jeevan.chaukar's Timeline

Commented on own review

Lost Love - Palio Stile 1.6 Sport!
Fiat Palio Stile

Long Term Update - Continued! 2) The AC problem could not be understood by Chennai authorised Fiat service centre (VST motors - Anna Salai) and they felt it was fine but it wasn't. Later after returning to Pune, I have gone for entire AC overhaul including gas recharging which rectified this probl...em but we never know what really was the problem. AC overhaul is costly (Rs 4000 odd) but it was worth as now the AC cools much faster and even at lowest fan speed, car cools rather quickly 3) Some small things like sun-visors are of bad quality and they are costly (Rs 600 or so for a simple thing - no grey market option available). 4)Original Allow wheels get damaged fairly easily and can't repair them. Replacing them is quite costly so currently I am using them as it is since the damage is not affecting significantly and slight vibration is felt only at quite low speeds. At higher speeds, we can't feel anythingRead More

Commented on own review

Lost Love - Palio Stile 1.6 Sport!
Fiat Palio Stile

Long Term Update - Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport (2007 model)! Now I have been using this car for about 4 years. So, time to mention The Good, The Bad and The Ugly! The Good! 1) The car is in superb condition - nearly showroom like. Pick up, average, handling have remained consistent. The colour s...till shines and in fact I did get few compliments from friends recently (originally the dealer had done Waxoyl Paint Protection treatment when I bought and later I have used proper car shampoo and silicone based car polish for it) 2) Around 34000 km or so, I got rid of older Good year tyres and have gone for Yokohama A Drive tyres of identical size. After this, the braking and handling has improved. 3) The car is solid performer. I spent almost 20 months in Chennai and when I transferred back to Pune, I along with 2 others drove this car all the way to Pune in about 20-21 hours. It was one of the most memorable drives ever. We consistently maintained high speeds of 120-140 kmph in many sections during this travel. 3) I have consistently tried to use good quality petrol (Bharat Speed or HP Power or Shell Super) and have used only synthetic oil (Mobil-1, Shell Helix Ultra and now Castrol EDGE) which is allowing me oil change after 14-15000 km or once a year rather than frequent. 4) The car electricals are working good (all lamps, horn, automatic windows, wiper motors, speedo console backlights etc) 5) There is no body rattle noise, doors/bonnet/rear hatch shut with strong thud like day one. The Bad! 1) It was difficult to get car serviced in Chennai mainly because the service centres are available only in core city areas while I stayed in very remote Chengalpet. TATA-FIAT (or should that be only FIAT now??) need to increase their service area coverage seriously. 2) I faced a strange problem sometimes - the air-con used to work alright for sometime when we started the journey but unpredictably it used to lose cooling. This didn't always happen. (will continue witRead More

Commented on rockingraj4's review

The Beast NINJA 250R legend is here to roar
Kawasaki Ninja

Guys, let us not get into unnecessary comparisons. I am dying to know about someone who now already owns and may be has gone through 1-2 servicings of Kawasaki Ninja 250 in India. Don't say things like buy wagon R etc. You know for sure that in the market you can get a cheap shirt for Rs 250 but ...a Van Heusen/Louise Philippe for same person, same size is going to cost something like Rs 2500! And someone is indeed going to buy imported Armani shirt costing Rs 25000-75000! You then can't say what is the use of Armani shirt! Well, not for you and me but for real Armani user, that shirt also has use. Similarly each premium vehicle has its use for the buyer of its category! Ninja is Ninja. I am pulsar owner and very proud of it (you can come across my detailed review on mouthshut). But that doesn't mean other products should be derided! I think it is a proper all rounder bike with sporty streak but also daily user friendliness. So far the only thing I heard was lack of digital instruments (which our own Bajaj has on Pulsars!). Fine, once you zoom past most others, you would not bother!!!!!Read More

