Jan 16, 2004 04:49 PM
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(Updated Jan 16, 2004 04:49 PM)
Review : The latest to join the 150 cc plus class is the Kinetic GF Laser, produced in collaboration with Hyosung of Korea which has four-valves per cylinder, which no other bike in India has. Apart form the exclusive four-valves per cylinder engine that this bike has, there are also other features unique to the Laser.
Most visible are the rear view mirrors, in which the stalks need no adjustment, only the mirrors move inside their casing, like in high end cars.
The headlamp is unique in as much as it consists of two separate headlights in two separate reflectors in one dome and gives two distinct beams.
The cross section of the chassis frame is also distinctive and unique.
Another notable feature is that the swing-arm pivot is through the rear of the crankcase-engine block. All these features do give this bike a very exceptional personality.
The biggest exclusivity is the front fairing. Only Heor Honda Karizma and LML Adreno have such fairings. This fairing is fixed to the frame, independent of the handlebar and does not turn with the handle. As such, the headlamp also does not turn with the handle
The seat of this bike is one of the best in the business. Two feet long and ten inches wide at its widest, with thankfully no restricting cusp such as in some other bikes. The seat combined with the excellent handlebar shape makes for one of the most ergonomic and comfortable seating posture.
The instrumentation is comprehensive and very well laid out including an illuminated gear Indicator featuring a circle in it with number from 1 to 5 and N(for neutral ) written along its circumference.
Incidentally, the headlights, which are on battery are two-step. Step on of switch for city light and step two for full-power high way light.
The 165.12 cc pot has bore x stroke dimensions of 60x58.4mm operating at a compression ratio of 9.3. This engine has four valves two inlet and two exhaust. The engine develops 14.6 bhp of power between 8,000 to 8,500 rpm and produces a max torque of 1.45 kgm between 6,000 to 6,500 rpm. Ignition timing is variable and mapped for optimum performance. The engine breathes through a UCAL Mikuni CV.
The bike comes with a kick-start though self-start option also exists. The transmission is five speed in a one-down-four-up pattern. The bike I got for test had no electric starter and it started at first kick, even in late November (which is cold in the morning). The exhaust beat is quite healthy, just this side of the Bullet. Press toe down, you are in first gear, twist the throttle and move off.
Low end torque (let) is excellent. Ambling along at 30 kph in top (fifth) gear is a breeze. The placement of controls is quite ergonomics and the dot-matrix on the handlebar grips makes sure your palms get the ‘feel’ of control. City or highway, ride comfort is supreme. Being a four-valve engine, it is quite high revving. Very exciting things happen after 6000 rpm. The rectangular section swing-arm keeps the skeleton flex free and cornering is confident. Road holding is a good as can be with a 100/90 tyre. So is braking. The GF laser returns 49.52 to a litre. At an on-road price of Rs. 51 ,994 (with-out an electric starter), this bike is well worth the money – since most 1500cc bike cost more than this. The exclusive features and looks make it even more attractive. Turning heads was never so affordable.
