Mumbaikars rides high on Royal Enfield addiction

Riding an old Royal Enfield bullet is still a rage among Mumbaikars. And for those having ridden this machine, it is an addiction. One such Mumbaikar recently bought 17 of the 30 bullets, auctioned by Mumbai Police.

Recently, the motor transport department of the Mumbai Police auctioned their vehicles, including bikes like Yamaha and Hero Honda. However, the one which grabbed most attraction was the Royal Enfield Bullet, used by the police for last 11 years.

A Chembur resident and a bullet lover Harpreet Singh (31) purchased 17 of the 30 bullets. Singh has sold more than 10 bullets, purchased from the auction. “One who has ridden a bullet will never lay hands on any other bike. This addiction is worse than alcohol or drugs,” said Singh.

He added, “People cannot afford a new bullet due to its high cost but one can always go for a second-hand bullet. Cops handle their bikes well, so buying their vehicles is not risky.”

Singh says, youngsters are more attracted towards riding a bullet than the elderly. “Many want to buy a bullet but cannot afford one. Maintaining it is an expensive affair,” he said.

Singh rode his father’s bullet for the first time when he was 15. Since then, he has not touched any other bike and now has made his passion his profession. Since last 10 years, he runs a garage at Chembur is popular among locals as ‘prince bullet wala’.

“A bullet’s average is less and hence it is expensive. Earlier, there were not many bikes to choose and hence the police preferred bullet, but now swanky bikes with unmatchable average are available,” said deputy commissioner of police, motor transport department of the police, Kishore Joshi.