Ahead of I-Day, RPMIndia founder opens up about first Biker Salute from Delhi to Wagah border
Atul Pratap Singh's community is the first to get access to the Atari-Wagah border.
By Rohan Abraham, ET Bureau |
Agencies
Atul Pratap Singh, founder of biker community RPMIndia, on the rides that have thrilled his heart.
First wheels
“My first bike was a Hero Honda Karizma. In 2005, my grandfather gifted it to me after noticing my fondness for two-wheelers. “The Daytona 675 was my first superbike. The machine was so powerful that it started taunting me to go faster and faster, but being a mature rider, I resisted those urges and stayed out of trouble. The power that the machine carried made me more aware and responsible regarding my riding.
“I gave away the Daytona because as a fervent rider, you always have a thirst for more power and advanced technology. So a few years after riding the Daytona 675, I began looking for a new set of wheels, something with better power and electronics.”
Patriotic ride
“Among my most prestigious rides was when I rode with members of a biking community from New Delhi to the Wagah border. We wanted to give a rev salute to the BSF soldiers. Eventually, we created history by becoming the first superbike community in India to get access to the Atari-Wagah border. Since then, the ‘Biker Salute’ has become an annual ride for our community.”
Current ride
Most memorable scene from a movie
“It has to be the one from 'Mission Impossible -Rogue Nation', where Tom Cruise is riding a BMW Motorrad S1000RR while being chased around by bad guys, who ironically, are also driving the same superbike. It was great. However, what wasn’t great is how the chase ended.”
Superbike wishlist
“I’m looking forward to owning an MV Augusta F4. It’s a modern classic superbike which has been given a contemporary treatment. It has a typical MV feeling; the engine won’t let you forget it, and once you start riding it, you will fall in love with it. You might continue riding without even bothering to think where you’re heading.”
“I enjoy discussing bikes with my friend Sagar Sheldekar. His passion for the sport and potential as a rider is rare.”
One tip for bike care
If I had to name my superbike…
“I would name it ‘Angry Bird’.”
First wheels
“My first bike was a Hero Honda Karizma. In 2005, my grandfather gifted it to me after noticing my fondness for two-wheelers. “The Daytona 675 was my first superbike. The machine was so powerful that it started taunting me to go faster and faster, but being a mature rider, I resisted those urges and stayed out of trouble. The power that the machine carried made me more aware and responsible regarding my riding.
“I gave away the Daytona because as a fervent rider, you always have a thirst for more power and advanced technology. So a few years after riding the Daytona 675, I began looking for a new set of wheels, something with better power and electronics.”
Patriotic ride
“Among my most prestigious rides was when I rode with members of a biking community from New Delhi to the Wagah border. We wanted to give a rev salute to the BSF soldiers. Eventually, we created history by becoming the first superbike community in India to get access to the Atari-Wagah border. Since then, the ‘Biker Salute’ has become an annual ride for our community.”
Current ride
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“I ride a BMW S1000 RR, an absolute beast. One of the greatest advantages of riding this mad superbike is its quick shifter, its slipper clutch. The electronics employed on the machine are very sophisticated and the bike picks up pace in no time.”Most memorable scene from a movie
“It has to be the one from 'Mission Impossible -Rogue Nation', where Tom Cruise is riding a BMW Motorrad S1000RR while being chased around by bad guys, who ironically, are also driving the same superbike. It was great. However, what wasn’t great is how the chase ended.”
Superbike wishlist
“I’m looking forward to owning an MV Augusta F4. It’s a modern classic superbike which has been given a contemporary treatment. It has a typical MV feeling; the engine won’t let you forget it, and once you start riding it, you will fall in love with it. You might continue riding without even bothering to think where you’re heading.”
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Talking bikes“I enjoy discussing bikes with my friend Sagar Sheldekar. His passion for the sport and potential as a rider is rare.”
One tip for bike care
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“I don’t wash my bike. I keep it clean by using water and shampoo mix sprays, and then wiping it off with a microfibre cloth. I do it more often to keep my motorcycle shiny and well-maintained. It also helps saving water.”If I had to name my superbike…
“I would name it ‘Angry Bird’.”
2018 was a year filled with exciting car and bike launches, not just in India, but all over the world. Some of the premium auto launches that topped the charts were truly breathtaking. And here’s rewinding to the year which saw some mean machines being rolled in Mo-town.
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