Irresistible charm of Yezdi bikes

Superbikes and classy Royal Enfields are luring youngsters and young professionals.

 But a distinctive motorbike group is trying to popularise the country-made Yezdi and Jawa bikes. No longer being manufactured, these bikes are more like a vintage item. Therefore, in an attempt to bring owners of these bikes together, Gursaurabh Singh started the ‘Yezdi and Jawa Club’ five years ago. 

“Initially we were not active on the social networking sites. It was three years back when we started our page on Facebook to get connected to a maximum number of people,” says Singh, who started the group along with his avid-biker cousin Inderjeet Singh. 

“At that time we were the only members. Gradually the number increased to five and now there are a 100 Yezdi and Jawa owners who are a part of this group.”The group expanded when Singh used to takehis 1978 model for maintenance at a local mechanic shop in Rajouri Garden. 

“Mechanics did their role in giving strength to this group. They mentioned about the club to other people and they approached us. Now, every week atleast two to three people approach us for joining this club.” 

As the number is increasing so are the rides and meetings. Considering the fact the bike does not give mileage like any other superbike, the group prefers not to take off on any long distance ride. “We have been to Alwar, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Nainital, besides doing rounds within the City,” says Singh. 

Given that the maintenance of the bike is a costly affair, most of the owners are extra careful about its upkeep and health. Says Singh, “If we run the bike for 10,000 kilometres we have to pay just the double of it as maintenance. Also, there are some parts which are not available in the market. For this we have to ask the mechanic to especially make it or procure it. Even some parts which are still available can be availed from only limited shops in the city.” 

Thirty-year-old Singh, who is the proud owner of Yezdi, loves the motorbike for its looks. “It has got a unique identity. Even the ‘vroom’ of this bike is distinctive. It forces people to turn around and give it more than a second look. I bought my bike from my neighbour in 2001 and since then I am taking care of it.” 

But the young biker reveals a fondness for the 1964 model, which is the oldest model of the bike in the club. “It was imported from Czechoslovakia at that time. It is beautiful,” says Singh.