[R15M_Rider]

Ride to Karikal, 2nd long ride with my dad

Date: 14/09/2024 and 15/09/2024
Total Distance Covered: 564 km (282 + 282)
Odometer Reading at Journey's End: 22170 km

Maintenance:

One week before the trip, I did a routine maintenance of the bike. This involves a water wash (I do it myself, may not be super clean, but gives me good staisfaction) and chain lube with cleaning. This time I bought myself a paddock stand for easier access to the chain. Previously I used to manually move the bike back and forth, which wasn't ideal. Also, the bike looks so sick on a paddock stand!

One of the best designed motorcycles ever launched in India?


Classic Stance of a Sports Motorcycle when not ridden

Chennai-Pondy

As mentioned in the "Honda CB350 Highness Ownership Begins - The ideal motorcycle for my Dad" thread, We chose Karikal as our destination for our second ride for visiting the famous Thirunallaru Sri Saneeswara temple. This also happens to twice the distance of a Chennai-Pondy ride, so its a good step up for my dad on long distance riding.

The Journey Begins!

A day before the trip, we had our tyres air-checked. Since I had already filled up a couple of days before and not much of the existing petrol was used, I decided to fill up at Puducherry instead on the day of the ride. We decided to start early around 6.00 AM, so that we can make most use of the pleasant early morning before it gets too hot and humid later in the day. This section was widely uneventful. Usual diversions were in place post Mamallapuram where the road becomes largely two lane from the four lane. With a couple of short stoppages to stretch our legs, we made it to Pondy around 9.00-9.15. We had a light breakfast and started towards Cuddalore.

One of the many short breaks

Pondy-Cuddalore and an unexpected Delight for a Rail Enthusiast

Traffic! I feel, even though the distance was just around 25-30 km, since we need to navigate through Pondy, this itself took atleast an hour, if not more. As I mentioned in the first post of this thread, I am a huge railfan too. So, being stuck at a level crossing for a train to cross is not a curse, but rather a blessing for me! Unlike the usual folk, I am more into older stuff with good old ICF rakes with conventional electric locomotives rather than the new age Vande Bharats. After what felt like a year, I was able spot a WAP-4 from ED (Erode Shed) hauling what I presume to be 16044 Mangaluru - Puducherry Exp hauling to PDY station. It felt like two of my most favourite genres of transports meet, motorcycles and trains! Lots of nostalgia for sure.

Okay, back to topic. One more observation was that, most of the people on two wheelers especially under Pondicherry administration are not seen wearing helmets. Infact it was actually hard to spot one with a helmet. Not sure if its enforced here like it is in Chennai or not. Heat and traffic was the constant as we navigated to Cuddalore which is the closest city in TN. Right now NH32 passes right through Cuddalore without a bypass. Hopefully in the future, we have that option.

Cuddalore-Chidambaram

The best stretch of road on this trip. Soon we joined a proper NH with four lanes. Properly laid concrete wide roads, almost similar to what you find in the Chennai Bengaluru NH. Now we are talking! We were able maintained 90-100 kph on this stretch. Here comes the fun part. As you might already know, R15 has short gearing while CB350 has long gearing. So at 90 kph, when we need to overtake a vehicle, all my dad has to do is, just twist the throttle and the 20 Nm of torque on the CB just helps it like its nothing without a fuss. On the other hand, with short gearing compared to the CB, I have to lower down a gear or two from 6th, let the engine scream at 9k-10k RPM and make the overtake. But seriously, its so much fun though. I wouldn't trade this 155cc high revving screamer for anything! Two absolutely differently engineered machines requiring different techniques to ride. Overall, superb roads, we made really good time on this stretch and also had a great time riding.

Beautiful Road!

Chidambaram-Karikal

After Chidambaram was bypassed, the four lane NH continued for another 20-25 km before running out as the rest is under construction. Rest was fully on under-construction and damaged roads. I guess its riddled with diversions between the upcoming new NH layout and the existing old ECR layout. With lorry traffic, loads of dust in the air too. The AGV K1S helmet did a good job of maintaining clear visibility without much hinderance. Of course on bad roads, the CB350 fared much better in terms of comfort, while I felt each and every bump as expected. It wasn't unberable or unridable though. With a bit more frequent stoppages, we finally made it to Karikal around 1.30 PM in the afternoon. Both of us were much less tired than we expected inspite of the bad roads.

Evening, we went to the temple, then just spent some time at the beach. We decided the the next day, we should start early and cover the bad stretch of roads when are at full energy.

