Father’s Day 2024 - Two-Wheelers Icons Of Your Dad's Era

This Father's Day, let's shift gears and celebrate the two-wheeled icons of your dad’s era. These weren't just machines – they were partners in the adventure of life, carrying them to work, on weekend escapes, and etching memories with every twist of the throttle.

Bajaj Chetak scooter

The Bajaj Chetak was more than just a scooter. It was a symbol of middle-class mobility and achievement in India. Launched in 1972 at a time when the country's middle class was rapidly expanding, the Chetak's perfect timing and affordability made it an instant hit. The sturdy, family-friendly design, with its comfortable seating and ample storage space, catered perfectly to the needs of young families. This, coupled with its iconic status as "Hamara Bajaj" (Our Bajaj), a symbol of made in India, made it hugely popular. Demand was so high that waiting lists stretched for years, and even used Chetaks were hard to find. Owning a Chetak wasn't just about transportation; it was a badge of honour.

The Bajaj Chetak became a ubiquitous presence on Indian roads. It carried families on weekend excursions to the countryside, young couples on their first dates, and businessmen to important meetings. Its distinctive hum and thrumming exhaust note became a familiar soundtrack of Indian life. It was a symbol of a simpler time when a reliable mode of transport could be a source of great pride and a testament to the ingenuity of domestic engineering. Even today, the Bajaj Chetak evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Royal Enfield Bullet

The Royal Enfield Bullet's status as a dad's icon stems from its multifaceted appeal that evokes nostalgia. The bike's military pedigree, proven by its success with the Indian Army in the 1950s, cemented its image as a machine built to conquer any terrain. This durability and dependability are intrinsically linked to the values many dads hold dear, especially those who appreciate a practical and no-nonsense approach to life. Furthermore, the Bullet's multiple decade run with minimal design changes created a timeless aesthetic that transcends generations.

The Royal Enfield Bullet is an icon for a few reasons. Firstly, its nearly unchanged design for almost decades evokes a sense of nostalgia that even our fathers could connect with theirs as it has been present in India from the 1950s. It also represents a simpler time when motorcycles were built to last, a time many dads likely look back on fondly. Secondly, the Bullet's loud thump and rugged design perfectly embody a past ideal of masculinity. The powerful engine commands attention, while the stripped-down look exudes a sense of rugged charm.

Yamaha RD350

The Yamaha RD350 was a game-changer in its era. Today, it can be seen as the equivalent of a recently launched high-performance bike entering a market dominated by budget-friendly options. It offered an adrenaline rush craved by dads of the past and continues to be a collector's favourite. With its iconic silhouette and impressive performance, the RD350 serves as an inspiration for Yamaha to potentially revive the spirit of excitement in its current lineup and keep the "blue flame" burning bright.

The technology behind the RD350 was groundbreaking. Its seven-port, two-stroke parallel-twin engine with reed valves and a six-speed gearbox was unheard of at the time, pushing the boundaries of performance. India saw two versions of the RD: the High Torque (HT) and the Low Torque (LT). The HT (1983-1985) was higher in power, delivering 30.5 bhp. The LT (1985-1989) sacrificed some power at 27 bhp for improved fuel efficiency. However, a major concern with the Indian RD350 was its braking system. While the original design featured a front disc brake, the Indian variants opted for a cost-saving 178mm drum brake. This significantly compromised stopping power at higher speeds, becoming a major safety issue.

Hero Honda Splendor

Often overshadowed by flashier motorcycles, the Hero Honda Splendor reigns supreme as the unsung hero of the dad era. This iconic bike had phenomenal mileage, making it a staple in countless Indian households. Many dads have shared the joy of first rides with their children on the Splendor, while others have even passed it down as a cherished first bike. This tradition speaks volumes about the bike's legendary reliability.

Launched in 1994, the Splendor's engine is a testament to its enduring spirit. It continues to chug along faithfully even under the stricter emission regulations of today. While the motorcycle landscape has witnessed significant technological advancements, the Splendor has remained true to its core principles. Alloy wheels, digital instrument clusters, and even Bluetooth connectivity have been incorporated over the years, but the essence of the bike remains unchanged. At its heart, it embodies the "fill it, shut it, forget it" philosophy, prioritising a reliable engine above all else. This combination of practicality, affordability, and longevity has cemented the Hero Honda Splendor as a timeless ride for dads and a cherished memory for generations.

Yamaha RX100

Yamaha RX100 was a legendary motorcycle that carved its niche as a performance machine amidst a sea of reliable commuter workhorses like Splendors and CD100s. Notorious for emissions that would put a BS6 bike to shame, holds a unique place in history. It had basic drum brakes, spoke wheels, and utilitarian suspension (telescopic fork and dual rear shocks). The slim profile that remains appealing to many today and its lightweight design is the key why it was exciting to ride. The heart of the bike - the iconic 2-stroke engine making 11 bhp and 10 Nm which isn’t much but the 103 kg weight delivered thrilling feel of acceleration This paired with a raspy exhaust note that became synonymous with the RX100. While its bigger sibling, the RD350, might have been out of reach for many bikers, the Yamaha RX100 offered an accessible path into the world of performance biking.

Bollywood films solidified this image by featuring the bike in chase sequences and ridden by heroes and villains alike. Remarkably, these motorcycles still hold their value, and in many cases, they have even appreciated since their original purchase.