I Bought a Time Machine

Hey!

It’s been ages since I shared an anecdote from the pages of my life’s diary. Today, I bring you a story laced with nostalgia, the soft hum of a time machine. Yes, you read that correctly—I bought a time machine. But hold on, let me explain.

Picture this: the deep, resonant throb of my father’s old Enfield Machismo 350. It wasn’t just a motorcycle; it was like a majestic steed that belonged to our family, commanding respect wherever it roared.

That growl — it’s etched into my memory like a childhood soundtrack. I can still hear my father’s words: “As soon as your feet can touch the ground while sitting on it, I’ll teach you how to ride.” I counted the days, yearning for that moment.

But fate had other plans. The Bullet was sold when I was just fifteen, plagued by mechanical woes. My interest in motorcycles waned, replaced by teenage fascination with supercars and beautifully engineered machines. I became a bona fide Porsche enthusiast, and in 2023, I went on a memorable trip to Monaco—the supercar haven—where wealth manifested in sleek curves and roaring engines.

And then, during my college days, destiny intervened. An unexpected encounter with Enfields reignited my passion. There she was—the iconic Cafe-racer, Continental GT 535. Love at first sight doesn’t do justice! Painted in blood-red hues, she left me breathless, evoking memories of childhood rides and dreams fulfilled.

I was absolutely blown away! I couldn't resist owning that piece and I eventually convinced my parents to get me one (It was the toughest part, I must say!). I booked the red variant. It was a thing of beauty, a stunner by looks.

Eventually, I transformed the Continental into a bobber, its raw beauty attracting attention wherever it went. However, the curse of the Enfield struck once again. Unwanted issues like engine vibrations, oil leaks, and other problems forced me to part ways with it.

For a time, my faith in Royal Enfield was shaken. I even dissuaded friends from investing in these "vibrators," as I affectionately referred to them. Even when Royal Enfield launched its first 650 parallel twin engine in 2019, and it received excellent reviews, I remained unmoved.

Fast forward again to May 2023, when I was on a business trip to Chicago. From there, I found myself road-tripping along the Californian coast with old friends. One of them started raving about his Interceptor, its charm, the grin-inducing ride, and how lucky I was to be able to get it at a lower price back in India. This piqued my interest and I took it for a spin. And boy oh boy, what an experience it was!

It was a revelation! This was unlike any Royal Enfield I had known. The engine was smooth as silk, devoid of any disturbing vibrations. I asked about the bike's reliability, and my friend, who owned it, assured me of its trustworthiness.

Following this, I diligently watched reviews, read forums, and queried friends who owned the twins, only to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Its 650cc engine might not have been the fastest (it isn't), but its raw charisma was impossible to ignore. This was a bike with its own distinct character - a splendid blend of retro aesthetic and modern engineering.

Riding the Interceptor was a unique, unparalleled joy, and I was once again completely smitten. Thus, I decided to buy the Interceptor. Not for me in Singapore, where I then resided, but for my father back home in India. I wanted him to re-experience the delight of riding an Enfield, and I longed to be a part of that joy whenever I visited. The superior comfort the Interceptor offered over the Continental GT was an added bonus.

After a couple of rides on this new piece of history, I’ve grown to appreciate certain aspects.

• The Interceptor 650 is more than a motorcycle; it's a piece of art. The scope for personalization, thanks to the extensive aftermarket support, allows it to serve as a blank canvas reflecting one's unique taste. The joy of riding it, especially with its aftermarket pipes adding another layer of fun to the experience, is simply pure bliss.

• The bike harkens back to simpler times, free from the clutter of electronics. It's as mechanical as can be, akin to stepping back into the past.

• Its timeless design and effort to attention to detail, makes it an absolute showstopper.

• With about 80% of its power residing low down in the rev range, it's ideal for navigating those curly, twisty corners. Being a part of the cordial and generous Royal Enfield community is an additional perk.

Above all, the bike offers unbeatable value for money. There is simply no other twin-cylinder bike in this engine class that looks stunning for the same price.

To those who have yet to discover the magic of a Royal Enfield Twin, I implore you to take a chance. Behind the chrome, under the retro design, and past the mechanical simplicity, lies a story. It's an account of a brand that has proved its mettle in time, a story of nostalgia woven with innovation, and an experience that goes beyond mere riding.

This motorcycle is my time machine. As I wind up this blog post, I look out at my shiny, chrome Interceptor 650. It stands there, brimming with the promise of many rides and adventures yet to come. It feels like it's more than just a bike. It's a nostalgia-inducing, grin-spreading, head-turning time machine that transports me back to simpler times.

It’s also a leap forward, a symbol of my personal journey, a monument to my love for the open road, and the thrill that only a motorcycle can bring! After all, why just travel in time when you can also make time travel, right?