[raptor_diwan]

Motorcycle :-













Bajaj V15 - Let's be honest here, instead of showering it with praises, let's dive into the cons first. The bike's engine, well, it's not exactly the definition of smoothness. My dad convinced me to take it on a long ride, promising that the engine would magically smoothen out. So, I embarked on back-to-back long rides, hoping for that silky engine experience. But you know what? Nope, the engine remained as rough as ever, and guess what else got rough in the process? Yup, you guessed it right - my poor derrière!

Now I understand why they named it the "Iron Butt Challenge," but this travelogue was far from being any kind of challenge.

Speaking of the positive aspects, the Bajaj V15 is well-suited for city traffic due to its agility. Although it lacks instant power, it performs admirably on ghat roads thanks to its torque.

Another significant aspect of this vehicle is the metal used for its fuel tank, which is made from the metal of the INS Vikrant ship. While I won't delve deeper into the topic, as it has been a subject of debate on numerous occasions (The Bajaj V - A motorcycle made with INS Vikrant's steel), it remains an interesting feature.

[raptor_diwan]

Long trip :-



I have embarked on multiple long trips with this vehicle, but this particular one is the longest journey I have taken solo on this bike.

Reason for the trip :-

My friend is getting married in Thrissur, Kerala, and while many people have made various plans, I have decided to go on a bike trip. When I mentioned my plan to ride my Bajaj V15 to my friends, they found it amusing. I began planning the trip, checking the distance, weather conditions, and everything seems to be in order. It will be a bit challenging, but I believe it's nothing I can't handle.

Why limit myself to just attending a wedding when I can also explore multiple nearby hill stations like Ooty and Yercaud? After researching and considering all options, I decided to stay in Yercaud during the return trip. Yercaud holds a special place in my heart, and the story behind why it became my favorite spot is a tale for another time. So, the plan is all set:

Route :-

Day 1: Chennai to Thrissur (Single stretch of 630 km until reaching the accommodation).
Day 2: The day after attending the wedding - Palakkad to Yercaud (260 km).
Day 3: Yercaud to Chennai (375 km).

Convincing :-

Now comes the tricky part: convincing my mom. She's usually okay with me going on long rides, but this solo adventure was a whole new level. I approached her with the classic "I'm going for a friend's wedding" excuse, and surprisingly, she was cool with it. She only asked once if I could take the car instead of the bike. After some negotiation skills, she finally agreed, reminding me to stay safe. However, my dad remained unconvinced!

After a few days of persistent persuasion, my dad finally gave in and agreed to let me go on my bike adventure. I wasted no time and immediately got my bike ready for the journey. I took it for a thorough service, making sure every nut and bolt was in perfect condition. I wanted my bike to be in its prime for this epic trip.

While waiting for the day of my trip, I used Google Maps to digitally explore the route I would be taking. I made sure to understand any potential roadblocks or areas where there might be delays. I also planned out where I would take breaks during the journey. It helped me prepare and get a clear idea of what to expect before hitting the road.

Alright, enough with the words. Let the pictures do the talking.

[raptor_diwan]

Day 1 :- Chennai to Kerala ( Thrissur ) ( 630 KM )



Before the night fell, I purchased a few chocolate bars and chewing gum to keep myself occupied during the journey on the highway. Knowing that I would be the slowest person on the road, I set a few rules for myself (Attempting a 1000 km ride on a Honda Activa 6G) to avoid becoming a disturbance to other drivers.

Throughout the entire trip, I maintained a steady speed of 80 km/h and didn't push it any higher. Occasionally, I would increase speed briefly for overtaking maneuvers, but overall, I aimed to avoid putting excessive stress on the bike. I didn't take too many breaks either, as I wanted to keep the momentum going.







In my opinion, the suspension of the bike was excellent. While I have come across several people who claim that it is not suitable for long rides, ofcourse this bike is not specifically designed for long-distance journeys. However, the suspension provides sufficient comfort and is capable of handling rough roads effectively. Additionally, the bike possesses good torque.







The breakfast stop was at a random highway bus stop because I had packed meals for both breakfast and lunch. Why would I do that? when it comes to my mom, there's nothing I can do to avoid it. Even though I enjoy highway Hotel breakfast foods, I understand that my mom's preference takes priority.









