Opinion: Highlights of 2022

I’m not big on new year’s resolutions, but I do love to reminisce. As I sit here typing this in the last week of 2022, it’s nice to think back on what has thankfully been a relatively normal and enjoyable year. 

2022 has been all about the rise of the EVs. Sales numbers reach new highs every month, and we’re finally starting to get good options to choose from, as you can see in our recent four scooter comparo. The winds are certainly changing.

What seems to continue unabated in the EV space is the rush to ‘launch’ a product and then promise sales at a later date. Simple Energy had its grand launch ceremony on the same day as Ola on 15th August 2021, but not a single scooter has been delivered since. Meanwhile, Ola has already sold nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles. Say what you will about how Ola chose to do certain things – and there’s a lot to say – but those numbers speak for themselves. Other delayed EVs of note include the Ultraviolette F77, which finally appears ready, but will go on sale early next year, and the Oben Rorr. Hero’s Vida V1, meanwhile, should just about make its promised timeline of December 2022. 

Sadly, the crazy ballooning of motorcycle prices has raged on in 2022. There are many examples, but two really hit home for me. The new Pulsar P150 is now priced at Rs 1.17 lakh, ex-showroom, for the base model. In the year 2017, the Pulsar 150 used to cost Rs 74,600. Yes, we now have the need for expensive ABS and fuel injection systems, but the 150cc Bajaj has effectively gotten 78 percent more expensive in five years’ time. 

The timelines for Ducati’s price hikes are just as painful. A good friend bought a Panigale V2 for Rs 22.9 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) in December 2021, which was already hugely expensive. Today, that bike costs Rs 25.09 lakh on road. You could get a Panigale V4 for that kind of money just four years ago, but now, the base Panigale V4 costs Rs 33.6 lakh on-road.

On a more positive note, this has been a year of riding some fantastic motorcycles and seeing some beautiful events. But what I’ll really remember 2022 for is that this was the year I really got to understand how motorcycle suspension works, and it’s a fantastic, highly underrated subject. 

The catalyst was installing K-Tech’s superb suspension on my 790 Duke and everything I’ve learnt has been from suspension guru Dave Moss’ website. The right suspension tune can transform your motorcycle, just as poorly set suspension can result in a pretty miserable experience, and the difference just a few clicks can make is astounding. I’ll admit, I’ve only started to scratch the surface of this deep and slightly nerdy subject, but the (very reasonably priced) subscription to Dave’s website has been more enjoyable than any of the other content streaming services that happily charge my credit card every month.

All in, 2022 has been a good year, and by the time you read this it will already be the next year. May your 2023 be a happy one!