Nov 06, 2007 12:03 AM
10075 Views
(Updated Jan 20, 2008 08:04 PM)
4S was my first bike, which I purchased in 1995 at the age of 27. After learning to ride a bike at the age of 14 on my Dad's Rajdoot, I had the chance of riding Yezdi, Bullet, Yamaha RX 100 and TVS Suzuki before I settled down for 4S. The main reason for chosing 4S(eventhough I was mad about Yezdi and Bullet) was its price, fuel efficiency and low cost of maintenance. My savings from the seven years of job could fetch me only 4S at that time.
Well, for fuel efficiency - for the first 5 years, she was giving me around 65 to 70 Km/l. I never compromised on regular maintenance and that too ensured that it was done at authorised Bajaj Service Centres. My yearly outflow for maintenance of the bike was approximately Rs. 1500. For the past 7 years, she returns me 45 - 50 Km/l. But my average speed is 55 - 65 Kmph. Whenever I tried to run her in 35 - 40 Kmph in the top gear, she had returned excellent efficiency figures. Even last month, I could squeeze out 65 Kmpl when run in that speed range. But then, driving her always in that speed range is not possible as I always leave home just 10 minutes before my train timings(mind you- my station is 8 Km. away from home - a habit I swear to change from the next day before I go to sleep daily - but alas! next day, the same routine.).
Her looks were attractive when I bought it, but now a days, after seing lot of sexy new bikes on road, I just have to turn my head back at her and wonder - whether she is good looking or not? (Just like husbands envy a newly married man) She doesn't spot an alloy wheel, disc brake, etc., etc., But altogether, she is pleasant looking.
Riding comfort - I can give her only average on that aspect. My back aches when I drive her more than 50 Kms. at a stretch even in good paved highways. Handling & Control - Again average. Have to be very careful while cornering curves, as she may topple over you, if you don't control the speed. I had a fall from the bike at the second year of purchase - I was cruising at a steady speed of about 70 Kmph on a highway and suddenly there was a pothole of about 1 feet depth in the middle of the road, which I couldn't avoid. The bike hit the pothole and was thrown in the air for about 7 feet high and we both were rolling on the tarmac. Luckily, as I was wearing a helmet I am here today writing this review and was escaped with minor bruises. Her clutch lever and gear shift lever were damaged apart from a broken headlamp. So, bikers who enjoy riding a Bullet - 4S is not for you.
Reliability - She had never failed me in this aspect. Be it rain or snow - She is ready at a Kick. Never had she left me wondering in highways with a break down. Turn the throttle - she responds immediately.
The regular complaints I faced with the bike for the past 12 years: Poor electrical connections. Not even a single day had all the electrical accessories worked in tandem. One day it may be the horn - other day it may be the indicator lamp. Bajaj had improved a lot in this aspect from the 4S era - It can be seen in the new Pulsar series.
Summing it up, guys, she is a great commuter bike which doesn't drain your pocket perfect for the city rides. Give her regular maintenance - she will be honest with you. Only Bajaj had stopped the production of the bike - You can get her only in second hand market.
After riding 4S for almost 12 years, I have planned to purchase my dream machine - A Bullet Thunderbird. Just waiting for the launch of Thunderbird Twin Spark model.
