The Pink City bustled with a charming mix of tourists and locals on the bright Monday morning in February as we made our way to our destination. An enthusiastic bunch of literature connoisseurs was flocking to the Jaipur Literature Festival, while Patrika Gate was swarming with multiple couples simultaneously posing and prancing like Bollywood icons for their pre-bridal photoshoots. The local bazaars were preparing to put their vibrant collection of mojaris, jewellery, clothes, and handicraft items on display for the customers who would start pouring in any time now. And the pyaaz kachoris in Jaipur…
These internal musings were rudely interrupted by the automated voice announcing, “You have arrived at your destination.” As we looked around, we couldn’t help but wonder if we were at the right address. What we had expected was the clamour of an industrial workshop, reverberating with the sounds of beating hammers and whirring machines, the air heavy with the smell of gasoline and sweat.
Instead, what greeted us was the piercing absence of it all. The manicured garden with light filtering through the bright pink flowers of the Kachnar tree, accompanied by the gentle chirping of birds and the humdrum sounds of people going about their daily chores faded out as the morning leisurely gave way to a tranquil noon.
Dissipating our doubt, Vijay Singh Ajairajpura, the founder of Rajputana Customs, entered. We were at the right place, after all. Dressed in a simple flannel shirt and jeans, with diamond studs glistening on his earlobes, Vijay straddled the line between traditional and modern with a refreshing candour. As we entered his living room, we couldn’t help but notice Vijay’s racing jerseys hanging snugly on a clothing rack. One glance revealed that they had witnessed some serious track action; the rips seemed eager to spill some delicious tea from the tracks, but not today.
Today, we wanted the bikes to do all the talking. Through Vijay.
Rajputana Customs had just celebrated its 14th anniversary since its inception in 2010 by a cosmopolitan young man returning from Canada, seeking to reconnect with his roots. Fortunately for Vijay, the metaphorical road he had to travel to come back home was not to be traversed on foot, but on two wheels.
Mind you, not just any two-wheeler would suffice, but only something that was fiercely his own. Something with character, panache, and its own unique flaws. In order to create a demanding yet rewarding machine that was a true reflection of him, his heritage, and his passions, Vijay created the Original Gangster, based on a Royal Enfield UCE 350. What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a lucrative business model, garnering a steadfast fanbase over the years.
How did this princeling set to make a career in journalism end up crafting some of the most beautifully crafted masterpieces which look as good in living rooms as they do on roads?
How and why does he weave the rich cultural tapestry of Jaipur into these bikes that rev ahead without leaving the past behind?
We were curious to know the answers and about the man behind it all. This is how it went:
WION Drive: Your motorcycles bear very fascinating and earthy names, like Laado, Rani Sa, Gulel, Jevar, and Jordaar, etc. What is your ‘naamkaran’ process like?
Vijay: The whole process of building a bike is an organic one; we don’t start with everything set in stone. We have no idea what we’re going to end up with. When the bike actually reaches its final stage, which is post-paint, polishing, and detailing, it’s the first time the customers, the team, and I see it for the first time.
Jab pehli baar voh apna roop-rang leti hai – like a child, when it comes into the world, we like to give it its own name, which is rarely ever a pre-decided name. The name is based on the characteristics of that bike itself, so Jordaar was a zordaar bike; Raajmata was the first queen mother Harley-Davidson that we had built. Raani Sa was a lesser version of Rajmata. So the bikes’ names are based on the kind of characteristics they have when the bike is done.
WION Drive: Who takes the final call on the names?
Vijay: The last call is mine but everybody gets to have a say. It could be you, it could be the team, it could be the client, could be a friend, an aunt, my mother. Anybody who suggests a good name that sticks to the bike, we keep it.
WION Drive: Do you think people come to you for a Rajputana Customs’ Motorcycle or do they want Rajputana Customs to create a bike for them?
Vijay: Many of the people who come to us do so because we have a certain amount of credibility and expertise in this field. While some customers may not always be familiar with the intricacies of custom motorcycles, they often seek something unique. They provide us with a loose idea of what they like, and then we refine or shortlist those ideas, moving forward from there. They rely on us to bring their vision to life and create a cohesive whole where all the details come together.
At the same time, we have customers who have a clear understanding of what they want. For example, one customer wanted a vintage Triumph customised to resemble a lost prototype from that era. These customers provide us with a sensible brief, which we are happy to adhere to.
WION Drive: How much creative liberty do you reserve, and how much of it is the customer’s preference?
Vijay: In the cases where the customer comes to us with a sound brief, the freedom of design is about 80-20, with 20% being the customer’s input and 80% being ours. For other builds, the ratio may be more skewed, with the customer relying on us for 99% or 95% of the design decisions. They trust us to choose the right shapes, lines, proportions, and details, ensuring that everything comes together harmoniously.
In the early days, people came to us with specific requests, but nowadays, they often give us more freedom. They might say, “Vijay, do what you like, let the team do what they like, here’s our loose direction and budget—create something within these parameters.” I enjoy this approach because it gives me greater creative freedom.
WION Drive: There’s a major aesthetic difference between the kind of bikes that you ride and the kind of bikes that you create – how do you navigate that dichotomy?
