Yamaha FZ16 Ownership 4000 KMs Review by Sunjay : BikeAdvice |  |
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| Yamaha FZ16 Ownership 4000 KMs Review by Sunjay Posted: 08 Oct 2011 01:03 PM PDT
Original Source: Yamaha FZ16 Ownership 4000 KMs Review by Sunjay from BikeAdvice.in Hi, I am Sunjay ‘A biker’ doing 2nd year Engineering crazy about bikes and love riding. "People ride because they want to go from one place to another but, I go from one place to another because I want to Ride".
How it all Started?The idea of buying a bike started due to a auto-rickshaw strike because of which my father and sister had to walk a long distance as there was no other medium of transport through that route, that was the day when my father decided that we needed a bike. He knew that I would get over-excited if I know about it and my mother will never allow him to buy a two-wheeler because she was scared, so without telling us he booked a Hero Honda Passion Pro, all my father wanted was a low powered bike with good mileage. Three days after booking he told me that the bike will come in ten days. I was shocked! I asked which bike? He told me that he had book a Hero Honda Passion Pro. I told that I wanted something more than a Passion Pro according to my age. I told this to my mother she was like go cancel the booking now. But my father was determined, so after ten days the dealer called to tell that the bike has not yet arrived. I then somehow managed to convince him to move on to another bike which will also suit me, as I am doing 2nd year engineering. I told him that I wanted something more stylish and it should also have decent amount of power. The Search Started! (Jan 2011)I am a big fan of the Royal Enfield and my first choice was the great "Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350" but my parents doubted that if I could manage a RE350 and the price was way beyond our budget. Search StartedAll the 100c's were ruled out of the list, then I finalized on the Honda Stunner and the Pulsar 135LS. After lot of research in bike advice reading ownership reviews, I decided that the Pulsar 135 was not very reliable. I selected the Honda Stunner and showed the picture of the bike to my parents, both of them didn't like the Stunner due to its front cowl. Search Continued…Later, I realised what I really wanted was a 150cc so the list was prepared. The Competition!
The Pulsars were ruled out because of their low reliability, and then came the CBZ Extreme, I learned proper biking on an extreme so it was my favourite in the list. I liked the bike so much that I didn't want to compare it with the other bikes. First I called all the Hero Honda dealers in my district but no one had the bike. All the dealerships had a waiting period of 3 to 4 months. I even searched other district dealerships but all in vain. But my excitement was not ready to wait.
Then went for the GS150R. It is a good bike, I really loved the digital console and even the pricing was good. My father reminded me that the price was increasing but I had a hope that if I zeroed on a good bike he will buy it. I called the Suzuki dealership they told the delivery will take 3 months after booking. We were not ready to wait! There were only two good models left The Honda Unicorn Dazzler and the Yamaha fz16 both were similarly priced. The Unicorn was full of features like, the rear disk brakes and the FZ had the stunning looks and wide rear tyres. The Real Competition StartsAfter a lot of research and reading ownership reviews in BikeAdvice and xBhp I got a decent amount of knowledge about the bikes. I decided that I will write a review in bike advice after getting the bike. When I used to read reviews, I used to wonder why people write the review after riding it for long time and not after 500 or 1000kms. My cousin brother had taken a Dazzler. I called him and asked for a test-drive and he came, I drove it. I noticed that the low end torque of the bike was low and it needed lots of gear shifting during city driving but I thought you won't get everything nice in a single package. At the same time my friend Nikhil had taken a FZ. I called him and he came with the bike, it was sexy and muscular. I sat on the bike, it was the first time I was riding an FZ.
The moment I drove it I noticed that the bike was full of torque and the looks was mind-blowing. I was in love with it. I decided to go for the FZ16. My mother liked the bike and my father asked how much mileage does it give, everyone knows FZ does not give the same mileage as it competitors. My mother liked the bike very much. So she and me together convinced my father that, since our daily use was small, and hence mileage was not a big factor. Finally he agreed! I was so happy. Went Straight to the Dealership: Shinrai YamahaThere were many FZ, FZ-S and Fazer's and other Yamaha's. The scene was awesome. My father wanted a black FZ but it was not available and I wanted a Red. We booked the red and after the registration, the bike was ready the next day evening.
I was so excited about the bike. 18-April-2011, It was a long day for me, time was going very slow but somehow evening came and we went to the dealership and there it was my lava red FZ16 saying Hi to me. We finished the formalities and they keys were handed over. "A Journey of Infinite Miles Starts With the Ignition". It was superb, cutting through the traffic was so easy for the bike. We went home. We did the pooja the next day. Since it was a Sunday, the number plate was not ready. I had to go to hostel that day night. I really didn't want to go. Somehow, me and my cousin made number of excuses and managed to convince our parents and took leave for a day. Got the number plate on the next day morning and we were ready to roll! The Real Review…It stands out in a crowd. I was so happy watching the heads turn, when I pass by. It was the first FZ in my locality. Everybody describes the bike calling "She" but for me it is "He", the muscular looks and the power, stopped me from calling it "She". The stunning muscular looks the wide rear tyre which was the widest in India, the full digital console the muscular tank, I was in love with everything.
