Here’s the story what we received in detail :
“……After a near death accident, last year, which almost left me in a vegetative state or worse dead, it was time to reinvent myself and the motorcycle.
The idea was to build an old school chopper without taking away the royal enfield unique look out of the equation.
Since it was going to be a bobber i knew i had to make it look lean and clean. I kept in mind the bad traffic, rising petrol prices and pick up. Also since the engine isn’t big, aesthetically the motorcycle had to have a gas tank, seat, tyres and fenders that would compliment each other. After 15 hours of shifts in the summer of Delhi, i would still find the motivation to shop for brass fittings in karol bagh, thanks to the clear imagination of what i was going to build.
The choice of paint was decided according to the need to have brass fittings, to give it an old school appearance. Midnight blue worked like a charm.
The choice of the handlebar was due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, i was building an ‘old school’ bobber. Ape handlebars were in vogue in the 60’s and the 70’s. Secondly, the height of the handlebar was directly proportionate to my height and reach. Thirdly this kind of handlebar suits my idea of comfort because i like to sit straight and upright. The hight of the grips also assures that i can put the weight of my arm on the handlebar and relax my shoulders, besides there is a reason why ape handlebars are also called ‘armpit coolers’ 😉
I made sure i get an exhaust that’s loud and bassy. We love enfields for the thump. The fake oil box under the seat isn’t an invention. It’s a bobber thing. The electrical’s and the battery are housed pretty snuggly and safely inside the fake oil box. The artwork on the tank had to be special. Symbolically it holds a lot of significance with my past, present and the future.
- The skull represents the 6 fractures i suffered in the accident that left my face asymmetrical and with a titanium plate.
- The diamonds signifies my goals and ambitions to become a successful film maker.
- The rose represents the newly found love that’s on my mind.
- The cobweb’s on the chin represents the unhealed nerve damage.
- The broken teeth signifies the misaligned set of teeth, also due to the accident.
- Trial by Fire’ signifies a test of my will to ride again despite the doctors dire warning.
The artwork has to constantly remind me of my journey so far and the horizon I’m riding towards. To sum it up, the bobber has turned out precisely the way i wanted it to.
Few months down the line i might experiment with wishbone springer suspension (if i can find one, that is) but as of now i am happy it turned out like a real bobber instead of bibber ;)… ”
Photo and Info : Sameer Siddiqui