Oct 05, 2002 07:21 PM
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(Updated Oct 05, 2002 07:21 PM)
Well, by now, it is so very clear for everyone that I am a die-hard fan of many a bike. To be honest, I love discussing about bikes or say automobiles in general. This wonderful website has given me a great opportunity to express my opinion and I thank one and all for supporting me in this endevour of mine. So many bikes were talked about. Eliminator, Fiero, LML Energy, Passion, Splendor, Pulsar, CBZ and what not. The bike list just keeps on going. There have been bikes that have impressed and some haven’t. But those were just my opinion. And I hope my opinions have helped people out.
Anyway, out here, I am going to highlight a few aspects of Kinetic Challenger, the predecessor of GF 125. Well, if I say, this bike created a buzz of sorts with its digital mayhem, it wouldn’t wrong. Launched 3 years ago, the Challenger was supposed to challenge Hero Honda and Bajaj. But it is rather sad to note that its prominence has come down tamely. Let us look into the bike and explore why such a sorry state of affair has occurred.
The Kinetic Challenger is a combination of the retro-“Rock Steady” nature and the modern carved curvatures, when it comes to styling. Firstly, the flashy chromed meter pod, which has the usual speedo-meter and rev counter. This is flanked in between by a digital gear reader that displays the gear you are driving in. This was the first in its kind in India, I believe. The body of the Challenger is also neatly styled with excellent work up laid on the fuel tank and the tail portion. Styling wise, Kinetic Challenger gets full points.
The strength of the bike is completely dependent on the curved downtube chassis which contain the engine below in a horizontal fashion. The unique Belly-Pan styling of the engine only means that it is more vulnerable rather being wonderful. Though everything is intact, this styling of the bike’s engine has had its bearing on the bike’s suspension. Equipped with telescopic forks, the rider needs to get used to this kind of a build. So, this engine placement does have bearing on the ride, as it’ll shift the weight unevenly.
The four-stroke, single-cylinder, 97.2 cc engine draws a meagre power of 7.5 bhp. I feel the engine just has not got enough in it to roar ahead. Though, it is stable under testing conditions, the engine is not capable of handling very high speeds and rushing movement. With a low top speed of 90 kmph, the engine doesn’t impress me even a wee bit.
The performance doesn’t impress me either. Well I believe, there are many a people who have felt that the performance has gone down over a year’s period. And this is true. With a year or two of rough riding, the Challenger looses the performance and this proves to be a very big minus for the vehicle. The braking is good enough. A ride around the town may not actually test the bike’s capability, but certainly a long hard highway ride would expose the bike’s weaknesses.
As far as the riding comfort is concerned both the rider as well as the pillion rider can relax. The riding position is good as well. The bike is best suited for a good enough ride around your town.
The mileage is another plus for the bike. Giving a very good average of 65 kmpl, the vehicle has proved to be quite economical. So there is a bit of consolation for your pockets really. The price too is not all that worrying.
Conclusively, I can say that though the bike has excellent styling, sumptuous chroming and adequate fuel efficiency, the engine power and performance is a big let down. Definitely, the quality of performance is bound to go down over the period of a year. If you really have to enjoy the bike, you certainly can take a test ride but honestly I suggest that you don’t put your precious 44,000 bucks on this bike. At least I wouldn’t.