It was the lion of the Jungle. But the lion need not be the fastest, there are cheetah's for that. The FZ was not as fast as its competitors, but it was ok till 100 or 105kmph. The low end torque made it perfect for cutting through the city traffic. The tagline says it all "Lord of the Streets" and not highways. I am not going to tell about the technical specifications of the bike as you all know about it. I will describe it from the owner's point of view. The Engine and PerformanceThe 153cc mill is a master in producing torque. I agree that the high end power of the bike is not very good but the low end and the midrange is mind-blowing. The FZ has multiple personality, if we keep the rpm between 3 – 3.5k then it acts as a commuter bike. Fun starts after 4k and all the way to 7.5K! The exhaust note just changes, adrenaline rushes that's the way an FZ has to be ridden but under safe limits.
It does not perform badly when compared to its competitors in the 150cc segment. The name says the character of the bike "Lord of the streets". It is made for the city. I love zipping through the traffic in the city, it is so ease. The bike performs the best in the city. When taken to the highway it lacks power at the top end but since I am not a speed freak I don't have any problem with the bike and my main riding is inside the city. As everyone say that it has low mileage, but I tell them that, its only due to improper run-in of the bike. People can't resist ripping it from the time they took it out of the showroom, but I was patient to complete the run-in properly. The engine of the bike is very reliable and performs well in call conditions. Have a look at the Knowledge Base of bikeadvice on how to have a proper run-in. The LooksDo I really need to write this? If you have seen the FZ, you will know how gorgeous it looks. The best looking bike in the segment, the first of its kind. The huge muscular tank adds to its looks but it's just a piece of fibre covering, the tank is under it and is small, a 12L tank with 1.4L reserve. The Wide rear tyre just shoots its looks to the sky, it also adds to the handling of the bike but we have to sacrifice the mileage for the awesome tyre and its looks.
The wide forks add to the macho looks of the bike. The headlight is one of a kind it's so different from other. The only thing that I feel that lacks in the looks of the bike is the rear view mirrors. It is not as stylish compared to the mirrors of the other bikes, but it gives good visibility. The pillion foot rests of the bike looks very sporty. No doubt that the bike looks superb, till now it doesn't have anything to match with its looks. It wins here without any competition. FeaturesThe list of features starts with the fully digital console which has the digital tachometer. In the beginning, I felt that it's a bit "toyish" but soon I started liking it. There is a common complaint that the fuel gauge of the FZ is wrongly calibrated, but I suggest you to keep the tank half filled always, so that the fuel meter shows the correct reading without blinking. But that is not a worry since there is a trip meter so that we can have a rough idea about the fuel left in the tank. The console also has a engine check light which informs us in case of a problem in the engine of the bike. Even now I love to see the digital console lighting up and checking when the key is turned ON. The specially designed midship exhaust, the term midship means that the exhaust is actually under the bike.
If you look carefully you will see a big box at the lower back of the engine that is the main exhaust of the bike. The design of the exhaust is cool and eye-catching. I was so tired of seeing the tube like long exhausts. Again a one of a kind part! The exhaust note is also amazing as the engine revs higher. SeatingThe seat of the rider is very comfortable and it can also be used for long journeys but the pillion seat is very small and not so comfortable. It is really felt when going through bad roads but for the rider there is no problem. The seating position of the bike is so indulging and does not produce any stress on the writs or cause any back ache. Yamaha also offer a cool mesh seat cover, which looks good and makes the seat very cool under all conditions, it's a bit overpriced at Rs1200. SuspensionThe rear is having a mono suspension which is very comfortable and also can be adjusted with three settings soft, medium and stiff. All three have their functions but the medium is best for daily use, for track based use the suspension can be turned to stiff, it improves the handling of the bike, for more comfort the suspension can also be turned the soft.
The front suspension is also good. The wide front forks also add to the looks of the bike. But the wide forks is not very strong as the looks, a medium fall can result in a alignment change of the forks and will need a bent correction. The things I wanted to have in the features list are backlit switchgear and, a clock in the digital console would have been of great benefit. Again you can't have everything. Now Handling the BeastThe first ride of the bike itself shows the handling. It is the best handler. The front and rear wide tyres the 17inch wheels improve the handling of the bike. The chassis is made to challenge corners that come in front of the bike. To see the capability of the bike we should be taken to real twists then the bike really shows its cornering capability. The FZ is the real master of handling the wide tyres provide excellent grip but I am not very satisfied with the wet grip of the tyres. The tubeless tyres also help in continuing riding even in case of a puncture. My bike has been ridden for a week with two punctures all we need to do is fill air every day but still I noticed that air pressure only decreased by 3psi every day. It is very convenient that we won't have to stop our journey even in case of a puncture. The tyres used in FZ are both MRF zappers. Brakes
The front disk brake is the biggest in India, it's one of the best brakes and stopping distance is very less. I have seen few FZ fitted with aftermarket rear disks I wonder why they do that when they have such good rear drum brakes at the rear. There is no lack in braking even with the rear drum. I use 70% front and only 30% rear. There is a misconception among bikers that front brakes should be used least I suggest them to go through the knowledge base of bikeadvice. Reliability and maintenanceThe reliability of the bike is great, there is no doubt about it. Yamaha has done a fantastic job with the engine and other aspects of the bike. Regarding the reliability of the bike there are many who have completed saddle-sore on the FZ16, for those who all don't know what a saddle-sore is, It is riding the bike for 1660km under 24hours. It's a real test of the bike and even the rider. Coming to maintenance of the bike, it requires lubricating the chain every 500km since it is a open chain. I do it myself all you need is some diesel and a can of Motul chain lube. I also suggest all FZ owners to check the air pressure every time they go to fill fuel or at least once in a week low pressure is also a main cause of low mileage. Special CareOne thing that you will notice after riding it is that, it gets dirty easily, I don't like dirty bikes so I make sure that my bike is in clean condition always. I give my lion a wash at least once in a week. It's so nice to see the bike shining. I always want my ride to be in prime condition. My lover sometimes tells me that I care and spend time with my bike more than with her. "The way you treat your ride is the way it treats you". Fuel EfficiencyOne main thing that everyone asks me how much do you get from it? If you do a proper run-in and maintain the bike well, check air pressure at least once in a week, then you won't have to complaint about the fuel efficiency of the bike. But one thing I noticed is that the fuel efficiency of the bike is always in fluctuation.
