Sep 06, 2006 02:28 PM
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With a plethora of manufacturers with their assorted models all climbing up the blockbuster charts of the most prominent Car & Bike magazines, it wasn’t quite hard to choose the one which suited my pocket. A pocket which wasn’t deep in any case.
A trade-off between a 125cc lean & mean powerhouse two-stroke “Cheetah” of a hybrid Kawasaki & Bajaj pedigree, and any of the available sub-100cc 4-strokers commonly referred to by manufacturers and auto magazines alike, as “entry level” bikes.
With a shallow pocket, a desire to keep a breeze blowing all the time, albeit not a stiff one at that, and yet with some style, it didn’t take me long to checkout the wares of the nearest Bajaj dealer.
Why a Bajaj, one may ask? Well, once a Bajaj (rider) always a Bajaj (owner)!
And did the dealer disappoint? Not at all. A string of Bajaj Discovers, both the 125cc DTSI and the 112cc non-DTSI variants, a host of CT100s, a sprinkling of Platinas (of the “Jhalak Dikhlaja” fame) and a pride of Pulsar 150 DTSI types, stood silently awaiting my observations and careful scrutiny. Little did anyone realize that my observations were strictly limited by the financial horizons imposed by my cheque book.
The dealer, of course, had no inkling on this and he was almost adamant that I take a test ride on each of the models. He was, no doubt, quite upbeat and correct in his assessment that here was a customer who was desperate to buy out one of his stocks within the day.
To dampen his soaring spirits, I deliberately laid out high-strung requirements for his mental digestive juices to react. I was sure that he would do a cerebral gymnastic and quietly drop the active interest and bonhomie with immediate effect.
To my amazement, the dealer didn’t even flinch a bit. With a flourish, as if he was unveiling the Queen Mary to rule the seas, he strode over to a small chunky blue/black Bajaj CT100. This, he stated, was the most ideal match for all my requirements. No doubt it would be beaten blue and black within a week of riding, I said to myself silently!
And the mode of payment and delivery schedule? Instant, he crooned. Willing to part ways with my favourite and trusty steed, the most admirable KB125, in exchange of Rs. 10,000/- and 35 EMIs spread over 3 years with a few documents to sign for, a new gleaming CT100 was in my possession right away.
After dribbling through 2112 Kms. of pitiable roads in 3 months, here is what I had on my plate. More than what I had bargained for, quite literally!
A fuel economy which averages 60 Kms when barely using the top gear, riding with a pillion. Believe me, one can barely top the third gear, during office days and hours, for almost 10 Kms. when traversing either of the three bridges which connect the metropolis of Kolkata with its adjoining towns and suburbs across the Ganges.
A fuel economy which zooms to 70 Kms+ when cruising at a speed of 50 Kms/Hr. on the NH2 or the NH6 highways.
A suspension system which actually inspires confidence when lopping over man-sized potholes at 30 Kms./Hr.
An engine which has enough torque to pull across muddy pits with aplomb, despite a 200 Kg. payload striding on top of it.
A pickup which, although would not embarrass its far bigger siblings, is enough to keep you plugging at 70 Kms./Hr., if need be, without breaking sweat.
A braking system with brake drums to inspire enough confidence in you, provided, however, you are not trying to break the speed barrier and entering into a muted road race with your fellow two-wheeled commuters.
A strong suspension which is amply empowered to give you the best ride and feel even when dodging and dribbling at less than safe angles at 50 Km./Hr. speeds.
Readers may please note that I am a daily commuter and a rider who values life over everything else.
When in doubt about road conditions and the eagerness of my fellow commuters in their intentions to outsmart one another and outfox the traffic lights as well, I drop down to a speed which would even put a 80-year old granny on crutches to shame!
Most importantly, I always wear a proper life saving headgear in the form of a helmet.
I rarely, if ever, rest my feet on the brake pedal. This acts as a buffer zone to boost the fuel economy.
I make a strong and determined effort not to depress the clutch; especially more so while climbing a bridge or going downhill. A beneficial feature, one which is also recommended by most manufacturers of powered vehicles, is that the engine itself does the braking! Look Ma, no brakes while going downhill! This, naturally, translates into more traction force and extending the life of the brake shoes and drums of the bike.
Bajaj CT100 has underwent a lot of design streamlining and changes from the Bajaj R&D department. Indeed, it can trace its roots from the first Bajaj 4S and Bajaj Boxer CT & AT models. One suspects, that the marketing department of the company has had a strong say with regards to the design changes and modifications even with the current genre of the CT100 model.
I am not against large round rear view mirrors which provide ample view of what is going on behind your back. But such becomes inconvenient when these extend beyond the entire width of the handlebar. In turn, this is a problem while maneuvering in congested traffic and squeezing through tight corners, and riding in bumper to bumper traffic.
Someone from the R&D department of the company must have read through the geometric principle that the largest surface area which can be offered, is by a circle. Hence, the round type of mirror.
Overall, did the bike match my requirements? Hey presto! It did!
Drawing a conclusion, I can think of two words to describe its potential, features and rate of workload – “Tiny Hercules”. Need I say more!
