Madras and motorbikes: a bulletproof relationship Premium
The Hindu
Madras and motorbikes: a bulletproof relationship
Riding a motorcycle in Chennai offers a unique sensory experience. One can distinctly hear the sounds of traffic and people swearing, smell the roadside food stalls serving fried delicacies, feel the heat beating down, and see every nook and pothole of the streets.
Many brands and motorcycles have tried to make their mark on this city and its people, but only a few have developed a cult following and remained relevant. Among them, one has Madras emblazoned all over it.
Royal Enfield is the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, creating models in the mid-size motorcycle segment. Despite tracing its origins to England, the factory in Tiruvottiyur, Chennai, is significant. Combining the latest technology with vintage designs, RE motorcycles are hardy with a classic look.
Dubudubudubudubu—the sound of Royal Enfield’s most celebrated and coveted bike, the Bullet, conjures images of a heavy and muscular bike replete with retro headlights and a powerful presence. Whether the bike is gliding on the road or halted in traffic, the 350cc engine earns admiring glances from both bike and rider. Over time, the bike has come to stand for masculinity and dominance.
For Arathy Vijayan, a 27-year-old IT professional, it was this perception that fuelled her desire to own an RE. “When you start riding the Bullet, you won’t feel the weight, only the gentle breeze against your body and the thumping sound and vibrations of the bike. It is one of the most comfortable bikes I have ever rode,” she says. Many boys grew up wanting to own a Bullet as adults. Some say that seeing older members of their families own one spurred their interest. “It looked so classy” is a popular refrain.
The Bullet, born in 1932 in England, only came to India in 1949 when K.R. Sundaram Iyer launched Madras Motors to import British motorcycles to India. The Indian Army placed an order with MM for 500 350cc bullets, which arrived from England in 1953 and became hugely successful for their hardiness. In 1955, Enfield India was formed, construction on a factory at Tiruvottiyur began, and 163 India Bullets were built by the end of 1956.
An article in The Hindu on September 17, 1973, says: “Enfield India’s Bullet and Crusader motorcycles are used in every nook and corner of the country…as personal transport by all categories of individuals engaged in productive activities”. The same article noted that in 1973, the factory in Tiruvottiyur was capable of manufacturing 16,000 motorcycles annually. Royal Enfield bikes have been featured in Indian films, contributing to the company’s aura and cult following among current generations. It was once used by police officers on patrol.
While residents are worried over deaths due to diarrhoea in Vijayawada, officials still grapple to find the root cause. Contaminated drinking water supplied by VMC officials is the reason, insist people in the affected areas, but officials insist that efforts are on to identify the disease and that those with symptoms other than diarrhoea too are visiting the health camps.