Greetings from India

TWILKIN650 · Jul 12, 2006

Greetings from Mumbai! I'm here on business and got to see the motorcycle at it's best as a beast of burden. Riding in a car five hours a day for the last week I got a close up and personal look at one of the grittier parts of the state of Gujarat along a highway with lots of industrial activity. And the vehicles that support that activity. Lots of truck traffic, bikes, scooters and three wheeled "tuk-tuks" vying for a decent piece of asphalt. After seeing perhaps a hundred thousand two wheelers in the last week, I'd guess the average bike has 2.5 passengers. My personal best was a family of five on a Hero Honda, and an interesting variation was dad, mom breastfeeding, and younger daughter bringing up the rear. This does seem to limit top end a bit, and affects handling by compressing the suspension, but, hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get around. Most bikes are in the 100-150cc range. Didn't see any Harleys in the outback, and only a few Royal Enfield Bullets. Here is a typical Hero Honda:

https://www.herohonda.com/achiever/index.htm

Now I want to see an FJR with a family of five on the road!

Groo · Jul 12, 2006

Wondered where you had disappeared to... hope your business trip goes well.

twowheelnut · Jul 12, 2006

And stay the **** off public transportation systems!

FJRottie · Jul 12, 2006

Your post brings back memories.

I have been around there. In Pakistan I was passed by three 100cc bikes, and all the riders were laying flat out (superman style) on the seat, and one was so comfy, he had his legs crossed.

Watch out for durka-durka falling off the magic buses.

fjrchooser · Jul 12, 2006

Pretty nasty view for some of them on the back there. I'd be walking no matter how far or long I'd already been walking...

sgoat · Jul 13, 2006

Damm! That lil' Honda Hero is pretty slick!

donaldb · Jul 13, 2006

My neighbor went to India, work required it, only for about 4 weeks. Here are two pics he took while there that just so happen to have what appears to be this motorcycle. God, I'm glad it was he who went and not me, thank you Jesus!!

evil_henchman · Jul 13, 2006

FJRottie said:
Your post brings back memories.I have been around there. In Pakistan I was passed by three 100cc bikes, and all the riders were laying flat out (superman style) on the seat, and one was so comfy, he had his legs crossed.

Watch out for durka-durka falling off the magic buses.

Don't knock it till you try it, that's my favorite LD riding position too. Though leg crossing doesn't work on an FJR. :lol: Just fill the tank bag with fluffy soft stuff and you have a nice little pillow.

FJRMGM · Jul 14, 2006

Tim - don't drink the water over there.

When do you return home?

TWILKIN650 · Jul 15, 2006

Mike, I got back yesterday after 20 hours on two planes with two short layovers. I really didn't run into any problems during the trip and gradually acclimated to the food and water. I took along an international medical travel kit and a few additional medications that have helped me in the past, so no biggie. That and boosters on six of the WHO card innoculations. It has taken me about a day to get back in the swing of things. I did drink bottled water the whole time I was traveling, some even brought from home. I had a "goodies bag" that allowed me to survive in the event that the food looked questionable, and that worked out well too.

I didn't take any pictures of the poverty that was everywhere, primarily because of cultural sensitivity I guess. My hosts and traveling companions were all Indian, and I didn't want to be seen recording these dismal scenes for folks at home to see. Sort of like them coming to the U.S. and taking pictures of at the local police station lockup. This was not the India of the Taj Mahal for sure.

I was just thankful to be able to get out of the international airport after the bombings in Mumbai.

And yes the little 100's and 150's sure looked as if they would be fun. Does anyone sell a 100-150 cc four stoke standard street single in the U.S. market today?

Greetings from India

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