Feb 20, 2009 09:11 PM
20552 Views
I have the Alloy wheels version, with self starter, disk brake version the last two years, but not had adequate occasions to drive, so to that extent the less than 10, 000 km underscores the effect.
I think with the thing being around for some, I can provide good feedback and let all know why I went for this, and how we done okay with each other.Reason for buying: I am six feet tall, so I needed a good tall bike, this fitted me to the T and the pricing was okay.
I had seen the TVS Edge Cutter as well, but then learnt it delivers good only for 0-60, and after that it requires a lot of effort to pull. I weigh 85 kgs. As the immediate area where I stay and generally commute have screwed up traffic and no side ways to sneak, low changes to really put on speed.
I had firmly decided I was not in the mood for 5-geared bikes. So this was also the reason why I opted to shell out the extra 6000 for self starter and disc brakes as you can make sudden and lazy start and stops if the idiot in front does the unexpected, or when u want to start again. By that time, the vTi technology of TVS was okay and sounded neat to me, subsequently when Star City came with the same stuff, it was a instant hit.
Color: Black, alloy white aluminium wheels (it was the first one that offered this that time compared to competition), self-starter means it scores okay and pretty good on the paint and looks department, though it is full commuter looks of corporate kind. The lamps, indicators and lights all done good duty for two years.
Any hassles: 8 regular services, expenditure only on petrol or the handle rubbers, no starting problems even in winter, a couple of skids in the rains, a tube perforation due to some nails in the rear tyrer which required a tube replacement. Vibrations the first six months. Dealer was one of the Nummer Eins ones, and as they had shut down within two months of purchase.
The RC book was delivered after very very long, so I could not take the bikes for long drives as I did not want to be un-necessarily challenged by the cops, Yep - the TVS tyres are skiddy and being a tall bike and me also being tall, the Center of Gravity is high and I have to take care not to bank the bike too much while taking speedy turns on around steep curves where the roads are not banked adequately for speeds.
Fortunately, having ridden bicycles for many years, with geared versions too at +50 kmph, I know and understand balance, CoG, angles, speeds, and which pair of brakes to press at what speed etc. to keep meself in one piece :-).
One thing nice about the dealer excepting for this RC thing was (this was beyond his immediate control): always delivered on service requests, was patient as I did take three to four months deciding on the bike after trying the Apache 150 (it was so low my knees used to stick out), and the Edge (not too many pieces got sold that time and the sales were also limited).
Nice Points: No winter problems in either kick start or SS, no starting problems in rains (I do invest in adequate plastic to keep the seats and handle bar - electricals assembly - fuel covers protected, and bike generally parked under some window or balcony cover.
Brakes delivered good and been a life saver as I do recollect breezing at 90 kmph when this dumper in front suddenly braked (typical Mumbai Municipality job with rear brakes lights not working, but I noticed the brake clamps on the rear wheel moving) and I was on a front page wheelie with my face less than an inch from the back of this damn thing.
On all occasions the bike always maintained a straight line while braking, generally gotta be careful coming down the Powai areas, as here the TVS wheels are not always bankable, so I normally stick to being on second or third gear.
Bike hits 90 kmph without much effort, though acceleration beyond 70 takes a bit of time, ride is comfy at these speeds, bike is very very steady. This is not a traffic cutter bike, so one got to be careful not to try the Rx100 stuff or Pulsar 150 tricks.
Have ridden for 2 hours continuous without shutting off, reliable. Paint job still good and steady after 24 months, plastic still holding out, gear shifts smooth, the clutch mechanism is a tight compared to the Honda bikes, so if u are small handed or limp wristed, keep an eye on this detail.
Frugality is around 50+ to 70 depending on usage, speed at which one rides. I normally ride in the 60-70 zone, hit the 80s on small stretches, but if it is a long drive, I stick to 70s not to overheat the engine as this was the dealer recommendation. Also, due to low mileage, I stick to my three-four month servicing cycles. TVS servicing is quite good in my area.
Okay for single rider going up inclines, so depending on the gear shifts used, I never had complaints on this. Yes - I miss the action a 150cc or a plus 150 would have given, and I simply love to possess the 220 cc Pulsar which is parked next to my bike where I stay, ... need to make some more ROKDA in life ...
Manji and Chidu gave a lousy budget last year, and this year - it is recession time for 2-wheelers, but well - for Ye all in Mumbai - I would recommend going in for two wheelers, the Victor Glx vT125 is a fairly able-stable. I dont think us Indians are destined to see new bikes releases this year either ...
-Alex
