For Harley-Davidson lovers, the ride in India wasn't always smooth

On Indian roads, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are rare specimens (the company sold only some 2,500 last year), garnering attention wherever they go

A few years ago, Biswajit Borkataky was riding back to Gurugram from Jaipur when he stopped at a highway dhaba. He parked his gleaming Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom by the roadside and ordered a cup of tea. Harley owners are used to getting ogled at by fellow motorists, but even a seasoned rider like Borkataky was mildly thrown off by the peculiar request that followed. 

“A man came up to me and said there was a wedding in his family. He wanted to rent my bike so that the groom could enter riding a Harley,” remembers Borkataky, letting out a laugh.