Yamaha R15.... blog post comments...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Firstly, please accept my sincere apologies for having been away! Been sick, been busy, been here and there, been generally fucked up! :-) But then, arent we all!

Popped in to check my mail and saw a lot of comments pouring for my rather controversial post on the Yamaha R15 (YZF? Really?)

Before reading ahead, please check my original post (the one with my thoughts..) HERE, then read a really interesting reader feedback HERE, after which I wanted to know if I was indeed the only one on planet India who wasn't smitten by the baby (infantile?) R1 so you can also check the poll update for the R15 and its benefits HERE, after which, please take a look at the poll results over HERE.

Having said that, here's a little note to the people who differ with me:

<> I dont own an R15, probably never will so I really dont care!
<> If you have the money, you like the bike, GO BUY IT! Dont worry about what some fuckhead on the Internet has to say about it, good or bad. Its as simple as that. I'll give you an example, Journos around the world pretty much panned the 2005 ZX10R for various reasons, and am hunting for that bike like Indiana Jones on another crusade!
<> If you like the bike, you have the money, you own the bike, ENJOY THE BIKE! Dont spend time on the Internet reading what others have to say about it!
<> My views, are MY views, which is why the blog in the first place! Rather self explanatory I should think no?! Some agree, some dont! Dont try to win me over, you cant, I have my views, I respect yours, but arguing it out might certainly help both of us learn something out of it!

<> Most importantly: (which is why this bullet is separate from the rest:

If you dont know much about riding bikes, please dont even bother commenting on the technalities involved, am neither hungry for comments, nor for the hits, as a matter of fact, am so fucking self obsessed I can read my own blog over and over (which I used to before taking it public!) You probably would think me a mannerless psycho, I couldnt agree more! But in the name of the Lord, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, or whoever else you believe in, Please don't try to sell me the R15... because I grew up on RD350s and RX100s... I think I know a thing or two more about Yamaha bikes than the R15 generation....

Oh and by the way, I just happen to own a Yamaha YZF-R1 ... and an RD350. So I think I know where am coming from when I say what I have to say about the R15, and am rather surprised at some of the responses because I have always maintained that it is a GOOD BIKE! Just over-priced... (which is when all the other points come into play)

Maserati... Quattro Ported

One of my shortest posts ever, but just HAD to log in and share it with ya'all!

Was heading up my office ramp to get some fuel filled in time before the bunks close down...I could hear the purring of 2...maybe 3.. extremely dangerous machines on a very high state of tune, exiting Bangalore Club (for those familiar, it had a recently concluded Vintage Car rally, and it usually has some of the fastest cars/bikes in the world frequenting it). By the main gate I could see what seemed like a Ferrari F430 taking off, behind which was something which I couldn't recognise, or maybe did not WANT to recognise!

I sped after it to catch a glimpse but lost it at the signal (darn speed breakers! didnt want to risk the fairing..)but then those were JUST cars... where could they possibly go! A few quick seconds later I found myself right side by side with a shimmering new Maserati Quattroporte! Fine Italian craftsmanship? You betcha! Now everyone knows how much I hate cars.. but a Maserati is a Maserati no? I joked with the driver who was an old acquaintance, congratulated him on his awesome looking baby and sped on to the Fuel bunk. The Ferrari or whatever it was, would have to wait another day...

Oh and yes, leading that pack was a spanking new 3 Series Beemer with whom I had already concluded a friendly race with a couple of days back... I never like work, but it helps when your window overlooks some of the fastest machinery money can buy, whats more, you can stand on the side of the road and hear them, watch them, as you finish your smoke, and if you have some time, you could zip after them and just say Hi, nice one! Er.. those attempting to emulate the last step please ensure you have at least a 100+hp between your own legs because its not easy to catch some of them!

Bit More on the Maserati: The front grill, the pitchfork, the rear, the styling, the purr from the engine, everything about it is so understated, classy and refreshingly different from the "oh look at me please" Sports cars out there. No wonder really fast 4 door sedans are catching on! I've seen a lot of Sport Cars over the years, but NOTHING has ever come close to being as desirable, quiet, racy as the Maserati tonight! If I do win a Super Lotto, I might even consider buying one of these... or wait - 50 Custom ZX-14s with Turbo Chargers, NOS, Power Commanders, Ohlins, Akrapovics, ok I'll stop before I drive myself crazy at the thought of it!

