The India Bike Week 2024 showcased a variety of stunning motorcycles, but two Harley-Davidsons in particular captivated onlookers with their exquisite paint designs. The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and Deluxe Soft Tail models, named Jatayu and Sampati, narrate the epic tale of the Ramayana, illustrating the journey from the birth of Lord Rama to his triumph over Ravan.
These remarkable Harley-Davidson bikes are the pride of friends Mr. Chirayu Bhatt (Jatayu) and Mr. Vijay Devnani (Sampati), who hail from Jaipur.
How do Jatayu & Sampati Harleys depict the Ramayana?
The narrative of the Ramayana begins with the younger brother, Jatayu, represented by the Harley-Davidson Deluxe Soft-tail. The front fender showcases scenes from the tale, starting with the birth of Lord Rama and culminating with the ‘Seetaharan.’ The rear fender vividly portrays the moment when Jatayu sacrifices his life fighting Ravan in an attempt to save Mata Seeta.
The tale continues with Sampati, the elder brother, represented by the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. On its front fender, Sampati recounts the story of Jatayu’s valiant attempt to rescue Mata Seeta from Ravan, while the entirety of Lord Rama’s victorious journey and his coronation as King of Ayodhya is beautifully depicted in the bike’s artwork.
Both motorcycles are adorned with lavish golden and glittery paints made from real gold. Custom helmets have also been designed for each bike, emblazoned with the names Jatayu and Sampati and featuring their likenesses crafted in gold at the back. The bikes come with beautifully painted panniers on either side, each inscribed with two shlokas from the Ramayana.
The Electra Glide is now equipped with a stylish two-in-one exhaust that not only elevates its look but also improves ground clearance. It has undergone several enhancements, including an upgrade to a larger 21-inch front wheel, replacing the previous 17-inch model. The Electra Glide also incorporates active air suspension to raise the bike height, facilitating smoother rides over speed bumps and rough patches.
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The inspiration behind Jatayu and Sampati-themed Harleys
The owners mentioned that the inspiration struck them during a ride, at which time both bikes were completely stock. They aimed to showcase their bond and brotherhood uniquely while celebrating Indian culture. Rather than choosing Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, they selected Jatayu and Sampati to symbolize brotherhood in a distinctive way. This choice also resonates with Harley-Davidson’s original logo featuring a bald eagle. They collaborated with artist Mr. Gopesh Bhatt, who completed the project in just two weeks.
What is the cost of the modifications?
The paint jobs on the motorcycles alone cost Rs 15 lakh, while the custom exhaust and additional modifications incurred an expense of Rs 12 lakh, bringing the total for modifications and custom work to Rs 27 lakh. On the road, the Harley Deluxe Soft-tail has a price tag of around Rs 25 lakh, and the Electra Glide is priced at approximately Rs 44 lakh. Therefore, the overall investment for this extraordinary project amounts to nearly Rs 1 crore! It’s a staggering sum!