News Home » City » PuneDespite a few setbacks, passion for heritage keeps vintage bikes revving in PunePUNE: Five years ago, when Jaideep Ganore bought his 1957 model Triumph Speed Twin for Rs 1 lakh, the bike didn't have a carburettor and had major problems with its electrical system and wiring. It cost him another Rs 1 lakh and about a year and a half to meticulously source spare parts from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and even abroad to get the bike back on the road. "Designed by Edward Turner, this was the most successful model produced by the company. It was widely believed to be the most reliable and changed the motorcycle industry," says Ganore, as he proudly displays his bike at the two-day exhibition of Vintage and Classic Motorcycles. The struggles of finding the right spare-parts, skilled mechanics who understand the archaic machinery or even the expense of keeping the vehicles going do nothing to faze collectors of these vintage motorcycles. Some own about a dozen vintage bikes each.

"This is our heritage. Some of us have inherited these vehicles from our fathers and grand-fathers. We have to keep them going," says Mandar Phadke, founder and president of Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMC) Pune, the organizers of the event. Siddharth Darade, owner of the oldest bike at the exhibition — a 1934 BSA Slopper, bought his vehicle from an Aurangabad-based enthusiast. "He had bought this pre-war bike from an Englishman and maintained it all these years, but he was growing old and wanted to hand it over to another collector. There are just 30 bikes of this model in the world and only two known in India," says Darade. Darade, who comes from a family of collectors, also owns a 1936 Royal Enfield. "About eighty years later, the bike still has its original paint," he adds. "All 65 bikes displayed at the exhibition are road-worthy. Apart from the 1955 Norton Manx, which dominated the racing tracks in the 1950s and 60s and is nicknamed the 'Don Bradman of racing bikes', they are all owned by Pune-based collectors," says Phadke.

Also tucked in at the exhibition dominated by hulk-like motorcycles were two-wheelers once ubiquitous on Indian roads, but slowly faded in the post-liberalisation era — the scooters. While even a Bajaj scooter would evoke nostalgia today, on display here were vintage Italian makes — Vespas and Lambrettas. "Scooters were seen as an all-purpose bike, everyone could drive it with equal ease," says Yogesh Raut, who helps his collector friends restore their motorcycles, but maintains that his passion is scooters. Raut owns a rare Lambretta, a 1960 model with a 175cc engine. "The models popular in India were 150cc models which were more attractively priced. I was lucky to pick this one up from a friend three years ago," he adds. With its body corroded with years of rust, Raut had to spend long hours to restore it to its original glory. Fortunately, he didn't have to spend too long on the engine. "That is the advantage of an original Lambretta. If kept in a place with a good climate like Pune, the insides stay well for decades."

While Raut is skilled at restoring old bikes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people familiar with the internal mechanics of these vintage machines. motorcycle helmets edinburgh"Over the years, the number of mechanics who know how these machines work has been declining. harley davidson for sale hullOn the plus side, the internet has made the hunt for spare parts easier," says Phadke. motorcycle tyre levers nzThe internet came to Yogesh Acharya's rescue when he was looking to restore a rather unusual bike. motorcycle dynamo repairIn the 1980s, Royal Enfield had launched mopeds in the Indian market.

With a 22cc engine, the Royal Enfield Mofa - which looks like a cross between a cycle and a moped - could be ridden even if you didn't have a driving licence. Acharya had picked up the bike at scrap value when he was attending a wedding, but most people hadn't even heard that Royal Enfield had launched such a bike. The bike has now shot to fame after it was an important element of actor Dhanush's Tamil film VIP in 2014. Eventually, he was able to find a dealer in Coimbatore online who supplied him with a carburettor and other vital parts. Using his expertise to restore the other parts, Acharya got this curious vehicle in driving condition. From Around the WebMore From The Times of IndiaUsed Harley Davidson Bikes in IndiaGet access to deals and special offers that are available on mobile onlyUsed Bikes in PuneUsed Royal Enfield Bikes in India1973 bullet for sale 1973 classic bullet for sale. Has the smooth sublime ride only the old bullets can give. Call 9 7 5 7 4 or 9 3 9 6 3 for...

Stunning vintage motorcycles at India Superbike Festival 2013 One of the highlights of the India Superbike Festival 2013 has been the vintage motorcycle collection on display here. One of the highlights of the India Superbike Festival 2013 in Pune has been the vintage motorcycle collection on display here. There were bikes as much as 100 years old, but barring their simple World War era design, they barely showed any signs of ageing. Most bikes are in mint condition and even fit to take you for a spin around Pune. But given their priceless nature, we’d advise you to stick to admiring them at the India Superbike Festival 2013 Day 2, or look at our image gallery in case you couldn’t make it.Or download our app from the iOS or Android app stores today. Upto Rs. 3 Lakhs 3 - 5 Lakhs 5 - 7 Lakhs 7 - 10 Lakhs 10 - 15 Lakhs 15 - 25 Lakhs 25 - 50 Lakhs 50 - 100 Lakhs 1 - 2 Crore Above Rs. 2 Crore 2017 Bajaj Pulsar range quick walkthroug ...

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