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FULL-THROTTLE AHEAD XJR 1300

A simple round headlamp and dual, chrome-encased analogue instruments add a very retro vibe to the XJR 1300. This bike from Yamaha is a strapping, naked bike with exposed powerplant packaged within an old-fashioned frame. In fact, most of the details on this bike like the shiny chrome handlebar, massive fuel tank, straightforward seat and even twin gas-charged Ohlins rear shocks follow a classic theme. The 2005 XJR 1300 we rode used a beefy, parallel configuration, four-cylinder, 1251cc motor that faithfully sticks with oil-cooler assisted air-cooling, and carburettors. The big-bore motor churns out 104.73bhp at 6500rpm, and delivers this in a seamless manner through five evenly-spaced gear ratios. At low speeds, you can hear a throaty rumble from the twin silencers, however, once the speed increases; all you will hear is the wind with the only sound from the motor drowned into a reassuring hum. At speeds over 150kph the rider sits completely exposed to the harshness of wind blast as the bike does not have a fairing. In a straight-line the muscular XJR is a bike that stays steady thanks to its weight, but the same ensures it can become a tad heavy to manoeuvre around corners. The brakes on the X work brilliantly and it stuck to the road like glue when I once hammered the levers while making an emergency stop and brought the bike down to a standstill from around a 100kph. The 2007 model XJR 1300 sells with fuel injection and a single silencer as standard.

TDM 900

This piece of machinery happens to be my favourite and I feel that this kind of practical bike is what Indian bikers can live with on a day-to-day basis. Since its 1991 launch, the TDM has influenced the two-wheeler industry in a big way and has inspired many similar models that have come to be based on the TDM. It might not be as beastly to look at or fast as the YZF-R1, but, this Yam has a uniqueness that adds to its appeal and gives it formidable street presence. A brilliant all-rounder, this is a dual sportsbike capable of soaking in anything its rider dares to push it through. This is the bike for oversize folk as the TDM 900’s wide bars, upright and well-sorted seating posture makes it ideal for tall people. You can ride and steer this bike without it creating any kind of fuss and the bike is also comfortable for a pillion. At night, twin headlights give ample illumination while the levers, supple grips and excellent fit and finish only add to its finesse. A complaint with the 2005 model we rode is its bland-looking instruments. You could be forgiven for thinking the TDM 900 uses a ‘V’ configuration engine, for Yamaha has replicated the unique feel and sound of a four-stroke V-twin on this 897cc bike by ingeniously adopting a 270deg firing order at the crankshaft. Braking via twin front and single rear discs is incredibly powerful, although the noticeable dive is a price the bike surrenders for using long-travel front telescopic shocks. The TDM is the kind of bike you can familiarise yourself with quickly. The latest model even comes with ABS. Of the five bikes I tested, this is the one I would want to take home.

The Yamaha superbikes outlined here will not come cheap, but will provide top notch engineering detail, cutting edge technology and performance like never before experienced in India. Expect bikes to be priced around Rs. 10 lakh. Unlike imported bike dealers across India who almost always fail to provide proper import papers or legal documentation to support their bikes, expect Yamaha to sell its big bikes with perfectly legal documentation, insurance, and complete service and back-up of spare parts.

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