Not as easy as it sounds. Seeking a good ride I only consider the newer and higher performing (by Indian standards) bikes available. On the menu for today
A crash damaged Yamama FZS, with the instruments held on by about 10 pieces of sellotape, just about. Even as far as sticky tape jobs go its a poor effort.
Two new Yamaha FZS bikes, without any obvious damage, or for that matter any markings on their number-plates. Apparently the excuse "because its new" flies here. Not even the temporary dealer plates... In their usual intent to flatly lie in the face of reality, I'm assured that it doesn't matter, despite having my plates recorded at each checkpoint on my last adventure in Ladakh.
Some poorly maintained Pulsar 200NS bikes, one missing one side guard... crash damage I'm guessing then, and with dirty spark plugs. There doesn't seem to be any incentive to maintain the bikes. Spending an hour with one of these bikes at a garage might have to be it...
It's also worth noting that the motorbike hire shops of Leh have also formed their own illegal rate fixing association, everyone is in on it. Thankfully the Indian built Japanese designed bikes don't carry the premium of the Royal Enfield Classic 500CC (roughly double all other models).
A crash damaged Yamama FZS, with the instruments held on by about 10 pieces of sellotape, just about. Even as far as sticky tape jobs go its a poor effort.
Two new Yamaha FZS bikes, without any obvious damage, or for that matter any markings on their number-plates. Apparently the excuse "because its new" flies here. Not even the temporary dealer plates... In their usual intent to flatly lie in the face of reality, I'm assured that it doesn't matter, despite having my plates recorded at each checkpoint on my last adventure in Ladakh.
Some poorly maintained Pulsar 200NS bikes, one missing one side guard... crash damage I'm guessing then, and with dirty spark plugs. There doesn't seem to be any incentive to maintain the bikes. Spending an hour with one of these bikes at a garage might have to be it...
It's also worth noting that the motorbike hire shops of Leh have also formed their own illegal rate fixing association, everyone is in on it. Thankfully the Indian built Japanese designed bikes don't carry the premium of the Royal Enfield Classic 500CC (roughly double all other models).
No comments:
Post a Comment