Mar 25, 2015 11:15 AM
70367 Views
(Updated Mar 25, 2015 11:19 AM)
Honda dream neo is the best bike in the 100cc to 110cc segment. I am using one for the past one and a half years and plan to buy another one. Here is what I experienced.
Cons:
1.Tyres are quite thin and the bike skids when you brake hard. A friend did the exact same thing with my bike and sprained his ankle.
Height is a bit more. I am 5'5' and only half my foot can touch the ground.
Splendor has already got a side stand indicator. However, not present on the new neo.
My high beam light used to flicker when the vehicle was in motion. It was a manufacturing defect. I got it rectified later.
Before accepting the delivery, the first model had a rusted tail pipe. I demanded a replacement.
Initially, I was not fluent with the clutch. brakes and accelerator. I used to apply the clutch without lowering the accelerator. Because of this, my mileage came down to 58 kmpl. I was used to this practice on my old Platina. However, I dont do it now.
Pros:
Outstanding mileage: I get 72 kmpl on highways.
Long and soft seat: I can easily carry an obese person/ two skinny people+ a suitcase / my father and 4 shopping bags and still get a worst of 62 kmpl. Plus it is also comfortable and both driver and pillion do not get tired.
Drive quality: I used my cousin's passion pro for sometime. It was the WORST vehicle ever driven, giving a mileage of 33 kmpl(33.1 to be exact), crappy suspensions, malfunctioning meter and button start conking off in a few months, which you dont get on any other hero bike. He sold it off and got a discover 100, which gives him a mileage of 65 kmpl now. However, he says that the gearshifting is not comfortable although it is good. What I get on my neo: Comfortable brakes, clutch and accelerator, although you need to have patience to control it, accurate analog meters, comfortable gearshifting, comfortable button and kickstarts, comfortable ergonomics and decent handling.
Driving: Pune traffic is THE WORST with drivers braking, crashing, skidding and abusing. Kolkata traffic is also full of errant taxi and bus drivers who can run over you anytime. You have to ride at 40 kmph that time, and still the vehicle keeps your mood intact! City handling is decent and traffic environment too matters. This vehicle is best suited in Hyderabad where traffic discipline is observed to some extent.This bike is also very good for highway travel, although not recommended. I have driven between Kolkata and Bardhaman(In my native state of West Bengal), Pune and Hyderabad, and then onwards to Tirupati, and I felt very comfortable. People waste Lakhs of money on cruisers and get around 10 kmpl mileage.
Tubeless tyres and ground clearance: Best for all types of roads. There are many speedbreakers in my housing society which scrape the bottom of my activa. I face no such issue here.
Seat compartment: I used to curse my neo for not having this feature. However, HMSI has done a wise thing by adding this feature. It is kind of a blessing.
Styling: The bike looks utilitarian, but also good. It fits my style quotient and makes me feel like a bigshot.
Maintainance: Much better than the dream yuga, YBR, centuro, splendor, shine, twister, platina and discover in terms of maintainance. Passion pro is nothing in front of it. Not a headache if you take care of it properly.
Over all, for middle class and budget conscious people, it is an excellent choice for Rs.56000 which includes alloy wheels, all black styling and button start with a brand name, although a side stand indicator would have been a welcome addition.
HATS OFF, Honda!
