Buying a bike in 150cc segment is a BIG question, there are multiple competitors from multiple brands and we all agree no bike is just perfect.
The major competitors are Pulsar , Apache RTR Fi160, Yamaha- R15&FZ16, Unicorn , Suzuki GS 150R & my favorite HH Cbz Xtreme. I used to own a RX100 and now a proud owner of RX135-5speed, planning to buy a 4stroke bike for a change.
With a research of 4months I have narrowed down which could be the RIGHT CHOICE.Guys who actually own any of the below bikes, no hard feelings, this is only my perception, apologies if I hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Following are the key features of 150cc contenders:
Pulsar*150
Apache RTR Fi 160: Digital Fuel Injection (expect extra mileage) Crisp riding, vibrant colors, bike has nice vibrations, definitely head turner, rear disc brake, clip handles, attractive racing strips all over body, company claims mileage of about 50+ After Sales Service: No idea.
Yamaha R15—this bike has all you need, again this is NOT a commuter but a Racing Mini Super Bike. Features amazing like Oil cooled engine, Fi, Rear disc brakes, very sharp design, very good wind cutting technology due to aerodynamic body. Go for R15 only if u have a race track nearby your place and price tag of 1lakh rupees is a big amount though it deserves. Bike is fuel efficient and gives 35kmpl very easily, Service cant expect much as its a new bike even for Yamaha mechanics.
Yamaha FZ16—its a naked bike, heavy muscular looks, rear tyre is the fattest in Indian bikes, amazing pickup at low torques, bike pickup will actually remind you about RX100 believe me, price tag of 65k is very attractive but bike is not fuel efficient, company itself claims 36kmpl so you can expect around 25to30 nothing much.Be ready to pour litres of Petrol. Yamaha bikes are definitely reliable no doubt but Service again cannot be trusted as Yamaha guys are more into selling and less skilled people know to Service them.
Honda Unicorn—One of the best refined 150cc engine, super smooth acceleration, and the heaviest 150cc bike. Decent mileage, good performer, easy handling. Mono shock is not that very responsive compared to Gas Shocks as in Hunk or Pulsar. Definitely NOT a head turner in terms of looks, No racing instinct as in other 150cc bikes. Bike is good for people who are calm & relaxed like Doctors, not for guys who need Adrenaline rush.After Sales Service is very good and promising.
Suzuki GS 150R—In first looks it looks like Pulsar & Apache are fused, front view of pulsar and seating arrangement of Apache. What exciting in this bike is the price, lowest of all 150cc contenders, around 5k less. Digital Console is very different; 6gears which is very exciting, Digital meter also shows which gear you are on. Rear tale lights are very innovative somewhat like CBZ Xtreme where the indicators are embedded. First Indian bike which allows you to select if you want to ride on Power Mode or Economy Mode. Loads of new features from Suzuki after a long time.
Engine can be expected to be trustworthy as we have seen the performance of Zeus. Suzuki bikes are very reliable like the Yamahas. Bike can be expected to deliver BEST mileage of all 150cc contenders.
Yet to test the bike which will happen only after they announce test rides which will happen only in Jan-09.After Sales Service given is real good.
Hero Honda CBZzzz Xxxxtreme –Last but definitely not the least. I am being a bit partial in giving extended review for CBZ Xtreme as it’s my favorite.
The new CBZ X has looks far better compared to the old CBZX. The old CBZX lacked graphics which is fully taken care this time.
New graphics includes body multi-colored fully, especially Black with traces of Red all over. We see red color shock absorbers which looks very attractive and above all the best eye catching feature is the combination of Black Alloy Wheel in the front and Red Alloy Wheel at the rear which makes this bike according to me THE BEST LOOKING.
Now lets talk about the performance of the bike before I write another page about its looks. Bike performs really Xtreme, all you need to do is fire up the Engine and get ready to fly low. Initial Pick up is much much better than that of Pulsar 150. 0to60km in less than 6secs is superb. As soon as the traffic light goes Green undoubtedly you will pierce the air and leave the rest with their heads turned. When we talk about initial pick up it will give a tough fight for both R15 & FZ16.
Bike comes with ATFT Technology Engine which simply means better output efficiency.
Bike also performs very smooth which will remind you of Honda Unicorn which may be due to similar engine set up. Looks like same Engineer designed engine for both.
Mileage again depends on how you ride, it should give you easily 45-55kmpl.
Bike does not have Fi like R15 or RTR but has AMI which is Advanced Microprocessor Ignition. May be a rear-disc brake would have added a LOT to bikes looks. But nevertheless bike still looks the best and is a Killer.
Its priced at almost very competitive price as that of Pulsar, Unicorn and RTR.
Handling and turns can be a new experience and very smooth and controlled. Disc brakes are better compared to that of Pulsar.
Engine in both Hunk & CBZX is the same, but CBZX looks more sporty and is one thousand rupees more compared to Hunk.
When I checked the bike in showroom, it had regular black alloy wheels both in front & rear unlike which is shown in Ads with Rear in Red. When asked the lady in showroom she says that model would be slightly priced high and they do not have any concrete information when that model would be available. So I am desperately waiting for the rear red wheel model to arrive so that I can book one for myself.
HH is known for is after sales service. Its one of the most trusted brand in India and thereby #1 in world for 2wheelers. HH does live up to its name.
End of the day, everyone has their own perception about the above bikes, but I strongly feel keeping Power, Mileage, Looks, Style, Reliability, After Sales Service , Comfort , Price into concern , I would go with CBZ Xtreme.
