Sep 12, 2012 10:42 AM
23417 Views
I purchased this bike back in 2009 as soon as it was launched. It’s been 3 years since I am using this bike . Bike is not as smooth as Honda or Yamaha bikes. However I felt the bike does gives the raw power that every youngster searches. Twist the accelerator and instantly with a(jerk) bike starts to speed up! Bike has poor tyres of TVS Shrishakti. I'm still waiting for them to fade away. The engine does have a harsh note and does not feel that smooth like Honda. However for power, pick-up, top speed, highway riding this bike really delivers at par. I have clocked 0-60 in 4.9 Sec . and I'm not a pro biker so I am sure professional bikers or some of you may manage a better time on same bike. The top speed that I have managed to clock on Pune-Mumbai road was 125 Km/h . My observation for the fuel efficiency is, it varies a lot between the ridings. The worst average I have received is of 36 Km/L when I have done lot of speeding in city and highway.
When I have tried to get a best average by riding slow acceleration, keeping top speed max to 60 KM/h and riding maximum time on 5th gear whenever possible I received a fuel efficiency of 51 KM/L, however it is not easy to ride this bike that slowly:) all the time. The moment you see overtaking opportunity you will do it! However on an overall average I do get a fuel efficiency of 43 Km/l in city and highway. Another problem I have noticed is lack of enough and good service centers. I went to authorized service center near my house and he screw up my techo meter by accelerating on stand still position.(Please avoid the same else your techo meter readings will be incorrect). Now replacement cost is of 3K! The biggest advantage is the bike has a Kick option ! None of the 150CC and above are offering these days this option and it is a big plus. Even after using this bike for 3 years I am still using the original battery because I follow one strict rule of morning start by kick only and also If I am starting a bike after long duration I only start it with Kick.
I personally love the looks of this bike a lot. I also like the attention given by TVS to every detail. Initially I used feel a sitting position is not that comfortable however after few weeks I got used to it. However I still feel FZ16 gives the best riding position comfort . Both tyres have disk brakes and that provides enormous comfort when breaking at fast speeds and for urgent breaking as well. Head lights/ night lights/ indicator are pretty good. Mirrors are well positioned to give maximum back visibility and are very useful. Serving cost is also reasonable and low.
In the end I will say This bike is not for everyone. I feel you should do a test ride and analyze if this bike fits your requirements, comfort and cost. I strongly belive one shoe cannot be fitted to everyone so check your all option and then buy a bike. You could find better option else where or you may end up buying this bike too. Good luck with your choice!
