Dhup came by me quite a while ago. My B-in-L was kind enough to get one when when he was here in India and then give it to me before he left. 2008 vintage - not like the Enfields of old, this one would start with a kick and run when it was supposed to run. Gears on the left. Brake on the right. And how i enjoyed it.
A while ago the guy started giving me starting problems - and then it was anytime ignition problems. After my share of kicking (a good quarter day sweating the last time) and choking (and coaxing and cajoling), I've gone rolling down hills hoping for the elusive jump starts (speaking of which I should introduce you to my Thar too). But anyways, as it was to be, I once reached downhill without the precious spark, pulled out my battery to get it charged. When it came back I happily kicked off and ran a while before I ran aground again. Thinking the poor battery had died on me I found a replacement of this scarcely available item. Was on the road again till next time happened. This time around I decided I'm not taking the battery alone - so I loaded all of Dhup on a rickshaw and a good friend of my took it to the mechanic. Busy as he was (or what else I don't know) it stood there a couple of months, by which GAK it fixed itself. Mr. Mechanic put it all back together and says it started on first kick. Said he charged the battery which I checked again later to confirm fully fit. Happy as a bird, I got it washed and was back home with the wind in my hair.
A few weeks here and a few weeks there later it fired up with a single kick and I distinctly remember thinking of what excellent condition the bike was in and how BIL would be happy when he came in Oct. It wasn't a km further that Dhup faltered again - and this time looked quite serious till some good help arrived. It stayed at a neighbors (would add a 'U' if Bill Gates wouldn't mind) house for a week before an acquaintance got another mechanic over - instead of loading a rick again. Our Mech2 looked at it, found a plug unplugged; pushed it back in and kicked away. And the music. Lo and behold "He is back".
So now I think the worst is over. A little alignment job and I should be good to go. And if all looks well I want to take a ride - a good one at that. Thought of the 'beating the monsoons ride' today but that will stay a dream for now. Some where. Some place. I will be. Dhup and I.
