BAJAJ SUNNY 1996. Review on Bajaj Sunny

I've got an interesting story to tell you.

I use a bajaj sunny to get around Madras City. This was bought in September of 1996 for my mother to commute to and from her office. It costed INR12,960. She had taken training but was scared after coming to know about the numerous accidents and reckless drivers on Mount Road. So, it lay unused or sparingly used for a long long time. I was just 11 years at that time therefore I could ride it only around our locality till about last october (age 19!) when I finally got my licence.

Till then, it had completed just around 3500kms (in 8 yrs!!!!). The mileage was just around 35kmpl and I felt it was poor. I then started using it regularly.

One day, an interesting thing happened. I felt a rush of blood and revved it up to about 50kmph or more!, then I suddenly released the accelerator and the engine powered down rapidly and started making a weird noise, sort of choked and died. I thought I had ruined the engine and it had gotten seized.

I gave it to a nearby mechanic (far better than the authorised bajaj servicemen) who said the engine had to be dismantled for the bore to be cleaned, and that some pores (for the oil) had gotten blocked.

After I got it back, it started performing really better! the mileage shot up to 45kmpl straight away, then over the next few days it increased to 49kmpl. Then once I had to get the carburettor cleaned (I used excess oil because the engine had just been wiped clean, but I continued the trend for a long time and it ended up blocking the carburettor). Then I had to make a few (phew!) trips to get the idling right (Too much idling and the efficiency will go down, too less of it and the engine kept turning itself off at traffic signals).

However, it still gives me a mileage of 47kmpl (last reading - late Feb 2005), and the idling is sound.

Oh, and when I was starting it last week, the accelerator cable snapped, and had to get it changed. Now the accelerator feels so smooth and easy. It had been rusted and clogged (I could see the mud and water when the snapped cable was removed) and the feeling wasn't so good before (which I realise now).

Now it feels like a new vehicle. It is metallic red in colour, and the exterior looks, well, really new (since it was sparingly used). The seat it still the original (with the SUNNY logo on the sides) it has just started opening up (naturally!, and I have to get the new lining done). I have recently installed a helmet lock (It looks awkward, but it really is useful). The engine sounds (and feels) new. The stepney (MRF NYLOGRIP) still remains unused.

I think, even though it is chronologically more than 8yrs old, its technically just probably a few months old!

This vehicle is more than enough for a person to commute around a city like Madras (speed limit 40 - 45kmph, which is in tune with the sunny's speed limit. And well, you got no opportunity to overspeed and drive at dangerous speeds!). The suspension is not so comfortable when you hit damaged portions of road. With a pillion, it struggles a bit on the pickup but gets better after speeding up. It is capable of carrying two persons comfortably. The stepney wheel is nicely placed, not occupying a lot of footboard space (the footboard too is spacious for this small vehicle). It has got some storage space beneath the seat (which does come in handy).

About the looks.... well, the styling is simple but cute. The fibreglass is flimsy, but that is why this vehicle is so light (unladen weight 60Kg!).

I still see a lot of the old Bajaj Sunny on road, some tattered and in ruins (but still running! what a spirit!), and some in excellent condition. I rarely see the newer model - Sunny Spice.

I am planning to keep this vehicle for as long as it is good.

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AND I USE A HELMET WHILE RIDING THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS ONE IMPORTANT POINT I WISH TO MAKE. PLEASE WEAR A HELMET WHATEVER YOU ARE RIDING, NO MATTER IF IT IS A MOPED OR A MOTORCYCLE.

Advantages of using a helmet: (the one with the visor is the best)

1. Protects head from injury (you know....)

   
   




2. Prevents dust from getting into your eyes and face (and hair!)

   
   




3. If it rains.... your head is protected. (silly? but true!)

   
   




4. Muffles the noise a bit (bah! the impatient honking!)

   
   




5. Overall, it gives you a feeling of protected ness. (Your head is in a room with a view)

   
   

PLEASE WEAR A HELMET WHILE RIDING (and a seatbelt while driving).