Owning a superbike in India: 10 things NOBODY tells you

Superbikes are a dream for bike enthusiasts. They are priced equivalent to a lot of high end to medium end cars, however, they are much cheaper to maintain. The superbikes have a very strong hold in the used car market, which makes it tempting for a lot of enthusiasts. But we need to keep in mind a few things before venturing into an investment towards a superbike.

Excessive heat

Superbikes come with an extremely powerful engine and not with a lot of layers between you and the engine, therefore generating heat. The airflow if not enough to maintain a comfortable temperature for the rider and the cooling system also fails to satisfy. This makes it unbearable to ride the bike during extreme heat conditions and the city traffic making it worse. They are extremely uncomfortable especially when the bike engine is on during standstill traffic and one should be aware of this before buying a superbike.

Not easy to handle

Someone who is used to handling a simple bike and expects the same from a superbike, it is highly unrealistic. Superbikes are fitted with heavy engines and less body to cover and still can be very heavy for some to use. At slower speeds, the rider has to be extremely careful while taking the bike around while balancing the weight with their body strength. The superbikes cannot move around in thick traffic like regular bikes.

Fuel sourcing

Most superbikes are able to run on regular fuel, however, there’s always a risk of miss firing. Superbikes are fitted with compression engines which work under high pressure. The bring out the optimum usage of the bike, it has to run on at least 95 RON fuel, which is not available in India. However, bike owners turn to the next best thing which is the 97 Octane fuel and that also is scarcely available in the country. Therefore most of the owners have to compromise for the low octane in the fuel available by using fuel boosters which could, in turn, add to the maintenance cost of the bike.

Tyres

In addition to the weight of the engine, even the tyres for the superbikes are soft compound tyres which ensure maximum traction and are quite heavy than the tyres in regular bikes. It makes sure that the bike is using its optimum power. The tyres are quite expensive and ensure a short life of around 10,000 km. This is one of the hidden maintenance cost of owning a superbike in India.

Parking

Superbikes are bound to draw attention to themselves since they are priced so high and are not common in the vicinity of middle-class people. A few notorious onlookers could get really touchy with the bike and start to pose with it or by sitting on it. There have been cases wherein damage to these superbikes are done because it has fallen due to the touching of the onlookers. It is definitely a challenge for superbike owners to find a safe parking spot for their prized possession.

Not many practical options

Well, even though its an experience in itself to ride a superbike, but owing to the poor conditions of the Indian roads, it can sometimes become problematic. The sports bikes with hard suspensions are definitely more nerve-wracking than enjoyable to ride on Indian roads. The best body type of litre-class bikes in the adventure category are bikes like the BMW RG Series, Triumph Tiger or the Ducati Multistrada.

Riding Gear

Indian roads are quoted as one of the most dangerous roads for riding and the slightest of mistake could turn into a major injury. There are many superbike owners who are okay to ride their bike without helmets or in slippers, however, these superbikes are not meant for such callousness. Along with the superbike, one should definitely buy a proper riding kit with a high-quality jacket, protective helmet, gloves, riding boots and knee guards and should use it even for a quick spin in the neighbourhood.

Developing riding skills

Most of the superbikes need proper skill sets and training to use all the features available to you. You cannot fully enjoy the bike without these skills. Training is therefore recommended before you decide to buy the superbike. In the west, California Superbike School is known to train people into world-class riders. Some of them also hold sessions in India. In the case of our country, schools such as IndiMotard provide necessary training on how to safely ride your superbike and enjoy it to its full potential.

Unwanted attention

Superbikes don’t only look distinct but are distinctly noisy about their presence too. This is bound to draw a lot of wanted and unwanted attention. Many police officers are spotted stopping the superbikes to interrogate about the bike and knowingly or unknowingly touch the bike as well. Many onlookers also challenge the superbikes on the road which could be fatal for both participating parties.

Maintenance

Since superbikes come with high performing engines, their life diminishes a lot compared to the regular bikes and hence would require replacements and repairs more often. The superbikes in India have a very short service period gaps, owing to the dusty road conditions. If major repairs and replacements are required in your superbikes, it could take up to months for the problem to be fixed and will surely burn a significant hole in your pocket.