Feb 24, 2013 11:18 AM
6989 Views
This was my second bike. First one was Discover 125, 2005 self start model Bought for 50, 000 Inr. It is a good bike but sold it due to quick ageing of metal parts, replaced silencer once under warranty, along with one front rim. hence get disappointed with its build quality even bike was very good in performance and comfort, I sold it for Rs 24000 after 2 and half years. Then decided to go for unicorn, visit showroom, the staff of showroom is not welcome- ing person though I got a test drive. The only improvement I feel is smoothness and good riding position, I was not impressed in performance due to its slow bottom end power. I purchased it for 64, 000 inr on 2007 November, only due to its fame and hope in resale value . From the next day, I drove her carefully to provide a good run in for engine till 2000 Kms and after that I ride her carefully and few times rev her to red lines as she begs for it. But still I miss the powerful grunt of discover and pulsar.
Till 2012 Aug., the bike had clocked only 35, 000 Kms. But feel good and as new so I dont want to change it due to low usage even though I was not so much impressed with it. During these days, a brand new unicorn has a waiting period of 6 months, I wonder why all the people prefer it?Even after four years, I could not able to realise the goodness of my bike.
On Sept. 2012, I got transferred and my daily commute increased to 75KM per day, from there I realised What my bike is. Reason for realisation is I have clocked 12, 000 KMs with in six months.
I am impressed due to these facts:
PERFORMANCE:- Butter smooth engine, gearshifts even after 47 K kms, good comfort, effortless relaxed seating position, better handling, , and good mid range power, makes truly a wing rider at 60-70KMPH. Of course there are lots of bikes which may let u reach ur destination faster or comfortable or economical, But I thing this bike is the perfect balance between the above said if you use it for 60-70 kmph speeds.
Economy :- Decent fuel echonomy, I have to say this. 56-58 Km per litre of petrol for 40% city and 60% highway usage in moderate traffic and 60+ km per litre during 60-70 KM cruising speed. It is impressive for me as all the figures said above was about a five year old bike.It is also reasonable to maintain as parts are reasonably priced and of good quality. It has now a viscous air filter from honda which is very cheap (below 200 inr) and no need for replacement. It had improved the cold start difficulty and chocking time.
3. BUILD :- Excellent build quality. The only part failed during the entire period of ownership is one front wheel bearing and an indicator bulb due to defect! The actual list includes a couple of airfilters, a set of tires, battery and two sets of break pads. But all of them was due to ageing and wear and tear, not at all a defect of product. The bike feels silent and smooth and always give me zero rattle issues.
- Ownership :- The bike has very good image between people, hence everybody will accept and respect your decision, make you proud, a good feeling I am still enjoying even after five years. Its really a boon and will make you to stick on your bike after a long period as I do. It is the only thing which a bajaj cannot give you, I think. The other side of the coin is its resale value, Honda showroom guys at Cochin offered me a price of Rs 37, 000 !!! for my 5+ years old, 47k km covered bike. Now I decided to keep the bike with me as long as I could, because it is hard to find a gem amoung machines...
