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Drive ‘em crazy
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Modifying bikes is the latest craze in the city. RAKESH SINGH checks out the phenomenon
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Hot wheels Modifying your bike is an easy way to make heads turn
A motorcycle has always managed to grab eyeballs. And the snazzier it is, the better. Anyone with a set of hot wheels manages to get more than his share of attention. But what do you do when you have a bike that looks like every other bike? This is o
ften the case in India where there are no premium or custom bikes available for the true enthusiast.
You need not worry though, your ordinary bike can be made to get more than its share of attention with just the right kind of tweaks to its appearance. And modifying your existing bike is a great deal cheaper than importing one that is to your taste. It can be called a smart alternative.
There are a number of experts in the city who will redo your bike for you. One of them is Ratnakar Acharya. He says the basics of modifying a bike starts with replacing parts to up the cosmetic quotient such as the tank, headlamps, seat, silencer, leg guard and mudguard. The basic frame design of the bike can also be changed to an extent. And if you want the vroom that matches the looks, you can also tinker with the engine to boost performance and efficiency.
The sound definitely makes for the character of the bike and none is more famous than the thump of a Harley Davison. An expert can give your bike somewhat the same sound by adding a diffuser to the silencer. If it is the noise of dirt bikes that drive you crazy, then fixing chambers may get you the same acoustics. The best thing about modifications is that you are the creator and you can let your expression run its course on your bike. The cost of modifications varies but Acharya says it typically costs around Rs. 7,000 but the cost could go up depending on your requirements.
Kunal Mathur, a student has modified his commuter bike. He says: “Today everybody wants to stand out in a crowd. Modifying your bike is an example of it.” Kunal has changed the headlights, fuel tank, handle bar, installed extra silencers and converted it into a single seat bike. “Now wherever I go, heads turn. It’s a great feeling,” he laughs.
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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