Family Outing? Take the Scooter!
Comparative observations of two-wheeler culture in India and US.

The last thing one would expect to see is an entire family situated on the leather saddle of a commuter Yamaha. Indian use of the scooter and the motorcycle is starkly opposed to the American view of the machines. Long work commutes, traversing heavy rains, or producing a Brady Bunch family does not stop many locals from popping into first gear and letting her rip.
Most motorists who ride on two wheels in the US save their chopper for a weekend trip. The best word to describe American use is hobby culture. The motorcycle sitting in the garage comes out for sunny weekend outings, used for the sake of riding. Those who ride bikes for work commute usually put the machine away in poor weather conditions and settle for the roofed four-wheeler substitute.
In contrast, the Indian perception reveres motorcycles as equals to their car cousin. An entire livelihood can be built around a 125cc motorbike. For example, some tea stalls are found on the side of highways with containers strapped to the rear seat. As far as commuting, the constant road floods and poor weather creates fearless motorcyclists gliding through half a wheel of water as if it were just the asphalt.

Back in the US, the use of the scooter is very rare, seen as a strictly urban vehicle with dangerously slow speeds for any major road. There is merit to this, given that the most common engine size is 50cc, producing a top speed of around 40 mph (65 kmh) with speed limits rarely reaching lows of 45 mph on highways. Scooter engines in the US reach upwards of 500cc, but most prefer a motorcycle over the two options.
Indian scooters are just as common as motorcycles. Very popular with young adults and commuters, the roads are typically packed with 100cc automatic two-wheelers. There is no stigma for them because the motor sizes are much closer than in the US, and they are much more convenient for grocery shopping and general storage. Speeds on Indian roads do not typically exceed 80 kmh (50 mph), leaving smaller motors more marketable to the community.

US riding is very much a personal experience. Some find it meditative, feeling the wind passing in a surreal state with the asphalt flying below. Casual motorists take their 500–1500cc bikes on weekend trips to scenic landscapes or even just the cafe from the next town over. More experienced travelers take cross-country road trips with friends in the summertime. The machine is built for entertainment and the pure fun of cruising down the open road.

While there are those who ride casually, the majority of Indian motorists stay practical in the use of their bike. Taking a second person along is usually learned before riding alone, given the necessity of transporting so many people. Children will squish between their driving father and sari-dawned mother sitting to one side. The balance required for this feat of motor-dexterity is profound, and seems to be natural for those who pursue the transport.
One trait that is similar between nations is the culture of specific brands. Harley Davidson comes to mind for the US, being a thriving sub-culture and the typical brand found within biker gangs. As for India, Royal Enfield from the United Kingdom takes the “cool cake,” found mostly used for casual riding or by flamboyant commuters.

All in all, the two-wheeler culture differs greatly between the US and India. Hobby riders cruise on their Suzuki Hayabusa at 1800cc, while their practical counterparts traverse floods on Hero Splendors around 150cc. Scooters are more common and popular in India, but US urban centers will see a few riders about the neighborhoods. Riding the Harley and the Enfield have the same ring, with both contributing to chopper culture in their respective countries.
Whether taking the family of four on three 500cc hot rods or one 100cc scooter, the next meal tastes much better after some fresh wind on the roadway.
