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Reviewed Kingfisher Airlines

Heathrow to Mumbai and return - Top marks

I have travelled with Virgin Atlantic in the past on this route and thought that they offered excellent service. But when I travelled with Knigfisher it definitely became the best experience. The airhostesses were very efficient and smart. They just couldnt seemed to do enough for you. The enter...Read more

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Commented on own review

My Machismo riding experience - 2nd review
Bullet Machismo

Sorry for the late reply. The silencer I have is a madras silencer and I got it from one of the auto shops in Mumbai. Im sure you would be able to find one in Hyderabad though you might have to a bit of hunting around. I had to do the same. I used the bike for a Mumbai Goa trip which I did al...one when I was in India in February on Valentines day (probably taking my love for the bike a bit too far there ;-) ) It was fun and one of the best rides. I did it alone and had no problems. maintained a steay speed of 60 kms. Got an average of 50 throughout. Remember though that mine is a 350 cc. Wish I had gone for a 500 now. My brother in law uses it in india and no problems at all with it. The bike still looks new because he takes good care of it and wipes it everytime he comes back from a ride(which is seriously a good tip if you want to maintain its shine). People get surprised when they learn that the bike is two years old. Doing a trip alone has its own fun as you are not bound by others riding styles and off road behaviour. I did only day riding and halted at 5 pm so that i could have a good break. If you have already added the silencer than add the broad mudflap and then it makes the machismo into a real bullet. There is something else that a local mechanic did to the bike while I was there (he says he just changed its setting a bit). this has made the thump as good as a cast iron bullet..and trust me I am not exagerrating here. I have compared it to cast iron sound and my machismo can hold its own against them when it comes to sound.Read More

Commented on machismo124's review

Made like a gun
Bullet Machismo

Great to know that you are also enjoying Machismo fun. Im based in the UK but visit India once every year for my family and rides on my Mach 350. I disagree with Kraa's statement when he says that you will pay big time if you change the silencer. My bike is 1 1/2 years old and my bro-in-law has u...sed it regularly. I fitted a short silencer coz i felt that the thump was missing as well. never had a problem at all. infact i have found that it actually improves pick-up. I know many other guys that have changed silencers on their thunderbirds and Machismos too. I have checked with RE showroom engineers as well and the have said that there is no problem.Read More

Commented on vishaluppal45's review

Machismo 500CC LB
Bullet Machismo

Hi, Nice to know that you got a Mach 500. I own a Mach 350 in India and wish i had gone for a 500. To get a better thump change the silencer to what is called a Madras silencer which is what i did and add a small rubber ring at the end of the silencer that wil increase the sound. But the most im...portant thing to do to get a better thump is to add a broad flap at the end. That definitely makes a difference. You can check the pics of my bike in my review and reading it might help. Anyway, enjoy the ride.Read More

Commented on own review

My Machismo riding experience - 2nd review
Bullet Machismo

I had also bought two Royal Enfield stickers from the RE shop in UK which went on to the tank and rear mud guard. Get a bullet if you dont have one. It's the best in India now. Cheers

Commented on own review

My Machismo riding experience - 2nd review
Bullet Machismo

2ND REVIEW I rode the bike again on my second holiday from June 8 till July 2008. Though not the best time to enjoy riding because of the monsoons i still had a good time. Did a Pune trip with my girlfriend via the old Khandala ghat road and it was fun. Luckiy it didnt rain so getting on and off t...he ghats was a relatively safe experience. I aded a second side box (STUDDS - Rs 750) and it was a big help during travelling as I could keep everything in the boxes while leaving us free not to carry any bags. Also I feel that the bike looks better with the two boxes. Added a backrest (Rs 700) as well and it made the pillion ride easier and comfortable. Had a seat cover(Rs. 250) made for the rains to protect the sponge in the seat from getting wet. Fitted the indicator lamps with Harley style peaks (Rs 15 each). Looks good I hope. Also added two helmet locks (Rs. 100 each) to either side of the front knee guard. Surprisingly they looked good and look like some kind of small black guns attached in front ;-) And last but not the least did add the big flap and boy does it make a difference to the thump on a machismo. It was a difference riding the bike with the thump. The flap that I got had a big Heart with an arrow and all the works, which you can rip off with a razor and then it looks plain black and simple. Even though the bike had a Madras silencer installed the sound didnt hae enough punch. But once the big flap was installed it was a real bullet. If you install the big flap then ask the guys to install it on top of the smaller flap if you already have one. Cheers Read More

