Imported super bikes have a cult status among Indian bike aficionados. Cash-rich, style-savvy Indian youth never mind exorbitant pricing of the high-performance superbikes like Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja. These awesome machines ply on the Indian roads enthralling motorbike enthusiasts. As the home-grown automobile manufacturers are yet to come up with genuine high-speed superbikes, these are imported from other countries.
It is a common question why Indian manufacturers don’t make superbikes. The is that the common Indian bike rider is a commuter and not an enthusiast and that is precisely what Indian bike manufacturers cater to (the sub 150 cc segment having the highest volumes). Of course any manufacturer would make what is in demand. So when it came to ultra performance superbikes, they had to be imported.
Indian Government had put restrictions on import of more powerful bikes. However, these were eased in the EXIM Policy 2001.
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
Suzuki Hayabusa is among the most popular sports motorcycles ever produced. Since its inception the Suzuki Hayabusa was widely regarded as the fastest bike in production in the world until major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers voluntarily imposed speed regulators in their bikes under pressure from European governments.
Yamaha YZF R1
Yamaha YZF-R1, incepted in 1998, is a sports bike produced by Yamaha Motor Company. The bike successfully puts together the awesome power of the true liter class (1,000cc) with the lightweight and responsiveness of a 600-class chassis. The bike enthralls the young guys, who go for style and speed.
Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja
ZX12R was the flagship sports bike of Kawasaki Motorcycles, before the introduction of the ZX-14 (ZZR1400). With the Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja, Kawasaki threw its gauntlet into the high-performance sportbike war raging among the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. In 2001, all Japanese bike manufacturers reached an agreement regarding top speed of their bikes, which was set to 300 km/h.
Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird
CBR1100XX Blackbird, launched in 1996, was the world's fastest production motorcycle at the time. The Blackbird cultivated reputation as a powerful, fast, and reliable sports motorcycle. Although its status of the fastest bike was taken by Suzuki Hayabusa, its production continued and was halted only in late 2007.
Importing Bikes in India
Bike enthusiasts from different corners of India have been importing high-performance bikes to satiate their zeal for high-speed biking. Notwithstanding their astronomical price tags, these cult machines do have a fair number of admirers in India.
Buying power of the Indians has increased manifold in the last decade or two, pushing bike manufacturers to launch new products as unprecedented pace. Bike enthusiasts, who have enough currency in their pockets, go for their fancied products, while those who have enough time and patience, but not money, try to get their bikes modified to make them look or perform like models of their choice.
Imitation of Super-bikes
As a matter of fact, most modified bikes are imitations of super-bikes. It is the psyche of every young to draw attention of the people, while riding super-bikes. However, with their price spanning several lakhs, it is not possible for every young to buy them. So they go for another option. They get a cheaper bike modified into a super-bike. Influences from entertainment industry and motor sports also play a role in fuelling the modifying tendency.
Types of Modifications
Bikes could be modified in two ways: Performance wise or Looks wise. You could go for the both too. Looks modification could give you the satisfaction of riding a super bike. However, performance modification in no way guarantees that your bike would not perform like the bike of your dreams.
Modification Kits
Today, modification kits are available for each and every part of bikes. You can get body parts altered or replaced with new moulded ones. If you are creative enough, you could think out your own design and ask companies to execute your ideas on your bike. Most body works are done using fiberglass reinforced plastic which offers one the quality of parts, perfect finish and a glazing surface. Looks-oriented modification kits include clip on handlebars, stylish graphics and stickers, mag-alloy wheels, rear view mirrors, tuned exhaust silencer, specially designed seats etc. You could also get fitted modified mudguards or petrol tanks on your bikes.
Most bike enthusiasts go for common modifications like removing the saree guard, rear view mirrors, changing the handle bar, increasing the size of the rear tyre, using alloy wheels and changing shock absorbers etc. Some go for an entire body alteration while retaining the engine. Some get the sound modified. A diffuser gives the base sound of a Harley Davidson while chambers endow the effect of dirt bikes and race bikes. An exhaust gives the effect of a powerful bike.
Who to Approach
We would advise you to approach any experienced bike modifier rather than a simple mechanic. It is a job to be done by specialists. So you better leave it to a specialist. Do proper consideration before deciding on a modifier.
Effects of Modifications
You must keep in mind that modification does not change a cheaper bike to super bike. It just fakes the physical appearance. So even if you get a bike resemble a highly superior bike, you must be aware of the limitations of the basic model. Performance modifications do increase the efficiency of the bike, to a limited extent. Body modification usually decreases mileage and performance, for the basic engine is not toned to those accoutrements.
Word of Caution
Whenever you go for getting your machine remodeled, its market value decreases. Bike manufacturers too give the warning that even minute alterations on the bike affect its performance.
Bike Modifiers in Delhi
Here is a list of bike modifiers in Delhi. However, you should keep in mind that the list is neither complete nor recommended by us. It is a random list just to help you if that is what you are searching for.