Sheeja Mathews, an HR professional with an MNC in Bangalore, is the first woman in India to own a Harley-Davidson. Sheeja, 34, had placed an order for the Harley-Davidson; Iron 863′ model, costing Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom), in February this year.
“Though there are other superbikes available in India, I always dreamed of owning what I firmly believe is the ultimate superbike: a Harley-Davidson,” says Sheeja.
Sheeja has a passion for bikes and adventure sports, like drag racing. She has been riding bikes from the age of 15. For the past 10 years, she has been riding her husband’s Yamaha Rajdoot 350 to work. “Due to heavy traffic in the city, I intend to take the Harley to office only once a week. I will mainly use it for long weekend cruise trips,” she says. Sheeja’s husband, a drag racer, is supportive of her passion.
Sheeja believes women are increasingly taking to biking, and wouldn’t be surprised to see many more sporting Harleys on the street. Bangalore already has a sizable number of women riding bikes like Bullets and Pulsars.
“People are concerned about the weight of the bike. However, I am no sizezero lady and can comfortably ride the Harley-Davidson. My weight works perfectly for this bike.” Sheeja plans to become part of the Harley Owners Group in Bangalore. Groups such as this regularly make trips to places like Ooty, “and I would be interested in being part of these rides”.
The Harley Davidson Iron 883 is one of the least priced Harley Davidson motorcycles in India at INr 6.5 Lakhs, Ex-showroom. The motorcycle was one amongst the two motorcycles Harley Davidson India launched last year which is assembled in India through completely knocked down (CKD) kits. In the future, Harley Davidson plans to launch a low cost made-for-India Harley, which is set to give the iconic American brand massive volumes and market share. This, even as motorcycling as a lifestyle, as opposed to it being a mere form of commuting is quickly becoming a growing trend in India as disposable incomes grow.
Also see – Harley range now begins at Rs 5.5 lakh!