Commented on own review

My Machismo riding experience - 2nd review
Bullet Machismo

About the lights I can say that they are quite powerful and visibility is very high at night. When I did the Mumbai Gujarat trip I rode till 11pm on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway and the lights were more than enough. I haven't compared the headlights with other bikes but, I once had a friend of mine ...who owns a Pulsar as pillion at night and he was absolutely amazed at the brightness of the headlight compared to his bike and was more impressed with the riding comfort even as pillion. I have heard that some guys put halogen bulbs and this might help to make it brighter but honestly i think the basic one is sufficient. Like I said in the review there is no other bike made in india that comes close to a Mach. Maybe the day Bajaj Eliminator decides to come out with a 350cc or even 500cc, then i think that bike will give strong competition to the Bullet. But that might just be wishful thinking and anyway Bullet is imprinted on the psyche of Indians. For Bajaj to do so it will take probably another 50 years ;-) If you go for a Mach then I suggest you to go for the 500cc if money and milage is not an issue. The extra power would definitely feel good. I wish i had gone for a 500cc now. But when I found out that the physical dimensions of the Mach 350 and Mach 500 were the same then I wasnt impressed. But if I could change my decision then I would go for a 500cc just for the power. Both are winners though and a Bullet is a Bullet. Go for it!!Read More

Reviewed Virgin Atlantic

Good service on London-Mumbai trip

I flew with Virgin to mumbai after changing my mind to fly with Air-India(thanks to all the reviews). I found their service quite good and the flight attendents professional as well. The flight was punctual from London. On the way back we were delayed by an hour. But, the attendents kept us i...Read more

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Commented on giridhar81's review

Grow up indians
Royal Enfield Classic 350

The decision to own a bullet is like deciding to own a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. It’s the value of these cars as being antiques and still being manufactured, when many others from their time have died, that makes them special. These cars are lot more expensive but a few people still go for them. Min...d you there are many other cars that are lots more ‘efficient’ and cost far less. It’s the same case with watches like Omega or Rolex, etc. There are many watches that have many more functions and are lot cheaper. The Bullet is not made for the use of the everyday man who basically wants 70 kmpl and wants to reach from point A to B in the shortest time. There are many bikes in India that will do this better than a Bullet. But a select few still go for the Bullet because they enjoy the ride quality and they know all the time that it is a more costly bike to maintain and that they could have bought probably two 100cc bikes for the price of a single Bullet. But for them the cost is not the factor. The fact that they can afford to buy and maintain such an expensive bike in India is probably what fuels the Bullet owner’s ego. But, then that’s what exclusivity is about. As of now there is no other bike that’s made in India that offers that exclusivity. If Bajaj Avenger would have been available in bigger size and in a 350+cc version then probably people would have gone for it too. But the current model looks like a ‘schoolboy’ version. One should realise that the common man wants convenience at a cheap price. And there will be a market for that. And then there will be a select market for things in life (watches, shoes, pens, mobile phones, clothes, etc) that are expensive and we might not see any sense in buying them. That is the USP of such products. If the Bullet was changed and manufactured with a totally new look and more ‘efficient’ engine then would it really have the USP that it has now?? Read More

Commented on giridhar81's review

Grow up indians
Royal Enfield Classic 350

One should realize that a Bullet is not going to perform like a faster and more economical Jap bike, whether it's 100 cc or 500 cc. Owning a Bullet is for the ride that the owner enjoys and this ride need not be a zippy and quick ride. Bullet is exported to the UK, US and to Japan not becaus...e it's a performance bike but because it has a special value as a legendary antique bike that is still being manufactured. It falls in a segment similar to the Triumph. As of now there is no 350 or 500 cc Indian bike for those that want to go for more power and size even at a greater cost. Maybe when Harley Davidson comes to India then people will have some choice. But then again Harleys will be a lot more expensive and only a small % would go for them. One does have an option of importing powerful bikes but then again can one find a mechanic to repair them as easily as one would for a Bullet in India? And would the parts be as cheap in comparison to a Bullet? Royal Enfield has upgraded from cast iron engines to aluminium and the electrical’s have improved as well. There is the option of electric start as well. This in itself is good improvement for an antique bike that is still in production. Read More