I have even got 45+ in the run in period and also got 29kmpl just once after constant ripping. Yamaha's are not made for mileage, its made for the power, the pleasure it gives while riding is the best part about the bike. I love it when heads turn. Usually I get between 40 to 45kmpl. My riding is 65% City and rest Highways. TipTo get maximum fuel efficiency a proper run-in is required. To learn how to do a proper run-in refer the knowledge base in bikeadvice. Maintain correct pressure in the tyres. Tours on the bikeI have gone for small strips on my bike with friends with different roads, twists, in all conditions the bike performed really well. I never got a chance to take it for a long trip but now I got it, I and my ride will be going for the Xbhp.com All Kerala G2G at Vagamon this October 2011. There are few things that I like the most about the bike:
A few this I don't like or what I wanted it to have:
ConclusionThe bike is one of the best bikes available. It is fun to ride and easy to handle. Give proper care and maintained well it will also return you with good fuel efficiency and reliability. But if you are more of a highway rider I suggest you to go for something more powerful and which can cruise easily at high speeds. The FZ is made for the city. The new models of the FZ have arrived they have better mileage but you will have to sacrifice the torque a bit, Yamaha has decreased the torque to a better fuel efficiency. If you are looking for a good bike with decent fuel efficiency stunning looks and which can cut through city traffic and corners with its awesome handling then, it's time to stop thinking and to go for a Yamaha FZ.
One thing I want to mention here, as I have mentioned earlier, when I used to read ownership reviews here I used to wonder why is the review after 3000 or 10000km why not just after the run-in period of the bike, Now I understood why it is so, because there is no time writing a review I had time only to ride the bike. I thank bikeadvice.in and xbhp.com for helping me in selecting my dream bike and I have no regrets in selecting an FZ. To all my fellow riders, always ride with the proper riding gear at least wear a helmet when you ride. Prevention is always better than cure. Ride Safe. Enjoy Riding! Regards, Related posts: |
| Yezdi Roadking & D250 Classic Ownership Review By Shawn Posted: 08 Oct 2011 12:55 PM PDT
Original Source: Yezdi Roadking & D250 Classic Ownership Review By Shawn from BikeAdvice.in At any particular stage in a boy's life (and maybe even for quite a few girls), there would exist a dream of buying his own 2-wheeler – and then would follow the periods, when procuring the dream product is of utmost importance, eat, drink, sleep whatever.
Like everyone else, that is what happened to me too. However, if I may say, this was a very important point in my life in a different way, simply because:
My ignorance at riding a proper 2-wheeler with gears and my friends persistence at getting my own vehicle put me on the path of finally thinking about one. The one that caught my eye through TV adverts was the Bajaj Legend, prompting me to visit the local dealer to check it out. Yet, when my friends came to know about it, they laughed it away and said 'You want a bike? We'll get you the right one!' And the hunt began for a Yezdi Roadking by my friend Santosh TK, who incidentally also owned a '83 Roadking.
And so prior to the winters of 1999, I was eagerly waiting at home on a break shift, waiting, waiting, waiting! Santosh had gone to Ahmednagar with his mechanic to pick up the Roadking from the railway station, having been shipped out from Bangalore. After what seemed like ages, I heard the deep throaty roar, the engine down shifting and slowing down to take the turn. Rushing to the window, I saw Santosh sitting majestically poised, very relaxed on the Roadking – my Roadking! And it was gleaming in the sun, the stock black colour, the red and gold stripes and the abundant chrome! And the roar – I had heard Santosh's bike and other Yezdis earlier, but this one – oh heavens, it just sounded marvelous!
Hurrying downstairs, I reached to see Santosh just sitting and smiling dreamily, while idling the engine. Looking up at me, he just said 'Dude, she's a beauty!' He made me sit pillion and then took off to show me what the Roadking could do. It picked up speed like nobody's business, gave a damn about the traffic around, slowed and took turns just magnificently. Turning into the hotel's parking lot, with loose gravel and sand, the Roadking's speed just dropped significantly, gears down shifted and the tyres took the tight turn without a flinch, barely skidding to a stop! I didn't buy the Roadking, the Roadking had bought me! Therein then came the very first problem. At 23 years of age, I had purchased this 250 cc behemoth of a bike, for almost Rs. 20,000/- (including brand new tyres + transportation) without even knowing how to ride it. Hell, I just could not even start the Roadking! In those 2 days, my friends were pretty crestfallen seeing my plight but to make me happy, they would be more than willing to buy the bike from me. I decided that I would learn to ride it myself. At 1 in the morning after work, another friend helped me take it out and then allowed me to straddle it on the open highway. The Roadking behaved completely at ease and I shifted through the gears comfortable. 4 hours of sleep and again at 5. 30, I quietly got ready for shift (at 6 am), somehow started the Roadking and took off for a practice round. This became my daily routine, where I tried to get accustomed to the Roadking. In the chilly early mornings, the bike started to feel a part of me, purring softly on narrow colony roads and at junctions, then opening up with a roar on open roads, then finally taking me to the hotel. All these years now, the Roadking has been an integral part of my life. Relationships that splattered, house moving from city to city and locality to locality, taking my little dogs to the veterinary and for rides around town, we have done it together, not to forget, getting too drunk to speak but faithfully getting home in one piece, thanks to this machine.
