My biking journey to Aprilia RSV4 RR, Triumph Speed Twin & BMW 1250GS

I will be as candid without filters to express and share my excitement with you all while I celebrate a remarkable journey as a biker by heart, of a lifetime.

BHPian shashrash recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

It seems like the time flies. It appears it was just a week before I moved to a new city, with a new job and a lot of changes to welcome. It just feels like 2018 was right round the corner. Swipe to right and today I am in Sept 2024. A lot has happened, and a lot has changed, for GOOD. This is a very very special post. I will be as candid without filters to express and share my excitement with you all while I celebrate a remarkable journey as a biker by heart, of a lifetime. It will also tell about making an impossible dream come true and how grateful I am to the lords to enable me in the process.

Please note, it will not be about beating the trumpet around "Oh! How much I have achieved and done so shower me your praises", but rather a candid take on this emotional journey which we all had endeavored at some point in our lives and hope will be relatable.

A brief back drop behind this post, I recently, on Sept 3rd, completed a 6 years long exhilarating journey of owning and cherishing an Italian Beauty in my Garage, my very absolute favorite, the Aprilia RSV4 RR.

And this post is just about a tribute to the affair I have and sharing my journey with her and beyond the years.

And, before I nose dive into that, a little flashback in the time to tell from where this all started.

The Prologue :

Like any motorhead kid, I started very early getting into this fanboyish craze of 2 wheelers. Like a 90s kid, I grew up watching the likes of Hero Puch 3G, my first proper 2 wheeler during school days, to the Gen 1, Bajaj Pulsar 150. And I have thoroughly enjoyed my stints with each of these rides as they had always enriched my soul with something very fulfilling and satisfying.

Near to Kufri, Shimla, a prompt trip from Delhi to a friends

I had some amazing time with her, as she was something like nothing before in Indian market. Masculine, fat tires, head turner, she had it all. Plain Charm!

Time passed, completed my college in 2005 and moved to Pune. And she accompanied me there too. Had memories on her riding to Mahabaleshwar, Bhimashankar, Lonavala, Khadakwasla Dam and many such weekend spots. However, using a DL bike in Pune came with its own demerits and after running for another couple of years, in 2008, we parted ways, but the itch to ride and own had been sowed already.

The Very Special Honda, which happened by chance!
Cut to the summer of 2011, and I was again in the market to fulfill my longing of a bike. And the talk of the town was Yamaha R15 V2. Those sharp looks, R6 styled tail, Yamaha branding and a certain review of the V2 by a very famous Pune based auto journo settled it for me as to what I am picking up next. Paid 15K, did my bookings at the Factory Outlet in Wakdewadi for a Black one and went into an eager waiting cycle. It was an immediate choice.

However, the waiting was tiresome. And no commitment to a sure shot delivery date made me impatient. So I started exploring again and there was another boy in town which not many were talking about. The Honda CBR250, which sneaked into Indian market, without making a lot of hoohallah!

A trip was made to Pashankar Auto on JM road, laid my sight on the Red and Silver one and suddenly it started making a lot more sense and desirable. There was next to Nil waiting period and bike could have been delivered in 4/5 working days. I recall, I didn't blink an eye to reconsider my change, found a friend who was willing to pick up the R15 V2, swapped the booking and signed the cheque for the CBR. And I didn't realize, that I had made the best decision of my life when it comes to motorcycles and choices.

Year 2014, Sept, nearly 13 yrs later, she still decorates my garage, alive and kicking. And without an iota of doubt, she's my blindly-bet-my-life-upon baby. And even more special as it was my first own earned money. So she's indeed very special. Honda, if you are listening, you dropped a curtain on a pure Gem of a bike. I hope you get her back to Indian shores without a 2nd thought.

Usually as I have observed. All these adventures in ones life either come to an absolute halt or they go beyond the point of no return, post marriage, if the minds are alike. I got married in year 2014 Jan and luckily, I got the 2nd option for rest of my life. A huge shout out to her being the only reason I could pursue my dream and passion, till date, to be honest. And what followed next was a direct result of that.

