Topped out at an indicated 120 kph reminded me that windshields belong on cars, not motorcycles, on which they mostly become windpowered brakes. However, in this case, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350’s screen may well have been a transparent, bug-splattering crown; after all, it is our 2021 Motorcycle Of The Year. And it was on its way to meet the Mahindra Thar, our 2021 Car Of The Year. Car versus bike, COTY versus MOTY. There’s no real competition, of course, just a usual thematic exaggeration on our part. That’s not to say there aren’t similarities, though — if only in spirit. Both are all-new machines. Both are made by Indian companies. And both are extensions of traditions for their makers.
Cruising is to Royal Enfield what off-roading is to Mahindra. Over decades, bikes and cars from each manufacturer have taken thousands upon thousands of people to every dusty and muddy nook and cranny of India, and they’re still finding new places to go to. RE’s slew of organised riding experiences almost mirror Mahindra Adventure’s escapades into the real world that exists away from cities. And I know of no other manufacturers whose compasses point north more impatiently, waiting for frozen mountain passes to thaw in June so that they can launch up to Ladakh which is the spiritual home of these brands.
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
INTO THE SHADOWS
Truthfully speaking, there is no such thing as too much carbon fibre, is there?
STEP-UP GAME
With a name that commands love and loyalty over generations, an update was inevitable
BOTH BARRELS
The new Shotgun 650 goes up against its own stable-mates. Does it deliver?
POTENTIAL PREDATOR
A much-anticipated racing bloodline, but does it deliver?
AFFORDABLE SILENCE
Could these two be your choice to enter the electric world? We find out.
FRENCH RECONNECTION?
Late to the party, Citroén C3 Aircross gets an AT!
TIME AFTER TIME
Old shapes and generous amounts of chrome never did go out of fashion, right? That's why we're all for Jawa's second comeback, this time with what's called the 350.
STEPPING IT UP
Unveiling the dynamic and feature-rich Kia Sonet we check out this refreshed compact SUV
TOP TIER
We check out the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, a robust SUV catering to those seeking the epitome of spacious, high-end luxury SUV
CENTENNIAL SPRINT
Škoda Auto India's thrilling race to 100k