Big boys with a big toy and a small ego. Members of the Delhi-chapter of the legendary Harley Owners Group, or H.O.G. as they are popularly known, are relishing the liberty that their rides bring along and the fraternal instinct that is developing among riders. Riding with safety and respecting rules is currently the unwritten code that this chapter is sticking to.
As the nascent group evolves, the bond and mannerisms shall develop as well, says Sanjeev Mohanty, CEO of Benetton India, and one of the riders. “It might be a new phenomena here, but it has a 28-year-old history. Give it a couple of years and it will be no less than any other chapter.”
Seconds Sanjay Tripathi, marketing director of Harley Davidson India, “The group has over 1.3 million members globally. And though it’s just a start, the future looks great, as the passion for riding is growing.”
The brand has only a year-long history in the country and as the ridership grows HOG members will get better acquainted with each other. And developing riding etiquette comes automatically as one rides together, for longer duration and distances. Keertan Adyanthaya, MD of NGC, says, “When on a ride we’re like a band of brothers, other than that, we forget who we are. The feeling of being one with the elements is just amazing. One has their own understanding of riding etiquette and protection and as you meet people from all over, you learn to ride together,” and they all imbibe each other’s mannerisms he says.
As they say pleasure often lies on the edge of sin, the discussion veers towards the diametrical group Hell’s Angels, who are notorious for violence, drugs and mayhem. “They’re called the one-percenter motorcycle gang and are a smaller unit as compared to HOG. All the bikers here behave themselves on the ride and abstain from any unlawful activity,” says Keertan.