Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Hot wheels

Bikes Students bond with the best for speed and style, says Nikhil Varghese

Man and machine: No compromise on power and comfort Photo: Vino John Graphics: Dinesh R

From Hollywood to Bollywood, MI-2 to Dhoom, Tom Cruise to John Abraham, bikes have always been the symbol of machismo, energy and youth. For this same reason, the craze for newer models, styles and thrilling rides never seems to end. Films and sportspersons endorse bikes as a vehicle that symbolises the energy, exuberance and enthusiasm of youth.

"Bikes are not merely an accessory. They are a necessity," feels Rakesh M. Krishnan, a student of Mar Ivanios College. Moreover, they are part of one's identity. The long bike stands in most colleges in the city is a testimony to the same. What do today's youngsters look for while going in for a bike?

Favourites

"There should no compromise on power and comfort while choosing a bike,'' avers Pradeep M. of College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram. This may be the reason why Pulsar tops the list of favourites among college students. The trendy guys are always on the lookout for designs that sport a macho look. " I feel my bike has added to my personality," says Anuroop P.S., a student of Government Law College. Many of them believe that a vehicle is a must to complement their identity as a student.

Altering one's bike is no longer a rarity, as every inch of a bike stands a good chance of being experimented with. Bigger tyres and fashioned lights are the latest fad among students. The bike can be completely remodelled to give it a new identity with stylish crashguards, Autoprix labels and disc brakes. Bikes with mono-shock absorbers are the latest in the market.

"Bikes with gas-filled shock absorbers and five-speed gears are set to create ripples," says Aby Sebastian of Mar Baselios College.

Colours complete the character of a bike and each bike generates its own appeal with its characteristic colour. If violet is the best colour for Pulsar, good old Enfield looks grand in black. For the student, getting a bike is a passion but for the sales and marketing professionals who spend a large part of their job travelling, a bike is something, which cannot be done without. Despite the craze for new models, the yearning for established brand names like the RX100 and Enfield has never died down.

Everything finally boils down to one's purse. That is when mileage matters the most. "The dismal condition of today's roads and spurting petrol prices are forcing many to go in for bikes with higher mileage, compromising on quality," rues Dinesh V.G., a student of CET.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Metro Plus    Bangalore    Chennai    Coimbatore    Delhi    Hyderabad    Kochi    Madurai    Mangalore    Pondicherry    Tiruchirapalli    Thiruvananthapuram    Vijayawada    Visakhapatnam