One useful skill I learned this summer

How to start an abused Bihari Bajaj Chetak scooter. Chetak was the name of Maharaja Udai Singh's horse. His horse must not have been very fast because: a) the slowest train thru Rajasthan is the Chetak Express, and b) it is the name of this old Bajaj model. (Note: this is not like the small sleek automatic scooters that many of you are used to seeing-- this is a VERY HEAVY manual scooter that dislikes shifting into 1st and must be dipped to the side before starting. multiple fenderbenders have caused all protective grills and bumpers to fall off.)

Pictures are in reverse order.

Step one: try to start the scooter by forcing all of your weight on the kick-start lever thing (jumping helps). repeat multiple times until bystanders advise you to tip the scooter over.

Step Two: Dip the scooter-- the more horizontal, the better. the purpose? i think it is a way to access the reserve tank or to run the oil through the system so it will start. gravity is so hi-tech.


Step three: once you hear a sound like a lawn mower, you are ready to hop on and go!