Winner of the Most Promising Venture – MPEC 2009
What does one do when a website started by them reaches a membership of half a lakh members only to be hacked into five years later and lose it all? Does the entrepreneur leave it all to go back to a job promising to never take a risk again or does he go on about displaying more resilience than before?
In the case of Sundeep Gajjar, man behind xBhp, it was the latter, a pure play of
commitment in not letting setbacks overcome his passion of creating India’s largest biking community.
Sunny, as he is popularly known, is today in a position most men would find envious. While the world of entrepreneurship knows no 9-5, even to the most adventurous of businesses, riding a bike through the most scenic of landscapes, experiencing different cultures and capturing it all through a camera lens would be considered anything but dividend paying work.
To Sunny, it is a way of life, what he admittedly calls ‘the best job in the world’. In an exclusive with YourStory, Sunny opens up about bikes, photography, life before xBhp and his journey as an entrepreneur.
We’re curious; what does xBhp stand for?
xBhp means ‘x’ amount of braking horse power. ‘x’ is the most important statistical value to judge the power and capability of an engined vehicle.
How did the idea of a biking community come to you?
I was 21 when I got my first motorcycle – a Bajaj Pulsar 180. Incidentally, I was also learning web designing at that time and thought it would be nice to have a personal web page dedicated to my first two-wheeler.
Initially it was simple stuff, a few pictures clicked through a rented at Rs. 500 a day, 1.3 mp camera; but the addiction caught on. In a month, I’d purchased a second hand digital camera and started hunting for superbikes around Delhi. My day began at 4 am to follow superbikers on a ride to get pictures. One would call me a madman but word spread and eyeballs followed. Adding an interactive module in the form of a comments page was logical and it brought in comments. From one registered member to a thousand, everything related to motorcycling was being discussed and the ball had started rolling.
From one to thousand? Just like that?
It was tough initially to get the traffic and we tried everything, including distributing xbhp leaflets in mall parkings. What also helped in a big way was the internet boom in India then and also our content – superbikes – back in 2002 they were not very common and had high aspirational value and hence a high interest.
The hacking incident of course nullified all those efforts or so it seemed initially. After losing even the backup data of 40,000 registrations, we were back to square one.
What has been your vision in bouncing back with so much vigour?
There has been one main vision – to popularize motorcycling for leisure in India. And we have been very successful at that. xBhp is at the heart of the Indian motocyling community with only one agenda – to ride and talk about motorcycles. In less than a year since then, we have 14000 + registrations again and it feels good to know that the data may have been lost but the popularity and name remains. In fact I see xBhp doing much better in 3 years from now in terms of traffic.
What all does one do on xBHP?
xBHP provides a free platform for motorcycling enthusiasts from all over the country to converge and discuss everything about biking. It provides a tool for members to share and plan roadtrips, get to know likeminded people and convert them into long lasting friendships.
Uh, how do you guys make money? Where did the seed capital come from?
The primary investment was a lot of time and belief and I saved a lot of money being spent on a website being a designer myself. Today, without any external funding, xBhp is a strong and organized force to contend with and hence provides a terrific platform for companies to indulge into advertising and BTL research, especially to reach the youth.
We benefit through letting out ad space on the website or through the sponsored events which is about enough to pay for the dedicated server and equipment costs. We organize roadshows, international roadtrips on superbikes, micro events and weekend city meets and rides and run off a couple of sponsors.
What have been some of the most exciting trips? Any incidents?
During the Great NewZealand Roadtrip in 2008 (www.theGreatNewZealandRoadtrip.com), Kawasaki wanted me to review their brand new bike, I went around covering 6600kms in 22 days, representing xBhp, and riding as a journalist for a magazine in New Zealand
There was also the Castrol Power1 Passion Hunt 2009 (www.power1hunt.com), one of our biggest projects where we executed a nationwide hunt for Castrol to select India’s Most Passionate Biker.
Personally, my most unforgettable moments were seeing the Beat the Retreat ceremony at the Wagah border and standing at the Great Australian Bight in Southern Australia from where I could see the curvature of the Earth. Fortunately there have been no mishaps ever since I started riding big bikes.