Commented on own review

Still running successfully after 9 years!
Bajaj Pulsar 180

More Long Term Updates! I have few recommendations to all bike lovers (Pulsar or otherwise!) 1) Try using premium quality petrol as much as possible (SPEED and Shell Super are best as per my experience but you can choose your preferred brand) 2) Once outside warranty period, I recommend CASTROL... BIKE ZONE for servicing. They are costly but transparent about billing etc and service bikes well. 3) Use premium engine oil. I have mostly used either Castrol Power 1/Active or Shell Advanced. Now a days there is one new HP Racer 4 which is expected to give 10000 km oil change interval. So, please try that and let me know! 4) Most local mechanics are still not able to fully understand how to set up disc brake properly. When I bought the bike, the front brakes were really superb. With just one finger I could control it quickly. Down the line, I don't know who messed it up but the brake never became so good again after initial 1-2 years. It still has very good stopping power but now requires rather firm application of two fingers and while braking hard, there is higher chance of you applying too much pressure and ending up rubber side up! 5) If you move from one city to other city and shift your bike with you, then PLEASE DON'T go with a local movers/packers for bike. Choose either someone like Agarwal Packers or best is use RAILWAY luggage service. My beloved bike's petrol tank and some of the paintwork was damaged during transfer from Pune to Chennai due to bad handling despite all promises by local mover and packer. After all that, Pulsar 180 DTSi still remains the street fighter and continues giving joy to me. I think I will have tough time when I may decide to move on to yet another path breaking machine (I am seriously thinking now about Kawasaki Ninja 250 and nothing less!)Read More

Commented on own review

Still running successfully after 9 years!
Bajaj Pulsar 180

Long Term Update on Pulsar 180 DTSi version 1 My bike is still going strong! I am still getting indicated speeds of 120-125 kmph (real would be a bit lower as is the case in most bikes). The fuel efficiency is still hovering between 35-42 kmpl depending on situation. Most chrome plated parts are st...ill ok. It is now close to 7 years old. I am glad to report that, I am able to fight it out on mean streets of Chennai - arguably speed capital of India! - with newer bikes like Apache RTR 160, Yamaha FZ and all mostly 150-180 cc category bikes. In fact despite my bike being rather old, no 150 cc bike can beat me and even 180-220 segment can beat me with great difficulty. This is why my original pulsar is still highly valued for me! I have changed tyres and now I have switched to Ceat but there is no particular reason. Horns had to be changed. Finally accelerator cable and speedo cables went kaput but again, considering this is first time, must say the bike is ageing well. ONE BAD THING - Last year, the silencer of my bike - looking all shiny from outside - got busted from inside for no particular reason. When I talked to genuine Bajaj dealer, he said many pulsars from earlier days have faced same problem and in fact I faced it very late compared to others. I spent about Rs 2200 for a new Black coated silencer. I found that busted silencer reduces performance in top range (at lower speeds in fact you feel the bike is quicker but in reality it is just making more noise and hence feels faster but it is NOT faster!) and average also drops. There are mechanics who repair the silencer by cutting away the main end can while keeping the exhaust pipe and replace the can with local made can and weld it up. I decided against all this and bought genuine silencer which is giving good performance as of now but I think the spare quality of silencer is not good even now. There are few rust spots already on the new black silencer after about 1 year of usage.Read More

Commented on own review

Servicing of Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport
B. U. Bhandari - Pune

Update on BU Bhandari Wakad Car Care Centre for Fiat Palio servicing: I am seeing improvement in experience as I got my vehicle serviced once again recently. Small issues were fixed by them and usual servicing with oil change etc was done. Service was by appointment and this time I did not waste ...much time while giving or taking back the car. Cost of service was within estimates. Cleanliness of the vehicle was good. Overall I am satisfied so far. Main thing is that since the car is still very new (only 18 months old or so) it doesn't have any mechanical issues yet so will have to watch out in future. So, this time I would rate B U Bhandari better than my previous experiences. Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on aniku11's review

Jai anand auto malpractices
Ashwamegh Auto - Pune

Hey Man, I think when it comes to bikes, we should stop giving a bike to authorised service centre as soon as warranty period is over (before that you have to stick to authorised guys as otherwise they will say warranty is void). I found that in general for bikes, authorised showrooms do all kin...ds of problematic things. I didn't experience stealing of good parts from my Pulsar 180 DTsi but whenever there was a slightest problem, they will directly replace spare parts. That costs a lot more and for no reason. E.g. if the central stand of my bike had some problem because of a small welded bit came off, they wanted to replace whole central stand (costs something like Rs 700 or more!) I got the same thing repaired at a welding workshop for Rs 40! My bike's petrol tank suffered from a small dent. They said Rs 900 because that dent removal will mostly affect the colour of the tank and re-paint would cost Rs 700 + dent Removal Rs 200. I got it repaired without affecting paint for under Rs 100! Regards, JeevanRead More

Reviewed B. U. Bhandari - Pune

Servicing of Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport

B U Bhandari Car Care Centre at Wakad, Pune is the Service station for TATA cars and FIAT cars. Since I purchased a Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport from B U Bhandari showroom at Pashan, Pune, I am getting the services done from their Wakad centre. Good things: 1) Timely reminders about service ...Read more

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Commented on allyduderules's review