Long range riding in Maharashtra, as well as in Karnataka (where I now live), has proved the Roadking for a faithful companion! Midnight ride in the monsoons to Coorg from Mangalore, Hebri, Bangalore, Kasargod, then last year's ride to Kodaikanal and just 5 days ago, to Calicut – this bike is a proper workhorse! Skip to 2007 and in front of my mechanic's place sat a '84 Yezdi D-250 Classic with cosmetic changes. The forlorn little thing, sat and sat in the sun and the rain, waiting for someone to buy it off. The first owner had decided to get rid of it because of his age and nobody else in the family wanted it. The thought had never struck me to buy another bike for myself. However, after months of being unwanted and neglected, I was informed that ultimately in the next week, the bike would go to the 'jujri' (or junkyard) to be broken down into junk. That immediately put me off and the deal was wrangled for just Rs. 2,750 /- with the papers immediately being transferred to my name! I was now the proud owner of 2 Yezdi bikes – Lord have mercy on the neighbours! 2 aged motorcycles from the same marquee with similar engine capacities but unique in their own ways! In the BeginningThe Yezdi Roadking was manufactured in India under Ideal Jawa Ltd. Mysore from 1978 till 1996. Earlier when the factory had opened its doors in 1960, it was the Jawa motorcycles that were being assembled and sold under licence from the Jawa Company in Czechoslovakia. If a layman were asked about these rugged motorcycles, pat would come the reply that these were the smoky Czech 2-stroke machines, poor and outdated. Unfortunate that not many are aware that Jawa was the biggest Eastern motorcycle manufacturing unit, producing a top capacity of 1,00,000 motorcycles annually (in comparison, today Ducati produces approximately just 40,000 motorcycles annually). The company is also, to-date, well reputed in the field of GP & Enduro competitions. Accolades and books can be written entirely on the models, not just of the Jawa company, but also of its Indian counterpart – Ideal Jawa Ltd! When the company was forced to shut their doors in 1996 due to various factors, the models being produced at that time were the 175, Deluxe, Cl II, Roadking & the Monarch. A number of these models as well as the earlier ones, were being exported to over 60 countries around the world, including Turkey, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Egypt and others.
White Yezdi Roadkings were particularly sold to Guatemala for their Police Forces. The Roadking in its hey days had won several Indian rallies and road races, particularly at Sholavaram, running on its own 250cc category. In October 1994, 2 gentlemen from Bangalore, Deepak Kamath and G.H.Basavaraj, undertook an expedition that covered 42,038 km over six continents on their Yezdi Roadking motorcycle. This was known as the famed “Yezdi Castrol Continental Ride”. While the total number of days was 119 days, the actual riding time was only 47 days and thus they became the first to circumnavigate the globe in the shortest period of time. Now that perfectly describes the term 'Roadking'! Style and BuildYou set eyes on a stock Yezdi or a perfectly done up one, and the sections that just capture your attention are the large unique shaped tanks, with monograms proudly proclaiming 'YEZDI', matching side panels that state the model and the low-slung, parallel, exquisitely chromed silencers. Maybe while growing up and while studying, twin silencers held a fascination for me, as they boasted of uniformity. Or was it Arnold's Fat Boy in 'Terminator 2'?
The front end of both the Roadking and the D250 Classic, are pretty standard with the front rake, offering a smart sporty look. The standard handlebars also offer a great stance and feel to the rider, but since I've had occasional back problems, thanks to my long work hours on my feet, I customized different handlebars for both the bikes, that I keep switching whenever I feel the need. While the standard bar hand grips are hard and feel too plasticky, they can be quite uncomfortable for long riding. However like most parts of the bike, that are becoming hard to source, these grips with the 'Yezdi' logo are a must for an enthu Jawa / Yezdi aficionado so most Yezdis will definitely have them. While the Roadking's tank has a long silver/ golden 'YEZDI' Monogram with a rubber pad strip that's recessed and permits comfort for the knees that grip the tank while riding, the actual D250 tank has a much smaller monogram and only a smaller oval shaped rubber pads on either side. The drawback here is that for coastal places like Mangalore, corrosion easily sets in all over and recessed places will start having a major problem. The grooves for the tank pads start to deteriorate, slowly leading to a seepage of petrol next to the groove in the worst case scenario. And if you need to take off the pads for a repaint job, sliding them back onto the corroded grooves, will give a disastrous look.