The return journey was pretty much of the same. Once again got to enjoy the Chidambaram-Cuddalore stretch the most. This time, we took the existing Pondy bypass after having tiffin at Cuddalore. There was still traffic, but atleast we saved time compared with going through Pondy. We reached Chennai around 1.20 PM.

Cause for concern?

After riding on rough roads on this trip, I happen to notice a small "squeak" coming from the engine area whenever I shift gears. I don't see any impact in performance or anything, but just heard this. If anyone has an idea as to what might be the cause, do let me know.

Once again, a really memorable trip. Doing this with dad also feels extra special and as I mentioned in the CB350 thread, he has indeed gotten the passion for motorcycling. As usual, apart from the squaking, absolutely flawless ride on the R15. Mileage figures once again touched 43-44 kmpl. Hard to complain for a bike which loves to scream at 10-11k RPM!

Signing Off Until The Next Trip!

Next trip, we are planning for Yercaud. Lets see.

Ride Safe!

[R15M_Rider]

Time To Say Goodbye...

Goodbyes are really, really tough. I was hoping so badly it would never come to this. But alas, between the tug of war between your first motorcycle and your dream motorcycle, the dream takes it.

The urge to get a bike in the 300-400cc segment with power around 40 bhp was really strong. I feel this is the ultimate sweet spot. Anything more than this is likely to be a hassle to handle for daily use. The keyword here is "Daily-Use". I want a motorcycle which I can use whenever I want to without thinking twice - be it commute, a short errand run etc, which also has good power to tour on and of course when the opportunity presents itself, be a blast on the race-track. That's why, my dream motorcycle is from this category and not in 600 or litre class segment. This will not change in future too.

While, I always wanted to keep my R15, reality is, I just don't think I will use it well once the newer bike comes. I feel seeing it collect dust and its battery power drain is more cruel and it might put a mental burden on my head leading me to regret it. We already have a CB350 and a blue R15 V4 in our family, so we definitely don't have the parking space in our apartment too. This would mean keeping it at my grandparent's home, visiting it maybe once a week. It didn't feel right both emotionally and financially too. I know I told myself and many times in this thread too that this might well be a keeper for life. But it just isn't logically feasible.

I was supposed to go on a trip to Yercaud this weekend, but early morning rains and forecast suggesting rains might be there on the route to Salem and Yercaud made us reconsider and turn back. My dad also wasn't very comfortable riding in the rain so we didn't want to risk it. The plan quickly changed to do some research, visiting showrooms and get the best deal for the YZF-R3. Why the R3? Well, I will put this once the R3 comes home and in a separate thread but to just say in in a few words - "Something you love can never be explained fully". Getting it on delivered on Deepawali mostly. Actually, the idea to get the R3 was initially in Nov/Dec only. Cause & Effect once again!

When it comes to finance side of things for the upgrade, well, it does help to acquire my dream bike quicker as well by making bringing down the astronomical 5.50 L figure a little less dearer to 3.65L (also coupled with a good 60k discount from the dealer).

Finally, thanks a lot to everyone who has been following this thread! This motorcycle made me a motorcyclist, took me on memorable tours, get a taste of a race-track, and eventually made me a BHPian. It will continue to live in my heart and memories. For existing R15 owners watching, do cherish every single moment you have with your beautiful machines. For a first bike, I can say with 100% confidence now, that you guys will turn out to be amazing riders when you upgrade too should the time comes for you.

Goodbye Dear Friend

Signing off with 23,100 km on the odometer with exactly 2 years of ownership as of today. I have till Friday to make a few commutes to office before leaving it at the dealer. See you guys in the R3 thread soon.

Ride Safe!

[3HAR6AV]

Congratulations on acquiring the Yamaha r3. Wishing you many more happy miles with your new companion.

[sasta_rider]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Signing off with 23,100 km on the odometer with exactly 2 years of ownership as of today. I have till Friday to make a few commutes to office before leaving it at the dealer. See you guys in the R3 thread soon.

Ride Safe!

Congratulations in advance for the new machine & yes, it indeed is hard to let go off things which we love. But the show must go on.

Ride safe!
Sud.

[saikishor]

Yamaha loyalty at its best. Huge congrats on your new purchase. I cant wait to see your R3

[vikramvicky1984]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Time To Say Goodbye...



When it comes to finance side of things for the upgrade, well, it does help to acquire my dream bike quicker as well by making bringing down the astronomical 5.50 L figure a little less dearer to 3.65L (also coupled with a good 60k discount from the dealer).

