Blog 1 | The Birth of an Interest: My Journey into Motorcycling

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Hi Moto Geeks!

Every passion has a beginning, a moment when curiosity turns into obsession. For me, that spark ignited with motorcycles. From my first ride to my latest adventure machine, each motorcycle has played a role in shaping my love for the open road. Here's my journey through the different bikes I've ridden and the lessons I've learned along the way.

Hero Honda Passion Pro (BS2) (2007 - 2020) – The Godfather

The bike that started it all. The Hero Honda Passion Pro wasn’t just a machine; it was my gateway into the world of motorcycles. This was my father’s bike, bought around 2007-08, and it stayed with us for over a decade. I still remember waking up at 6:00 AM, sneaking out to sit on it while the whole house was asleep, just to feel the thrill of owning it one day.

After years of being my father’s trusty companion, the time finally came for me to learn how to ride. It wasn’t an easy journey—my father, our driver, and my own self-taught struggles all contributed to my riding skills. My passion for tinkering with machines made me fall deeper into the world of motorcycles. The freedom of riding, even without a driving license (yeah, those were nerve-wracking times!), gave me an adrenaline rush. It was the beginning of something big, a passion that would only grow stronger. Sorry guys no pics of Godfather - Mafia want's to remain anonymous!

Honda Shine SP 125 (BS3) (2017 - Present) – The Dilemmatic Choice

By the time I hit 11th grade, I wanted a bike that gave me more freedom. Watching college students flex their rides fueled my desire to own something more than just a commuter. That’s how I ended up with the Honda Shine SP 125—a decision influenced by someone else rather than my own true preference.

This bike was reliable, fuel-efficient, and low-maintenance, but the real problem came later. I soon realized that my family wasn’t going to fund my fuel expenses, knowing well that my primary intention was to roam around. Lesson learned: never let anyone else decide what’s best for you. This bike, despite being a dependable machine, was a symbol of compromise. Yet, it stayed with me through thick and thin and remains my go-to ride for daily commutes in my hometown.

Pulsar RS 200 (BS4) (2017 - 2021) – The Prodigal Son

The Pulsar RS 200 was my attempt at redemption. After regretting my decision to buy the Shine SP 125, I fought my way into getting this beast. It was my first real performance motorcycle, and I thought it would elevate my riding experience. Unfortunately, what I got was a rollercoaster of breakdowns, maintenance nightmares, and unexpected expenses.

Yet, every setback was a learning opportunity. The RS 200 introduced me to the world of motorcycle repairs, aftermarket modifications, and the global community of riders. It was a love-hate relationship, but it shaped me into a true motorhead. Eventually, after 27,000 km of ups and downs, I had to part ways with it. It was a tough call, but necessary.

The Two-Year Break and a Realization (2022 - 2024)

Post-RS 200, I took a break, sticking to my Honda Shine SP 125. During this time, I realized something important—no matter how fancy a bike is, reliability and serviceability matter the most. I once got stranded 90 km from home due to a sudden chain sprocket failure, but a local village mechanic had the exact replacement part. That’s when I truly understood why easy maintenance and spare part availability should always be a top priority when choosing a bike.

Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 – The Mohawk

After much research and deliberation, I welcomed the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 into my life. A year into riding this beauty, I can confidently say that Japanese reliability is unmatched.

As a full-time tourer and part-time adventure bike, it perfectly fits my dream of exploring the unknown. I considered options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the XPulse 200 but opted for the V-Strom because:

  • The Himalayan had tube tires, and my past experiences with punctures made me wary of that.

  • The XPulse was great, but it leaned more toward motocross than long-distance touring.

  • The KTM Adventure 390 was tempting, but its price and sensor-heavy tech made me hesitant as a beginner adventure rider.

The V-Strom SX 250 was the ideal middle ground—affordable, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited for touring with panniers and luggage. It may not have the hype of the more popular adventure bikes, but it checks all the boxes for my riding needs.

Final Thoughts

Every motorcycle has its own personality, just like its rider. Some bikes are reliable, some are high-maintenance, and others are simply an extension of our soul on two wheels. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my journey, it’s this: don’t just buy a bike based on hype—consider your riding style, maintenance costs, and serviceability.

Before choosing a motorcycle, take test rides, research spare part costs, and ensure that it fits your needs, not just your dreams. Motorcycling isn’t just about speed or aesthetics—it’s about the experience, the connection, and the freedom that comes with it.

Ride safe, ride smart, and most importantly—ride what you love.

What was your first bike, and what lessons did it teach you? Drop your experiences in the comments!

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