Oct 12, 2002 11:31 PM
19280 Views
(Updated Oct 12, 2002 11:31 PM)
This is probably my first review on a proper Scooter. I like the name of the model Chetak reminding a great horse of the great the King Maharana Pratap who tried to save his king from the enemy in spite of being injured in the war. He ran till his last breath to save his master. What a nice way to name a Scooter after a great horse. I can briefly summarize the Scooter by saying it is a fantastic piece of machine economical to your pocket, lasts for years together, great runner, and most of all fuel-efficient.
Scooters are generally highly unstable at high speeds because of its body structure. The air resistance becomes great causing it to wobble or shack if faced with a slight uneven road. One more reason for not stretching the bike to its speed limit is the weak body structure. Since the Scooter is not made for speed driving and long commutes, care not taken regarding the structure of the body. They may say it is made up of some special steel or typical of a technical crap but honestly I don’t think it can sustain minor collision. Everything from handle to the frame looks hostile. Suspensions are also not as good as they should be to compensate the low weight.
The fuel tank capacity is 6 liters, which is quite big as compared to 3-4 of Scooty and Pride. After all this is a competitor of 100+ cc motorcycle than a 65 cc Scooty. It wouldn’t be proper to compare it with Scoterettes. Major difference in Scooter is that it is 2 strokes compared to 4 stroke bikes. The pickup is also moderate. I still wonder sales of Scooters are as great as they used to be. I remember LML vespa Scooter. It was very promising when it was launched in the market but soon they realized Scooter tilts on one side when the Stephanie is removed. I really liked LML vespa and somehow felt that it is made for young professionals and executives. Rather than for 2 X 2 family man. However Scooters have always been disappointing in style department. There is no scope for much structural improvement as in Bikes.
Engine is powerful and comparable to CBZ and Pulsar. The displacement is 145 cc beating all CD 100 and copycat motorcycles. Cost viz. it is even better costing just above 30000 Rs. Maximum power is 7.5 bhp at 5500 revolutions per minute. This power makes the name Chetak true. Maximum attainable speed is 85 kmph. Maximum torque, which a rotational force, which can be generated, is 10.8 Nm.
Important aspect is the fuel consumption. With ‘Chalati hi Ja rahi hai’ Bajaj Scooter claming a outstanding 85 kmpl average this model is far below that. The ideal average is 68 kmpl. However it varies or reduces considerably in practical conditions. It should give 50-55 kmpl on highways and around 45 kmpl in traffic congested cities. However on an average a 2 year old Chetak gives around 40 kmpl. This can be a aspect to worry when we have 85 kmpl bikes like Victor, Ambition in market costing few more bucks than Chetak.
Brakes are drum based. I don’t think you will ever get disk brakes in Scooters. Kerb weight of the Scooter is 104 Kgs and it can take a payload of 140 kgs. Ground clearance is mere 135 mm compared to 145 in motorcycles. This also causes a problem in grip and uneven road conditions. Both front and rear suspensions are fair enough to sustain minor shocks. They are variable spring and double acting shock absorbers. Performance viz it is better than other Scooter including LML Vespa.
