Raj Shantanu, 22, a native of the Gandhi Nagar locality of western Uttar Pradesh, has created a unique wooden bike -`Woody Passion' - with "true macho looks" that comes with a self-start system.
Comparatively longer and heavier than usual bikes, the two-seater Woody Passion made from Indian rosewood measures around nine feet in length and weighs over 190 kg. The bike's engine capacity is 180cc, and can move at a good speed of 80 km per hour with a mileage of 15 km per litre.
"I could have designed a smaller wooden bike. But as I wanted to gift it to John Abraham, the smaller one would have just not suited his personality, considering his tall height and strong build," Shantanu told IANS on telephone from Muzaffarnagar, some 350 km from Lucknow.
"As I have created the motorbike exclusively for John Abraham, I am declining offers, some even ranging to Rs.3 lakh. Not only from Muzaffarnagar, people from adjoining districts too are approaching me on a regular basis for becoming the proud owner of the unique bike," he added.
Shantanu, who has not received any kind of formal training related to automobiles, designed the bike after "several failed attempts".
"It was not easy for me when I decided to design a bike for gifting it to John Abraham. I started it around eight months ago by visiting shops of automobile mechanics and spending several hours at their shops. I used to ask them about the functioning of a bike and the basic items required to design a crude one," recalled Shantanu.
"After I gathered the basic knowledge of assembling a bike, I started working on the unique bike. As I wanted to be different, I thought of giving the wooden touch to the bike. For that I even had to consult wood craftsmen several times. It was nearly after five-six attempts, I came up with the wooden bike that was as per my expectations,'' said Shantanu, who doesn't want to reveal the cost incurred in designing the wooden bike.
"It's not about money. It's all about showing love and affection to my dearest actor," said Shantanu, who looks after his family business of agriculture equipment.
As Shantanu's bike has no shockers, to avoid jolts and jerks, he has used the rear wheel of a sports bike that can cushion the impact due to the volume of the air in it. The front wheel has been taken from a normal bike, keeping in mind the speed factor.
"I have also fitted an exhaust fan to keep the bike's engine cool, which in turn would also lower the maintenance cost of the bike," said Shantanu, who has now only one desire: to gift the bike to Abraham.
"I don't know how to reach the actor (Abraham), but I am sure if John Abraham comes to know that a unique bike is waiting for him, he will come to my place, and I will hand him the keys. I am eagerly waiting for that day," said Shantanu.