The easy riders of Islamabad

Published February 7, 2016
A Repsol Honda MotoGP bike with an extended swing-arm, which is at least a foot longer than in an average bike. This is useful for doing stunts as it keeps the front wheel of the bike firmly planted.
A Repsol Honda MotoGP bike with an extended swing-arm, which is at least a foot longer than in an average bike. This is useful for doing stunts as it keeps the front wheel of the bike firmly planted.

On weekends, the capital’s roads come alive with the sound of growling engines as the motley crew who call themselves the Islamabad Biker Boys take to the streets.

Sajid Mirza revs up his Harley-Davisdon V-Rod, which is distinguishable from the chrome accents on the sides of its engine.
Sajid Mirza revs up his Harley-Davisdon V-Rod, which is distinguishable from the chrome accents on the sides of its engine.

By day, this group of half a dozen or so motorcycle enthusiasts are unsuspecting members of society; they have day-jobs and families just like everyone else. But by night, they indulge their passion for bikes and can often be spotted riding in formation down the newly-carpeted Jinnah Avenue.

Motorcycle enthusiast Mubashir Khan stands next to his red Yamaha Stryker.
Motorcycle enthusiast Mubashir Khan stands next to his red Yamaha Stryker.

Sajid Mirza, the group leader, rides a Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle with a 1,250cc engine that generates 122 horsepower. To put that into perspective, the four-stroke engine in a normal Honda CD70 only produces 6.5 horsepower! Mr Mirza claims he has led this group for around 15 years now, but his passion for bikes dates much farther back. His bike is more of an easy-rider than a sports bike, and cost him over Rs2.5 million – inclusive of taxes and shipping costs.

Modular helmets, specially designed for high speeds, are preferred by those with particularly fast bikes. This one has a built-in Bluetooth option to connect your phone.
Modular helmets, specially designed for high speeds, are preferred by those with particularly fast bikes. This one has a built-in Bluetooth option to connect your phone.

These machines are not cheap or easy to maintain here, since they require only the best parts and oil and if the bike breaks down or a part is damaged, a replacement has to be specially imported.

Most of these bikes cost well over a million rupees each, meaning that only die-hard fanatics can afford to import and maintain them. — Photos by the writer
Most of these bikes cost well over a million rupees each, meaning that only die-hard fanatics can afford to import and maintain them. — Photos by the writer

The group boasts quite an impressive array of bikes, from Harley-Davidsons to Suzuki Hayabusas and even a Yamaha R6 superbike.

These heavy bikes are quite an imposing sight. In comparison, the average Honda looks diminutive parked next to them.
These heavy bikes are quite an imposing sight. In comparison, the average Honda looks diminutive parked next to them.

Riding such a powerful vehicle is not child’s play, and all of the riders in the club sport some impressive protective gear.

“Riders who are moving from less powerful bikes to powerful machines like these need to read all the manuals and seek guidance from experienced bikers,” he said, adding that inexperience was the cause of most accidents. However, he lamented, there are no proper riding schools for enthusiasts who want to indulge their passion in a safe manner.

Before setting off, riders must put on elaborate safety gear, including shoulder and elbow pads fitted inside their specially designed jackets, knee-pads, gloves and special boots.
Before setting off, riders must put on elaborate safety gear, including shoulder and elbow pads fitted inside their specially designed jackets, knee-pads, gloves and special boots.

Mr Mirza, who works at a multinational firm and is married with three children, obviously values safety above all else. “My two-year-old son is obsessed with bikes, and I will teach him how to ride just as soon as he’s old enough.”

Fahad Khan, who recently returned to Pakistan from the US, demonstrates a special harness body armour, which protects bikers from serious injury in case of an accident.
Fahad Khan, who recently returned to Pakistan from the US, demonstrates a special harness body armour, which protects bikers from serious injury in case of an accident.

The bikers’ main road-going nemesis, surprisingly, are other motorcyclists. “Whenever we’re riding on the road, people on motorbikes try to get close to us or get us to race them. Even some people in cars drive up to us and honk like they want to race. What they don’t realise is that these are very powerful machines and, if they are not controlled properly, could end up doing great harm, both to them and to us,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2016

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