• Published On: 7 December 2017
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This made-in-India chopper is the ultimate in two-wheeled indulgence?

Avantura Choppers is India’s newest motorcycle manufacturer but on a small scale. The team includes Kevin Alsop, the founder of Big Bear Choppers, USA, as its chief design engineer. There’s also a host of reputable vendors, a factory, a prospective dealer network and a range of (two) Motorcycles as well.

On the Outside

The outrageous motorcycle here is the Pravega, a name derived from Sanskrit. The bike’s steering rake angle, a long, sloping tank, tall ape hangers and a 250-section rear tyre that’s almost square in its profile, all add to the bike’s visual drama. The bike is 2,627mm long and has a 2,006mm wheelbase!

There are two frame styles available, both designed in the US but fabricated in its factory in Vasai, Mumbai. Avantura’s business model revolves around creating custom motorcycles, tailored to each customer’s specific needs. So, no two bikes are the same - from the time of placing the order, Avantura says it will take under three months to deliver your bike to the specifications you have picked.

How Does it Ride?

Sit on the bike and you are immediately faced with a long and sloping 21-litre fuel tank. This bike is fitted with a chrome-plated steering head, a tiny instrument pod and an ape-hanger handlebar. The bike also has a built-in security feature that sets an alarm off at the trace of even a slight movement, once you activate the security feature using the key. Start the bike and prepare to be mesmerised by its soundtrack. The bike is powered by a massive fuel-injected, 2,000cc V-twin called the V124, which is manufactured by USA-based S&S Cycle. The engine sends power via a six-speed transmission. This bike’s soundtrack can outdo any muscle car, even at idle rpm.

First gear is occasionally smooth, and occasionally isn’t on this bike, but Avantura has identified the problem and stated that it is a problem they will fix. It’s not the easiest bike to manoeuvre thanks to its size, but gain momentum and things start to get easier. When you first set off, you have to plan ahead before each corner, but once you get the hang of handling the bike, you’re going to enjoy yourself.

Choppers demand patience and planning to ride. This bike produces a lot of torque and there’s loads of power at hand when you want to open up the throttle. It’s easy to get the Pravega to hit 120kph, and it’s easy to putter around at 70kph, in 6th gear. The soundtrack is sure to wake your neighbourhood up. The Pravega isn’t equipped with ABS, and while the brakes are good, they lack enough feel, especially at the front. Overall ride quality is decent for a motorcycle like this and the rear suspension absorbs bumps admirably.

Should I Buy One?

The Pravega targets a very niche and focused customer base. At ₹21.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), it’s more expensive than the Ducati xDiavel, Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and into Indian Chief territory. Should you buy one? We’d suggest waiting till the company sets into a manufacturing rhythm and has a reasonable sales/service network in place - it’s planning to open two dealerships by March 2018 and seven in all, by March 2019.