WAH KYA BIKE HAI . Review on Bajaj Spirit

BAJAJ SPIRIT

The model :

The stylish evolution of the simple riding machine plus more is what the Bajaj Spirit is all about. It is the most expressive design to come out of any Indian two-wheeler maker in its class and features just as innovative design to make the most of economic plastic moulding processes which do not register with the average ungeared Scooter user. But then why should they as long as these economic manufacturing systems result in a competitive price tag which the Spirit surely sports.

The looks :

Svelte and beautifully turned out is the best to express this swan-like beauty with its graceful lines on a smallish proportion machine. It is always a difficult proposition to let the stylist run riot on a machine which is so small but the Spirit has to be the one which comes across as well defined and visually appealing in the best possible way. Earlier Bajaj Auto used to offer colour co-ordinated seat and floorboard panels (the maroon and cream was a good choice) but sadly this has been discontinued. I am sure that there are people out there searching for this type of a vehicle turnout.

The engine :

The 60cc reed valve induction two-stroke engine has been seen before. It began life on the first Bajaj Sunny in 50cc centrifugal-clutch single speed form some ten years ago - in 1990 to be precise - but for doing duty in the Spirit it has got a hiked in capacity 60cc engine from the Sunny Zip but it gets a two-speed automatic transmission which is all new and rather unique. I offer the term unique because in a day and age where everyone is going the variomatic way, Bajaj Auto has taken the brave option to go on the automatic route. Many have thought this to be fraught with danger and performance sapping plus also borderline on reliability but it has proved anything but so. The earliest 50cc Sunny engine was smooth as silk and the unit in the Spirit continues this theme as well. The switch over from first to second is also near seamless and as a simple riding machine for the well heeled type, this is the way to go. The adoption of an electric starter is a good move and to think that some years ago the hue and cry from skeptics was that Bajaj Auto couldn't even devise such a starter for its scooters!

Fuel efficiency :

Given proper running-in - most crucial on small capacity machines as the urge to twist the throttle to the max is always fulfilled - the Spirit is very frugal in its daily operating chores. My own personal experience of the Spirit has seen it deliver between 47 to 50kmpl but there are others like some of my female colleagues who with their careful approach have stretched it to almost 57kmpl. But then I weigh the better part of 88kg while they tip the scales at a puny 45 kilos and there definitely is a telling relationship between weight carted and work done! But I see the Spirit happy enough to deliver between 52 to 54kmpl if used sensibly by anyone.

Riding comfort :

The front suspension is the sore spot - if I may term it that - because of its minimalism! A damper plus spring on either side of the wheel is all that one gets to tackle the rough and the smooth while a smallish anti dive link is provided to arrest bottoming and dive under braking. The single shock unit at the rear works in typical scooter style with the engine doubling as the swing arm. Ride quality is good when riding solo and unless hurried, it is also able to take minor bumps and potholes manfully. But try to use her as a mobike or get into a situation where the rider can make use of all the power she is able to deliver but the terrain is bumpy and the Spirit will bounce and skid and scrabble for grip just like any other ungeared Scooter presently available in the country would be prone to do. Ride quality is very good but the rear seat cushioning and design can be a bit bothersome for the well endowed type who prefer to sit sideways. My advice to Spirit(ed) riders, seek out girl friends who will ride astride and not sideways!

Build quality :

Ten years of building the Sunny and the Sunny Zip has manifested in a great deal of improvement in manufacturing skills and put-together quality by its maker. The results are there for all to see in the Spirit. Even though it has a plastic body, the quality of the plastic is top class, probably the best in class, better even than that of the TVS Scooty in my opinion, and there is nary any flapping or flexing even when maxed out on the open road. The engine is well mounted in the tubular chassis via the flexible link approach and even though the overall bike weighs just 76kg, it is by no means a pushover.

Brakes :

The brakes are par for the course. Judging by the fact that in aggressive riding mode you are on and off the throttle and brakes in equal measure in close riding conditions, the brakes on the Spirit are up to the task and thankfully do not fade with repeated use.

Console :

It is a bare basic console beautifully presented to go with the overall style them of the machine. A large speedo well marked to an indicated top speed of 80kmph plus tell tale lights for high beam and turn signal indicators is all what one gets.

The USP :

Great vehicle for the upworldly young students whose parents will not allow them to own motorcycles and the kids themselves wouldn't like to be caught dead on a moped. At the very competitive pricing the Spirit is sold at, plus its combination of looks, performance, operating costs and reliability, there is hardly anyway you could go wrong with this machine if you are in the market for a ungeared Scooter today.