Ultimately I had to redo the tanks, take of the pads & grooves, weld a separate plate and if I was doing all this, I might as well put in a different stickering job. The seats for both the models are the same and if game for long range riding, its better to stick to the original seat. Unfortunately in terms of looks, the seats do not gel well with the rest of the bike and for a pillion, well – it might as well look like as if a monkey is clinging to the front rider from behind! Hence, for both the bikes, I trimmed the seats, curving the front beautifully to create a bucket effect, as well as raising the height for the rear, so the pillion could sit slightly higher behind me. All in all a beautiful blending with the tank. However for the Kodaikanal trip, the bucket effect gave up and became a washing board instead! With this, the position of the foot pegs, front & rear can be a wee bit of a bother especially for taller people. The Jawas / Yezdis have an excellent centre of gravity, primarily because of their height. They can take any turn you throw it into, and it'll come out like a ballet dancer. Knees and leg muscles would however take a slight beating as the knees are bent at almost 90 degrees. Watch a Yezdi rider from behind or from the side and you'd understand this better. But like most factors, most riders would not even bother with this tidbit! In totality the purpose of the bike was simplicity, ruggedness and functionality with looks, appearance and even comfort taking a back seat. We've had riders ploughing straight on into a loaded truck or a racing jeep and they've had fractures and broken bones but they were alive! I have rear ended a bus and have been slammed from behind by various vehicles. I was once sandwiched and smashed between an Alto and a road divider guard rail. Here I just lost my throttle and accelerator cables while in other cases, I barely had a scratch and my poor Roadking had either a smashed headlight, a smashed tail lamp with bent mudguard or a broken indicator. The all-metal bike was a boon in preventing anything of a more disastrous nature! Engine & TransmissionThe Roadking was actually based on the 1974 Jawa CZ 250, made famous by the rider Jaroslav Falta, the runner up in the '74 Motocross World Championship. While of similar engine capacities of 246 cc, the original bore and stroke was of 52.0 x 58.0 mm, while the compression ratio was 9.3 : 1 and the total power output was 17.00 hp @ 5250 rpm.
In the case of the Yezdi models, while D250 Classic's bore and stroke was of 65 x 75 mm, the compression ratio was 7.6 : 1 and the bhp was 13 @ 4750 rpm. In comparison the Roadking had a bore and stroke of 70 x 64 mm, a compression ratio of 8.2 : 1 and a solid bhp of 16 @ 5000 rpm. No wonder then, that the Roadking was the preferred model for rallies and races with its nimbleness and quick pick up! Apart from the bore and compression difference, another minute factor that contributed to this is that while the Classic and other Yezdi models used 3 piston rings, the Roadking used only 2 rings. Usage of the right carburetor could also spell a major difference. Most Roadkings use the Czech Jikov, originally used with the CZ and Jawa motorcycles in Europe, while others including the other models, as in my D250 Classic use the Indian Pacco type that cuts down on pick up but offers better mileage, unlike the Jikov that's just the opposite.
While riding these machines, there is a clear definition between the two. While the D250 Classic gives a majestic and benevolent feel with power that can take you on and on, the Roadking presents itself as the spoilt brat that's highly energetic. It's quirky, has the capacity to take city conditions under its belt till the time it gets fed up and once on an open road, is like a wild animal waiting to be unleashed! Definitely 2 different machines from the same clan. The gearbox in its simplicity, is a 4 speed constant mesh, while the clutch has 5 friction plates, running in oil bath. Some might say that the gear box could be the weakest link in this otherwise solid motorcycle. The cam shaft plate that holds the shaft rod and allows the gear cogs and cog shafts to shift and hold during gears changing, is a tough old bird that will do the job, but requires the cog shafts to lock into place properly, unlike the new generation bikes that are all pretty much smooth. Hence as my mechanic says, "depress the clutch completely, shift properly into gear and feel the gears!", which left me wondering how on earth do I feel the gears? Failure to do this, could mean that you can end up at 6 in the morning, stuck in the middle of a jungle with your gear box whacked out, which is what exactly happened to me! Chassis and SuspensionAs mentioned earlier, the Roadking and other models were based on the CZ Jawa 250, that was more extensively used for motocross rallies. No wonder then that even the chassis is built of a square tube, in a single frame and has a motocross / ice racing origin. With proper weight balance, handling was much easier, with the motorcycles proving to be more agile than their competitors.
The front forks had a more noticeable rake and the telescopic shock absorbers with proper and set oil seals, are a delight to feel and watch on rough roads! The rear shock absorbers are also hydraulic and adjustable and offer perfect seating comfort for both rider and pillion. In fact comments by girls and guys alike who've travelled pillion, that this bike is much more comfortable to ride on as compared to other bikes, made me swell up in pride quite a number of times! Fuel EfficiencyIf one was of the typical Indian mentality mindset of 'Kitna deti hai?", then the advice would be to steer clear and head for the Bajaj or Hero Honda pavilions! This is no fill it, shut it, forget it bike! I'd say fill it, shut it and contemplate your next filling date! Not exactly a fuel guzzler, but with that type of a pick up and power, one can expect an average mileage of 25 – 30 km/l!
Like I said, the carburetor plays a major difference, apart from jet sizes, condition of block head, carbon deposits in silencer pipes, etc. The Roadking running on the Jikov carb, gives me a strict average of 23 km/l, while the D250 Classic with the Pacco carb allows me a leeway of 28-30 km/l. I look at it this way, its definitely better than using the 4-wheelers, I can park anywhere and of course, the bikes are more fun to run! Its also more convenient when I'm using an Indianoil Credit Card at fuel outlets, but checking my bill at the end of the month does not exactly bring a smile to my face! Performance, Handling & BrakingI was told that learning to first ride on the Yezdi is the best thing to happen, rather than learning to ride on other bikes and then coming to a Yezdi. How true! After a Yezdi, you can only go to a larger capacity bike like the RD350 or a Bullet, or with enough moolah, a CBR 900 cc! Anything smaller, and you start feeling like Jackie Chan in a romantic movie, wondering what happened to all the power and throbbing feel below you! Both, or actually all the Yezdi models, perform just right on the road. The familiar Jawa-CZ twin exhaust ports give that sweet roar, once the exhaust mufflers and end-cores are removed. With these on, the bikes sound pretty tame but are still fun to ride. Another world famous feature is that the kick starter and gear share the same gear rod, that can be reversed to double as a kicker and once fired up, returns to the original position to start shifting into gears.