My first Big Boy Comes Home
This was not planned, at all. I was in US for sometime during 2012-14 time and back home in India, Triumphs were just settling in. I had seen enough of the Triumph Daytona 675 of the undertail exhaust Generation and was head over heels for that machine. I had never ridden them, never touched them, and honestly didn't know anything about any big bike. But somehow, she was in my cross hair. Travelled back to India in 2014, got married, and started manifesting having a Daytona 675 in my Garage soon. But logistically it got delayed. One day, while on a joy ride with my partner in crime, we happen to detour to Kawasaki showroom, then in Wakdewadi. And it was then the first time I had laid my eyes on a Z800. I recall how hell bent I was towards the Daytona, but when the sales executive, rode out with the demo bike, out of the basement, the growl of that IL4, was a bliss. Pure music to my ears. There were no test rides, and we both looked at each other and with no plan in sight for Daytona to happen anytime sooner, stood there admiring the masculinity of it. And very soon, the Z800 happened. Again, very similar to how CBR came in, not the first choice, but the better choice for my reasoning.

We all remember for life the first big step, the first big prize, the first job, the first big achievement or success we earn. This was just the same. Again, had never planned or thought I am worthy frankly, but it all happened by God’s Grace. Zee gave me the intro to the full blown SBK world. Everything about it was power and refinement. and even today, I feel the current Gen Z900 are the most complete IL4 bang on bucks for the money.
And she came home.

We adored her. So so many memorable trips and journey. One that stands out was a 2 up ride from Pune to Jaisalmer in year end 2015. Any one who have saddled them can vouch, these machines are not mile munchers. Ergonomically and comfort wise, not made for it. And against usual notions, and very much like noobs, we made a crazy memorable experience of a lifetime, for the 2 of us, even today. I may not try this again. Hats Off to wifee to bear it all. Salute !!!!

The Red Devil
So far, as in my story, most of the things had happened by chance, not by chasing a dream machine, or ticking a bucket list item for ages. And thats not bad, but what if you make it happen, your childhood spark, that stand out of the crowd persona and own a drool icon.

I quite frankly dont know any true blood biker soul who has not dreamt of going this iconic Marque once in their lifetime. Ducatis are a phenomenon. Super exotic and utterly deliciously tempting. It was 2016, and it was the year pre V4s when the Panigale 899s/959s were ruling the roost. It was a very long shot for me of picking some one day. I recall we drove to Mumbai just to check the 899s/959s at the Ducati showroom as Pune didnt have them till much later. Z800 had no flaws, none whatsoever. But, Ducatis are irresistible. Thankfully, I found a preowned 899 being sold in Mumbai, and didnt spare a sec to made up my mind. Had to let Z800 go, with heavy heart, but an anticipation of something exotic coming in to envy an entire neighborhood was good enough of a reason.

I had been very clear about one thing. If you can, money can certainly get you anything that you wish for, but as a rider, it would not help me to justify my choices unless I don't invest in my skills. 899 Panigale was the perfect tool to start with and I did the CSS in 2016. Had a blast on the smaller MMRT circuit, and she got me hooked since then forever. She was already a head turner and now it was making be a better rider and improve upon confidence. There was nothing like that I had experienced before. Maddening Love all around. Haha.

Its fair to say, I suffer from a chronic situation in matters of Motorcycles. Its a Still-want-to-see-and-dream-about-all-bike syndrome. And being chronically infected, I could be snapped and unwanted placed. One of them happened to be window shopping at Akra Industries showroom in Pune, the official Dealers of Aprilia then, ogling to the beautiful V4s.

Here is one such incident. And I had no hints of whats next

Change of Place, Change of a Lifetime
We are now at turning point which led me to pen down this entire story. I moved to Banglore in April 2018, with a change in job. Again, never planned but we all know how it goes.
Banglore is amazing. It has one of the most buzzing bikers fraternity in India. It has got immense diversity, varied taste, ultra exclusivity and exoticness, and style to offer. You will get to see almost everything that runs on 2/4 wheels here. And hence, with this new phase, that urge to again window shop up a new ride kicked in. And for me, it’s really the best weekend getaway. Surround yourself with these fancy machines, calm your eyes and continue to set next targets and work hard for them.

