Smooth as silk. Review on Bajaj Chetak 4 Stroke

When I decided to go in for a scooter, the scooter was naturally a bajaj. But even there, I had to decide between a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke version. I decided to go in for the 4stroke, as it was comparatively a non-polluting vehicle, and also the economy clinched it in favor of the 4 stroke.

I had heard from a lot of uninformed friends etc. that this was supposed to be a ''problem ridden'' scooter, but I went in for one anyway. And I can confidently say that I have made the right decision. Even though it's just out of the running-in period ( 2000 Kms), it is butter-smooth and the handling is much better thanks to its extra-long 1275 mm wheelbase. Also, the handlebar neck has been raised by 4 inches or so, so that even a long-legged guy like me doesn't get the handlebar jammed into his knees. The continuous seat is really comfortable, and offers added protection for the petrol cap.

In the looks department, I would say that this scooter looks far better than the normal 2 stroke version.It is available in Metallic or normal finish in 3 colours (green,blue,gray). The metallic color really makes this scooter look far more appealing. It also has a new look speedometer, which I feel is far better than the original,ugly display in older scooters. The scooter has a capacity of 5 litres(including a reserve of 1 litre).

As far as starting it goes, I have never ever had to do the ''Bajaj Salute'', i.e. ''jhuka ke marna'' ! It starts in one or at worst three kicks, even on a cold morning. Of course, this was obtained after diligent tuning of the carburettor, so that the fuel air mixture for the starter jet was just right.

Servicing is a no-hassle experience, with service centres available in any town, after all Bajaj has been in the business for so long. Even a road-side mechanic should know how to repair this scooter,even though there are some differences from the 2 stroke. Still, one has to be careful and check that the maintenance was done properly. It always helps to know something about the internals of a vehicle, so that the mechanics cannot cheat you.

I always go out on the scooter with my brother( a mean 82 kg wt) and together we weigh 150 kg. Even with such a load, we have consistently gotten a mileage of 54 kms. in really bad city traffic, and the mileage will go up even more after the 5000 km. tuneup to about 65 ( without pillion). The lighting is a good 35 Watt headlamp. The switchgear is neat and ergonomic, and the price is just as sweet at around 33,000 Rs on-road.

In my opinion, this is a vehicle for those who prefer function over form. It allows you to load enormous loads on top of it ( it even has a special tie rail around the seat,so as to help in tying down unwieldy stuff). But, it might not interest the young crowd that much, unless it is bought for family work. A teenager might be happier with a bike like Pulsar,Hoodibaba,or my personal favourite the Kinetic GF-125.

Hope you find my review and experience with this scooter useful.

Updates to the above review after a year:

Fuel efficiency has settled down to 50 kmpl. I know this is not as good as it was stated earlier, but this is the average over _2 years_, in city traffic, _always_ with my brother (82 kg) as pillion rider. Also this was mostly for short trips( less than 3 kms) hence the engine does not operate at it's best. Even then this is better than any 2-stroke can give.

No problems at all with maintenance, in fact its been 5 months since the last check-up, with no problems. No declutching problems at all as experienced by other reviewers. In fact, my friend who has a 2 stroke bajaj, keeps marvelling at its smooth and sure clutch operation.

The only routine maintenance is in respect to clutchwire and gear wires (2-3 months).