And let's not forget the auto-clutch facility, unique only to these bikes. If the cam shaft with kicker return springs are of the topmost quality, these bikes can be ridden without using the clutch lever. Sounds complicated? Imagine that the clutch cable suddenly snapped, that's quite prone to happen with these bikes. Using the right technique, the bike can be started, put into 1st gear using only the gear lever and after taking off, switch into higher gears, minus the use of the clutch lever. Now imagine the looks of people around you when you try out all these styles and then the awe, you generate, courtesy the Yezdi motorcycle. And that's what makes the handling fun and easy! Braking, especially at high speeds leaves something to be desired for, and in some cases is almost non existent, if you're more comfortable with the bikes of today! The front end, courtesy the twin cam double leading shoe, will give a superb dip and grip on any surface, while the rear braking action is just ok and not excellent. In that context, a lot of riders tend to experiment, with converting rear cables to rod type, as well as installing disc brakes where possible. As I am a pretty much sedate rider, I'm comfortable with the braking action on both the bikes, provided the brake pads are replaced regularly and the cams are properly greased! SummaryAll said and done, the Jawa & Yezdi clan has started a fan following that's growing through the cities and in particular the Roadking is quite in demand. Lack of proper servicing centers, trustworthy mechanics and availability of spares has added to its elusive, charismatic aura, while the pessimistic's keep blowing the death call of this marquee.
How many of today's riders know that in June 2005, 10 riders on 8 Yezdi motorcycles, took the highway to Leh, Khardung La, and the Nubra Valley, through the Rohtang pass, without a backup vehicle, firmly placing their trust on their solid bikes? This was part of the famous Yezdi Endurance rides, that tests the best of the group's riders and bikes! Understanding the mechanicals and parts of the bike is very important in knowing the bike. In all its simplicity, my D250 Classic was broken down to just its bare chassis, with the help of my friend, Zahin. Exactly 1 month later, after everything was checked, parts replaced, metal chromed or powder coated and body painted, the Classic was put together to its former glory and the following morning was ridden to a Classic & Vintage show, around 120 odd kms. While the Roadkings and Classics from the Yezdi clan cannot be compared in terms of styling, detailing, comfort and maybe even mechanicals to the new generation bikes, they still hold out proudly in terms of performance and usage and can definitely compete for functionality. And that's what makes a Roadking or a Classic or any model of the Jawa / Yezdi clan, what its all about! You get a chance to own one through some way or the other, make sure you do it, even if it's only for a little time. It's an experience to understand – reliability and the 'forever' value! Regards, Related posts: |
| Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Ownership Review By Avin Antony Posted: 08 Oct 2011 01:42 AM PDT
Original Source: Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Ownership Review By Avin Antony from BikeAdvice.in I born bare in the place called world, my footprint on mother's earth stamped me as an Indian – Keralite Christian. She was so beautiful that she showed me many faces, one, in which I fall in love – "The Face of the Chariots". My love was true & yet so deep.
Age by age I grew for a battle to fight for my incredible love to grab chariots, but circumstances, fate & agony didn’t allow owning one. Days passed, years passed, I learnt to handle chariots except heavy ones. Side by side my hand glides for Brut art to give birth, a beast at least, for one or may be in future. My Good Times At the age of 16, a star striked on my destiny, my mom's traveling expense was high, so mom planned to purchase a chariot especially a scooty. Shops by shops, we walked & walked, at last she finalized & bought a brand new Honda Aviator disc version in 2009 April at Rs.46,500. Though my passion for bikes was engraved in my heart, for me its least not the last. My uncle handover the key & I accepted as my own sister with a sweet smile. Though it's not a bike, a placed myself as I'm going to ride a sports bike. ExperienceDay's passed away; I took her with my friends, school, malls, exploring new roads, off-roading & even for drag race in DND highways on afternoons. My maximum speed I attained was 100km/h + without any vibration. I looked after her as my own sister, I bathed her every day, took for service in every 3months, but all it was lacking was food. So sad, so bad, yet to say that every time I face shortage of pocket money.
So I made her to prefer to gulp only for Rs.20 daily from my pillion riders pocket whoever it is, girl or boy & due to this reason I made a good friendship with petrol pump service guys. I truly love my Aviator, because I felt very silent & a better power & torque compared to others rivalries in the same segment. Designing was also upto mark coz of her Italian looks & her lights are so bright & clear. Also her mileage & handling was good & however her brakes are awesome. But only thing I would like to say that I lack confidence while leaning less than 45degree, so Honda can come out with bit more grippy types because as we all know in city as well as in highway one can find dust on Indian roads. My JerksIn March-2011, mom planned to sell Aviator, & she was taken away from me forever. I begged a lot to my parents, why can't she live with me, I plead to take care of her, but they didn’t All she left was her sweet memories which we both spared and that made me to niggle and to weep for her. Meanwhile I completed my 12th & started working because my blood was bleeding for another chariot in remembrance of her presence in her absence. Like this six months passed away, keeping in my heart somehow to clinch a Tata winger, because dad assured me to accompany me a part to pay the price, but again a got a jerk in my fate that lead me to my shortcomings, and my broken heart was now totally crumbled & crushed into sands. I worked in Call Centre then I left the job in the month of august 14th.