But I will be honest here, no matter how high my aspirations were, I had never given myself a chances to ever be able to afford or pick a full blown litre class sports bike because of my own obvious apprehensions. It’s always a HUUUUGE deal, even today. And for anyone indeed. There is nothing beyond this point and you are at the Apex of fast and top performance engineering. I sneaked this idea of lets see, what happens and again head out for a hunt. My search at this point was in pre owned market, as I was very nervous to even walk into a showroom asking for the flagship with having no experience and a lot of intimidation from these bikes. Preused markets, as usual are dicey. Though I keep looking up to the Fireblades, to 10Rs or Z1000s. Somehow, the incling to get back to Daytona had worn out so never felt going back to Triumph. The preused didnt work out. One fine day I decided to brake the jinx, walked into the Tuskers BMW and asked for an S1000XR. Never had entered a BMW showroom. Super thrilled, eyes popping out stuff. Spent really engaging time and left. Knew it wouldn’t happen. The maths was never on my side. And it was a huge deterrent factor. What followed was meddling with numbers for countless hrs and having thoughts and after thoughts.

I still had my 899 with me and the obvious question was as Do I really need it or Do I want it. A spot you would never want to get stuck at.

Disclaimer: I realize this as a fact, I may not be the best of myself, setting any reasonable example, and could appear impulsive, spend thrift or extravagant in my choices or changes made so often. And I agree if anyone thinks so. But, hey, I take each step up as an experience of a lifetime. Motorcycling for me is not just commuting. Its a wholesome experience, it enriches me and provides an extension to my personal well being. And why to limit to one genre, till you can, should go out and enjoy. So I may not be rational but I have that ear to ear smile every time I walk away from my parking lot. That makes up my day.

3rd Sept 2018, Mark the Date
Owning any Superbike is a HUGE HUGE Deal for anyone. Generally speaking, it does require a lot more, financial feasibility, safety concerns from family, usability, cost of living and list goes on. We all really cant take the plunge at this level too. Each one of us has a lot on our plates and picking a 20+ lakh bike just to give you chills is not top on your charts. My better half has been there as an integral part of this entire journey and that makes all the difference.

Like in case of CBR and Z800, I never had my eyes on Aprilia as a brand. Didnt know much about them, didnt see them much on the roads either. Didnt even know how great engineering marvel the V4s were. Had heard them on the tracks, a few times and the screaming V4, with an Akra was all that hit my soul. IL4s are symphony, but an angry V4 is a brawler. Almost intimidating. Again, on some fateful day, I detoured to the Motoplex Showroom, here at Marathalli and checking upon the RR parked there on the stage. No brainer, they look Beee-auuu-tiii-full!

So from a preloved machine to a brand new Italian, I had come drastically a loong way in my search. And this was never ever on the menu. We again worked hard on deciding, considering it all, and as it happened, the date was set on 3rd Sept 2018.

And again, with almost teary eyes, had to bid adieu to my first and only, 899. I remember the vision got blur as the tempo trailer took that turn in the far corner before vanishing out of sight. Damn feeling that was.!!!

On Cloud Nine I was, and all those flashbacks of past yrs, starting from picking up the first superbike to where I was standing today, flew past by as I stood holding the keys. It was exhilarating. Just like a movie. You all have to agree, this was a very very special moment. I had maxed out on my reach, aspirations and believe in myself of being capable of doing something like this. This was a big deal for a kid from the time of riding a Hero Puch, coming in from a Tier 3 city, where no one had a clue about them, and worked one step at a time to this. I see many stories like this today and I kind of relive my journey whenever I see others making them come true. It pumps my heart of happiness and same excitement. Nothing displaces your hard work and passion for it and its not far enough to achieve !!

Aprilia are a rarity on Indian Roads. Even today. And that makes them even more desirable. The machine has a soul of its own. It wakes up to life with that V4 growl and with each twist of the throttle, you automatically have a grin under that face shield of your helmet. Nothing is taken away from this feel. Aprilia V4s are the OGs of all V4 today and the times to come. The engineering and chassis of this machine is legendary. Had heard and read a lot about how game changing they were but just experience them once and you will be happy justifying spending each penny on it off your pocket. SO today, as I mark completing 6 yrs of ownership, I really feel that's it for me. I probably won't want, or have anything more that will offer me anything better, or chills.

