Most bikers would prefer a cool custom machine that reflects their distinctive style and taste. Of course, you can easily hire someone to give your motorcycle a special paint work, add lots of chrome or personal touches to make it look unique. But Alok Das, a young engineer from Delhi decided to build a one of a kind custom bike from the ground up all by himself. Initially, his innovative ideas were met with a lot of criticism, however, Alok's sheer determination and his willingness to face the odds made him stronger as he continued with his cherished project.

Alok started by planning a bike that would include a three cylinder Maruti 800 engine. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties and a dearth of skilled mechanics, he couldn't quite realize his dream. Not one to give up so easily, Alok conceptualized a bike with a single cylinder engine that also incorporated a radical frame, an extremely raked out front end and an arrow like swingarm using computer graphics (CG). Soon the complete bike took shape in the virtual realm and Alok began work on the real machine in Jan 2006. After about eight months, the bike was ready to hit the streets and he christened it, the Insane signifying the hysteria that surrounded the entire process of making his dream a reality.



Even though the actual bike is similar to the original CG image, a few alterations have been made to it. The bike features acutely raked out front forks borrowed from a Royal Enfield bike that are mounted on custom made triple trees. The huge handlebars remind you of the California Style chopper ridden by Peter Fonda in the movie, Easy Rider. The 18inch wire spoke front wheel features a drum brake borrowed from a Bullet.

Alok built the bike around a custom frame that was constructed by hand, without using any jig. The power house that moves this mammoth creation is a Z002 Royal Enfield Thunderbird engine mated to a 1998 four¬speed Bullet gearbox for additional torque, as claimed by Alok. Though we have not ridden the bike, its creator claims that it runs just like a normal RE bike but doesn't handle like one because of the heavy modifications.

One of the dominating design aspects is the huge teardrop shaped gas tank hand built by Alok and a few other craftsmen. The fenders too are finished by hand to achieve the perfect shape. The gas tank and the fenders were painted in silver while the frame received a black paint job. The rear end of the bike is made using a hand made wheel and a tyre borrowed from a four-wheeler. Presently, the bike's overall finish appears dull as it is yet to receive a few final touches.

As Alok is currently working in Pune, his work hardly permits him any time to go back to Delhi and finish the bike. He plans to complete the bike as soon as possible. This is not all. Alok is also keen on styling another bike which he promises will be more radical and crazier than the Insane. Alok, we are eagerly waiting.