Cheers,

Max

A Royal Pain in the Ass

Read this article recently about this "oh so famous" biker who went around the world really fast on his R1.. or something like that. Good, in fact very commendable. Am glad the country he lives in gives him the kind of conditions that dont require him to work hard to know where he or his family gets their next meal from, am glad he can even afford a bike like the Yamaha YZF-R1, am glad this guy got himself into the record books for fastest circumcision, (or is it fastest circumnavigation?) and what not.

What am NOT glad about is what he had to say about my country! Am not going to post any backlinks and stuff about it because I dont think insensitive, or over-sensitive jerks like that deserve the extra attention. But this twat actually had the audacity to say some really harsh things about India, its habitants, its culture, its way of life. Yes we are a dirty country yet, we thrive on bribes, we have a few cunts on the road (and in our governments) who have no clue what they are upto, but you know what Mr. Around the world in 80 days? We still love our country! I sometimes have no clue why the west (and its people) think they can sit on their high pedestals (built out of stuff stolen from countries like mine) and pass judgements on me and my people! Geez you use a fucking paper to wipe your ass and talk about saving the trees for chrissake!

Anyhow - for those interested, here's my very polite reply to that ignoramus:

Nick - its very easy to sit on your high pedestals and pass comments on a country which has been ravaged by developed westerners like yourself… FYI… I ride a ZX-7R through this madness, everyday, its made me a better rider..probably better than most of the westerners who thrive on organised road conditions to get from point A to B and hence get their adrenalin rushes from a secure track or special effects in a Hollywood chase scene… we adapt because we have no choice, we’re tough because thats what our conditions mould us into. Ask any fancy trained marine if he enjoys killing/raping/surviving in the heartland of harsh foreign conditions which his developed country has thrown him into, and he would probably say no, BUT he has no choice, so he might as well like it…Same for me.. and many others like me.

You know whats funny, as a very proud Indian, I dont grudge you one bit…because we do have our flaws, BUT, I dont think we need a certificate of humanity from anyone who’s culture or history go back barely a thousand years… with so much love for India in your heart I think I dont have to tell you how far back WE go, you should already know that. And oh yeah, dont forget the imperialism during, before, and after the Industrial revolution of the 18th/19th century which led to the most audacious gang rape of some of the most culturally/economically rich countries around the world. We may have ruined ourselves, but its countries like yours which pushed us off the edge of that cliff… (I dont even know where you’re from but reading the first few lines of your post tells me you are from one of the many misinformed, probably well developed, organised countries of the west which has got there by bleeding Asia and Africa for centuries.. and will continue to do so. Do yourself a favor, since you find us so disgusting, get the F out of our country..and dont ever come back.

Jai Hind,

Max

yeah yeah I know, long since my last post... I PROMISE its gonna be worthwhile... hang in there folks, lots of goodies coming!

Cheers,

Max

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R for Sale

Refreshed ad once more! - here's an update, the bike got sold, but the noob who bought it didnt come up with even 1% of the money, what he did come up with, were a ton of excuses.. so the bike's back with me again, and up for sale again!

A request - Brokers/Dealers please excuse, same too with people expecting me to spend hours/days negotiating.. am not a money guy, so have money, want bike, come and take it! :-)

Before you read the ad below, here's something funny: I put up the ad on various internet sites, and one of the catchlines for my ad was "Honda/Yamaha seekers please excuse" (I'll explain this line later, am sure you'll agree with me that it was needed)... one idiot had this to say as a comment:

(Yamaha/Honda seekers please excuse..) People who are looking for Yamaha R1 or Honda CBR1000 dont even see your vehicle!!! Excused!!!!!!!!!

Now, a Kawasaki Ninja hunter would not have minded me saying that, and by his own comment, he should not even have looked at the ad.. paradox? hee hee hee hee anyways...

Let me now explain why I say Honda/Yamaha seekers excuse:

Hondas are very nice bikes, very smooth, very durable, very reliable, Yamahas are very good looking, handle like a fucking dream and are generally reliable, most Kawasaki's on the other hand, are unreliable, have a crazy power delivery and very subjective looks, which not every bike buyer might want/be looking for, (I personally prefer the bad qualities of a Kwacker). Only a Gixxer can match the "personality of a kwacker.. even better it, which is why I only mentioned Honda/Yam..Which means they are not really for the average joe who just wants some big bike to pick up chicks on and show off to his neighbor/community! (which is what majority of the ignorant bike hunters out there are looking for), all money no brains... Right? Anyway, when will the cruel world understand the true meaning of my words! Sheesh! :-p I think I've been modest enough for one day... enjoy the ad again...