And not only on the tracks, we have spent time on looong road trips too. A round trip to Rameshwaram and one of to Goa stands out with many more. I have heard people complain these are not for long hauls. And I agree. But there are many who make it happen. So I say, all depends on how we accommodate and set our limits.

Here are some glimpses of the very few outings she had so far

Dhanushkodi

As shared before, 3rd Sept 2024, marked 6 years of journey and I thought its time she get an overhaul. After many deliberations, shes now sporting a Xtrenta Livery Wrap and she looks ravishing from all angles today.
Check out for yourself.

Now this is all good and fair. But there is a huge tradeoff when you are picking a ultra rare superbike in Indian Market. Its always short of some key elements. And you really have to be ready to live with them. Some that I have so far come across wrt ownership and cost of living.

Before you own one, know one -
Not much Visibility and awareness about the brand -
Aprilias, unlike their other European or Japanese counterparts do not have an aggressive strategy to be seen and sought after around in India Market. They are quite under the radar and flying low. Till before recently, when RS457 happened, not many knew what they make. I recall many had pondered this question to me if Aprilias even make these big bikes. While the market is flooded with the Ducatis, the BMWs and the Kawasaki, they are non existent.

Next to Nil After Sales Support for Big Bikes -
This is the calculated risk you have to take with minimal brand presence like what Aprilia has. Next to Nil capable support for their Big Bikes past sales. And we cant deny from experience, even the well set players are defaulting on this parameter. So no high hopes there at all. Their Service Centers are grossly under trained and unequipped. One expects to have a one stop shop for all basic and emergency needs. But also we cant hand over them to untrained technicians to mess it even further. Thats a gamble right there with Aprilias. I hope the game is changing with RS457 in the picture, but for big bikes, its pretty much the same, still, sadly. So you better find a capable Garage outside and keep praying to your stars of no major issues.

Disinterested India Management, Absurd Pricing -
It also appears that Aprilia India Unit is not paying any heed to the demand and love people share for this brand. We as Indians have the purchasing capability today. If you look at the Ducati and BMW prices, Aprilias would fit right there in the same bracket. But the absurd pricing for some of the models, like 660s (RS/Tuono/Taureg) is beyond comprehension. They could be the one which will set the tone up among the customer base and pull them to the flagships. I understand they are CBUs and we dont have any free trade agreement with places like Thailand, which some other manufacturers might be using to help cut short on overall costs. However, still, at the grassroot level, I feel, these logistics deadlocks are leading to no interest in the showrooms for the big boys.

Each time I am on a ride, I see how much people love them. They just adore them. Probably may want to own one day too, but somehow, the bosses higher up are playing indifferent and reluctant to go full monty in Indian markets. Its subjective to more analysis and speculation as to why. But this is the picture they are portraying today.

On the other hand, likes of Ducatis, BMWs, Triumphs and Kawasaki's have really read the market well and have offering catering to all taste, liking and style in India. They are thriving on a strong committed fraternity that pledges their loyalty to them.

Their PR and Marketing teams are also regularly organizing interactive workshops, schools, events throughout the country to keep customers engaged and well informed. This plays a huge deal. Out of sight is Out of mind per say.

For instance, if any of you happen to be at BIC, their presence in numbers is the testimony of this fact. Ducati for an example, sport a fully loaded crew from NSA Delhi, and supports some top riders from the country who competes professionally at national and international events. They are successfully keeping themselves relevant in Indian market.

Aprilia, unfortunately are lightyears behind on these scales and I don't see things changes too, alleast at the higher capacity level. And I keep my fingers crossed. May be Some day !!!

Finally, a Triumph !!
After the legendary Daytona 675, I think the next in line, or many will argue, putting them at the same pedestal, are the classics that they offer. One particular one that makes me skip a heart beat is Triumph Thruxton R. Unfortunately, this as well is by some God known reasons, EOL and we are getting the Final Edition out in European markets. So, in all probability this will never see India shores and my hope of seeing them in new Avatar are up in the air.

