Riding Through Pain: Juhi's Journey of Resilience and Two-Wheeled Freedom
When chronic arthritis threatened to end her motorcycling dreams, Juhi refused to give up. Her inspiring story shows how the right bike and unwavering determination can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
At 13 years old, Juhi discovered her passion for motorcycling in the most rebellious way possible. Swinging her leg over her sister's bike despite her parents' fierce opposition, she had one thought: "I could chase boys on this!" What started as teenage defiance would become a lifelong love affair with two wheels, one that would survive chronic illness, international moves, and the male-dominated world of motorcycling.
Early Days in India
Those early riding days in India were pure freedom. Without helmets, licenses, or any regard for convention, Juhi would tear through the streets in full Indian clothes, beating boys on their heavier bikes at traffic lights. The sight of a young woman on a motorcycle was rare and powerful – exactly the statement she wanted to make.
But life had other plans. A move to a bigger, more chaotic city made riding too dangerous, and more significantly, chronic arthritis began taking its toll on her body. The vibrations, the physical demands, the sheer effort required to control a motorcycle became too much. Reluctantly, she had to give up riding in her final years in India.
The Australian Dream
Moving to Australia reignited her motorcycling dreams. Here, she discovered people riding for leisure rather than just commuting – a revelation that made her think, "This is my chance." Without parents telling her not to ride and with newfound independence, she decided to pursue her long-held goal of owning a Royal Enfield.
The reality of Australian motorcycle regulations was a shock. Helmets were mandatory, licenses required, and the whole process was expensive. But Juhi persevered, getting her license and saving money until she could finally return to riding.
The Royal Enfield Reality Check
Her dream bikes – first a Classic 350, then a Meteor 350 she lovingly named "Red Bell" – proved to be beautiful but impractical. The Royal Enfields' top-heavy nature and substantial weight were simply too much for someone managing chronic arthritis and rib issues. As much as she loved their aesthetic appeal, Juhi realised she needed to prioritise function over form.
"As a rider, you have to be prepared for when you don't get it right," she explains. "I never felt like if I was in a situation where I wasn't well, I'd be able to deal with the weight of the bike."
Finding Her Perfect Match
The answer came in the form of a 2015 Suzuki TU250X. From the moment she took it for a solo test ride, she knew this was her bike. The TU250 offered everything she needed: manageable weight, comfortable ergonomics, and the confidence that she was truly in control.
But Juhi being Juhi, she couldn't leave well enough alone. Dissatisfied with the silver paint job, she embarked on an ambitious customisation project to match the 2018 model's appearance. What should have been a simple paint job became a three-month odyssey involving custom decals from the United States and a bespoke Suzuki badge from Western Australia. The project was so complex that most shops refused to touch it, until Santina stepped up to the challenge.
The Therapeutic Ritual
Today, Juhi spends 2-4 hours monthly in her garage, meticulously cleaning every part of her TU250 with steel wool and music playing. It's become a meditative practice, a way to connect with her machine and find peace despite constant pain.
Her riding destinations reflect her soul-searching approach to motorcycling. The Royal National Park region provides spiritual solace, while coastal rides fulfill her deep connection to the ocean – the very reason she moved to Australia. She's particularly fond of photographing cows during her country rides, finding joy in these simple, peaceful moments.
Lessons in Safety and Resilience
A frightening accident in India, where handlebars struck her ribs during a traffic incident, taught Juhi valuable lessons about safety. Unable to tell her disapproving parents about the injury, she suffered in silence, never knowing if she'd fractured ribs or how long healing took. The experience transformed her approach to riding, making safety a constant consideration rather than an afterthought.
"When I get too close to another car or motorbike, I think 'yeah, don't feel like hurting my ribs today,'" she reflects.
The Mental Health Benefits
For Juhi, motorcycling serves as powerful therapy. The moment she puts on her helmet, everything else fades away. The focus required for safe riding creates a meditative state where she can process whatever challenges her body, mind, or heart are facing that day.
"Sometimes I ride just to get away from whatever is holding me back," she says. "The focus it takes on the road helps me heal through whatever is going on."
Most importantly, riding makes her feel in control – a precious sensation for someone dealing with chronic illness.
Breaking Barriers for Women
Juhi's passion extends beyond personal fulfillment to advocacy for women in motorcycling. Having started riding in India where women on motorcycles were virtually nonexistent, she's acutely aware of how the entire industry caters to men – from bike dimensions to gear design.
With her 16-year-old niece approaching riding age, Juhi is determined to show young women that motorcycling isn't inherently masculine. Her commitment to women's empowerment, particularly for women of colour, drives her to share her story and inspire others.
"I want a lot more girls to know that there's nothing male about riding motorbikes and there's nothing stopping them from giving it a go," she emphasises.
Advice for Adaptive Riding
Juhi's journey offers valuable insights for anyone facing physical challenges in motorcycling. Her key recommendations include investing in proper training, truly knowing your motorcycle's capabilities and limitations, and most importantly, choosing the right bike for your specific needs rather than your dreams.
She credits her patient private instructor with rebuilding her confidence after years away from riding. The training reminded her of fundamental truths: know your bike's weight, understand which parts get hot, and be confident you can handle whatever situations arise.
"You have to be brave because it takes bravery or absolute foolishness to do it," she concludes. "But you also have to be comfortable with what you do."
Juhi's story proves that with the right approach, equipment, and mindset, physical limitations don't have to end your motorcycling dreams. Sometimes they just redirect them toward something even better – a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the road and the machine that carries you forward.
Her TU250 may not have been her original dream bike, but it's become something more valuable: the perfect partner for a journey of healing, empowerment, and endless possibility.