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Speed thrills, but kills' is an old warning sign on Indian roads. It couldn't be truer for superbikes . While these big bikes are the perfect machines to pump up the adrenaline, they have to be ridden with extreme responsibility in India, where quality roads are a rarity and cattle are as common an irritant for a rider as traffic snarls, bike
makers and experts say.
While manufacterurs say a 'biking culture' is slowly developing in the country , most are quick to point out that restraint is absolutely necessary for riders to avoid mishaps, many of which prove to be fatal.
Most superbikes have an engine capacity of 1000cc or above, and cost upwards of Rs 10 lakh. These super two wheelers can usually do zero to 100 kmph in under 4 seconds. "But it is not the machine , but the person riding it who is at fault in any mishap. These bikes are not meant for stunts," says Arun Theraja, a veteran biker.
The superbike market in India is small, rather niche, and accounts for only 500 units annually. But looking at the long-term potential, companies have already started queuing up for a share of the pie. So you have Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Ducati and Harley Davidson all entering the Indian market with some of their famed models.
Companies say they are doing their bit to inculcate the habit of safe and responsible riding. "We have a dedicated team of trainers and other equipment to provide bikers the requisite driving skills and handling capabilities," says N K Rattan , VP, sales and marketing, at Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India ( HMSI).
Rattan said bike manufacturers need to be serious about building a safety culture . "We at Honda insist that the rider go with safety gadgets, which apart from a helmet includes a safety jacket and protection gear for the knee, arms and shoulders ."
Sanjay Tripathi, marketing director of Harley Davidson, also said that the company takes a 'safety first' approach.
"At Harley-Davidson , safety of the rider is paramount and we take all possible measures to educate customers on safety features and precautions prior to riding the bike. Safety is at the front of everything we do, whether it is a HOG ride that requires members to wear adequate riding gear or for test rides at our dealerships."
While enthusiasm for the racing machines is a common thread between buyers of the super machines, the profile of customers ranges from successful professionals like doctors, pilots, corporate executives and businessmen to youngsters coming from rich families.
"The college guys can be dangerous . At that age, many of them have a tendency to speed and perform stunts on the road which unfortunately is all too common and can be very dangerous," says Roy Kurian, national business head of India Yamaha Motor.
"These bikes are not meant for stunts, but for pure riding experience. The products are made for fun riding and are not commuter bikes."
Yamaha has a special unit that takes care of superbike sales. "The customers, at the time of delivery, are briefed about the vehicles and the safety precautions. This is done under the supervision of experts , many of whom are trained abroad," Kurian adds.
Tips to safe superbiking
Never ride without proper gear, even if it means sweating it out in hot weather.
A superbike handles very differently from a commuter bike. Know your machine well before pushing it.
Increase your margin of safety as compared to rides on smaller-capacity bikes. Stay focused on the road all the time.
Do not try to perform stunts on these machines. Superbikes are engineered for riding pleasure, not for stunts.
Prefer early morning rides when traffic is light. Never weave through traffic - a superbike can brake harder than vehicles, so getting rear ended is a real possibility.
Never race with other bikers, except on race tracks. An aggressive attitude while riding is an invitation to trouble
While group riding, stay in a staggered formation and not in a single line.
Source - Responsible riding a priority: Bike cos - The Times of India
EDIT - here is the scanned pic of this article along with few additional important information
makers and experts say.
While manufacterurs say a 'biking culture' is slowly developing in the country , most are quick to point out that restraint is absolutely necessary for riders to avoid mishaps, many of which prove to be fatal.
Most superbikes have an engine capacity of 1000cc or above, and cost upwards of Rs 10 lakh. These super two wheelers can usually do zero to 100 kmph in under 4 seconds. "But it is not the machine , but the person riding it who is at fault in any mishap. These bikes are not meant for stunts," says Arun Theraja, a veteran biker.
The superbike market in India is small, rather niche, and accounts for only 500 units annually. But looking at the long-term potential, companies have already started queuing up for a share of the pie. So you have Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Ducati and Harley Davidson all entering the Indian market with some of their famed models.
Companies say they are doing their bit to inculcate the habit of safe and responsible riding. "We have a dedicated team of trainers and other equipment to provide bikers the requisite driving skills and handling capabilities," says N K Rattan , VP, sales and marketing, at Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India ( HMSI).
Rattan said bike manufacturers need to be serious about building a safety culture . "We at Honda insist that the rider go with safety gadgets, which apart from a helmet includes a safety jacket and protection gear for the knee, arms and shoulders ."
Sanjay Tripathi, marketing director of Harley Davidson, also said that the company takes a 'safety first' approach.
"At Harley-Davidson , safety of the rider is paramount and we take all possible measures to educate customers on safety features and precautions prior to riding the bike. Safety is at the front of everything we do, whether it is a HOG ride that requires members to wear adequate riding gear or for test rides at our dealerships."
While enthusiasm for the racing machines is a common thread between buyers of the super machines, the profile of customers ranges from successful professionals like doctors, pilots, corporate executives and businessmen to youngsters coming from rich families.
"The college guys can be dangerous . At that age, many of them have a tendency to speed and perform stunts on the road which unfortunately is all too common and can be very dangerous," says Roy Kurian, national business head of India Yamaha Motor.
"These bikes are not meant for stunts, but for pure riding experience. The products are made for fun riding and are not commuter bikes."
Yamaha has a special unit that takes care of superbike sales. "The customers, at the time of delivery, are briefed about the vehicles and the safety precautions. This is done under the supervision of experts , many of whom are trained abroad," Kurian adds.
Tips to safe superbiking
Never ride without proper gear, even if it means sweating it out in hot weather.
A superbike handles very differently from a commuter bike. Know your machine well before pushing it.
Increase your margin of safety as compared to rides on smaller-capacity bikes. Stay focused on the road all the time.
Do not try to perform stunts on these machines. Superbikes are engineered for riding pleasure, not for stunts.
Prefer early morning rides when traffic is light. Never weave through traffic - a superbike can brake harder than vehicles, so getting rear ended is a real possibility.
Never race with other bikers, except on race tracks. An aggressive attitude while riding is an invitation to trouble
While group riding, stay in a staggered formation and not in a single line.
Source - Responsible riding a priority: Bike cos - The Times of India
EDIT - here is the scanned pic of this article along with few additional important information
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