They are uber cool, and full of style as cafe racers, donning those bikini faring and retro silhouette. Saw then first at an Auto Expo in Delhi and I think again, love at first sight. Hah !! Now as they are no longer in the market, and even more rare to find in the pre owned class, the next best thing from Triumph as a close cousin to them are Speed Twin 1200 editions. And no brownie points in guessing, this time, crazily, I thought of not replacing but adding one to the garage. Isnt it already going beyond sanity, to add one more now !! Exactly what I heard back at home when I gave a hint out. Past Covid when we returned to Banglore after a hiatus from riding for quite sometime, this was on my search list. Paying a visit to Keerthi Triumph and one fine day found a Fresh out of Oven, Ready to take home, the beautiful and apparently South India's first Baja Orange Speed Twin 1200 around Dussehra 2022.

Ride to Kolli Hills, her first long haul

The Gentleman's Ride 2023, Banglore Chapter

All 3 in the Garage !

Speed Twin had it all. Style quotient, presence, minimalistic design but still stands out and closest relation to a Thruxton R. I was able to use this machine without fuss as my commuter bike to work too. This was a lovely piece of bike for keepers. But long hauls on it were not really possible. It doesn't come with many option to mount, carry pillion for long hauls or be current age equipped with all creature comforts. And I understand it was not supposed to be either. But whenever there was a call for long overnighters, I was always left gasping for a proper capable mile muncher. And hence the change was inevitable, once again.

The Final Frontier
In todays, context, there is only 1 bike that stood the test of times, with rave reviews, offers you a cross continental ship like performance and is absolute fan favorite. Any guesses. And if you had picked it right, YES, its the BMW 1250 GS/GSA. Remember the time years ago when I went to Tuskers and checked upon the XR. I didn't even look at the GS then as I am super intimidated with the size and bulkiness of this machine. I still planned a day to go and test ride, F900XR and the 850GS which were about the same price as the Speed Twin 1200 OTR Banglore then. A very satisfying test ride, and got to know how capable these 2 were. Back at the showroom, and I wanted to just sit on a GS this time and see how huge it feels. Sat on one and surprisingly, it was far more confidence inspiring than the 900XR and 850GS, despite being a bigger sibling. Excellent Engineering and keeping that CG log, possibly with that iconic Boxer Twin which lays quite low in configuration so the bike did fee top heavy as much.
This kept me interested in a GS1250 on the sidelines and I kept scanning the preused market as well. Thankfully, again, found one, well kept, 1250GS, in Banglore only. Went to meet up the owner, nice chap, test rode the bike and it was nearly falling close to the budget I had then. Since its rare to find a well kept GS in todays market, and with my past not so sound encounters, I signed on it this time without much lingering around. And hence a GS, as final Frontier for everything under the sky, came home.

BTW, heres Shadow, and this guy claims everything as his own that Dad brings home !

Today, as I put in this looong post, I think I am nearly happy and at peace to have the best of all worlds at my disposal. I feel, one wouldn’t miss on anything more here after. My friends have over the period of time lost all trust on me being sensible anyhow and they tag me to do something unexpected any day. But with that bad report, I tell myself, what beyond this if not. I doubt if there is anything past this for my taste and usage.

I am doing my track sessions and 2000 kms odd road trips with equal ease today.

However, the heart of the matter is and will always be the very precious Ape that I could pick up, thanks to God, and I think that was an extraordinary decision made. I still today and will always cherish her, and hopefully keep building many more memories here after.

This post again, is just to share my overall journey as a motorcyclist enthusiast, who started just like anyone else, never planned out of its league, but kept dreaming with the very critical support of his family. And as I say it to all of my friends and otherwise, "If I could do it, anyone can do it !"

Its just a matter of Heart over Head ! And in my case, my Head doesn't have a say !

Till Next Time. And Thank you for being very patient and being part of my journey !!
If you have any questions, curiosity at your end, feel free to reach out. Wish you all to make up to your dreams one day and you will !

God Speed !

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