Saurabh Jyoti

Saurabh Jyoti, Director of Jyoti Group and Chairman of Syakar Company, the authorised distributor of Honda two and four wheelers in Nepal, is well known for his passion for motorcycles. People see him as a connoisseur of these machines and know of his unique collection of more than 15 vintage and several other motorcycles crafted by the world‘s best brands. He started his collection to maintain a part of motorcycle history and how it has evolved with time Jyoti began riding at the age of 14 and loves the sense of liberation that a bike offers. Your head in the wind and fire beneath your feet is how bike lovers describe a ride. Jyoti is no exception. It‘s not just a celebration of speed and freedom that a motorbike offers; it‘s also about testing your endurance, agility and control. Excerpts of a conversation with Saurabh Jyoti:

You began riding bikes...

At the age of 14. Despite having a strong urge to ride a bike, my family members would not allow it. Thanks to my grandfather who finally stood by my side! 
 

First bike you rode…
NX 250 Honda.

Your favorite motorcycle brand and model… 
Since we deal with Honda, I love the bikes from Honda itself.  Dax 70 is my most liked model as it is a historic bike from 1969. It carries the history of Honda and of our family too. It’s because the Dax 70 bike that I have now originally belonged to my dad. He used to ride this bike and later sold it to someone. As soon as I knew it, I bought the bike back from the person who had bought it from my dad. 
After Honda, Harley Davidson has been my preferred brand as it is an iconic brand with a cult following globally. And since the brand is not yet present here, I don’t own one, but I am looking forward to it. The model I like most is the V- Rod Night Rod Special.

Your daily ride preference…
Mostly I ride a bike. If I am in rush and also need to visit several places for meetings and other stuff in a single day, I ride a bike because it is easy and helps save time. 

Your current ride
Honda CB 1,000 R. This is a naked bike originally made in Italy. Though it’s a 1,000 cc bike, I find it very light and it gives me a comfortable ride as it can maneuver in all road conditions from highly crowded to an open road. It is a very powerful bike with powerful design, aggressive and modern look and very easy sitting position. 

Among cars
Honda has recently unveiled a new sports Hybrid called Honda NSX. This has been my dream car. This has not come to Nepal so far and is on top of my wish-list. For now, I own a hybrid car from Honda. This is the first hybrid car to enter to Nepal. 

Your best biking experience…
Last year I and my wife went to Muktinath on a bike. That has been my best riding experience so far.

Bikes best suited to Kathmandu’s roads...
We mostly have 100 cc to 150 cc bikes that have hugely dominated the Kathmandu market. Since India and Nepal shares almost similar road conditions, I have found most of the existing bikes appropriate for Kathmandu. Not only in Kathmandu, bikes have reached the most remote areas like Jomsom and Rara. 

Your passion for bikes...
The pleasure you get riding a bike can never be attained while driving a car or other vehicles. Moreover, the sense of freedom and comfort and the connection with the ground is amazing. Bike riding for me is a kind of therapy. When compared to other vehicles, you have to be more vigilant while riding bikes which also helps develop concentration.