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Cool n' customised

Unwilling to splurge on funky bikes? Your best bet is remodelling, writes KEERTHI MOHAN

PHOTOS: K. ANANTHAN

BIKE BUG Modifying two-wheelers is in

Is that a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R? There goes a Honda CBR600F4I and that one's a Yamaha YZFR1! But wait a minute, these are not the original ones. They are the look-alikes of the real thing. Bike modification is the latest bug to hit the youth. But what exactly is it?

Makeover magic

"It is simply altering your bike in one way or the other to improve its physical appearance or performance," explains Ruben Peter, an engineering student.

"Modification can be done both to the engine as well as to the body of the bike. While engine modification can increase the efficiency of the bike, body modification decreases the mileage and efficiency," says Joe of Joe Auto Garage, Patel Road. Engine modification is usually done to rally bikes to increase their efficiency.

The other alterations include removing the saree guard, rear view mirrors, increasing the size of the rear tyre, changing the handle bar, using alloy wheels and changing shock absorbers. Most of the time the entire body kit is changed while keeping the engine intact.

"The colour of the bike is changed and sticker works are done to add glamour to the vehicle. Duplicate logos of sports bikes are slapped on to attract attention", says Joe.

Youngsters spend a lot on their bikes. "A good modified bike can cost anything between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 50,000. The most expensive bike modification I have done is for Rs. 90,000. A majority of our customers are college students who are ready to spend a lot to improve the looks of their bikes," says Joe.

Even the sound of a bike can be altered. A diffuser gives the base sound of a Harley Davidson while chambers lend the effect of dirt bikes and race bikes. An exhaust would give the effect of a powerful bike. But all this comes at the cost of precious mileage. "The sound of a bike is directly proportional to the macho image of its rider," says Ryan Dominic, a college student.

Macho obsession

"Good looking bikes and powerful bikes are very expensive and not many people can afford it. The alternative is remodelling or modification," says Ryan. A majority of college students agree that owning a `cool' bike is macho. Bike owners get a thrill because they are only one among the few with special features on their bikes.

Guys have always been obsessed with bikes. Cruising around the city in `cool' bikes attracting second glances from girls gives most of the modified bike owners a great thrill.

"An easy way to win a girl's attention is to own an attractive bike. The bikers' looks don't matter so much. It's all only about your bike," comments John, a college student.

"Guys with `too little' money stick to normal bikes. Guys with `not enough' money to buy a super bike remodel their bikes. And guys who already have had `enough of' super bikes get custom made bikes," says Ryan.

It is the parents who are shelling out small fortunes on keeping their sons in `cool' bikes as modification does not come cheap. Most parents complain that the cost of just maintaining a bike is bleeding them dry. However for their offspring, bikes are much more than a mere mode of transportation — they are a fashion statement.

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