Who knew riding classics and an adventure bike on the track was so fun
Just 50km from Indore, on the outskirts of the city, in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh is NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks). It is one of the biggest automotive testing facilities in the world and also the fifth largest high speed testing track. Classic Legends had invited me to experience the thrill of this place on the two-wheeler handling circuit, with its technical sections and long straights – I was on cloud nine for my very first track day on a bike.
Standing there, waiting to ride, I was overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and fear. This was more than just a ride, this was the time to act on all that I had practiced. The roar of engines, the smooth road ahead, and the rush of adrenaline of what lay ahead overwhelmed me. My heart was pounding as I scanned the layout. The NATRAX handling course was not about speed; it was about rhythm, getting the overall sense of the track’s flow, and letting it dictate how I rode.
Classic Legends, the parent company of Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA, had brought almost their entire range of motorcycles to this race track ride event. And I began my experience with the Jawa 42 FJ. Of all the bikes that were available there, this was the best one of them for my first go and get comfortable with the layout of the circuit. It allowed me to gradually warm up to the demands of the track. By the time I finished my session on the first day, I was feeling more confident and I was ready for what awaited me on the second day.
The following day, I had the chance to ride the rest of the bikes in the manufacturer’s line-up. Each one brought its own unique experience, and I was eager to explore them all. First, I rode the BSA Gold Star 650. With its softer suspension and upright riding position, I could feel the undulations of the track more than any other bike present there. In my mind at this point, BSA stood for ‘Bringing Some Action’ (read: to the track).
Then I rode the Jawa 42. This was the lightest machine here and the handling was quick to adjust to, and I could concentrate on finding the right line through the corners. The bike was predictable and each lap let me develop a greater sense of the flow of the track. Then came the Jawa 350 – the bike was heavier, more upright, and required a little more muscle to go through the turns, but it stuck well in the turns.
Then there was the Perak. It was the lowest slung motorcycle here with limited ground clearance, so it scraped its twin exhausts and foot pegs on both sides at every corner. Its long wheelbase was not helping its case either. Lastly, I rode the Yezdi Adventure. To my surprise, the Adventure was unexpectedly the most enjoyable bike on the track. It handled the circuit far better than I expected, and I was shocked at how it reacted, and it was a pleasant ride in this environment. The only complaint I had about the bike was that the exhaust heat shielding was scraping very easily on every right hand turn.
By dusk, the nervous energy had dissolved into still concentration. There was still work to do, but all part of the game. Each lap was a conversation between rider, bike, and track. I had deciphered the language of the track, discovered the flow. It was an exhilarating experience, and I was engulfed with a huge sense of accomplishment and achievement; not only from speed, but from learning how to better control and focus on a bike.
I left feeling happy and satisfied after my first stint of riding on a racetrack. Looking back, I realized that I had only scratched the surface, I absolutely can not wait for my next track ride experience. But more than that, what really shocked me was the fact that I was able to have so much fun on a track riding these “classic” motorcycles. Thanks to fairly modern underpinnings and a solid focus on handling, whether you are riding any recent Jawa, Yezdi or BSA, you are bound to have a blast if you encounter a winding road on your journeys.
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