Page 162 - Motoring World (January 2020)

‘BAR TALK

MOST K AR TIK W ARE
KARTIK WARE
@kartik46

WANTED

It’s sort of liberating, writing just TDM for India, roll out the WR250s, about missing the holeshot. Also,
this column and not also the first just be what Yamaha is meant to be. Jawa needs to sort out their bikes’
page, after three years and one I’ve always had this feeling about quality and feel, too; they’re too
month. There was a certain mild Yamaha that it’s somehow managed beautiful to deserve being botched up.
embarrassment about bookending the to miss the performance-boat despite If only they felt half as good as they
magazine with my single face, which owning the harbour. That needs to look, and that shouldn’t be too hard
is why some time ago I replaced this change, and fast. to achieve if there’s focus.
page’s image with one that has my Royal Enfield is preparing for a The big-bike guys, well, they
head inside a helmet. I think I’ll keep big 2020 with its all-new range of occupy a niche that operates purely
it that way. Especially given what motorcycles built on new platforms. on financial terms, and that makes
I’m about to demand from Indian I hope the stupid footpeg position them risk-averse and irrelevant
motorcycle manufacturers. Yes, the on the Bullet and Classics will now in my opinion. What we need are
economy is down and things are be rectified. That was the primary homegrown products, as RE has
looking bleak. That’s exactly why proved with its 650 twins. I wonder
we need great motorcycles to ride I can’t stand what Bajaj is waiting for. I think
through this mess. that’s the only company that can take
Now, a typical skinny-jeans-clad another generic on RE’s challenge, but I suppose it’s
Insta-rider these days likes sitting busy with bringing the Chetak back
examine his crotch, hoping that adds 150 outrunning and making Pulsars out of KTMs.
on a stationary bike and seemingly
And yes, we can’t wait for the 390
fine — to each his own weirdness. But a Bullet 350 Adventure. KTM knows what to do.
some gravitas to the photo. And that’s
Speaking of the Chetak, there are
I want motorcycle manufacturers to the electrics. An electric motorcycle?
cater to real riders, not posers. Hope reason I didn’t go get myself a Classic I don’t know about that. Electric
is always implicit, but I’d like to be 500 in chrome. I also hope whatever motors make more sense in scooters.
explicit about it for once, and offer engine capacities are chosen offer An electric scooter looks the same as
them possible New Year’s resolutions. proportionate performance. I can’t a petrol one. An electric motorcycle,
I’ll begin with my favourite, the three stand another generic 150 outrunning unless it has a fairing, looks like a
tuning forks. a Bullet 350. disaster. A motorcycle is a far more
Yamaha recently announced If TVS doesn’t make a dual- emotional subject than a scooter,
that it’s leaving both scooter and purpose bike in 2020, I will create one and I doubt any electric motor can
motorcycle commuter spaces to of those online petitions that ask for capture that dimension of riding. An
concentrate on premium products. signatures and lead a campaign that e-bike might be fun, sure, but I expect
It only took ten years of motoring forces Hosur to finally listen. India’s the charm will run out faster than its
journos shouting ourselves hoarse for longest-running factory off-roading charge. Now, dear manufacturers, do
the company to do that, and I hope team and no corresponding road get on with it. And remember, it’s all
Yamaha doesn’t equate ‘premium’ bike?! Even Hero, the doyen of 100cc about the riders.
with ‘125cc scooters’. Bring on the commuters, beat them to it with the
TMAXes and Teneres, make a 500cc Xpulse which won IMOTY 2020. Talk [kartik.ware@delhipress.in]

162 MOTORING WORLD | JANUARY 2020