I changed my mind now it's time to take bunch of books rather than borrowing cliché from mates like a groom searching for brides. My vision was the one who having aggressive looks, muscular body, ya you can say a gal from WWE…lol… Days was like that every second different bikes striking to my mind as I'm looking for high-end bike so in my view bikes available in mother land was Fazer, ZMR, 220f, Duke125, Duke200, Apache ABS, Hyper Edge, Impulse R15 v2.0.etc. New EraI got a new job by luck on 30-Sept & they offered me a bike upto 60, ok. The company paid 1/3 of cash remaining I have to pay. Day was 2nd of Sept. My pumping heart for 220f lead my way to B. Showroom, though 220Fi is of 88k, but my offer was of 60k, So, they offered me 135ls ahem… ahem… well, what can I say hmm.., I went to buy a big daddy but came back to home taking his daughter 135LS, my beloved girlfriend. I parked her in my garage & waited for 4th Sept – Sunday.
It was dawn, my sleepless nights & my researches made my more rejuvenate, I silently came out with my key, I take out her cover. Wahoo… sexy, sports & smart; Guys, she was an acquaintances for me. I give a kiss on her forehead, my adrenaline was pumping, pulse rate increased, and my heartbeat reaches to 101 times per minute. I unanchored her from frame. I took her to pump. Damn, waited till 6.00. Scene in PumpI compromised myself & pledge that from now on I will fill the tank up to brim. In remembrance I jumped out of the bike, put my hand on bikes back seat, ha-ha, petrol pump guys laughed, & replied "fool, its bike not your aviator", I with a great shy give a smile scratching my head. I get down to NH, countdown begins to green & here I gives her one chance to gulp, full throttle, I skulled myself with a Vega dirt, my toes to head- bones was crackling, fingers were shivering. Soon a thought striked into my mind-"bruised ankles & elbows, bloody kneecaps, smashed bikes, is familiar everyday phenomenon with motorbike news buffs". However, considering its accident-prone nature, the novice may need handy tips to acquire fine art of vrooming, I conquered all my fear, countdown reaches to 5, I buried my head onto tank, butts high-up in the air, sharpen my eyes, its green. Here I vrooms, 1 Gear-6 Rpm- & soon.., reaches up to 85km/hr., as its new bike after two minutes I reduced to 2.5rpm, 25km/hr. in 5 gear & took back to society. My 1st RideI'm breathless, all I have to say its snorting ness, sounds bit crazy na…?, u won't believe, I know, until u feel the blaster. Ah. That made the bystanders to crave to the legend. Well this is enough to crave the souls of the girls. ExperienceDis going to make me feel the beauty of motocross. I made her to run 30-50km a day, on weekend around 150-200kms. During the ride, every corner I rode through was an experience, even a small off-road made me to enjoy every bit of the bike. The best thing about the power & its surge whenever u want it, in town or in city or on off–road. Brief DescriptionBike is a joy to flick in & out of traffic, riding enthusiastically; popping wheels taking corner with one leg out, jumping over speed-breakers well such antics become easy when astride the 135LS. The Pulsar remains one of the sexy prototypes which has been made it into showrooms virtually unscratched in its looks, thanks for that designer as well as production unit.
Its front fairing looks young babe, well there is no funny music coming in from der, rather than irritating rattles / squeaks. However, it is view up ahead which is truly awe inspiring as you sit comfortably in a motocross stance rather than crouch or slouch in an ungainly & tiresome manner. The bike has a degree of balance which is amazingly light to touch yet firm footed in its stability even at slow crawling speeds. Advantage & DisadvantageI never thought or even expected this aspect a motocross bike, but thanks to the brilliant optimized 4-vaue combustion chamber design & thermodynamics, the finely sorted out ignition system, It's the 1st 4-valve tech in 135cc segment with the power delivering 14bhp which is crispy, strong & linear.
Sprinting from 0-60 in 5.1sec makes it the undisputed babe, however it is the view up ahead of the strip among his colleagues, accompanying one down, and four up transmission. Only problem I faced is gear shifting, means until the engine gets warmed up or run more than 1km, it's hard to shift to 3rd gear, remaining all gears are smooth. Latest News & FactsGood news for Pulsar 135LS fans. Pulsar 135LS became the top selling model for Bajaj Auto in Indonesia because of the major reason of success of Pulsar 135LS is performance at unmatchable price. All I have to say "I love her so much", well it's time to go for an another long drive with two ways ahead B.E.(Bachelor of Engineering) & B.DES.(Bachelor of Designing). So guys catch you next time with a new girlfriend. See ya. Regards, Related posts: |
| Hero MotoCorp To Sponsor Narain Karthikeyan Posted: 07 Oct 2011 11:41 PM PDT
Original Source: Hero MotoCorp To Sponsor Narain Karthikeyan from BikeAdvice.in Hero MotoCorp, India's largest selling two wheeler brand has expressed interest in sponsoring Indian Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan during the Indian Grand Prix, scheduled to happen from October 28 to 30 in the capital city.
