Men honour their lean, mean machines

MANGALORE:For the 69-year-old mechanic with his 47-year-old motorcycle, age was a merenumber -- if one were to gauge the enthusiasm of AP Bhat, owner of the 1964model of a Jawa.While age showed on both, it was his child-like enthusiasm which caught everyone's attention at the ninth International Jawa day celebrated by 35 motorcyclists, one more than last year, in the city on Sunday.Bought when Bhat was working as a mechanic in Chennai for Rs3,900, the bike is in pristine condition as the owner. Bhat purchased the Jawaas he disliked the sluggish pick up the Royal Enfield. The Jawa Dayshowed that legacy had been passed on to the younger generation as well. AdithLobo, looking after his estate in Chikmagalur, had to earn the `right to ride'the prized possession of his father Godrick Lobo, the 1980 model Yezdi DLX 1."For estates it is the jeep," says Godrick. Adith uses it every day inChikmagalur as he is blessed with a trusted mechanic Thimmappa of Ideal AutoWorks, Chikmagalur."As long as it is tuned and point settiming isproper, it just needs two kicks to bring it alive," says Adith.Shawn Fernandez, who owns a 1984 Yezdi Classic and 1993 Roadking, uses the vehicles every day, and says the vehicles meet the emission norms and gives no trouble whatsoever. Alwin Mendonca bought his Yezdi twoyears back after attending a Jawa Day in 2009. "I just take it out twice a year.Just bought it for its antique value," he observes.Mathew Lobo, amechanic, who had four Yezdis, now owns two. "Low mileage and lack of sparesdoes not give the freedom to use it every day," he says.Arun Shiri's1972 model was bought five years back. He has restored to almost its originalglory including the paint job. "Some parts you don't get and some are costly. Iheard that in Mysore some people make spares of this bike," he adds. Shiri andFernandes have been instrumental in making the Jawa day in thecity.They made the first attempt in 2007, but had only threeparticipants. The year 2009 was memorable for the Jawa fans with more than 20Jawa/ Yezdi participating. The second Sunday of July every year is celebrated asJawa Day the world over in commemoration of the legendary Jawa brand ofmotorcycles from Czech Republic.