Commented on azriel's review

Farmers N Milkmans-Bike
Royal Enfield Classic 350

The decision to own a bullet is like deciding to own a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. It’s the value of these cars as being antiques and still being manufactured, when many others from their time have died, that makes them special. These cars are lot more expensive but a few people still go for them. Min...d you there are many other cars that are lots more ‘efficient’ and cost far less. It’s the same case with watches like Omega or Rolex, etc. There are many watches that have many more functions and are lot cheaper. The Bullet is not made for the use of the everyday man who basically wants 70 kmpl and wants to reach from point A to B in the shortest time. There are many bikes in India that will do this better than a Bullet. But a select few still go for the Bullet because they enjoy the ride quality and they know all the time that it is a more costly bike to maintain and that they could have bought probably two 100cc bikes for the price of a single Bullet. But for them the cost is not the factor. The fact that they can afford to buy and maintain such an expensive bike in India is probably what fuels the Bullet owner’s ego. But, then that’s what exclusivity is about. As of now there is no other bike that’s made in India that offers that exclusivity. If Bajaj Avenger would have been available in bigger size and in a 350+cc version then probably people would have gone for it too. But the current model looks like a ‘schoolboy’ version. One should realise that the common man wants convenience at a cheap price. And there will be a market for that. And then there will be a select market for things in life (watches, shoes, pens, mobile phones, clothes, etc) that are expensive and we might not see any sense in buying them. That is the USP of such products. If the Bullet was changed and manufactured with a totally new look and more ‘efficient’ engine then would it really have the USP that it has now?? Read More

Commented on azriel's review

Farmers N Milkmans-Bike
Royal Enfield Classic 350

One should realize that a Bullet is not going to perform like a faster and more economical Jap bike, whether it's 100 cc or 500 cc. Owning a Bullet is for the ride that the owner enjoys and this ride need not be a zippy and quick ride. Bullet is exported to the UK, US and to Japan not becaus...e it's a performance bike but because it has a special value as a legendary antique bike that is still being manufactured. It falls in a segment similar to the Triumph. As of now there is no 350 or 500 cc Indian bike for those that want to go for more power and size even at a greater cost. Maybe when Harley Davidson comes to India then people will have some choice. But then again Harleys will be a lot more expensive and only a small % would go for them. One does have an option of importing powerful bikes but then again can one find a mechanic to repair them as easily as one would for a Bullet in India? And would the parts be as cheap in comparison to a Bullet? Royal Enfield has upgraded from cast iron engines to aluminium and the electrical’s have improved as well. There is the option of electric start as well. This in itself is good improvement for an antique bike that is still in production. Read More

Commented on RajaBabuJi's review

Not Really That Great
Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Bullet is not made for the use of the everyday man who basically wants 70 kmpl and wants to reach from point A to B in the shortest time. There are many bikes in India that will do this better than a Bullet. But a select few still go for the Bullet because they enjoy the ride quality and they kn...ow all the time that it is a more costly bike to maintain and that they could have bought probably two 100cc bikes for the price of a single Bullet. But for them the cost is not the factor. The fact that they can afford to buy and maintain such an expensive bike in India is probably what fuels the Bullet owner’s ego. But, then that’s what exclusivity is about. As of now there is no other bike that’s made in India that offers that exclusivity. If Bajaj Avenger would have been available in bigger size and in a 350+cc version then probably people would have gone for it too. But the current model looks like a ‘schoolboy’ version. One should realise that the common man wants convenience at a cheap price. And there will be a market for that. And then there will be a select market for things in life (watches, shoes, pens, mobile phones, clothes, etc) that are expensive and we might not see any sense in buying them. That is the USP of such products. Read More