Congratulations.
Kindly share details of how you got the R3 for 3.65

[Legal_Eagle]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Time To Say Goodbye...

Goodbyes are really, really tough.


When it comes to finance side of things for the upgrade, well, it does help to acquire my dream bike quicker as well by making bringing down the astronomical 5.50 L figure a little less dearer to 3.65L (also coupled with a good 60k discount from the dealer).

Ride Safe!

Hi, congratulations on your new purchase. Can you kindly shed some light on how you managed to get the R3 for 3.65L. A detailed breakup of the price if possible.
The dealer I enquired in Bangalore quoted 5.2L after discounts!

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by 3HAR6AV

Congratulations on acquiring the Yamaha r3. Wishing you many more happy miles with your new companion.

Thank You @3HAR6AV! I am sure it will be a blast!

Originally Posted by sasta_rider

Congratulations in advance for the new machine & yes, it indeed is hard to let go off things which we love. But the show must go on.

Ride safe!
Sud.

Thanks @sasta_rider and True! I finally left my R15 at the dealer today, it was a bit hard for sure. But as I said, financially and logically not feasible to keep and maintain both as much I love to. My final photo with the odo reading 23,267 km as I leave it at the dealer having one final glimpse.

Originally Posted by saikishor

Yamaha loyalty at its best. Huge congrats on your new purchase. I cant wait to see your R3

Thanks @saikishor, I will totally admit, I do have a bias for Yamaha inspite of how they price and treat our market. There are other reasons as well for my dream bike being the R3 over its competitors. I will surely explain in detail when it comes home

Originally Posted by vikramvicky1984

Congratulations.
Kindly share details of how you got the R3 for 3.65

Thank You @vikramvicky1984, actually it got raised a bit due to an unexpected and totally mood spoiling 15.1k bump categorized as "loan processing cost and life insurance" by L&T finance people. This was something that was never communicated before, life insurance was never brought up before in load and down payment discussions and hence left a sour taste in my mouth. As pissed as I was, I just relented and just asked the showroom guys to deliver it on 31st as promised without further issues. To be honest, I won't blame the showroom guys on this. So far everything is going as per plan, with the bike getting ready for RTO and everything, but fault is indeed with L&T finance people. I would suggest not to got L&T if you're planning considering today's experience. The major reason I am getting it below 4L is due to exchange offer for my 2 year old, well maintained 2022 R15M.

So, the cost breakup till now:

Initial quoted on-road price - 5.50L

1. 60k discount from dealer (Shanti Motors, Pallikarnai, Chennai) - 4.90L (I don't know how long this offer will be. Maybe its for festive season or could be for stock clearance too)

2. Exchange for my R15M(1.25L) - 3.65L

3. L&T "loan processing cost" - 3.80L

Originally Posted by Legal_Eagle

Hi, congratulations on your new purchase. Can you kindly shed some light on how you managed to get the R3 for 3.65L. A detailed breakup of the price if possible.
The dealer I enquired in Bangalore quoted 5.2L after discounts!

Thanks @Legal_Eagle, Please check above breakup I have shared. The main reason is obviously due to exchange offer on my R15. Thats one of the primary reasons, I could get this earlier than I initially intended.

[100Kmphormore]

2. Exchange for my R15M(1.25L) - 3.65L

Seems a bit less - in Bengaluru similarly run vehicles will be at 1.8, or most final 1.7. Congrats on the R3!

[chiefpk]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Time To Say Goodbye...

Signing off with 23,100 km on the odometer with exactly 2 years of ownership as of today. I have till Friday to make a few commutes to office before leaving it at the dealer. See you guys in the R3 thread soon.

Goodbyes are really tough indeed. Have been following your thread sincerely. Have a blast with your R3. Waiting for that thread as well. Wishing you millions of miles of safe riding.

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

Seems a bit less - in Bengaluru similarly run vehicles will be at 1.8, or most final 1.7. Congrats on the R3!

Thanks @100Kmphormore and you’re right, I should’ve gotten a little higher. Other showrooms were quoting much lesser, one of them quoted 95k ! Of the lot, as an overall package with discounts and everything and since the impulse had gotten too strong, I made up my mind. More on this when I prepare my R3 thread once it comes home.

Originally Posted by chiefpk

Goodbyes are really tough indeed. Have been following your thread sincerely. Have a blast with your R3. Waiting for that thread as well. Wishing you millions of miles of safe riding.

Thanks @chiefpk, I will surely keep you guys posted. Glad to know you have been liking my R15 ownership experience thread. Wish to maintain the same level for R3 as well.