My Baby is up for Sale!



<> Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R (2002 mfg, 2003 import)
<> 18700 kms done
<> New Tyres
<> New Brake Pads
<> New Battery
<> VIP No.
<> Recently Serviced
<> Excellent condition (accelerates cleanly past 250kmph.. and stops too..)
<> All papers clear (valid RC. duty paid, insurance, Karnataka road tax etc)
<> 2nd owner
<> Contact Giri: 09886600858 between 9am-7pm (my little bro...)
<> Or mail me directly at askmaximus@gmail.com / yeniarenyaw@gmail.com
<> Or leave me a comment at http://askmaximus.blogspot.com













For those of you who arent aware of the ZX7R pedigree, let me take a minute and explain why a Kawasaki Ninja in the age of the R1:

The ZX7R is a WSBK Championship winning machine which dethroned the mighty Ducati from its year on year winning streak, it was one of the worlds premier bikes through the 90s, and very much responsible for making the "Ninja" tag famous! It is also regarded as one of the best bikes Kawasaki has ever produced, far ahead of its time, with technology which is still current (Slipper clutch for eg.), awesome handling, styling and by far the BEST power delivery I have ever experienced on a post Supersport machine... (funnily enough, it still gets more looks than a lot of the latest SBKs parked while we're out for a weekend coffee!)



Let me say this though, although it is one of Kawasakis best bikes, its still a Ninja, and still very dangerous, please do not buy this if you expect the handling of a Yamaha or the smoothness of a Honda, this is very much a hooligan SBK which sets itself apart...This machine is suited for very serious riders indeed! So think about it, and make an informed decision for yourself.

Before anyone asks, Yes, my next bike will also be a Kawasaki Ninja (no other manufacturer makes bikes more fun!) What the upgrade is? sssssshhh! Surprise!

Cheers,

Max

ps - This aint just a Kawasaki Ninja for sale in India, this isnt your run of the mill Superbike for sale in India either, this is pretty much a little legendary piece of history you can own and ride as your own! My heart sinks at the thought of selling it, but then one has to move on in life no? ;-)

Yamaha R15 - Poll Results

I would recommend readers/browsers to take the results with a pinch of salt. Although the number of votes polled is a measly 179, remember these are 179 Bikers / Biking enthusiasts, who have reached this blog out of habit or an Internet search on some bike related topic. These arent your run of the mill Techie (no offense, I love taking these random digs, am a mean heartless jerk you see.. *insert cherubic yet devillish peals of laughter here*) sitting in his office and browsing blogs, the votes then, attain a certain degree of authenticity and I am not in the least surprised by the response!

The last update for the poll was on September 17th 08' in a post done HERE. At that time the R15 was apparently not doing too well at the polling booth. The end result too is not very unpredictable. It is what I would call a classic case of an excellent product being priced and positioned wrongly.

Nevertheless the bike has done reasonably well in the market and has found its target base (and some buyers outside of it too!), lets hope this is the beginning of a truly special era from Yamaha in India!

Is the Yamaha R15 True Value for Money, final results after poll closure

Yes: 38 Votes (21%) (Very Optimistic in my opinion, excellent bike, too pricey)
No: 90 Votes (55%) (This reflects the feeling of the general populace, a machine for the performance enthusiast, but probably too heavy for his wallet? I remember my college days when finances were always a crunch, bikes were an obsession, and the 2 somehow never seemed to meet!)
Cant Say: 5 Votes (2%) (Now how many of you 5 were Librans/Aquarians? or am I wrong about Librans/Aquarians being terribly indecisive! heh heh heh!)
Almost: 20 Votes (11%) (I would agree with this on on sentiment, it is, well, just about, Almost.)
Rip off: 17 Votes (9%) (a bit harsh I'd say but then flattering to deceive can well be considered an attempt to rip off an unsuspecting buyer!)

So there you have it folks, that concludes a mini journey in itself (the whole R15 Evolution/Revolution) which should give Yamaha a foothold in our markets at last! Where they take it from here is a question which needs answering very soon. No hero lasts long in public memory, the next one is already due.

Ive got many comments and mails with regards to my personal views on the R15 and on the bike in itself. I still maintain that it is a VERY Good Bike, but falls short of my expectations. To put it simply: 20bhp+ at current price, or Current bhp+ Rs70-75000....

Thank you for taking the time out to participate in this poll, theres more where that came from so stay tuned!

Cheers,

Max