Sep 02, 2007 11:30 AM
13818 Views
(Updated Nov 29, 2007 02:28 PM)
Around two years ago, I hung up my helmet and decided to sell my constant companion of 3 years, my Pulsar 150. I still thrilled at the ride, but the inevitable grime, noise and risks wore me down. And I was getting, ahem, older.
Decision made, I began to think about my next ride, a car. I had limited down payment and did not want a long-term loan, so I began trawling for information on used cars in Mumbai. I called, emailed and visited. I painstakingly researched and learnt about technical aspects. Then, as luck usually plans it, I more or less stumbled upon my future car in Khar.
I had taken a detour after work to check out Jumbo Motors(run by two brothers) for a used Zen, which I had narrowed down my quest to. The dealer was all out of Zens, but he did have a car to show me… an Alto.
I shuddered; there was no way I could shift from the barefaced fury of a Pulsar to the sedated indifference of the 800cc tin can. I mentioned this to the dealer. I drew his attention to my six-foot, heavily padded body. I spoke of power-to-weight ratios. I derided him for his cruel joke.
The dealer smiled calmly and hit me with some facts: This was a limited edition(just 1 year) version of the Alto, the VX 1.1. The numbers announced its 1100cc engine, way ahead of the Zen’s 900cc. And it was the same size and weight as the Zen. How’s THAT for power-to-weight, huh?
I admitted defeat. Especially after I heard that the fully loaded(front power windows, AC, rear windshield wiper, speakers) would cost me less than even a basic Zen of similar vintage. A few days later, the formalities were done and I drove off in my new car.
For the past two years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Alto 1.1. She may look like your shabby cousin whom you are secretly ashamed of, but all those extra horses under the hood do count. Moving in and around the city traffic is a breeze, rarely requiring the tachometer’s needle to reach the red zone.
This car even has the best gear ratio’s I’ve ever encountered; I can effortlessly drive in the third gear from speeds as low as 20 all the way to 60! And that’s with the very efficient AC on. Which it usually is, perhaps explaining why my mileage is about 12 – 14 kmpl.
Space, of course, was always going to be a problem for me. But I soon got used to the Alto’s environment, and it’s kinda cool to be able to reach all parts of my car. It’s a different story for the passengers; women usually find decent room, but not the men. But then who cares?
And today, two year’s later, my car loan paid, the story may be coming full circle. A chance encounter with a friend’s Bullet Electra(read my review at https://mouthshut.com/review/Bullet_Electra-130482-1.html) has ignited the old biker spark in me. I dream of a chromed chariot and journeys along India’s arteries. I dream of clean air and uncomplicated people. I dream of wanderlust.
