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92%
4.12 

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Kawasaki

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Amazing & Reliable Cheetah
Mar 26, 2005 09:28 AM 15107 Views
(Updated Mar 26, 2005 09:28 AM)

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Hey Guys & gals,


I am Chirag from Mumbai. I am a proud owner of a Kawasaki Bajaj 100 RTZ -- 1987 model & I love her a lot.


I bought her from a friend of mine in 2001 & she has been with me since then & believe me she's awesome. I am really, really satisfied with the way she performs.


When it comes to mileage I am a frequent highway traveler & also use her extensively in the city as well. I travel regularly to Pune & majority of the times it is on my bike. On an average I use my bike for about 1500kms a month. There was also a time when I used to travel about thrice a week to Pune & return the same day, covering a distance of 430kms per day. This went on for about a year & the average mileage used to be about 5800kms per month during that period. So I really, really use my bike.


I chose to buy a KB100 RTZ as I believe there is no perfect bike for India other than a KB 100 RTZ. It is a perfect balance of economy along with power. When I purchased her she was giving me an average of about 45kmpl as it had the standard piston & was doing a top speed of 110kmph.


After the standard piston was burnt out I got the cylinder bored & got a 2nd oversize piston for her & did the proper running-in for 1200kms but unluckily when I tried to start speeding her, she would seize. After getting her checked with one of the most trusted technician for Bajaj & we traced that the bore wasn't done properly which was the issue. We got the cylinder lapped again which did affect fuel efficiency to a great extent but my bike, believe me has awesome power now. It can actually beat a Yamaha anytime & is the 1st to leave a traffic light & I have touched a top speed of 125kmph which is awesome for a 17 year old bike!!!!.


When it comes to the positives of a KB100 RTZ, I don?t remember any bike of the 1980?s which was offering all the this one had to offer. First of all it has great bottom clearance which even the Pulsar doesn?t have which ensures that even on the worst of the pot holes & speed breakers (or should we call them bike & bone breakers) the bottom of the bike won?t bang.(I?ve seen instances of Pulsar?s banging on some of the speed breakers). Also due to its long wheel base you can take real deep & sharp turns without the fear of any metal of the bike touching the ground. It?s also got the best balance road holding capability which makes riding & maneuvering at high speeds safe & possible. It was the first Indian bike & the only one in the 1980?s to have a taco-meter & the only one till date to offer parking lights.


Talking about the engine kill switch only the Yamaha RD350 had it. Not to mention the 2 way handle lock in the ignition switch which also was only available in KB100?s.Also talk about the mean & sleek looks that were enhanced by the tail end panel & the cut seat along with a square tank & side panels & also a fantastic colour pattern. Again the first Indian bike to offer 12 volt electrical fittings & choke fitting on the handle bar.


Major areas of improvement are the front shock absorber which doesn?t perform well. The oil seals last for a short period of 2-3 months & the telescopic pipes last for about a year which isn?t very good. Also the square headlight which looks very attractive doesn?t give enough illumination for night riding. The seat could be designed better in the same given space to accommodate 2 Indians rather than Japanese riders. Also Bajaj needs to take care of the quality of steel they supply for the petrol tanks as the replacement ones tend to leak within 2 years where as the original Japanese ones used to last for about 8-10 years.


When it comes to the engine a very good performing engine which is decently powered with 10.5BHP which can reach top speeds of 110kmph with fuel efficiency of 45kmpl which is amazing. It climbs up steep hills easily even when the total weight carried by her is more than 200kgs. It also has the most commendable sound which commands attention & displays power. No doubt as nothing is perfect it has its minor flaws like the rattling sound & vibration at high speeds. It does consume a lot of 2T oil as well & the 2T oil pump malfunctions & leak at times which can cause big time damage to the engine.


I did study the flaws & thought about the flaws which could be taken care off & thus decided to rebuild my bike & rectify whatever could be. Hence I started searching for a scrap bike of similar model & one fine day I receive a call from a friend of mine who mechanic had a fantastic KB which was redone completely to be scrapped as the owner of the bike couldn?t afford to pay for the job which was done on it. I immediately went there & picked up the tank & the 3 panels (side & rear) along with the front fork & the block ? piston & the connecting crank shaft for just Rs.2500/-.


I also had a design in mind for a seat which would be much more comfortable to accommodate 2 Indians & fit in the same space where the standard seat fits. I got it made. I also managed to get a Speedo meter of a CBZ for Rs.250/- from a mechanic who was working on a CBZ which had a major accident & the owner wanted all the fittings damaged changed & purchased a new box for another 200 bucks.


I also bought a sporty handle bar & the Hero Honda Ambition headlight form lamington road. Once everything I required was in place I went ahead & BOOM I gave a complete new look to my bike. Today my bike looks really, really sporty & has a seat which is more comfortable. Also the road holding has become better though it was very good initially also. Night riding has become easier than before with the new head light which is much brighter.


Today I have a bike which is as good as any of the recent day?s bike though it was manufactured 18 years back. It can compete any of the recent days bike when it comes to speed or features or performance.


I would rate KB100 RTZ as a FANTASTIC BIKE as I am very much satisfied with her & don?t feel a need to or necessity to upgrade. I feel it has the features which will keep her to the mark for at least next 5 years.


I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO START WITH A CLUB OF KB100 OWNERS & name it ''THE KB OWNERS CLUB?. I would like to include all the models of KB 100s & 125s but only the 2 stroke ones. I believe it will be great fun to see all the KB enthusiasts together & it will also benefit all of us as we can share our experiences & suggestions in maintaining our valued bikes better. SO I AM SURE YOU?LL WOULD BE INTERESTED IN JOINING ME IN THIS EFFORT WHICH WILL HELP ALL OF US TO HELP EACH OTHER BETTER.


Life has no limitations, except the ones you make


Regards,


Chirag.


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