5200 km
My most memorable rides
In October 2019 I decided to complete the seven sisters ride . On the Royal Enfield,interceptor 650 cc I had a lady pillion. Accompanying us a 65 years old man on a Thunderbird 500. My theme was accomplishment, women safety, humanity an ambition. I shipped the bike from Bangalore to Siliguri. A fifteen 15 day ride with the first stage being Siliguri to Guwahati.
The first day was awesome Road was excellent. Guwahati welcomed me with heavy city traffic. Thanks to the ensuing exhaustion i did sleep well in Guwahati. Riders Vishal and Vivek from Guwahati welcomed us and our journey began with them. The seven sisters ride indeed is daunting. One of the toughest off road terrains with mountains, valleys and added flavour of rains. Also, at times the language barrier created a communication gap. The food, culture and traditions here are unlike anywhere. This made interesting because of Vivek being a local. We completed four states – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland.
Meghalaya is a beautiful place. I have fond memories of Cherrapunji. Not just because it has the heaviest rainfall in India. Its beautifully scenic mountains, valleys, and waterfalls are captivating. Nagaland’s tribal heritage and culture stands strong even today. The staple diet here are non- vegetarians items on the menus in most hotels. Courtesy Nagaland Riders at Dimapur I indulged in the authentic food of Nagaland.
Unfortunately on my birthday in Kohima, Nagaland I was bereft of my choice of veg food. The predominantly non vegetarian menu kept me away. The landslides in Manipur beckoned me homeward and cut short the journey. Ideally, I look forward to completing the remaining states this year.
I would recommend/ not recommend that girls/ ladies buy this bike because
The Royal Enfield interceptor 650 cc is a heavy motorcycle and is at its best on highways.
It offers 20 kilometres to the litre at best and long distance budget trips are best avoided.
The handlebar and footrest vibrations foot rest could be lesser.
However, the short seat is ok for short trips and for longer trips it can be back breaking at times.
The awesome pick up and performance makes it a mile-muncher on longer distances.
The modern classic styling is a head turner.
The Interceptor’s well tuned engine is best felt in its exhaust note.
