The Flying Talks

In this 37th installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we finalise our cruiser discussion before stepping directly into the high-octane world of Sports and Super Sport motorcycles. We look at how other machines in the Ducati lineup—like the Scrambler and the Hypermotors—stack up against their siblings, before introducing the king of high-speed track machines. We deliver a raw breakdown on why th...

In this 36th installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we explore a fascinating paradox in the premium motorcycle world: the internal conflict embedded within the Ducati Diavel. On paper, it features a relaxed cruiser riding posture meant for a laid-back ride, yet its high-strung, punchy superbike engine is constantly egging you on to ride fast and have fun. We analyze this "Jekyll and Hyde...

In this 35th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we crown the undisputed king of the cruiser category. While other powerhouse machines bring serious heat, we break down why the Harley-Davidson Road King completely dominates the landscape and kills all local competition. We also dive into a fascinating identity crisis within the "Super Cruiser" market—putting the Ducati Diavel under t...

In this 34th installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we delve into what makes a heavyweight machine a true cruiser. We analyze why Harley-Davidson's large touring lineup stands out as the most balanced, entertaining, and incredibly easy-to-ride choice—even when navigating tight city traffic with zero strain. However, if you are searching for a unique, commanding street authority with mind-...

In this 33rd episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we explore the absolute giants of the premium cruiser category. We evaluate massive touring machines available in India, comparing powerhouses like the Triumph Rocket 3 and the Ducati Diavel. However, we break down why true justice to the relaxed, un-stressed cruiser philosophy is still delivered best by Harley-Davidson's legendary touring l...

In this 32nd episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we transition into our next major category: Cruisers. We outline the ground rules for this segment, debating whether to focus strictly on heavyweight machines above 800cc or include standard 650cc options as well. We talk about how to accurately classify and evaluate modern classics alongside traditional cruisers, setting the stage for a thoroug...

In this 31st episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we continue breaking down the intricate mechanical anatomy that defines premium adventure bikes. We dissect the innovative dampening and suspension dynamics that set BMW apart, focusing on the combination of front-end dampers and the iconic upside-down fork configuration. We explain how this flawless calibration translates directly to a smooth,...

In this 30th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we crack open the innovative suspension architecture that sets legacy flagships apart. While traditional setups rely purely on standard or telescopic upside-down (USD) forks, we dive into how BMW flips the script with its unique setup. We break down the complex mechanics of their Telelever front suspension, which incorporates dual vertical eleme...

In this 29th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we discuss the remarkable adaptability and versatility of premium adventure touring platforms. We break down why the BMW R 1250 GS and GSA remain incredibly comfortable and easy to handle, even for riders making a massive jump from smaller 300cc bikes. We explore why veteran Harley-Davidson owners consistently upgrade to the GS lineup—not just f...

In this 28th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we tackle the intricate nuances of motorcycle weight distribution and front-end feedback. While BMW is globally celebrated for its exceptional center of gravity and weight balance, the front end of the F 850 GS can surprisingly feel much heavier in comparison. We analyze why it makes so much more sense to step up directly to the flagship R 1250...

In this 27th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we continue our deep dive into the sub-1000cc adventure category. We share firsthand impressions of the Triumph Tiger 900 platform from recent showcases like India Bike Week (IBW) and explain why this machine stands tall against the competition. We deliver a raw comparison between the Tiger 900 and the BMW F 850 GS, explaining why pure, mechanic...

In this 26th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we explore a key market gap that has enabled the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro to completely dominate the sub-1000cc adventure segment. We analyse why it easily secures its spot on our list, citing poor market availability and the general absence of the Honda Africa Twin in the country. Without strong competition from Honda's staple twin, the...

In this 25th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we shift our focus down to the highly competitive sub-1000cc adventure category. We break down why the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro stands out as an incredibly balanced, masterfully engineered machine that gives the heavyweight flagships a serious run for their money. From its rock-solid twin subframe setup and torquey 900cc triple engine to its...

In this 24th episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we explore the fascinating profile of the mature cruiser rider. We talk about the demographic shift where riders in their 30s, 40s, or even 60s who once exclusively rode heavyweight cruisers are choosing the BMW GS and GSA as their natural evolution. We break down why the GS series represents the true pinnacle of the adventure touring market wit...

In this 23rd episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we tackle the exact reason why a growing wave of veteran Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are packing up their saddlebags and trading their keys for a BMW GS or GSA. We break down the real ergonomics behind this trend, highlighting why models like the Fat Boy, Heritage Softail, Street Bob, and Fat Bob—traditionally praised for comfort—are losing grou...

In this 22nd episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we kick off our highly anticipated upgrade series by categorizing the market into five distinct segments: Cruisers, Adventure, Super Sport, Sports Touring, and Naked motorcycles. We dive straight into the Adventure category, explaining why the legendary BMW R 1250 GS and GSA remain, by far, the absolute best adventure touring motorcycles money c...

In this 21st installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we discuss why a brand's responsibility shifts as its customer base grows. When a manufacturer has millions of riders relying on them, simply adding small features or surface upgrades isn't enough to mask foundational engineering issues—existing customers expect the brand to continuously elevate and maintain a trustworthy image. Late...

In this twentieth episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we dive deep into the absolute necessity of hardcore engineering over surface-level features. We address a critical structural issue within the community—the instances of the Himalayan's chassis breaking—and explain why simply slapping on a beautiful TFT screen or adding minor aesthetic tweaks can never compensate for foundational desig...

In this nineteenth episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we tackle the high-stakes reality of legacy brand pivots. When Harley-Davidson woke up to the massive adventure touring boom and rushed to build a direct competitor to flagship ADV icons, they stepped into a tough engineering battle. We analyze why cramming complex engineering into an uncharacteristic category didn't yield the expected...

In this eighteenth installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we discuss a massive pivot point in the global superbike market. Harley-Davidson has historically built an incredibly powerful brand perception around cruisers—when you walked into their showroom, you knew exactly what you were after, whether it was a Forty-Eight or a Fat Boy. However, the industry witnessed a fascinating shift when cr...

In this seventeenth episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we dissect the marketing brilliance behind the iconic "Bullet Meri Jaan" campaign. We break down the sheer strategic advantage of partnering with a personality deeply rooted in legacy—such as His Highness Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Prince of Udaipur. When a brand's ambassador represents a lineage of fathers, grandfathers, and g...

In this sixteenth episode of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we discuss how automotive success can be deeply tied to heredity and emotional connection in India. We analyze how effectively the brand played with human emotions to transform their market standing. Explore the phenomenal campaign that launched alongside the updated Bullet, featuring a highly refined engine with significantly fewer vibrati...

In this fifteenth installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we explore a hilarious yet deeply relatable aspect of Indian motorcycle culture: parental psychology when it comes to buying a bike. If an 18-year-old asks their parents for any standard sports or performance bike between 200cc and 350cc—whether it's a Duke, an Apache, or anything else—the immediate reaction is often worry, fear of...

In this fourteenth installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we tackle a critical question regarding market leadership: Can a company survive on pure marketing if its core engine development falls behind? While certain brands currently rule the 350cc–450cc landscape with stellar financial backing and massive consumer goodwill, a distinct lack of hardcore, technical engineering progress could bec...

In this thirteenth installment of The Best-in-Class Showdown , we dissect the thin line between a product's technical engineering and its marketing identity. We debate how a heavy, vibrating motorcycle can build a fierce, loyal community by anchoring itself to core traits like royalty, masculinity, and simplicity. But what happens if you strip away the massive marketing machinery? Is it truly...