Hi guys,

I've been following Xbhp for quite sometime now. Lot's have changed and lot's has yet to change and by change I don't mean webcode. I mean attitude. Before I go on, a few words about my biking past to put things in perspective. I started on a regular commuter by LML. Moved on to a 2005 Hyosung Comet GT 250. And now ride a 2011 Ducati Monster 796.
I've been getting all kinds of strange public feedback from the days of riding the Comet on the streets of bombay. A lot of positive interest and a lot of rubbish negativity. I personally love the concept of riding a bike and particularly encourage riding better quality bikes. Not to mean that the regular commuters are bad in anyway. They serve a purpose and will always be a great source of convenience to a lot. I started on one and will always respect this form of transport. I would like to point out the absurd extremes of admiration and hate among bikers around. I used to love watching a Comet go by when I was out on my Comet. I love looking at Harleys on the same road, as I ride my 796. I feel a lot of admiration and attention from quite a few bikers on the mean streets of bombay but also get that mean touch of envy from some commuters. I have this theory about any kind of possession. I was a regular guy before I bought the Comet. I suddenly changed when I started riding the 250GT. A strange sense of arrogance creeping in. As if I own the road. Did I own the road? In hindsight, far from it. The concept owned me. The concept of this rebellious biking culture and the power between by legs which allows me to take on any other commuter class vehicle was far from wise and mature. It's a concept which every person here might relate with. I have observed a strange arrogance in certain people about owning certain things. May it be a car or a bike or any such worldly possessions. Just because we payed and bought a high quality motorcycle, doesn't mean we actually own it. There is no need to have this vague arrogance about it. If anything, it means to be humbled in the presence of such a skillfully made machine and be inspired by it workmanship. These machines stand for something to me. Uncompromising quality. I believe such a trait exists in local companies too. Its just years behind in development. I hate talking shit about Indian companies. It's not cool anymore. I have reached an age where I have realized how much we all are part of the problem.
Anyway, my point is, the next time you see a fellow biker, smile. Wave your hand. Share a positive mature conversation. **** the lame talk of maintainence and mileage. Talk about ride quality. Feelings. Safety. Helmets, gloves, boots. Stuff that matter. And if you see me on the road, smile at me and wave. Your love will be reciprocated. I promise