Mumbai's bike experts dish out tips for a quirky and safe overhaul

Dhoni tests a bike at a showroom. Pics courtesy/Instagram

Former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is often the centre of attention owing to his charismatic aura, as well as for his envious collection of motorcycles. Last week at an event in Kolkata, all eyes turned to his most recent acquisition - a breathtaking, customised model that was adorned with intricate motifs, tailored to his exacting preferences. We caught up with a few gurus to share their gyaan about the art and science of how to give your bike the best makeover.

Revive your ride

Mahesh Bera, founder, Forscher Customs
Restoration was earlier confined to bigger motorbikes like Royal Enfields (REs) and Yamahas. It is now making its way to commuter motorbikes. We recently modified a RE Thunderbird using brass and stainless-steel hand grips, seats and footrests. It's wiser to steer clear of replicating existing designs.

. Dos: For vintage models, make sure the spare parts for your ride are available and procurable in case of untowardly accidents while modifying.

.Don'ts: Making changes to the chassis, or the engine of the motorbike hampers the lifespan of the bike and is illegal. Avoid pure matte finishes while choosing paints. It collects dust easily.

The modified Thunderbird with brass embellishments

Old school cool

Adwait Samant, owner, Jedi Customs
Vintage customisations have been booming in the past few years. Motorbikes like Royal Enfields are no longer rare sightings on our roads. This has ushered the need to stand out even amongst the giants. The most common customisations are paint-jobs, modified fenders and handlebars.

. Dos: Have clarity about the future-functionality of the bike after customisation. It's best to reserve extravagant modifications for bikes that you plan to ride in private areas or maintain as a keepsake.

.Don'ts: Resorting to cheap electric spares in the pursuit of looking flashier can leave your vehicle vulnerable to fire hazards and equipment failures.

A Royal Enfield 350 customised to brat-bob style by Samant's platform

Less is more

Eshan Banodkar, owner, XShaft Motorgarage
I see many requests for bikes to be transformed into American choppers [motorbikes with radical modifications, especially frame tube and geometry modifications ‘chopped' by welding, intended to make the bike longer]. I prefer subtler customisations like seat swaps and headlight modifications.

. Dos: Be mindful of RTO regulations. Any change in the paint of your bike should be reported to and cleared by the authorities before you hit the road.

. Don'ts: Avoid huge tyres that do not fit the size of the frame of your bike as it can tip the balance and lead to accidents.

Pimp your ride

. Jedi Customs
At New Link Road, near DMart, Dahisar West.
Call 8767678977

. Forscher Customs
At Laxmi Industrial Estate, Vartak Nagar, Thane West.
Call 7977539348

. XShaft Motorgarage
At Eksar Koliwada, Near Eksar metro station, Borivali West.
Call 9833106900

. Ebs Customs
At C2, Kailash Park, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West.
Call 9819674341