Commented on RajaBabuJi's review

Not Really That Great
Royal Enfield Classic 350

One should realize that a Bullet is not going to perform like a faster and more economical Jap bike, whether it's 100 cc or 500 cc. Owning a Bullet is for the ride that the owner enjoys and this ride need not be a zippy and quick ride. Bullet is exported to the UK, US and to Japan not becaus...e it's a performance bike but because it has a special value as a legendary antique bike that is still being manufactured. It falls in a segment similar to the Triumph. As of now there is no 350 or 500 cc Indian bike for those that want to go for more power and size even at a greater cost. Maybe when Harley Davidson comes to India then people will have some choice. But then again Harleys will be a lot more expensive and only a small % would go for them. One does have an option of importing powerful bikes but then again can one find a mechanic to repair them as easily as one would for a Bullet in India? And would the parts be as cheap in comparison to a Bullet? Royal Enfield has upgraded from cast iron engines to aluminium and the electrical’s have improved as well. There is the option of electric start as well. This in itself is good improvement for an antique bike that is still in production. The decision to own a bullet is like deciding to own a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. It’s the value of these cars as being antiques and still being manufactured, when many others from their time have died, that makes them special. These cars are lot more expensive but a few people still go for them. Mind you there are many other cars that are lots more ‘efficient’ and cost far less. It’s the same case with watches like Omega or Rolex, etc. There are many watches that have many more functions and are lot cheaper. Read More

Commented on SUB_BOSS's review

Worst 5 bikes soiled our Indian soil.
Five Worst Bikes

The Bullet is not made for the use of the everyday man who basically wants 70 kmpl and wants to reach from point A to B in the shortest time. There are many bikes in India that will do this better than a Bullet. But a select few still go for the Bullet because they enjoy the ride quality and they kn...ow all the time that it is a more costly bike to maintain and that they could have bought probably two 100cc bikes for the price of a single Bullet. But for them the cost is not the factor. The fact that they can afford to buy and maintain such an expensive bike in India is probably what fuels the Bullet owner’s ego. But, then that’s what exclusivity is about. As of now there is no other bike that’s made in India that offers that exclusivity. If Bajaj Avenger would have been available in bigger size and in a 350+cc version then probably people would have gone for it too. But the current model looks like a ‘schoolboy’ version. One should realise that the common man wants convenience at a cheap price. And there will be a market for that. And then there will be a select market for things in life (watches, shoes, pens, mobile phones, clothes, etc) that are expensive and we might not see any sense in buying them. That is the USP of such products. Read More

Commented on SUB_BOSS's review

Worst 5 bikes soiled our Indian soil.
Five Worst Bikes

One should realize that a Bullet is not going to perform like a faster and more economical Jap bike, whether it's 100 cc or 500 cc. Owning a Bullet is for the ride that the owner enjoys and this ride need not be a zippy and quick ride. Bullet is exported to the UK, US and to Japan not because... it's a performance bike but because it has a special value as a legendary antique bike that is still being manufactured. It falls in a segment similar to the Triumph. As of now there is no 350 or 500 cc Indian bike for those that want to go for more power and size even at a greater cost. Maybe when Harley Davidson comes to India then people will have some choice. But then again Harleys will be a lot more expensive and only a small % would go for them. One does have an option of importing powerful bikes but then again can one find a mechanic to repair them as easily as one would for a Bullet in India? And would the parts be as cheap in comparison to a Bullet? Royal Enfield has upgraded from cast iron engines to aluminium and the electrical’s have improved as well. There is the option of electric start as well. This in itself is good improvement for an antique bike that is still in production. The decision to own a bullet is like deciding to own a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. It’s the value of these cars as being antiques and still being manufactured, when many others from their time have died, that makes them special. These cars are lot more expensive but a few people still go for them. Mind you there are many other cars that are lots more ‘efficient’ and cost far less. It’s the same case with watches like Omega or Rolex, etc. There are many watches that have many more functions and are lot cheaper. Read More

Reviewed Air India

I guess the reviews saved me the torture

I am flying to India from London on 5 November 2007 for a months stay. I was almost tempted to buy Air India because of the £35 difference in fare. But, I booked my flight with Virgin Atlantic and was wondering if I did the wise thing. Then I decided to read the reviews on mouthshut. Some of ...Read more

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Reviewed Bullet Machismo

My Machismo riding experience - 2nd review

THIS IS THE FIRST REVIEW. You will find the second review in the comments section. I have just returned after having ridden the Mach 350 for a month in India (November 2007). It only took me two days to pick up riding it which is quite remarkable as I had only rode a Hero Honda Street and Bajaj ...Read more

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Reviewed Hero Honda Street 100 - DLX

Unbeatable for comfortable city riding.

My family has been riding the Street for 10 years(bought it in 1997). When we decided to buy it, the decision was between Kinetic and Street - as we wanted something that my sister could ride as well. This is the most comfortable bike to ride. In city conditions of Mumbai it is a breeze to us...Read more

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