Young and free

Published On: November 4, 2016 01:05 AM NPT By: The Week Bureau


We are all incomplete without a passion to drive us forward in life. We can push ourselves more and test our boundaries when there is something to live for. We spoke to some bike riders who prefer to test their limits against all odds, seek inspiration, and continue to drive with pure adrenaline rush as they struggle against the obstacles on the road to know their stories. 

I own a Ducati Scramble Full Throttle series, which is basically a cruiser bike. Despite the odd wheel size and off-road looking Pirelli rubber, the Scrambler can hold its head high and punch well over its weight handling terms. The 803cc, air-cooled, motor is based on the 796 monster series. The result is 75bhp with a staggering top speed of 130mph equivalent to 208kmph. 


I don’t usually go for rides due to my tight college schedule but I make sure that I go for short rides during weekends. My personal favorite place to go for a ride is Dhulikhel. The road leading up to Dhulikhel is good and I can ride without a hitch. As the RPM increases, so does my heart rate. The adrenaline rush is what I treasure when I ride my treasured bike. 

Years back, when my brother had explained how he felt while riding a good bike I got curious but it wasn’t until I started riding myself that I actually understood what he meant. However, the major drawback of Kathmandu for us riders is the fact that the valley is overpopulated and the increasing number of vehicles leads to a lot of traffic jams that prevents a smooth ride. 

Tushar Bogati

Tushar is 17 years old and is currently studying in Ullens School. When he isn’t riding his bike, he can probably be found listening to music. 

My bike is a Benelli TNT 300 which is a naked motorcycle mated with a 300cc twin cylinder engine. It is powerful but it doesn’t overwhelm a beginner rider as it has a friendly linear delivery. Its exhaust note is a beauty, definitely a head turner, and it has a nice set of brakes.

The greatest advantage for riders in Kathmandu is that it is one of the most facilitated cities as compared to other other places in Nepal. The head offices of many motorcycle companies are here because of which we can get spare parts easily. All the motorcycle accessories shops present here is an added bonus. But, that’s where the fun ends. 

The traffic in Kathmandu is nerve-wrecking. My favorite place to go for a ride would be Nepalthok, Ghandruk. Like every other bike rider, my goal is to reach Mustang soon. When I ride, I go through different emotional phases, mostly transitioning between fear and joy – joy of racing against the wind, and fear of the dangers that come with riding bikes. I have been inspired to ride because of my dad who is a motorcycle enthusiast. He told me countless stories about his riding escapades back in his days. 

Karan Shakya

Karan is 18 years old and has currently completed his A- Levels from St. Xavier’s College. Besides biking, he is interested in sports and dancing.

I own a 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon. This motorcycle is the revival of the 1962 single cylinder Scrambler. The 2015 revival is an 803cc L-Twin roadster motorcycle. Basically, my motorcycle is a retro style motorcycle, which gives you the classic feel but also the aggressive street motorcycle power as well as motocross abilities.

Riding has been a huge passion for me for a long time. My passion started a long time ago when my father used to ride a British made Royal Enfield. When I got my first motorcycle, it fueled my passion even more. For me, riding is as basic as breathing. Every time I twist that throttle, I feel as if all my problems are solved. For me, nothing ever comes close to the thrill of riding motorcycles. 

Many places in Kathmandu still don’t have good roads that make it difficult to ride especially in rainy seasons. Also, while riding in a place like Kathmandu, we should be careful as bigger vehicles tend to bully bikes on the road. I don’t go out as frequently as I would like to because of the road conditions but I make it a point to go on short rides to Dhulikhel and Nagarkot. The roads are pretty good on the six-lane highway.

Sadish Karki

Sadish is a 19 years old student who has recently completed his IBDP from Ullens School. Sadish is an active member of the Leo Club, and promotes safe riding.

My ride is a Kawasaki ninja 650 but owning a high cc bike is not what matters. All that matters is the passion and love for the sport.

I loved bikes since I was 10 years old and had developed a habit to sit on every bike I saw. Later my brothers taught me how to ride a bike and I came to know different people with the same interest and got along with them. Now that I go out for rides and know many riders. I love to explore new places within town and outside but the places I usually go for rides are Dhulikhel, Dolalghat, and Sindhuli. A lot of young riders like to show off their bikes in the city but a real rider organizes events and makes trips to different places. That’s how you get to know if the passion is real.

However, the roads in Kathmandu aren’t favorable for motorbike riders. The government should maintain the roads and also create a proper functioning body for motorsports. There are many riders who represent the country even now but nothing has been done for them. There are equally many riders who want to make their careers in riding. The government must support them and promote the sport and encourage young riders to pursue this. 

Rayan Kasaju

Rayan is 20 years old and is currently pursuing BBA at Ace Institute of Management.


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