The Realization : The Jump from 100 bhp/Ton to 280 bhp/ton

The fact that riding a small capacity bike fast is more fun than riding a big capacity bike which will eventually be ridden slow is so true. But the difference is that the small capacity bikes that are available in India are plenty fast enough for our roads. For us they are big capacity bikes with respect to the market, or roads and our reach.

These so called big capacity motorcycles can only be ridden at a moderate pace considering the speed limits and the worst traffic sense of the public on roads. 

But the trend seems to be shifting. People are getting more mature with their choices of motorcycles but their road sense takes a rather slow pace at maturing. Its worsened by the road infrastructure progress here. Badly made roads alone causes a number of accidents. A simple example as swerving to avoid a pothole without considering the surrounding traffic is the best example at highlighting both. One swerve or a sudden braking to avoid a pothole that shouldn't be there in the first place without looking at the traffic around where people will be too close to react will cause a set of chain reactions ending in a lot frustrations.

Then there is the argument that such big bikes are not meant for the Indian roads is solely dependent on the rider.

Then there is the ego issue, mostly with men. We are so obsessed with speed that its mandatory that we need to achieve top-speed at every opportunity. Mostly the youth are so obsessed that they put themselves and others at risk.

For instance, I happen to be one of the very few people who got the 390 Duke 2017 soon after the launch. The first thing people who see the bike whether while riding or while parked by the side of the road is "How fast did you take it?."

To which I reply, "I bought the bike to enjoy the ride". This seems to confuse a lot of people. Most of them never get it. I plan to max it out on a racetrack sometime if the opportunity comes but never on the road. After all it needs to be done you know😜😜.

Then there is the whole argument that KTM's and Dukes kill. They are the sole reason for all the accidents and all of that. It does require a little common sense that unless there is a manufacturing problem, most accidents are man made. We are far away from owning a self driven automobile. Till then we are riding the bike not the other way around. The control is with us. Knowing your limits and keeping within that is all what it takes to be safe on the road at-least from your side.

Its given that two wheeler's are unsafe. When I chose to ride,I made a choice. I took the plunge understanding fully well that I have 50/50 or may be more chance of meeting with an accident. Even if you are a safe driver chances that a rogue driver hitting you or you landing in a pothole and eventually hurting yourself is more. 

Being on two wheelers is risky. Even I understand the risk and made my choice. After all freedom always comes at a price right?

Its not all frustrations, though. There are moments when you go for a ride and overtake another biker(squids to be precise). Earlier these squids gets agitated at this and starts irritating you unless you have a race. It was so annoying in my earlier experiences that either I stop or watch frustratingly till they get another rider to irritate.

This seems to be gone. Especially when they come close and see my bike. Now a days they give me a thumbs up or simply wave at my choice of bike and simply go away. I love it!!!

The facts I learned with my Isabella is that she is very sensitive. You need to be in control at all times, because she's a sharp tool, she's never forgiving. Repect her, she will be with you and you will be smiling ear to ear. She's got enough grunt to make you feel like you are hanging on for dear life, in our context atleast.

This is not everyones cup of tea. You might be an average rider, you might be good, you might be learning. But get riding, as legends say, its therapy.

This is not a perfect bike either. But as they say, the imperfections give the machine a character and my Isabella has loads of it!!!

When I look back at her in my garage, I always think to myself, did I really get her or is it just an illusion? 

I am yet to come in grips that I really own her. I don't know why but I have this feeling. But whatever it is, being with her is bliss!!!