Apr 20, 2005 06:19 PM
9945 Views
(Updated Apr 20, 2005 06:19 PM)
It is perhaps a bit surprising to read a review on 4S Champion, an almost obsolete model, when people are writing reviews on Discover, Pulsar, etc. I am writing this review after using the bike for nearly eight years. I saw a lot of comments in the other reviews of this bike, which actually prompted me to write on this. Others have described their own experiences, most of them are not so pleasant. So I am also writing my own experience.
I bought this bike in 1997, the early stage of four-stroke 100cc era in Indian market. This was one of the best among the available models. The other models available that time were Hero Honda CD 100 and Splendor.
It is a very basic model, but truly a champion, as far as performance is concerned. If you want a pick-up of 0-60 km in 5.6 sec, and top speed something 100-110 kmph, this is not your bike. As far as style is concerned, this is quite simple looking and not a head-turner. But if you maintain the bike properly, it is an excellent piece of machine.
I drive at 30-40 km speed (I do not understand how people ride at 70-80 km in city riding conditions), at top gear as much as possible. The engine is smooth like butter, with a fuel-efficiency close to 80 kmpl. Sometimes I got 82 kmpl also, but usually the efficiency is consistent in between 77-80 kmpl. I take it for servicing twice every year, and that?s all I do for it, and it has never betrayed me on road.
Engine servicing has been done once only, after seven years, when I got the piston ring and the engine valves changed. Apart from that I had to change the clutch plates couple of times, brake shoes twice and of course one set of tyre-tube and battery, which is quite normal in eight years span. That?s all.
The sitting position and balance is so perfect that I take sharp turns at 30-35 km speed, without changing the gear. I have developed a habit of riding constantly at 4th gear at 25km speed, so I do not slow down or change gear at pot holes or bumpers, but the suspension of the bike is strong enough to handle all jerks. Well, the shock absorbers are not so comfortable like the latest models, but it is not bad. The bike is rugged enough to handle rough road conditions.
Overall I am satisfied with this bike. Remember, all the new models of Bajaj are basically developed on the success of 4S Champion model, the Boxer, CT100, etc. are just modified versions of the old Champion. It is sad that some of the customers do not get the expected performance, but to a great extent it also depends on how it is used.
This model is not built for tremendous pick up and high speed. Still, I have checked that it goes upto around 80km speed quite smoothly and vibrations are felt only after 60 km. I think if the other satisfied customers also put forward their experiences, the overall rating of this bike would be totally changed.