Vijay: Building bikes is undoubtedly enjoyable, it’s a 10/10 experience, but riding motorcycles, racing them in controlled environments, spending time with bikes, and competing head-to-head with someone faster than you—that’s a 100/10 experience.
Racing and custom bike building don’t always blend seamlessly. When it comes to the core construction of a motorcycle, we primarily work with materials like aluminium, mild steel, brass, copper, and leather. Building a thoroughbred race machine requires a significant amount of time, skill, and experience that we currently lack. That’s where the distinction lies.
Building is a strong part of my life but riding and racing is the strongest part of me.
WION Drive: With the recent debut of MotoGP in India, along with events like MotoSoul, IBW, and Supercross gaining traction, where do you see motorsport heading in India?
Vijay: Motorsport in India is poised for significant growth. The introduction of events like IBW a decade ago was already an exciting time, but now we have a plethora of festivals that bring together motorcycling enthusiasts from all over the country.
These gatherings are not just for custom bike makers, racers, and restorers; they’re for everyone, including those who are new to motorbikes. The biking community has expanded, and with the presence of international brands like Ducati, Harley, and Triumph for over a decade, the entire ecosystem is flourishing.
The recent inclusion of MotoGP is a significant development, and we hope it continues for years to come. Additionally, efforts are being made to promote grassroots racing in Rajasthan and other regions, including initiatives like mini-bike racing and the Indian Supercross Racing League.
This exposure is beneficial for both Indian riders and the public, providing an opportunity to witness high-level racing and for our riders to gain valuable experience. Look at Harith Noah’s recent podium finish at Dakar. There’s an immense passion for motorcycling in India, and with the right infrastructure, bikes, tracks, and training, our riders can compete on a global level. I strongly believe that our boys are no less than anyone in the world.
WION Drive: Is Rajputana Custom Motorcycles conveying the same narrative through various bikes and mediums, or is the story evolving along with the company’s evolution?
Vijay: The story of Rajputana Customs is ever-evolving. In the late 70s and 80s, motorcycling thrived in India, with the expectation that it would become as glamorous as cricket by the late 90s and early 2000s. However, the leaders of that era, the older generation, faded away, and the sport lost momentum.
Now, with the commercialization of motorcycling and a broader understanding of custom bikes, it’s clear that motorcycling is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a passion-driven industry with dedicated enthusiasts. This shift has been recognized by the public, and there’s a growing appreciation for what bikes mean to individuals. These are indeed the golden days for bikes, and we’re proud to be a part of this exciting era.
As we approached the workshop to witness the creation of these remarkable bikes, Vijay directed our attention to the Jaipur flag fluttering above. Sheltered by the shade of the lush Kachnar tree, he shared a rather riveting tale about its origins—a welcome diversion from our anticipation. The story unfolds something like this:
Manohar Dasji, a trusted ally of Maharaja Man Singhji, campaigned alongside him for three years (1585 – 1588) in North Western India & Afghanistan. Their efforts culminated in the capture of Kabul and the defeat of four major Afghan tribes, including the Yusufzai and Mandar. As a token of victory, Manohar Dasji presented Man Singhji with battle trophies —enemy standards and colours— with a special request. He asked that these trophies be incorporated into Jaipur’s colours.
Man Singhji gladly obliged, resulting in the creation of the Amber (Jaipur) ‘Panchranga’. The Red, Yellow, Green, and Dark Blue hues were extracted from the captured Standards, while the White was borrowed from the old Jaipur Colours, inspired by the Kachnar Tree (Bauhinia variegata) in full bloom, set against a white backdrop. Additionally, Man Singhji granted Manohar Dasji and his descendants the privilege of carrying the Old Jaipur Colours, featuring a small ‘Panchranga’ in the top flagpole corner.
Interestingly, Vijay mentions how modern TV soap operas inaccurately depict Lord Ram’s flag as a sun against a white backdrop, misrepresenting him as a king of the Rajput Solar Dynasty.
RCM Workshop
Finally, we found ourselves inside the workshop, where the work was in full swing. Against the backdrop of a slow and tranquil afternoon, the activity inside the workshop seemed to form a harmonious melody, and the team – seasoned musicians. Rows of dismembered bikes stood in line, resembling confused teenagers unaware of how life would shape them and infuse them with characteristics uniquely their own — except for two bikes that were poised to take the world head-on: Jevar and TVS Ronin Brat.
Jevar
TVS Ronin Brat
In a world where social media has replaced talent with fame and popularity, Vijay remains steadfast in his refusal to conform to fleeting trends, dwindling attention spans, and superficial ideas of romance. As he aptly puts it, “Everyone is going to make you suffer in life; you just have to find the one worth suffering for.” This philosophy resonates deeply with his favourite bike as well, Jordaar. Anyone who has seen Jordaar can attest to its arresting beauty, yet those who have ridden it may question its comfort level. The truth is, it may not be the most comfortable ride, but it’s a journey worth enduring.
Jordaar
As the interview came to an end and gave way to esoteric debates concerning the immediate dilemmas of human society, familial history, and the truncated politics of pain and suffering, Vijay stood examining Jevar, and said with sincerity hard to come by these days –
“Priceless things are what? – Peace and happiness.”
Correction.
“Peace and love.”