Karizma R its the Best indian bike
Hero Honda Karizma

Fairly detailed review! However, I am of the opinion that Karizma doesn't do justice to its price. You can read my review of Pulsar 180 DTSi on MouthShut to compare. Anyways, Karizma too is a good bike and once you have made a decision, rather than comparing with others, just enjoy the ride! All the... best! Do wear Helmet and any additional protective gear as much as possible! Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on arva52's review

Good choice..
Fiat Brava

Hey, I bought Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 Sport last year and have been enjoying the drive. Forget about resale etc. Enjoy while you drive. Fiat cars are pretty good in general and engines are especially good. I heard that Bravo is very powerful - something like 140 + BHP. Is it true? I feel Fiat should... at least assemble the car in India through CKD instead of bringing in as Completely Built Unit (CBU) that can reduce costs by few lakhs. Then there will be quite a few Bravos flying around! Cheers and Congratulations for unusual but correct choice! If you can provide more details on performance and handling and any niggling problems, it would help many more to take a correct decision with respect to Fiat Bravo. JeevanRead More

Commented on thunder1986's review

R1 - The incomparable Beast
Yamaha R1

Hi folks, I am sure this bike would be available in Mumbai - especially South Mumbai based Yamaha showrooms are likely to have it. I am in Pune and here the Yamaha showroom in Wakdewadi already has Yamaha R1 available. There is no doubt that this is one thoroughbred race-ready super bike that ...competes ably against the likes of Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Aprilia and Suzuki. Even though it is way too costly for any ordinary Indian, biking enthusiasts are definitely buying it and consider this: A Ducati 1098 which is a better than Yamaha R1 on race track (but on roads there is not much difference) costs **BELIEVE IT OR NOT** 48 lakhs in Mumbai!!! So, compared to a Ducati, you will get almost similar performance (though not same) at 1/4th price. Also R1 will not be as uncomfortable as Ducati motorcycles are notorious for in day to day driving conditions. All in all, an absolute winner! I hope they shift to CKD rather than fully built import for this bike which will bring down the cost by few lakhs!! Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on Badri_D's review

Apache RTR - Super bike
TVS Apache 150

Hi Badri, My friend has recently bought an Apache RTR 160 and I also took a short test ride and felt that in terms of racy stance, looks, pick up etc it is a good bike. Also, I felt that it handles better than my old Pulsar 180 DTSi (first version with 18 inch spoke wheels - not alloys). But I ...also agree with you that beyond 50-60 kmph, Apache feels harsh whereas Pulsar comes into its own beyond 50-60 kmph and keeps going really strong all the way above 110-115 kmph on the speedo. Definitely Apache RTR 160 won't beat my Pulsar 180 DTSi in Traffic Light GP. But, it is a right step from TVS and with RTR-FI they are taking the game further. I hope to see an Apache 200/250 cc at some time and then I can think of changing my bike (if there is no Pulsar variant competing with it :-) ) Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on NimishaKhanduja's review

Is it worth buying?
Yamaha R15

Hi Nimisha, Really good to know a girl being so much crazy about biking and that too one going for a latest bike like R15. Of course, I am a guy with pulsar 180 DTSi (fast yes but not a hooligan at all!). You are in Delhi otherwise I would have tried (and would not mind losing it fair and square i...f you can really ride your yammy well) racing with you :-) HAving said all that, is R15 worth the money? Can it really beat Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi (which is a shade cheaper but except liquid cooling it is also loaded with technology many of which were first time things in India)? Power figures of R15 (17 ps) disappointed me a lot and I'll wait for next big thing! Ps: I used to ride an RD-350 myself and despite all the pain, the joy I gained was unmatched on that bike. P-180 feels like a cycle after using that bike but ..... One can't always have all the things one wants so I sold that bike.... Enjoy and ride safely with all the protective gear. Never forget to wear helmet even for short rides! Bye, JeevanRead More

