Vroom into the past

The first bike that Rohan Mervin ever rode was his friend’s 1972 Enfield back in the 90s. That ride changed the way he looked at motorcycling and it also triggered in him an interest for bikes, especially the British manufactured ones. Looking back, Rohan says motorcycling has been a part of his life for the last 15 years. 

The process of collecting bikes was a slow but steady one for him. “It started with appreciating and admiring certain models and later wanting to own one. Owning motorcycles can be a very expensive affair. The desired result comes with a lot of dedication and sacrifice. My journey began on a similar note. The first few years proved to be non-productive due to lack of knowledge and proper resources but the experience has taught me a great deal,” says Rohan.   

The first bike that Rohan bought is the 1952 BSA ZB31 and the second, which is still in the process of restoration, is a 1956 AJS 16MS (350CC). Both these bikes were extensively used during World War II and this is also one of the reasons that prompted Rohan to invest in them.

About the unique features of the BSA, Rohan says, “The front suspensions were adopted in the early 1900s and back then, most manufacturers were still using a rigid back frame till World War II. This is one of the few early models to have a plunger rear suspension post World War II, a huge step in engineering design itself for that era. The engine design is simple and easy to maintain,” explains Rohan, who has restored the BSA and has been using it for the last three years. The AJS was one of the few early bikes to adopt a rear suspension with a swing arm (hence the name 16MS where S stands for swing arm design), shares Rohan, who seems to have the history of his prized possessions on his fingertips. “It was a low maintenance, reliable machine during its time and remains so even today, provided it is maintained well. Popularly known for its jampot rear suspensions, this machine is very comfortable with the dual seating and is easy to maintain,” adds Rohan. 

Both the bikes are maintained by Rohan, who concedes that it is indeed a time-consuming affair. “Coming from a non-technical background, it has taken me a few years to understand the mechanics and to begin fixing the flaws. I also picked up a few skills from my father, without whose help I would not have been able to get this far. Today, I enjoy the process of restoring these machines and maintaining them in perfect running condition,” says Rohan. Procuring the spares is always a challenge and those that are available in the international market are overpriced, feels Rohan. “It makes sense to spend on something like an engine, because it is the heart of the motorcycle and keeps it running. Over the years, a few old friends (that I have made across other countries) have helped me in getting the spare parts and a few engine components,” he adds.

Rohan has travelled on the BSA to Goa, Mumbai, Gujarat and a few other places across the coastal belt. “Since I ride solo, each trip has left me with some wonderful memories. Seeing new places, meeting different people and getting a peek into their way of life has been an exhilarating experience,” he says.

Spending time with his machines is not only about riding them but what also matters is the pride that comes with owning a piece of history, says Rohan. “Personally, the bikes connect with me. There’s a certain inexplicable pleasure and respect in owning and maintaining a piece of history,” he adds. Rohan is quick to add that he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of adding to his fleet of bikes.

(Rohan can be reached on [e-mail])