In the not too distant future, I’m proposing to start up a company that will be producing after-market accessories/kits for Indian production bikes. It is high time that someone comes and gives India something that isn’t a regurgitation of the same old thing.

Before going ahead with this venture, I’m posting on this and other forums as a method of feeling out the current Indian motorcycle market, especially given the current economic climate.

Are you familiar with a concept bike shown a few years ago by TVS, called the Isotope 200? I select this bike as hopefully you are familiar with it, and it is somewhat similar in character to a modification kit that I’m looking to develop. (Of course it will not be the same as this as TVS obviously own the design rights).

This supermoto style of bike, though unavailable as yet in India (I’m aware that KTM will likely enter the market soon) is in my opinion far more appropriate for India’s roads than say an R1 or Hayabusa, and I’ll tell you why:
When I see a superbike in India, I see a tiger in a cage. Superbikes are incredible machines to ride when on smooth, flowing tarmac, but sadly right here right now, they are just stifled by India’s potholed, mammal strewn roads. There will of course always be a market for people who need a superbike to complete their image, but I want to really focus on those of us who deep down just love the thrill of riding, no matter what it is. (I’m not suggesting that the majority of superbike owners own one to simply enhance their image here, but in terms of "bang for your buck" a superbike provides poor ecomony when in India). A supermoto however is specifically designed for riding on uneven surfaces, and is easy to handle even when the wheels are not in line. The buzz comes from the skill required to ride a bike that’s continually out of shape - this is not something that’s recommended or in fact easy to accomplish on a superbike. Also, dropping a supermoto on the move doesn’t tend to result in a pile of expensive broken fairings!

Over the last decade, I’ve ridden many different motorcycles in many parts of the world, on-road/track, and off-road. The thing that has become clear to me is this - The real thrill of riding any bike comes by pushing both the limits of the machine, and also your skills as the rider. Riding a motorcycle at a fraction of its capability is essentially mundane, and fulfils a different "personal need" to that "need for thrills". (By personal need I mean perhaps the owner has "the desire to own and ride the pinnacle of modern engineering" (a perfectly valid reason), or "the desire to be seen as sexy/wealthy/successful" (another valid reason))

Although in India the road network is poorly maintained, you can pretty much use every ounce of performance in a domestically produced bike. What I think is lacking in the current line up of manufacturers (aside from promoting rider education and skills), is that they are afraid of pushing the boundaries of styling and also introduce new categories of bikes. (According to the bike makers, all the bikes that look and perform pretty much the same to me, apparently fall into a number of different categories… Not sure I can see that much differentiation really!) Yes, the Yamaha R15 is a very well executed version of it’s international siblings, but it’s really a sheep in wolf’s clothing trying to pretend it’s something it’s not. I mean really push the boundaries, and create something that is internationally recognised as being something new in India. You may or may not be aware, but the Isotope was voted "best concept of 2006" by not only Top Gear magazine, but the world’s motorcycle designers in the Motorcycle Designers’ Association annual vote! What did TVS do with it…? My point precisely.

I am a huge advocate for safe riding, so whilst I say I love to ride bikes to their/my limits, I’ll only ever ride at 80% on the road, keeping the remaining 20% for when I’m in a controlled environment. I know there are only a few race tracks in India, and they’re all down south, but this is where the numerous go-kart tracks that are dotted around India come in. These are perfect places to ride relatively low powered motorcycles, at relatively slow speeds, but to do it successfully relies on huge amounts of rider skill, over huge bhp figures. The result of getting it right is intensely rewarding (and will carry over to make you a better road rider). Coincidentally enough… supermoto races have been happening at go kart tracks internationally for years!

Have a look here for a video of the fun you could be having.

So…what do you say? Interested in supermoto? Want to transform your bike’s looks and attitude?

Let me know your thoughts.