Why be an entrepreneur at all? What were you doing before xBhp?
Frankly, life before xBhp seems all so unreal and boring now. I was just one of the countless people doing a 9-5 job. Entrepreneurship was something I did not choose but was written in my destiny. There is a lot that I have learnt from xBhp and my team from photography to pitching to corporates and more importantly to handle pressure and expectations and all that’s written about you.
What is the best thing about your job and what are the challenges?
The fact that I have a holiday every day of the year and even if I have to stick my head into a computer and do a boring job like coding, I make up for it by spending double that time in riding.
On a more serious note, I have also begun to understand that many young people admire and look upto me for inspiration and therefore make it a point to develop myself constantly and raise the bar for both myself and xBhp periodically.
It has taken effort to find a way to make xBhp self sustaining along with constantly adding new features and doing new things. It is not something which just runs off a background code. We also face a very unique challenge. xBhp has become as powerful as a mass media entity and hence has become the bone of contention for some established companies in the publishing world; companies who pump in so much money, have editorial teams and backoffices, and yet xBhp manages to outdo them many a times in terms of quality of articles, photos and more.
But it feels good when we get complements from companies about having done a commendable job in roadtrips, events and photography. In fact today many big corporate and media houses take cues from xBhp and then implement it using their own infinite resources.
Any lessons you want to share with young entrepreneurs?
Do not start a venture just because you want to be different. Make sure you are following your heart and not just a business opportunity. In the long run this will help you retain your energy and self respect. I started off as a designer, became a motorcyclist which led me to be a photographer and a writer. As you see one positive energy gives birth to another and ends up complementing it, rather than sharing the energy pool. This is the beauty of creative arts.
Well not to mention…we are extremely jealous of your achievements
Though am not on xbhp and don’t follow Sunny much…but I have great respect for him for all that he has achieved. There might be lot of people (including me) that might criticise xbhp as a forum…but then not everyone can do what he has done. It needs a thoughtful mind, a hardworking body and a never say die attitude to reach where he is now. All the best Sunny!
Howmany and what wer t super bikes u had ?
Sundeep,
Congrats for what you have achieved and wish you good luck for your future.
I have been banned by Payeng for no reason, I believe XBHP is the place of fairness, but having biased moderator on board is bad idea.
Apart from banning Payeng has ALSO REMOVED MY AVATAR which is a ZMR picture doing a wheelie. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE and it is UNFAIR.
I LOVE Zma, and it’s my freedom, I can have ZMR has my Avatar, payeng has gone to so low level that he has even removed it.
Please hand over by banning case to either old-fox/Sunil/Aryan/MG_biker, let them say I be banned and be it.
Payeng is highly biased and not good for site, many may not visit the site if the portal remotely looks like an extension of ‘praising some XXXX company’ .
PLEASE Look into my case, remove payeng from mod job.
Ya, once again, wish you great future, let xbhp be UN-BIASED place.
THANKS IN ADVANCE,
Vipin_S
Wonderful story. though i am shocked that xbhp was hacked?
man…..that must be a disaster.
i wish all the best to xbhp, and i am proud to be member their.
With Regards
Anmol Sharma
anmolksharma@gmail.com
http://anmolksharma.blogspot.com
Hiii
Pls Call me for Projector Lamps If u have any query about the projector for any bikes and car
Or U want to install then
call me on 9711510017 , 9811690017 (ANIL)
Or check my Orkut Profile
Twobrothers0017@gmail.com Or Search “two brothers” In ORKUT
ok………
dat’s all abot XBHPians
congrats a lot
Congratulations and all the best!
I inspire everyone who start anything from the scratch. Wish you be a inspiration for many like me
-Gokul
ride safe n hv fun …. all d best
Hi Sundeep ,
Congratulations !!
Best Regards,
Pooja Sharma
Congratulations & All the Best!!
Cheers & God Bless!!
Kind Regards,
Akshay.
