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Bobby still charms
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Rajaram’s pint-sized 1976 GTS still draws attention
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Fuelled by passion The proud owner
Rajdoot GTS (popularly known as ‘Bobby’) is a difficult bike to restore since it has considerably dwindled in number. If you have one that needs extensive replacement of parts, looking for another that can be cannibalised is a waste of time.
Rajaram did not waste any time. He reconditioned the worn out parts in his 1976 GTS. When he bought it in the early 1980s, the bike was in excellent condition. It was running fine for a long time, and required extensive repairs only recently. After he purchased a fuel-efficient bike in the early 2000, Rajaram relegated the GTS to the shed.
GTS has the appearance, but lacks the fuel-efficiency of a monkey bike (any low-powered bike that is so small that the rider looks like a crouching monkey). With a 175cc two-stroke engine, GTS contrasts with monkey bikes that have four-stroke engines with displacements ranging from 50cc to 90cc.
The 175cc had suffered the most because of disuse. Inspired by examples of friends who had maintained their classic bikes without straying from their original specifications, Rajaram did not go for a fuel-efficient alternative. He got the 175cc engine serviced; he also reconditioned the four aging shock absorbers.
In the GTS, the monogram and name badge are present in many places. Rajaram’s GTS has the monogram on either side of the tank and on the ignition key. The name badge is also stuck on various parts. From painter to silencer serviceman, the services of many automobile technicians were hired for the restoration job.
As this pint-sized bike draws attention even when it is amidst other classic bikes, Rajaram knows his effort has not been in vain.
PRINCE FREDERICK
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