Page 146 - Motoring World (January 2020)

LIKE A ROK

ok Bagaros is a moto-legend in
Rthe making, performing insane KW: According to you, what does
things on his KTM bikes. We sat him stunt riding teach people?
down for a chat at IBW and here’s RB: Actually, a lot of people say it
how it went. We also ran into him at teaches a lot of stupid stuff because
a pub later, but won’t publish that you do a lot of dangerous things
conversation for the sake of decency. on a motorcycle. But I would say it
depends on how you promote it as a
rider. I’ve seen some Indian stunters
Kartik Ware: So, how it going?! on Instagram and they mostly wear Rok Bagaros feels the effects of Indian heat and food
Rok Bagaros: It’s pretty hot and my proper gear and perform in empty
stomach is not working with me for spaces off the road. In Europe or in
the past four days! I’m struggling, America, it’s cooler to wear a T-shirt ride it, it’s so easy. I promised myself
but the fans are giving me the and do these things. If you do it that when I had the money, I would
motivation to keep going! properly in a professional manner, buy one and two years ago I got one.
without putting others in danger, When I have free time, I go for a trip.
KW: That’s great. So what’s it like it teaches people that it’s a normal It’s like yoga for my head!
being part of KTM? sport like any other. With training,
RB: It’s a dream! For me, and a lot the level of risk keeps reducing and KW: Where do you think KTM fits in
of other riders, there’s no cooler it can be a sport for kids, too. And in India? Is it still the KTM the rest
brand than KTM, especially for it’s better than doing nothing! Like of the world gets?
young guys. When I was young, I other sports, hard work and practice RB: I would say it’s a bit different.
looked up to Yamaha, Aprilia and is the only way. It teaches people In India, you have the Dukes and
KTM, and it’s great to be a factory that nothing comes easy! the RCS, and there are not many
rider with one of them. Earlier, there options to choose from. But soon
were legends like Chris Pfieffer with KW: What is your kind of you will have the 390 Adventure and
BMW and Kevin Carmichael with motorcycle? the 790s, too, so that will be great.
Triumph, but today I’m the only RB: That’s an easy question! I first Like I said, KTM is still the coolest
stunt rider in the world with factory rode a KTM 1290 Adventure in Costa brand, but if it can launch the bigger
backing. KTM likes stunt riding and Rica. For five days, I went around bikes, it will be even better for Indian
likes it as a form of marketing, and the country and fell in love with that riders.
that’s the kind of company a stunt bike. It was so strong, so agile. Even
rider likes to be sponsored by. if it looks very massive, once you KW: For stunt riding or even riding
a motorcycle in general, what are,
say, three important things for every
rider?
RB: For any rider, it’s definitely
good to stay in shape. If you like
long rides, stunting or riding fast,
you need the concentration, I’ve
felt it myself. Stamina and energy
are required in every sport and
maybe KTM bikes need these things
more! But more for everyone, I feel
safety training is most important —
where to look, when to turn, how
to anticipate things, and so on.
In Europe, we have this training
centres, and even after riding for so
many years I was surprised at how
much safer I became after doing it
‘Can you teach the rest of my team how to actually pull off a wheelie?’ myself. For survival on the road, it is
very important.

146 MO T ORING W ORLD | JANU AR Y 20 20
MOTORING WORLD | JANUARY 2020