Gr8 going bro….
Wish U aLL da Very Best in LiFe..!!
was really amazed.. reading da article… U r a real hero…
Long live xBHP!!!
Best wishes
thumbsUP!… ://
Great work sunny bhaya!!
xBhp Rocks!!
good luck …sarbanoxley was here
it is very easy for me to Envy the work Sunny is into but very few of us know the kind of efforts one has to put in to get the results of this magnitude!
I am glad that someone had the idea and the patience of nursing the Concept and showing it the light of the Sun!
All Cheers!!
dcs @ xbhp
all the best, nice to know more abt u
tc. Gudluck
way to go, keep going
ride hard ride safe
you will win sunny bhai…………………..
long live X-bhp
Sunny notw is the time to get paid for the all the hard work. I wish you all the best and hope you will get this. Actually I should say that we will get this.
Hats of Sunny bhai….
i love to read more about you….
Good Work Sunny!
Good luck sunny paaji
Cheers
Biru
Hi Sunny! Done the needful & Wishing You All The Best! You Really Deserve it! Cheers!!!
Dragon
This is Rahul … Samarth’frnd… Good luck mr. sundip …
Hi Sunny,
its great to read about you but i have sent u mail thrice….plz check and call me if possible at 9716850582….or mail me your number on email ajay.del.ind@gmail.com…
Regards
Ajay
cheers sunny
all d best
drive safe
anupam09
Hi Sunny,
Very Inspiring iits all I have to say.
Long live XBHP.
hey dear friend,
really great. all the best
mahesh
hey Sunny bhaiya,
all the best and
and every xBhpian is with you…
xBhp is promoting safe biking and joining many riders from all across the country… it rocks.
proud xBhpian,
badbikerboy aka JC.
Sunny,
What’s going on dude? This is busalover42 from xbhp…hehe got the same login id here too luckily. I did rate you a 5 on 5. There’s absolutely no taking away from you the fact you have done what you have to propagate motorcycling in India on a global level and that too with a full on emphasis on SAFETY which is oh so essential in todays given times.
Also for you to bounce back after xbhp had pretty much got decimated is a testament to your unadulterated love for biking and then some.
Here’s hoping you make the cut! All the best!
Busalover42
sunny with the help of xbhp is doing a great job i.e promoting safe biking amongst the youth of india. sunny you are great man. xbhp rocks
Hello Sunny,
Been with XBHP for 2 years. But it has always felt like that I have been associated with XBHP for many more years. In my case, XBHP has truly taught me to be a better biker / rider. The concept of touring on a bike was never there in me even though I liked riding bike but after associating myself with XBHP I did realise what it is to see places riding on a bike.
XBHP has always tried to inculcate good riding habits for which it truly stands out from the rest. There are many members who have knowledge, not only about bikes, but about life in general, too.
Sunny, you have provided us with a platform where we can enjoy & learn so many things also. We all pray & hope & try to contribute in whatever way we can, to make XBHP the best biking group in whole world.
Cheers
Dipankar aka rx100.7050
Hi Sunny,
You are very inspiring to all of us.
I am an Xbhp member too.
Keep writing …. I like the way you express your thoughts in plain and simple words (along with your exclusive photoshoot).
Cheers,
Koushik
An inspiration for many and a creative genius. Keep up your wonderful work and hope to see you with your bike conquer the world. proud to be an Xbhpian…
Regards
Raktim Baruah (blisteringintelligence)
Sunny,
Your writeups and photographs are amazing. Keep on doing the good work and treat us with those gr8 gr8 gr8 roadtrips of urs.
xbhp rocks…..
8)
Wishing you success Sunny.
from Shillong xbhp bikers.
Hii sunny bro voted u ur d best i am also insane just like u…
hope to meet u someday in any g2g in delhi
shawaiz
Xbhpian
I am your Fan Sandeep!!
