Gale, Breeze and Lightning
Being a first experience report as this is, please do expect some amount of enthusiasm regarding the performance of the vehicle, but the enthusiasm is not totally unwarranted; the vehicle deserves the accolades reaped on it and as overdrive rightfully put it, leaves the rest of the hondas, TVS'es and Yamahas in a dirty dark little corner by the side of the road.
I know, I know, the brain cells in your upper cortex might be fighting to conjure up a rude remark to counter this childish enthusiasm thats oozing out of my report; okay then, I'll try to tone it down. Lets get down to the actual tech specs (as reported in the manual provided with the vehicle):
Engine: 124.6CC 4 stroke, SOHC air-cooled unit.
Transmission: Constant mesh, 5 gears - 1 down, 4 up (Universal biking geras)
Fuel system: Ucal Mikuni BS26 CV carburettor, with 2 Valves in the cylinder
Tyres: MRF Nylogrip Zapper n both front and back
Electrical source: Exide maintenance free batteries covered under warranty separately (for our ease)
Well, if i've left anything out, pretty sorry dudes; but then, you can find this inane stuff at https://bajajwind125.com and plz, get your research done from the SPEC sheets given there. This is an experience report and will provide what I've accumulated from the driving experiences, not replicate stuff which some mag has already reported. Check the rest of the reports at Mouthshut to get a clearer picture.
Well, First off, what struck me BANG in my face when I drove the vehicle out of the showroom, was the monster torque and the smoothness of the gearbox. I started out at a point close to somewhere above 2000 RPM and the vehicle still chugged away! man, If I'd tried this with a victor, it'd have made me look like a novice who's only driven Scootys before. Then, the slickness with which the gearbox shifted was amazing. I've driven Boxers, 4S chamipons, Victors, Vespas and Splendors (yah, was an econo-miser before, and pretty stingy too), and to tell you the truth, I've only seen the Vespa's Direct transmission gearbox come close, that too, only when shifted at the right RPM.
What ticked me off with the gearbox though, was not the 1dn,4 up mechanism, that was cool; but the fact that I could almost never get to NEUTRAL! I stalled the vehicle 3 times on the way to a petrol bunk after taking the vehicle from the showroom; all because I could not get go from the signals at 2/3 gear, without making it sound like a wailing banshee! Anyway, as one finds out, unless the RPM is close to idling, or you are stationary, you're stuck in gear. But now, its responding better and better. I'm able to get to neutrals close to normally.
In one way, its good, cuz you're never supposed to be in neutral on the move and then, after driving around a while, the vehicle can take off from stationary at almost any gear. You can even kick start in any gear! SO, dont fret and consider this a minus; we guys are quite used to single direction shifts thanks to (hero) Honda and (tvs) Suzuki.
The engine is quite an un-stressed member. I've noted very silent operation in the 4K RPM range and close to it, the engine seems to have oodles of power. I had to contain myself and conciously avoid speeds above 45/50 as its new. The speeds pick up very quickly and without much ado, too. There's a very relaxed stance about the vehicle. Add to this, the very silent chain and the vehicle just moves with minimum noise. Mainain the RPM above 2500 RPM and you wont find a lack of power at any gear. even at 50 @ 5th gear, I touched the throttle once and it quickly and easily started climbing! I had to hastily bring the speed down, lest the engine be damaged.
The stability too, is very commendable. the straight line motion of the vehicle is so good, that you can take your hands off the handlebar and move on for quite a distance once at 50kph, without any active balancing required on your part. The vehicle is a willing ally to all your stunts too. I started cornering at never before thought of angles which scared the heart out of me on the boxer and the victor. When braking, try to hit it hard, and the vehicle stays in line, without shifting much. Very racy, I tell you.
The suspension is pretty nicely tuned and compliments the vehicle's ride. The rear suspension is a bit stiff; but isnt hard. You can adjust the suspension at home itself, by twisting a plastic ring at the bottom. It can be tuned in 5 ways, in stark contrast to the two-step adjuster that comes on the victor.
The decals are not out of the ordinary and look like they're caliber inspired; but I feel that the new revamped caliber stole its looks from the wind as kawasaki had already finalized this bike by late 2002. And the bajaj guys needed a stripped-down wind to get at the economy segment.
The economy (yawn) is quite undubtedly the most nagging thing on your mind now, well, put those fears to rest. I clocked a good 80Km in the first day itself! and it'd consumed a little more than 1 ltr. The tripmeter read 59 when I refuelled again, so, its quite in the stable when you compare it with the caliber and the victor and the ambition. I'd expect the mileage to continue upward after the running-in.
The lights are good and bright. the parking light is pulsar inspired and is good. the hue behind the console is great and is quite vibrant. The seat too, can be removed to put in a book or two or your bottles (of beer?) inside the rear covers.
Service is another important consideration when purchasing and compared to the 3 free services that TVS gives, Bajaj has expressed its confidence by giving 6 free services and then, giving a warranty for 2 whole years or 40,000Km. The service quality is exemplary (at least in chennai). Jai autos,Adyar guys have quite a talent and are an eager group. I went asking for a bag hook; which they didnt have at the moment. As a stop-gap measure, they quickly whipped up a new one from the tools they had and to be frank, I think I'll pass on the bag hook and use this itself! Its great and is un-obtrusive. These guys are simply, amazing. I've heard guys ranting about Bajaj's service and it seems Rahul bajaj has done something about it. With their premier Pulsar clientele, they have to provide good service, or they'll go bust.
Finally (Whew, I got a bit carried away), I'd say that I was confident enough in this vehicle to invest 46,000 of my dad's hard earned cash in it. The others dont come close in either features or service. But you go make your own decision. This report has been written solely for you to know about the hidden stuff and have a first hand idea of the vehicle. I'll post an update after servicing the vehicle, but then, others have already done it. Check theirs out. I've got a month till mine comes online.
