BHPian Waspune recently shared this with other enthusiasts: The words ‘easy’ and ‘fun’ don’t usually coexist in the big bike universe. You either get something easy and uninspiring, or fun and borderline terrifying. But every once in a while, the moto gods sprinkle a bit of magic – and the Ducati Scrambler Icon 803 is one of those rare unicorns. And I, dear reader, was lucky enough to lasso one. Circa 2014: The Vespa Era – When 100 km/h Felt Like HyperspaceFresh out of B-school, newly placed in Pune, I decided it was time to treat myself. Enter my first steed – a fiery little Vespa S125 aka ‘Italian Wasp’ (now you know the story behind my TBHP handle). It had style, it had flair, and more importantly, it was one of the few scooters back then that could hit a legit 100 km/h (while sounding like it might disintegrate doing so). It even took me to Goa once. You can read all about that caffeine-fuelled madness here.Circa 2020: Caught the Motorcycle Bug – Welcome the BMW G310RI used to catch up with BHPian Surjaonwheelz (Surja Sir) during office breaks. He, being a 2-wheeler aficionado started infecting me with two-wheeled dreams. Our daily ritual included strolling through the office parking and ogling bikes like teenagers outside a superbike showroom. That’s when I first saw the black BMW G310R. Love at first sight. Did some research, liked what I read: beginner-friendly power, nimble handling, and the magic BMW badge. They were running an offer where the on-road price was the same as the ex-showroom. If that’s not destiny, I don’t know what is. One short test ride later (with the missus, whose only reference point was a Vespa), we were sold. We brought home the red G310R. … and then COVID happened. What followed was a long, slow love story. Took me a couple of years to truly understand the bike, appreciate its Indo-German quirks, and ignore the annoying vibes around 4.5K-5K RPMs. The engine’s low-end coarseness wasn’t romantic either. But overall, it was a gem. Circa 2022 : The Leh Infection With just about 2400 km of riding experience under my belt, the wife and I decided we had to do Leh. After all, what’s a budding biker without a Himalayan pilgrimage? We took the “relatively sane” route – Srinagar to Leh via Kargil. Because let’s face it, Manali-Leh sounded more like a death wish than a vacation for my skillset. Our steeds in the Leh trip: And the ride: At the end of the adventurous trip which included absolute smooth roads, off roading and some water crossings, my confidence grew by a couple of notches. Weekend rides were now happening and how! Meanwhile the Beemer got humbled by BHPian Sukiwa’s (Suhas Sir) shooting skills: Circa 2023: From Bavaria to Britain (Almost) Three years and 6700 km later, I sold the BMW and booked the RE Super Meteor 650. Why? Because that engine! The sound, the torque, the retro vibes, and the ability to carry a pillion without turning her into origami. But… the honeymoon ended before it began. The bike’s rear suspension felt like a medieval torture device – my lower back filed a restraining order. The ergos didn’t help either and made sure that lower back isn’t spared! I kept testing it from the Viman Nagar RE showroom, and though I loved many things about it, I cancelled the booking. Had the Classic 650 existed then, this story might’ve had a different ending. Enter the V-Strom 250SX – Budget Brawler Bike-less and mildly depressed, I needed a rebound. The Suzuki V-Strom 250SX came calling. Suhas Sir had already picked one (his “Kaali Peeli”), and after a quick nudge from him and Surja Sir, I pulled the trigger on the Orange one. What a surprise package it turned out to be! Smooth, rev-happy, and punchy despite the spec sheet saying otherwise. It even outclassed the BMW in daily usability. I did a Goa ride, a bunch of breakfast blasts with the crew, and even a few pillion-friendly rides with the wife – who gave it a solid thumbs-up in the comfort department. Enroute to Goa with a friend: Rides continued: In its home turf? Only complaints? That engine note after long rides – sounded like it needed therapy (seemed to be an E20 specific issue). Power with a pillion was also… let’s say “ambitious.” Can’t fault the bike though!Continue reading BHPian Waspune’s post for more insights and information.
