Nov 17, 2005 04:20 PM
8546 Views
(Updated Nov 17, 2005 04:21 PM)
Well - after years and years, there is a new bike (at last) - huff puff from HH in the 150- segment. I suggest this be called the Achievement.
Anyways, checked this out at a dealer in Mumbai. The specs of the bike are out on the Hero Honda site. In Mumbai, as per the dealer - it is not yet up for sale, but a launch in terms of running it, trial runs is on.
Took a short run on this - a silent kick start. No response on the first kick, no response on the sec ... wait - it did start (!!!). Yep it is a quiet one. Weights okay - smooth start, brakes okay. Did not take a spin or a long way around as there was a VIP visit at the showroom with the big cars and bikes being held up by havaldars and I was not having a helmet donned.
A sensitive tacho tells u the revs - Too early to evaluate but here is the goodies on the budgeting front. Around 61200 for SS and disk brakes (nah - the one I had was a KS). The lowest version with drums and KS is 54000. I think pricing wise, HH has got it right. Lists are yet to come to the dealers formally.
Top speed claimed looks to be around 100 - 120 from various sources. A TV program from CNBC claimed the rider achieved 100 but could not push it further.
Handling is not so heavy - being used to Yezdi - Fiero gears, this one down - four up was a hazard to me - so I could not deliver a good ride to provide experiences. A VIP - police bandobust and a helmetless riding guy trying to beat a speed gun isn't what I intend to try just to write out an experience :-)
A couple of technical / marketing releases claim 100 top end, 110 top end, 120 achieved. A biker mag has claimed 110 but without the independent rating stuff. Claimed fuel efficiency is 50 kmpl - that looks reasonable.
Took a short run - looks easy on the eyes - looks are on the model of the Honda Ambition 135 (the new cut - not the ole one).
So well guys - recommendation now is to check it out. Looking at track record of HH, it looks a worthwhile buy at the prices given. So those out there who was a good exe-commuter of the Fiero variety and a fifth-cog, here is an alternative.
Please Note: Rated product based on averages of HH bikes on the site as the software would not let me without a rating - Please do not interpret this as a product rating.
Alex
