Style on Wheels !
by Nischal Anand Singh
MANY of you must’ve noticed lots of new types of bikes on the roads with cool windshields, leg guards and many such smooth accessories which make you exclaim “wow!” at the very first look. That is the result of an ever-increasing trend of “bike modification”, something has caught the fancy of city youngsters.

• Rates of accessories

Tips for bike maintenance

Style on Wheels !
by Nischal Anand Singh

MANY of you must’ve noticed lots of new types of bikes on the roads with cool windshields, leg guards and many such smooth accessories which make you exclaim “wow!” at the very first look. That is the result of an ever-increasing trend of “bike modification”, something has caught the fancy of city youngsters.

For the laymen (and women!), Hanuman Singh, an expert on bike modification has this to tell, “Bike modification means changing the accessories like seat, leg guards, mudguards, silencers, etc, and in some cases changing the design of the bike as well.” So, you’ve got something which is very different from the usual Yamahas and Suzukis which surround you in all parking lots.

According to Hanuman, the best part about bike modification is that you turn your bike into a “dream” vehicle with specifications to suit individual tastes. Probably that’s why lots of teenagers have latched on to the opportunity of modifying their bikes.

Says Rinni Cheema, who’s gone in for modifications on his Bullet with a change in wheel caps and the leg guard. “I really love driving a Bullet but the only thing I hated in it were it’s wheel caps and leg guard, which I got changed. Now my bike has everything to my liking.”

A major factor that has helped in making bike modification popular is that it’s pretty cost-effective. Says Hanuman, “On an average it would cost you about Rs 6000 to get your bike modified, though there’s no upper limit since it all depends upon the kind of accessories you plan to install.”

Gaurav Narang, an undergraduate student, wanted to go in for a new bike but his Dad put his foot down. So, he went in for the next best option and got his Dad’s old Java modified, adding to it accessories like windshield, tail light and foglights. Besides, he got some chroming done on it to give it a totally new and attractive look. All this cost him around Rs 4000, which isn’t too much if you have a look at his bike.” I went in for the modifications to make it (the bike) look good. And trust me, driving a good-looking bike makes you feel good yourself, which is a great high in itself ,”he chuckles.

This craze has not only city youngsters in its grip, but foreign students, too, are hooked on to it. Akram Sekatawa and Dean Joseph Matovu from Uganda, who are studying in Chandigarh, also got their bike modified because “it was our only way of transportation in Chandigarh and we wanted it to look good and stylish. We wanted our bike to stand out from others ”.

So, off went the “anicient” fuel tank, lights, headlights and handle bars. These were replaced with much more “upmarket and good-looking” accessories, costing them Rs 17,000. But the expense has been worthwhile as it has had an impact. “Everywhere we go, heads turn and it’s a really great feeling when so many people look at it. It gives our morale a great boost.”

Whatever be your motive for getting your bike modified, if done properly ,it’ll be something you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Gives a whole new meaning to the expression “style on wheels”, doesn’t it ?

Tips for bike maintenance

* Modifications should usually be done on the bike externally and not internally because each and every part of the bike is made to suit it perfectly.

* Change your oil and the oil filter before the manufacturer’s recommendation.

*Make sure that your tyres are not bald or worn out and if they are, replace them at the earliest.

*Take the suggestion of the assembler as well when modifying the bike and more importantly, listen to what he has to say.

*You visit lots of computer assemblers before buying one from the person who offers the best deal. Same goes for bikes. Visit as many assemblers as you can find and take the best deal offered.

— Nischal