Dec 27, 2006 11:46 AM
29517 Views
(Updated Jan 10, 2007 05:24 PM)
Hello everybody,
I have already written my SS review... This is an update to the existing one...
Well... I have completed over 5000 kms on my SS and the third service in under three months... Just to remind you, I have a frost blue SS new version with ES and drum brakes...
Well... This bike has been a gem so far... Its still young I know but it has given me ZERO problems till date.... I will describe the current status pointwise...
Engine :
The engine has never caused any problems... No overheating and hardly any knocking(whatever has occured has been cause of fuel quality)... I only fill fuel at two pumps in Bangalore...
Ride quality :
The ride quality of the SS is very good contrary to popular opinion... Yes, the engine does vibrate at 70 but one must remember that it is a mileage bike and hence not tuned ofr power... The ride can get a bit hard if you set the rear pressure at 41(recommended pressure by HH for rider+pillion) and ride single... I suggest you set it at the prescribed 35 for single user only... Personally on long rides, the harder rides are better for me.... The suspension is rock solid on bad roads and does not feel bouncy or light... Most importantly it does not give any back problems to rider or pillion (if you're not a 6+ ft height person)... I recently did 2 long trips of 200 km a day... I thought I'd get a back ache at least... But surprise surprise... No problems at all... Except a numb derrier :) which is well expected....
Handling :
The handling so far has been spot on... Its nimble and makes for easy twists and turns on potholed roads... I went through a deep pothole at 40 kmph once(i didn't see it!!) and the front suspension bore the brunt... In terms of the necessity of sudden manouvers (a must on Indian roads!!!), This bike is very very good...
Braking :
Well... This is about the only area where one has to be really careful... No issues about the brakes except that they're excellent!!! As a principle, when riding, use both brakes simultaneously, not only to reduce unequal brake lining wear but also because its the most effective in terms of stopping distance when considering the safety point of view... The bike does tend to skid, but one learns how to brake well and to date have had zero falls...
Tires :
This area is a weak point.. In order to optimize mileage, HH has put slightly slimmer tyres so the road grip is lacking... This doesn't mean its dangerous or bad... Just that one has to be careful....
The tyre quality is good in the sense that it shows minimal wear... So far no punctures( touchwood!!!)...
Mileage :
Now to the most important factor from an Indian consumers point of view!!! Well... HH does not claim fantastic mileage in any case... Just practical... They said 55+ on road... And thats what I get... In fact i'm getting an average of 60... Yes, there are owners who complain of only 50+ mileage but generally when I've asked them, they said they drive badly... The lowest I have got so far is 54 and its never gone below... Note that I drive steady at 45-50 kmph in city and 55-60 on highway...
Two honest and true facts :
When I went on the long 200+ km drive I got a mileage of 70-71 kmpl
Recently I covered 295 km on 5 litres of petrol with a pillion for 250 km of the way all in Bangalore city(works out to 59kmpl)....
Just one point, please don't RACE with this bike... Its engine is tuned and refined for commuting, NOT racing like the Gladiator....
Service :
Yes another important factor... HH service quality has been spot on... They have done perfect jobs and the average amount paid(including oil change) is Rs. 188-200... They have always been customer friendly...
To show this, I highlight the onyl bad experience I had...
I went for my third service and it so happened my helmet lock had broken... I told them to remove the remaining portion from my grab rail(Where it was fixed)... On delivery after service, I noticed several deep scratches on the grab rail... Now I treat my bike very very well(just like a child)... Needless to say I blew my fuse for the first time... I told them that I had no issues with the sevice but this was unacceptable... They immediately changed the grab rail at their cost... And all through, the assistant service manager was polite and did not show any negative attitude... Now thats customer service!!!
Well... With 5000 kms on road I have really begun to love my bike... And also HH... Yeah, they do not produce flashy bikes, but few of their bikes fail... And all their bikes, even the failed ones last for years and years... Like I personally say, being an HH owner is not just a business relationship, its like being part of a family...
Having read the review so far, please do spend some time and rate it and comment if possible... It will help me go a long way in writing reviews...
Regards,
Adi...
