Dec 23, 2003 10:59 AM
10349 Views
(Updated Dec 23, 2003 10:59 AM)
Hi all, this is intended to be review for the TVS Fiero F2.
The F2 is a good surprise from the previous Fiero that sold for about four years in the Indian Market.
It has better handling, ride position and more comfort for the rider and pillon.
The 1st question that an Indian buyer asks about any bike is mileage
Well, the mileage of a bike is best measured after it has been run-in properly, i.e. it has been driven below a speed of 50kmph for the first 2000-2500 kilometres of its life and not abused for ''speed trials'' as many youngsters do today as soon as they buy a bike.
Also there must be proper servicing at the authorised dealership/service centre done by qualified and trained technicians and only genuine spares must be used, so what if they cost a few rupees more.
It will give you peace of mind and ensure the long life of the bike too.
Also any new bike must have frequent oil changes that should be done by seeing the colour of the oil at regular intervals.
Quite often the oil has to be changed before the recomended time period due to several factors, one of them being -> THIS IS INDIA.
The fuel you buy is also an important factor in mileage measurement. Do NOT use hi-octane fuel to measure speed in bikes with no fuel management technology. It will only result in less mileage and more expenditure. Preferably buy fuel at ''Pure for Sure'' petrol pumps so that there is relative peace of mind.
So, after doing all this, what will you get?
An average of atleast 65 on road in the city, that goes to 70+ on the highway(provided you don't speed)
Handling of the bike is good, although it is more prudent to replace the TVS tyres you get with the bike with......... No, most definately not MRF Zapper and Nylogrip unless you want expensive repairs and long hospital stays, but with Dunlop Ezee-cruiser front tyre(2.75-18) and Dunlop Geo-Cruiser rear tyre(100/90-18).
With these tyres you get good handlling, excellent road grip and they can well withstand the strain imposed by Disc Brakes on them.
Just for those who want to know - yes, these are the same tyres as used on the CBZ Disc brake version.
The MRF tyres are no good on bikes with disc brakes.
The bike is a little taller than the previous Fiero, but has good stability, cornering, and has verrrrrrry smoooth power delivery that is even better than the Fiero, although the engine is the same.
The clutch is very soft and there is very little strain even in driving a few hundred kms like say from Mumbai to Ratnagiri/Pune.
There are very few vibrations that comeup to the rider, so much so that a new biker would have to see the rev-meter(an excellent feature) to see if the engine is ticking or not.
The ONLY feature that is missing on this bike is the ''Self-start'' system, but it can put in from an old Fiero-ES, although the company TVS has not got real plans for introducing a Self start model of the F2 anytime soon.
So, if you are looking for pure driving pleasure you go for the CBZ, although it is now considered an old horse with old technology that comes with low mileage(30) and high maintainence.
If you want to marry power, technology, and efficiency then the bike for you is the TVS Fiero F2.
For those who are loking at the pulsar as an option -
The pulsars disc brakes are among the worst on the planet, with very little feedback, poor control AND TO TOP IT ALL THEY RUST WITHIN AN YEAR if you live in a place with even a little humidity, which results in good expense for a new disc, which is guaranteed to rust again within an year.
And remember that bad brakes = you on the road AS ROADKILL.
Suggestions, comments, criticism all welcome here and at akshayc@myrealbox.com.
See ya all
P.S. This has been my first ever review so do go soft on me. :)
