A rare motorcycle finds a home in Mavelikara

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Cherukole, near Mavelikara, is a garage unlike any other, where vintage and modern motorcycles stand shoulder to shoulder. At its heart is Kiran G.K., a passionate collector who has amassed an enviable fleet of 40 motorbikes. But none hold as much historical significance as the Norman MK 9D, a wartime motorcycle that was designed to navigate the battlefields of World War II.

For the 42-year-old automation engineer, owning a piece of this rare motorbike is more than a passion. It is about preserving a piece of history. Mr. Kiran bought the 1945 model (based on engine details) British-made motorcycle bearing old Madras registration (MDT) from a person in Aluva a decade ago.

“The Motor Cycling magazine in an article dated October 7, 1943, called Norman Lightweight (Norman MK 9D) as ‘The War Worker’s Choice’. It was used to supply food, medicines, arms and travel to remote areas during World War II. According to Norman Dating Club in Kent, England, of which I am a member, there are only 13 known MK 9Ds worldwide. As far as I know, this is the only one in India in running condition. Not much is known about how it arrived in India. The person I bought it from had acquired it from a Tirunelveli native,” says Mr. Kiran, adding that little is known about this particular bike’s battlefield stories.

A view of motorcycles in Kiran G.K.’s collection. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Weighing just 56 kg, the motorcycle is powered by a 125cc twin-port two-stroke Villiers engine. One of its distinctive features is a three-speed hand-operated gear. The motorbike has a rigid frame without suspension shocks and rests on a bicycle-like stand. It can attain a top speed of 75 km/h and has a mileage of approximately 30 km/l. “After buying the bike, I restored it with the help of my friend and mechanic Vijesh Kumar. Most of the parts are original, but the carburettor had to be replaced with one from a Bajaj M80,” says Mr. Kiran, who is the president of Team Rare Engines, a registered non-profit club of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

The motorbike is mainly showcased at expos and events. His collection includes BSA 350 (1953-model), Jawa (1964), Royal Enfield B1 (1969), Kelvinator Avanti (1982), Enfield Mini Bullet (1986), Harley Davidson (2014), Yamaha R15 V4 (2023) and many others. “My first and most cherished bike is a Yamaha RX135,” says Kiran, who works in Muscat.