Commented on own review

ICICI Bank - World Class Net Banking but.......
ICICI Bank

Hi Partha, Originally I didn't think much about ICICI's internet banking facility and used to feel bad about its branch experience. However, I stayed in USA for 1 year and my bank there was Bank of America in Park Avenue, New York City. It was a wonderful bank in terms of branch experience but abso...lutely no match to its Indian counterparts in terms of net banking and ease of transaction, linking of credit card with bank, reflection of transactions in statements in timely manner etc. The people in that bank were highly surprised when a supposedly third world person like me lambasted them for bad net banking. At least in year 2005, their idea of making internet transfer to another friend with account in same bank was like this: I add him as a payee (just like ICICI) Transfer him money (again similar) Now comes surprise - A cheque actually gets printed in some other state where their central processing department is there (I think Texas) and gets posted to the address of my friend. It takes 4-5 days for him to get that printed cheque (he used to sit in NEXT CUBICLE in the same office as mine). Finally he has to take that cheque to a branch with a pay in slip and submit there! I was completely aghast at this and asked them - what is the use of NET BANKING if finally that guy gets a printed cheque? They coolly answered - You saved a cheque from your book (those are not free in USA except first 10 in the welcome kit unless you are some privileged customer!) You saved a postal stamp worth 37 cents and saved the step of going to post box to post it and it could have got lost also! I was speechless after hearing this. So I realized that in banking matters, India is way ahead. Similarly there are few other things in India which are way better than USA. I'll write separate reviews on those! As such nothing is perfect so I have given as clear views as possible. Read More

Reviewed ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank - World Class Net Banking but.......

I am an account holder of ICICI Bank - Borivali (W) branch since year 2000. My account is Savings Account which I also a Salary account with zero balance facility. I have been using Internet banking of ICICI right from the beginning and must rate it very highly. I also hold ICICI credit ca...Read more

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Commented on gaurav.cis's review

ICICI Banks Credit Card Payment Modes
ICICI Bank

Dear Gaurav, I'm surprised to know about you getting charged for online payment of Credit Card dues since I have been doing it for many years without getting charged. Please check with ICICI again. This could even be a case of someone doing small scale internet fraud with you. There have been c...ases where people see few small transactions on credit card/bank accounts (such as Rs 10-20-50). Many people ignore this. Actually such fraudsters may do this to thousands of people and they may not even know. Just check if the Rs 25-50 transactions were authentic. Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on Plsr-Rocks's review

Apache RTR V/S Pulsar 180
TVS Apache 150

Hi, This is my response mainly to Vino. My Pulsar 180 DTSi Version 1 is now 4 years old (with spoke wheels 18 inch dia and not the 17 inch alloys). It is definitely true that Karizma can not withstand Pulsar 180 in a straight line at least though it could be better handler. Apache RTR is better ha...ndler than my bike but mine doesn't have gas filled shox. On straight roads, forget RTR, even Karizma can't beat me even now! May be Karizma riders in Pune are not as fast as other cities or at least the fast ones are not riding on the same roads as me! You mention about Bajaj quality. I think you are thinking of the era of Bajaj Chetak or Bajaj 4 S champion when you say those things! Pulsar and other old Bajaj vehicles are not in the same league. You maintain a pulsar well and it will never fail you! I have done many many medium distance trips and it never gave me any trouble! So, real king of the road is Pulsar but not 180. It is the 220 DTS-Fi. All the niggling little things about P180 which we didn't like are addressed in P220. It has smooth gear box, excellent handling, very good riding comfort and superb performance! Karizma? I don't consider it to be anywhere near being a performance leader. It has the show but Pulsar has that as well as the go!!!!!!! Apache RTR 160 is a very good bike in its own right but it can't beat P180. It is not a right comparison at all because they are in different segments. You can compare Apache 150 with P150 or Honda Unicorn but RTR is somewhere in between and doesn't have direct competitors. Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on st2002usa's review

Worst Experince
Fiat Palio Stile

Really sorry to hear about this kind of plight regarding your vehicle and I find it very surprising as Fiat cars are actually very well built. The dealer seems far more responsible than the vehicle itself and looks like they incorrectly diagnosed problems and their work made it even worse. Palio 1....1 is underpowered (which is why I went in for 1.6 sport) but in terms of components, almost the same as 1.6 so these type of problems are strange. In fact you should sue the dealer in Consumer Court and you can get all your expenses back and more. I am in Pune and here they are doing ok job in terms of service etc. Maruti has far wider network of service centres but it is not necessarily better in all places. Still overall TATA - FIAT will have to do some catch up in terms of service with Maruti. But, with Palio I don't expect regular visits to the workshop. I think if you are still in warranty period, you should get all so called faulty parts replaced and then your car should be fine. Regards, JeevanRead More

Commented on own review

Still running successfully after 9 years!
Bajaj Pulsar 180

Dear Kraa, Thanks for reading and commenting! I appreciate compliments from other bike lovers :-) Cheers, Jeevan

Reviewed Bajaj Pulsar 180

Still running successfully after 9 years!

My Pulsar 180 DTSi which I bought in Feb 2004 is still going strong after 9 years. Thankfully Bajaj is so far ok with spare parts of this particular model and mostly I didn't face problem in getting genuine spares. There were some hiccups but for 9 years period I would tolerate them. E.g. ...Read more

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