I took very few breaks while riding the bike because I had confidence in its ability to handle the stress. The bike performed effortlessly, maintaining a steady speed of 80 kmph for a long duration without any issues.

Unlike a scooty, I found it comfortable for extended periods of time, and it provided a similar experience to riding a Bullet.







Upon entering the Kerala side, I was delighted by the pleasant climate. There was a slight drizzle here and there, but fortunately, I was fully prepared for the rain. I didn't take many breaks during the journey because both the bike and I were enjoying the open road.

As I continued, I noticed the first signboard with Malayalam script and caught sight of the lush greenery surrounding the area.













Finally, we reached our destination, ( KTDC Thrissur ) and my friend had already made the room reservation. After sharing the location, a few more friends are going to join us. We are staying at the KTDC Hotel, which was in an average condition. However, the food at the hotel was good.



From my room window, I have a clear view of my motorcycle parked next to the actual highway motorcycle.



I explored Thrissur during the late hours and had a fantastic day. I didn't experience any body pain or discomfort. The bike was comfortable, and didn't give me any trouble throughout the ride.

[raptor_diwan]

Day 2 - Thirssur to Yercaud ( 330 KM )


This day is like a dream come true for me! The road to Yercaud is going to be smoother than butter, especially considering that the TN highway is already in excellent condition. And to top it all off, the road from Coimbatore to Yercaud is absolutely fantastic for me!













In the morning, there was a gentle drizzle, and the bike looked absolutely stunning adorned with a few raindrops.





I attended the marriage ceremony and had a delightful lunch. The meal was served in traditional Kerala style, offering a delicious spread of authentic dishes.



Despite the ongoing drizzle, I decided to start my journey towards Yercaud. I had a feeling that the rain would subside after a few kilometers, so I bid farewell to my friends and set off.





The weather was absolutely splendid, creating an ambiance that felt nothing short of heavenly.





























Can you notice in this picture? I have now arrived in Coimbatore, and I couldn't help but notice the difference in climate compared to the previous location. The temperature here was slightly warmer, prompting me to find some shade to take a break. However, it was still manageable and not overly hot. The change in climate was evident, adding a unique touch to my journey.

[raptor_diwan]

Cruising along the highway during the evening was truly a wonderful experience. The setting sun, the open road, and the pleasant weather created a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and enjoyable ride.









Finally, I started ascending via the Salem route towards Yercaud.



















The entire hill route was completely deserted. I'm not sure why there wasn't much of a crowd; perhaps only one bike or car passed by every 15 minutes. It felt as if the entire place belonged to me. I had an incredible time, stopping at various spots.



















I arrived in Yercaud and checked into my usual hotel room, which I had previously informed them about over the phone. After dropping off my luggage, I headed out to grab some dinner. Later, I took a leisurely stroll near the lake and had a wonderful evening.

When it comes to motorcycles, it is not the first time V15 ridden in a hill station. It has excellent power, allowing me to conquer over 22 hairpin bends effortlessly.

[raptor_diwan]

Day 3 - Final day - Heading back to Home :

Yercaud to Chennai - 385 km

The weather was delightful, so started early and explored Yercaud for a while, enjoying the pleasant climate then had a wonderful breakfast.













Yercaud Lake







Road towards Manjakuttai



ManjaKuttai View point

















It was early, and the road was empty. The climate was so cool that I stopped at certain spots and spent a lot of time throughout the downhill.









The road, a faithful companion!









This was the last picture I had taken before it started raining. I quickly stowed my devices deep inside my bag and made my way directly home.

Finally, I reached Chennai, where the city was bustling with activity and a constant stream of traffic, regardless of the weather.

Once I arrived home, I had a peaceful sleep, dreaming about this memorable journey.

Riding that 150cc underpowered bike, all alone on the highway, contemplating life amidst the rainy weather... What more could a person ask for to find happiness in their life?

Concluding the travelogue with a photo of the unique keychain that came with this Bajaj bike, showcasing its special metal featuring the INS Vikrant insignia.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Kkumar]

Solo travels do have a charm of its own wherein one can enjoy the solitude and be in peace with the surrounding. Especially in a bike it will take one to a different level. Congratulations to you on your spectacular solo ride.

[Dr.AD]

Nice travelogue @raptor_diwan! Enjoyed it!

Solo travels are incredible fun, and I am totally addicted to solo drives in my car. I have never done bike trips, but I can only imagine how much fun a solo bike ride over a long distance would be. Loved reading your trip report and seeing the pictures.