Regards,
Mukul Bhat
Rise Shine and Radiate. As I always say… Sun Sun.. Sunny….
hey i am an xbhpian and i appreciate ur creativity. all d very best for ur future goals and plzzzzzzzzzzz pray for me and every single biker whoz dream is to own a superbike THT dream should come true. c ya take care of ur self and v hyderabad xbhpian alwayz be ther for ur herlp. (DEADFOX)
Hey Sunny,
Anytime, Anything for XBHP…,goodluck brother,I wish.. I become atleast one page of your coverage about biking in future.
I have rated 5 stars. If they count, do take my advice and kindly:–
1. take advices with open mind,
2. try forgetting members with bad record, if they mend the mistakes,
Best of luck!
will see u on the top soon…
u really deserve it..
long live the XBHP…
U really deserve it bro
Long live xBHP!!!
i jst c ur ml on my gml ac & done wat u said, we hv a little gang of bikers in Belgharia, Kolkata. We organize bike tours by own management can u help us to find some sponsors or any connection to join the x-bhp group, if can plz contact me…………..if cant thn keep sending ds worthless (4 me only) mls ……………… Thank u
As the title suggest, sunny is indeed a genius. He has done some amazing things for bikers. The tours and their write-ups are awesome.
Best part for me is his photography skills, The “first impressions” are as good as any international bike magazines or website. Infact, I can safely say, Sunny’s pics are easily the best in the country, no one even comes close.
A bug thumbs up to you Sunny, Keep Clicking!!!
[s][u]fuckers!!!![/u][/s]
all the best sandeep……
Avinash
XBHP Memeber
xbhp ruleszz!!
XBhp rockzzz..!
Thanks for doing what you do best. Xbhp.com has been a great help and interesting to me.
Arfabita
great work sunny bhai.. we are always there with you.. long live XBHP
Really awesome !! …. i feel so proud being a XBHP Member n having a XBHP sticker on ma bike….
Ride safe ppl……..
I’ve always admired Sunny as a biker and really look forward to join him personally one day!!
Have been with you from long time now brother….
Been there done that thats what matters for bikers like us.
good luck we are always with you …
I’m in this league from last 2 years…not that active member but…but only platform where i can meet like minded people…coz a lot busy in making my career…but whenever i get time i move out in wind to touch the speed which my baby can deliver…that time me and my bike is one body…this is the only site i find where a bike lover can meet and learn from another lover…keep it up dude we all together make a history which blossom our future…
Gr8 to here and all xbhpians hope that u will win this and XBHP always Rocks!!!!!!!!!!
grt goin…..Xbhp rocks
hi dude,
i have always envy what you do for ur living. I really admire your passion.
cheers
ashish aka vrooooom
I always say this For you and Bunny Sir,
that you both are The guys who is Passionate and Professional,
and lucky too,
because your Passion is your Profession.
Hi Sunny… nice o know so much about u… hope to meet u some time.
Hi, Sunny..
It’s been many year’s i know you, seeing all this happen in front of me,had left with many unanswered questions.
however your will and courage to bring up things once again and start everything from square one once again was a challenging job,
You have proved that Skill is not the thing required everywhere..It’s more of a WILL Issue that works,making us learn new things and setting example for other!
Kudos to you, Sunny!
God Bless! May you prosper more in life!
Cheers!
Nitin Gupta
Hi Sunny,
Very Inspiring is all I have to say.
I personally loved the last paragraph. That strikes a lot of chords.
Really, no mater what you plan, it’s all written in your “Destiny”.
Keep writing …. I like the way you express your thoughts in plain and simple words.
Cheers,
Prashant
Hi, Sundeep, Went thru your story and its Fantastic to Know the Passion Bringing out an Industry out of Hobby..I M Shailesh Sinha and Have also been covered as Entreprenuer of the week Just 2 Blocks below You..I Would Like To Meet U,If U can Spare some Time,My Number Is 9811055197 ( New Delhi)Looking Ahead.All the Best..
SS
Nicely colleted and very inspiring… keep it up, both Pooja and Sunny!
must b a front runner for top 10 best JOBs on this planet i guess
way to go, inspirational stuff
super cool.i envy your work
great going! hope to join you someday