Jan 02, 2009 06:28 PM
8023 Views
(Updated Jan 15, 2009 10:27 AM)
For 10 years I drove a Bajaj 4S Champion bike to and from work. The bike served me patiently without complaining. It gave me a good mileage (around 60 kmpl), and also had no maintenance problems. When I landed my first job, my father offerred to buy me a bike, which I gladly accepted.
I wanted a Enfield Machismo, which was then an export model, which was being sold in Indian markets recently. After a painful debate on mileage versus passion versus looks etc, I finally got myself a 100 cc indo-jap bike.
10 years later, I have a family, 2 kids, a house, a car, a scooter, a cycle, and a settled life. However, there was something nagging me all these years. I came to the conclusion that if I didn't buy it now, I would never be able to go for it again.
And so, I got myself an Electra 350. Why is that? I could give you any of the following reasons,
The classic Thump is still there!
The cast iron engine rocks big time.
18 bhp, is simply perfect for Indian Roads.
The ground clearance of 140mm, makes sure you don't bump your belly on poorly constructed bumps.
The gas filled shocks make sure you don't feel the bumps on the road (which the municipality left)
People will stare at you on the roads.
Girls love it, guys will be filled with jealousy.
Your kids will love it!
It is extremely comfortable for long rides, and doesnt give you a back ache.
It is smooth to handle, turns are a breeze (if handled carefully)
It is much more reliable than the old 350, lesser leaks, better handling, and minor user friendly modifications, retains the good old look, comes with sufficient chrome, great paint job, ...
However, I will simply say this, I bought the Electra 5S because the bike is simply awesome! That's why. Once I got my hands on it, I drove it carefully till the run in period, and after that, I quickly changed the silencer to a Retro one from Chennai. The sound is not loud like the rocket silencer, or the gold star, and the thump is back distinctly clear and ringing.
One thing I am still unhappy about is the lack of honest mechanics in Pune.
For example I wanted to change the silencer, but I didn't know where to start. So I went to a couple of mechanics. One of them offered to do it for 2500 Rs, Another said he will come with me to the shop, and there we can buy the retro silencer for 1500 Rs.
I realized they were taking me for a ride, when I went to the shop myself, and inquired about the price. It was 650 Rs, and to fit it on the mechanic took 50 Rs. I am reading the manual myself now, hoping to learn some minorthings soon. The bike (and other bullets too), is surprisingly not difficult to handle. One thing to be careful about is how you start the bike.
On my first day, I wasn't able to kick start the bike, and used the electric ignition all day. Finally one of my friends who owns an Electra 4s, taught me how to do it. And now I am able to start it the usual way ;-)
I used to think that the excitement will soon fade out, after a few weeks or so. However I was wrong, today after 5 months, I still look forward to kick starting the bike, and hearing its gentle Roar. A Word of caution, your wife or Girlfriend will probably be jealous of the bike soon, since you will be spending more time with the bike than with her!
Keep thumping.
Rajeev