Thanks a lot for sharing this!

[YashOjha15]

Nice travelogue @raptor_diwan!
I too wish to travel solo one day, as I have never done any rides.
Happy and safe Motoring Ahead!

[subie_socal]

Very crisp writing raptor_diwan. It was short but never felt it lacked details. I've voted 5 stars.

[DriverNo.420]

As a fellow V15 owner I can understand why 80km/h is the sweet spot for this bike. Anything higher and you risk blowing up the engine.

I feel this bike needs a taller final gear for relaxed highway ride. The engine always feels like it is stressed when riding above 60km/h. That's one gripe for this bike. I have it since 2016, in that original white color and the bike never lost it's charm for me. I still enjoy riding it around. Although highway rides, I don't prefer on it anymore

[raptor_diwan]

Originally Posted by Kkumar

Solo travels do have a charm of its own wherein one can enjoy the solitude and be in peace with the surrounding. Especially in a bike it will take one to a different level. Congratulations to you on your spectacular solo ride.

Solo travels indeed hold a unique charm!! It was an adventure filled with unforgettable moments and the freedom to explore at my own pace.Thank you for your kind words!

Originally Posted by Dr.AD

Nice travelogue @raptor_diwan! Enjoyed it!

Solo travels are incredible fun, and I am totally addicted to solo drives in my car. Loved reading your trip report and seeing the pictures.

Thanks a lot for sharing this!

Thank you so much for your kind words! I must say, your solo trips have been a great inspiration to me as well, especially the one titled "A Solo with Car, Camera, and Clouds." Back when I first read "A Solo with Car, Camera, and Clouds," I wasn't a member yet. However, now that I am a member, those travelogue of yours have truly provoked me to embark on many thrilling journey.

Originally Posted by subie_socal

Very crisp writing raptor_diwan. It was short but never felt it lacked details. I've voted 5 stars.

It's always rewarding to know that my writing resonates with readers like you. Thank you so much.

Originally Posted by YashOjha15

Nice travelogue @raptor_diwan!
I too wish to travel solo one day, as I have never done any rides.
Happy and safe Motoring Ahead!

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed my travelogue. I encourage you to embark on a solo journey when the time feels right for you. It can be a transformative adventure, I'm sure they will be unforgettable!

[raptor_diwan]

Originally Posted by DriverNo.420

As a fellow V15 owner I can understand why 80km/h is the sweet spot for this bike. Anything higher and you risk blowing up the engine. The engine always feels like it is stressed when riding above 60km/h. That's one gripe for this bike.

Haha! That's so relatable! When I first bought the bike, I remember feeling disappointed with its speed and performance. The engine seemed to cry out loud whenever I accelerated, and even going beyond 80kmph, I had my doubts. I was afraid the engine would give out on those initial long rides. However, as time went on, I realized that while it may not have had the most powerful engine, I pushed the bike to its limits, and it proved to be a reliable companion. It may not have been the fastest, but it served me well.

Originally Posted by DriverNo.420

I have it since 2016, in that original white color and the bike never lost it's charm for me. I still enjoy riding it around. Although highway rides, I don't prefer on it anymore

Great!! I had my eyes on the white color V15 initially. However, since I already owned two red cars at the time, I decided to go with the red variant to maintain a consistent theme.

Have you also encountered inaccurate fuel readings? There have been instances where my fuel meter shows half a tank, and other times it suddenly drops to the red zone. I find it difficult to rely on my bike's fuel meter. How about yours?

[DriverNo.420]

Originally Posted by raptor_diwan

I realized that while it may not have had the most powerful engine, I pushed the bike to its limits, and it proved to be a reliable companion. It may not have been the fastest, but it served me well.

You summed it up pretty much perfectly. It may be vibey and underpowered but the engine is reliable. You can call it bullet proof. It also has a character. The bike has served me well all these years.

Regarding the fuel meter, that's a common issue on pretty much any bike of any segment. My Classic has that issue as well as my friend's GT650 too. It takes time to calibrate itself after riding for some time. Taking maneuvers that involve tilting the bike also make the fuel meter go bonkers.

I had the most issues with the carburetor of my unit. So much so that I had to change it 2 times. My front brake also gives up during every monsoon. Don't know why Bajaj makes such poor quality parts that are essential for the bike.