Hero MotoCorp is seriously considering plans to enter the world of top level motor racing. As per this deal, the logo of Hero Moto will be prominently displayed on Narain Karthikeyan’s HRT (Hispania Racing Team) – Cosworth F111 car which he'll be using for this season. This would offer the company a great brand exposure, not just in India but in the International arena as well. Speaking on the occasion, Narain Karthikeyan was quoted saying, "Hero is one of the oldest and most prominent Indian brands and I am pleased to be associated with it. Today is a very important step in the right direction for motor sports in the country. The sport has come a long way since the day I started racing. Viewership has gone up a lot, and corporate support is now more forthcoming. Formula One is in its nascent stage in India with great potential waiting to be explored. I hope with the support from Hero Motors we will be able to scale new milestones in the times to come". It will be a great moment to see Narain's car bearing the HMC logo. As Indians, this is a great piece of news for all of us. Also, this means a lot in terms of business sense for the world's largest two wheeler manufacturer. Soon after the split of Munjal's Hero group from Japan's Honda, the company had expressed interests in entering a few foreign markets like Latin America and Africa. This new advertising strategy of the company would mean a lot at this point of time. Commenting on the association with Narain Karthikeyan, Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp said, "Hero Motors is committed to be amongst the first Indian corporate houses to compete in the Indian Grand Prix and we are indeed very proud to be associated with Narain Karthikeyan and Hispania Racing Team (HRT). The alliance with the HRT will provide a unique platform for the group to communicate its extensive of competencies to a global audience. The association with Narain Karthikeyan and HRT team has lot of synergies in our core values for which we are known for and truly reflects our commitment towards excellence, speed, growth & innovation." What do you have to say about this new piece of news which is one of the most hyped in the Indian industry now? Leave your comments in the form of words below. Regards, Related posts: |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyperedge Ownership Review By Mitul Posted: 07 Oct 2011 09:17 PM PDT
Original Source: TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyperedge Ownership Review By Mitul from BikeAdvice.in After passing the 1st year of my collage I began to think to buy a bike which will suit me in looks, style, class and elegance. Many bikes came to my mind for myself. But when I saw the TVS Apache RTR 160 my search was over. It's looks mesmerized me and I thought to take this stunning beauty for myself.
There I came to know about the fact that TVS has launched a new variant of TVS Apache RTR 160 named as TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyperedge. I then and there made the decision to take this bike for myself. I wanted a red variant of this bike. But there were no bikes available at that time in the showroom. So I booked a bike with Rs 5000/- and went to my home happily expecting the bike to be delivered to me very shortly. But it was a long wait for me until I got my hands on this stunning beauty i.e. my TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyperedge. I had to wait for nearly two weeks for the delivery of my bike. In this two weeks I regularly keep calling to the TVS showroom nearly once a day. I was being impatient. Finally on a Sunday evening on 24/10/10 I got a call from the TVS showroom that my bike had arrived at the showroom and they asked me to receive it from there. That day I was not in town so I couldn't receive the bike that day. I was thrilled by the fact that my bike had arrived at the showroom.
That night I hardly slept due to excitement. Next day morning i.e. on 25/10/10 I along with my dad went to the TVS showroom payed rest of the money and completed all the paper works to receive the bike. It cost's Rs 69,120/-. I was amazed by its looks. It looked so sleek and sexy that I couldn't even describe.
Then finally I got my hand on this stunning beauty. When I first put on the key and started the bike and pulled the throttle, the sound of the new bike was like music to my ears. I think that this bike was made only for me. It has suited me a lot. My friends and family members told me that this bike is meant for me because it adds to my personality. I had rode this stunning beauty now nearly for a year. Its performance is quite satisfying and it had never let me down. TVS says that this bike gives a mileage of 45 kmpl in local areas. But I get a mileage of nearly 55 kmpl in local areas, which is more than satisfying for me where my bike is of 160 cc. I had rode it for more than 8000 km and at a maximum speed of 100 kmph.
The time shift of the bike from 0 to 60 is great. It has stunning looks. When I ride this bike I think I am at the top of this world. I am hugely attracted towards the petal disc which this bike possesses. I don't have any major problems with my bike. When I first rode the bike I had some problems with gear shifting. But now it is perfectly fine. Once I had used the XTRA MILE petrol for my bike which screwed up my bike's tuning and even hampered the speed of my bike. That was the time before the 2nd servicing of my bike. The mechanic of the TVS showroom suggested me not to use XTRA MILE petrol for my bike and I would also suggest this to all the riders and bike lovers.
Everyone who love their bikes please use Speed or the plain petrol for your bike but not XTRA MILE. I have had long drives on my bike and it is quite steady and at any time I haven't felt that I am losing control of the bike. It's performance is much more satisfying than other bikes available in this section in the market. It is a happy go lucky bike and is a great deal at a phenomenal price. I am more than satisfied with my bike as it has given me wanted services and had fulfilled my expectations nicely. I love my TVS Apache RTR 160 Hyperedge very much. Regards, Related posts: |
I asked my dad about purchasing me a bike which he had promised me to give sometimes earlier. He said to me to wait for sometimes and promised me to get a bike at the time of Durga Puja. I waited for the Durga puja and then finally it came. After finishing my 2nd year 1st internal on 12/10/10, I went to a TVS showroom and asked about the prices of TVS Apache RTR 160.
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