From using inverted cloth irons for heating vessels to using beer bottles as rolling pins for making chapattis, Indians have earned quite a reputation worldwide for being able to extract more from less. But it’s not just us who can credits ourselves for these ingenious inventions, our friends from out of the country also seem to be catching up on making things work when they refuse to. The biking world is no exception, and the biking engineers from IIN and other similar foreign universities have made some modifications which would have you pick your jaw from the floor. Some of these modifications look absolutely rubbish, while the others are quite interesting. It’s the exponents of the latter variety that we will be concentrating on this time. What we will also be concentrating on, is ‘Jugaad’ – a word given to the Indian resourcefulness and ingenuity which can get a job done with minimal, sometimes no resources.
This story also signifies ingenuity, innovation and the spirit to persevere when the odds are against you. In a way similar to the contraptions illustrated below, the Opera Mini web browser from the world renowned software maker Opera is a Jugaad browser for times when you have near zero connectivity. Opera Mini is one Jugaadu browser that will leverage its unique technology to cut down data usage and make pages load, get emails sent, and load maps even in areas with the worst data connectivity. A must have for all car and bike aficionados who travel for adventure to remote areas, Opera Mini can get your job done even in the most adverse conditions, somewhat similar to the jugaads in the pictures below.
And here’s the best part – knowing jugaads can let you do more than just get out of a tricky situation. Win a brand new OnePlus 2 cellphone for example. You can participated in Opera Mini Motoroids #JugaadOnWheels contest by clicking here and win the flagship killer phone, along with an advanced camera drone and a premium MT Raceline Helmet.
Participate in the #JugaadOneWheels contest, but before you do that, sit back and read about the best biking jugaads we could find on the Interweb for some inspiration. Some of the modifications here are from other countries as well, but represent the essence of jugaad in its truest sense.
Note: These are not in any particular order. All are pretty wacky in their own accord.
1. MoPump
That’s a motorcycle and a pump. This one isn’t bizarre, as much as it is ingenious. Instead of electric/diesel generators, this person has chosen his simplistic mobike to ‘turn the wheel’. The man has simply taken off the rear tyre from its wheel and just added a belt to run this water pump. Sure it’s not as clean as electricity. However, electrical or diesel generators can be expensive. This is a mobike and it isn’t.
2. Royal-in-Field
This man is a farmer, obviously. He has replaced the rear tyre and retrofitted deep tread farm tyres. The addition of these chunky tyres and a plough, has revolutionised this bike’s capabilities. He can take it out for an evening ride, then take it ploughing come morning. Or whenever it is that he likes to plough.
3. Piped gas
India is blessed to have a bounty of rain-laden clouds when the monsoon season nears. However, for some motorists, this can be problematic. In case of waterlogging, the exhaust pipes of your vehicle are prone to ingest the non-combustible liquid and then your ride splutters to a halt. That won’t be a problem for this man. He has hired a friend and bought him a rubber hose. The latter is crudely fitted to the exhaust pipe, whilst the “friend” holds onto the other end. This unity between the mechanical and the organic bit keeps this bike safe (probably) from flooded streets.
Image source – Indiafunnypics.in
4. Pulsound
Now this is a man who definitely likes to announce his arrival. With a massive loudspeaker (bhopu) attached to the exhaust, this man wants to keep his audience entertained. Heck, even the colour of his bhopu matches that of his bike. Ingenious? Maybe. Interesting? Why not. We wouldn’t be surprised if one of his local politicos hire him for his election campaign during the next polls.
And talking of Pulsars…
Image source – MyIndiaPictures
5. Pulsehaul
Pulsar Mania isn’t fiction. It exists and these jugaadu specimens are proof to that. Seems like someone that hauls stuff for a living wanted some ‘racing’ edge to his transportation. This might also be one of the few Pulsars with two rear wheels being powered by the single-cylinder mill. We doubt if corner carving and flick-ability are this one’s forte. But, carrying capacity definitely is.
Image source – scarps99
6. Outer Space
This man surely knows a thing or two about jugaad. His bike has been transformed from a two seater, to one that carry thrice that. As far as we can see, this seemingly feeble machine is now bearing the weight of 7 adult humans. Remarkable! Though we presume that seating position can become a bit tiresome after a while. And with this one, balance is everything, or the neighbour orthopaedic physician would hit gold.
7. No kidding
This kid possibly has the worst seating position, and mom, ever. Forget about safety, his precarious plastic chair and his disgruntled expression makes this a little funny. That said, looks like legroom is scarce too for this little fella. We just hope mommy doesn’t lean too hard into the corners
8. Piped warrior
Carrying long items on a bike isn’t really possible. Or is it? This man clearly knows how to set up a jugaad and he’s managed to carry two pipes. All he needs to do, is sit on them and he’s all set to go. Of course, we reckon turning and maneuvering around some tight lanes could pose some problems.
9. Testing ‘said litre/km’ claims has never been easier
Coming back to this thrifty bloke and his jugaad for the best fuel tank. He is one chap to whom no manufacturer can lie about their amazing fuel economy. With his two litre bottle, he can measure how many kilometres his bike can travel per litre of petrol. Is it transferable, this tech?
10. Useful pillion
Looks like this rider found the perfect pillion who wouldn’t mind holding a number plate for him. This jugaad isn’t extreme, but certainly worth a chuckle. Of course, if your number plate falls off, we recommend you go get it fixed. This jugaad works best when you have a compliant pillion.
11. All geared up!
This jugaad is one that could be due to the rider being handicapped. Or, it could be someone who’s too lazy to be bothered with using his feet, or too used to driving cars. Looks like this one doesn’t use a clutch either. Because if it did, this man would need three hands. Anyway, this jugaad could make sitting on the rider’s seat a touch uncomfortable. At least for longer than usual rides.
12. Cycar!
This is possibly a jugaad by someone who doesn’t own a car. However, he has done well for himself as he’s fitted a Maruti steering wheel on his bicycle. We doubt if those horn buttons work and there’s surely no power steering.
Image – Coolbuddy.com
13. This Hero needs a roof
If you are having trouble going out on your bike on sunny and/or dusty days, this guy’s jugaad should do well. Though his bike has gained some weight and the CG has gone up, he’s all safe from the sun. However, we think the lack of a windshield wiper will give trouble during the rainy season. Also, someone urgently needs to introduce him to the concept of blind spots.
14. “Aerodynamics is my forte”
This man has made a partial enclosure for his bike. This enclosure fares well when it comes to protecting him from wind blasts. It also does alright if he’s stealing a very expensive helmet. However, this one is quite prone to the rains and doesn’t do much justice to his fashionable leather shoes. However, a jugaad is a jugaad right? Right?
15. A tale of boots
This creation has to be the most bizarre and at the same time, one of the most interesting ones we have seen. That said, we don’t think ride quality and performance are this thing’s forte. This jugaad, like most, comes with many sacrifices. But there is one upshot. You will attract loads of inspirational attention when you pedal, sorry, ride this through a crowded city street. We are kidding on that last bit, yes.
Anyway, this was our list of the top most interesting bike jugaads in the country. Let us know what you thought about these in the comments below. Images of jugaads that you think out to do the ones shown in the pictures above are also welcome.
We never said they are from India.
1st is not from India. There is not such bike here.
3nd pic is from Pakistan. Check number plate.
8th is also not from India.
#6 is not from India. It’s from the Philippines (note that the bike is on the right side of the road). The vehicle is called a habal-habal, and is a common mode of transport in rural areas. Just google habal-habal – the pictures are hilarious and scary in equal measure.
Sorry motoroids, but most of the pics are not indian 😛