In this review, I am going to try to address some of the common complaints about this scooter.
Almost all of these problems have a simple solution and I hope everybody gets to enjoy this vehicle just as much as I do:)
I am not affiliated with any company. My intention is purely to help people. Please use your own judgement before you take any decisions.
I have ridden at high speeds all the way to Mahabaleshwar and back. Scooter touched 100 and I constantly drove at speeds not less than 70. Scooter handles so well on the highways, that my friend who was riding pulsar 180 was embarrassed. That, along with the comfortable front and back seats means no back pain at all. No stiffness, not even a twitch.
Handling has always been awesome in the ghats.
UPDATE:(16 April 2012).
- Received average of 55 km/l on Shell Extra Miles Petrol(the more expensive offering from shell).
Average of 45km/l on this petrol when driving very aggressively in pune traffic, (braking and accelerating hard). Will continue to check.
The vehicle is smoother than ever and there are no vibes while starting or driving with this petrol.
- Pirelli SL26 Tires become slippery like MRF during the summer heat on hot black tarmac roads. This may have something to do with the bitumen melting and forming a slippery layer on the surface. Your vehicle may skid. Still a lot better than stock tires. Still superb on bad roads and concrete.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Touching the brake while driving A very common folly.
I'm sorry; your'touch' is not as gentle as you think. If you can't drive without touching the brakes, please practice on a bicycle first and then come back to a powered vehicle.
I wish I could say that only ladies do this, but a lot of men do this too.
Please don't take this personally; this is for your own safety. Read below.
Any vehicle, whether it’s a Mercedes, or Ferrari or a truck WILL break down if you ride the clutch or the brake.
Leave aside the engine, clutch and brake damage you are causing, and the consequential expensive repairs and premature parts failure.
Brakes fail when they overheat. They overheat when they are continuously braking while driving. If you continue to drive this way, and supposing you need to emergency brake, you will crash.
Crashing into another vehicle: Bye Bye Scooter, Hospitalization.
Crashing into a cyclist:
If you are a guy, at least one tight slap. Probably a couple or punches too.
If you are a lady, you will be insulted
- Hitting a child: You are in real trouble. Reach a police station within 2 minutes or else.
Whether you are a guy or a lady, public will not leave this opportunity to lynch you. You will be severely beaten, your clothes will be torn in the process, and your vehicle is likely to be set on fire.
-end note-
Some other common issues:-
1. Shoulder Pain / Handle is too stiff: Place the scooter on the main stand. Now lift her up a little bit and place a brick under the main stand. This way, the front wheel won't touch the ground. Now, push the handle gently.
If it does not sway from side to side smoothly, then the metal bar under the headlight is touching the pivot.
If you hear a ruffling sound in the process, then the wires are likely to be entangled.
Take her in for service.
2. Headlight is pointing towards the International Space Station: There is a nut under the headlight. Point the scooter towards an open stretch, and adjust to your satisfaction. Remember to be gentle.
3. Poor Mileage: 1 Minute warm up(idling) from cold start. If you are not pressing the brakes while driving, then do talk to the service station to get your engine tuned. It's pretty simple to fix.
Vibrations: If engine oil change, gear oil change does not solve the problem(separate note below), then do consider upgrading the tires to Pirelli(Separate note below)
Skidding: I had to change my tires to Pirelli SL26 for this. Separate note below
Synthetic Engine Oil only after 5000 kms, If more than 10000 kms already on mineral oil, perform an engine flush first. More smooth after second round.
I now use Shell Advanced fully synthetic 10W40. Price is Rs 650. Lasts 3000 KMS but I change it every 2000 KMS.
Advantages: Slightly improved mileage, much smoother, improved acceleration. Engine feels like it's been'just serviced' for at least 1000 KMS compared to the 200-300 KMS odd using mineral engine oil.
Compared to 10W30, 10W40 is also compatible from -20 to+60 degrees. This is mentioned in the company manual.
Gear Oil
Only around 200 ml of oil goes into the final gear of the transmission located above the rear wheel. Failure to change this will result in wheel lock up which could be fatal.
I now use Castrol API 4 GL gear oil. This has significantly reduced the whirring noise from the belt and gears at speeds above 40.
During gear oil change, the oil is only slightly silvery colored(inevitable metal powder), when compared to the blackish oil that used to come out earlier.
I plan to use API 5 GL gear oil when this can is over. It should be make the drive smoother.
Thanks to the change in the engine and gear oils, when I leave the accelerator, the vehicle moves at least double the distance during engine braking.
Tire Change
The stock MRF tires were ok for dry roads, and dangerous for wet roads. They seem to be designed for long life rather than for grip.
Whatever you do, don't go for TVS Olivia. From what I’ve heard, these are crazy on wet roads or at speeds above 60 Km/H.
I now ride on Pirelli SL26 tires(90-100-10).
Front: 20 PSI, Rear: 30 PSI. Best compromise between road grip and mileage for single and pillion riding within the weight limits.
Advantages:
Tubeless, with the company rims. In case of puncture, the deflation will almost certainly be slow and not the blowout that often happens with tube type tires.
Puncture: You can fix a flat yourself within just 2 minutes with a tubeless tire puncture repair kit.
Braking distance reduced by half: These tires are much better whether you are riding on a clean road, or a muddy road or a wet road.
Superb cornering: I mean superb cornering.
Elimination of vibration and noise: In conjunction with the engine oil and gear oil changes, I am happy to say that there is neither any whirring sound, not any grating vibes as I used to feel earlier. If I leave the handle, the vehicle can go in a straight line even with a pillion rider.
Disadvantages:
At Rs 1850 per installation which includes the tire, tubeless valve and fitment, these are not cheap compared to the Rs 1000 odd for the MRF Tires. But I think my life is more valuable and it is worth the price for the superb control and ride quality it gives me.
Might spoil your habits: You might forget how slippery Indian made tires are - in case you need to ride another person's vehicle.
DO ask questions, and I’ll get back as and when I find the time to login.
