I bought the CBZ in Jan 2002, so its been more than 2 years since I have bought this bike. Now I think its the right time for me to write a review on this bike as I am out of the initial infatuation, what we mostly feel for first 6 month and are always ready to argue to prove that our bike is the best :-).
First of all I would like to say that its been a great experience having this bike and after this long association I can proudly say that I haven’t done any mistake at the time of selection.
Okay, lets start from the point - why did I buy this bike ?
If you ask me to answer in one word then I would say ’’CRAZE’’. I was really crazy for this bike at that time. At that time it was the only bike of that genre. No one could come a bit close to what had been offered by CBZ. Great style, superb power, disk brakes and sporty feel. There were only two factors which were confusing me.
High Price
Bad Fuel efficiency. But finally my ’’CRAZE’’ won and one fine day I bought this bike. It was exhilarating experience. I rode all night on my sweety (which I still do many times).
Now after 2 years my bike has measured over 20, 000 kms and still our love is of nubile couple .. :-))
Now let me share my experiences in detail -
Style
Now market is flooded with many good looking bikes but still CBZ is one of the top contestants of beauty contest. Let me take the liberty to compare it with other beauties. After introduction of DTSi pulsar has established itself as a good looking bike and frankly it is. But still I feel that pulsar has got more of conventional than sporty look. CBZ’s elevated back and leaning front gives it a more sporty look and forward inclined sitting position blends with the design. Pulsar has got a fat/bulging petrol tank which is a bit awkward, where CBZ gives more muscular look with well crafted petrol tank. Pulsar DTSi has surely got a better looking headlight and front hood.
Somehow I don’t like the over all looks of Karizma, which is also a major contestant. Karizma has got an awkward front panel which is too big for it’s size. Shape wise its same as CBZ as both share the same chasis.
There are some other good looking bikes like Fiero F2 and Passion but I don’t think any one come any where close to CBZ in terms of sporty look.
I can’t comment on cruise bike introduced oflate as they fall under a different genre.
Power
At 12.8 BHP, CBZ still is one of the most powerful bike, ofcourse Karizma and Pulser 180 are ahead. I have experienced that initial pickup of CBZ is not that good, thanks to its weight, but once it gets momentum it is really fast. My ex roomy had Fiero and we had many night races and what we realized that initially CBZ is not as quick as Fiero but once it reaches 60 then it is tough to beat. I have had tested it with Shogun also and got the same observation. Its top speed is fabulous. I have touched 110 with this bike and believe me I could feel that only with the sound of wind blowing in my ears. This bike is really smooth and stable at high speed, you won’t feel any kind of vibration and strange engine sound even at 100 kmph. Its wide rear tyre gives you a real good control at such high speed.
Control
Because of it’s front reclining shape, wide tyres and heavy weight bike always remains in control. This bike has got a sporty sitting position, where you recline at front and your legs are slightly bent towards back. This position gives a better control over handle and you can take sharp turns even at high speed. In city traffic conditions maneuverability of this bike is not all that good because of its heavy weight and big size, even a small 100 cc bike can beat CBZ there.
Braking
Thats one of the most beautiful part of this bike. Disk brake of this bike is really good. There were several conditions where I saved serious accidents because of its good braking and control. I recommend that never ever buy a bike without disk brakes. Disc brakes are much more reliable and effective than ordinary brakes and can save serious accidents.
<FUEL b efficiency<>
No need to talk about it. I think the next thing after its style for which CBZ is famous or notorious is its bad fuel efficiency. I consistently get 35-40 kmpl which is quite low to the claims made by pulser and fiero. But there are many conflicting statement about their fuel efficiency also, so please check before coming onto any conclusion.
Maintenance
Every one says that Hero honda parts are really costly and that increases the maintenance cost but I really can’t comment on that as in these 2 years my bike did not go to service station for any break down. The only maintenance I do is regular servicing after 3000-4000 kms. And take my words its a real NO PROBLEM bike. I have driven it on highways and bumpy, cracky city roads but it never gave any problem. I don’t consider my self a careful driver, I have done my share of crazy things like sudden acceleration, rash driving but this bike never gave any problem. Touchwood.
Comfort
There are many observations. In city traffic its not very comfortable to drive CBZ because of its weight. You really can’t cut across through a congested road as you can do with a light weight bike. I think this would remain a problem with any heavy bike. In long drive it is very comfortable because of its sitting position and fabulous shock absorbers.
Pricing
I think now that not a prime concern. HH has lowered the price of CBZ and its competitive to any other bike in its cadre.
Overall I can say that if you are a person, crazy for style, sporty look n feel and power then CBZ is the best bet. But if you are looking for a bike just to commute then think twice. For CBZ fans I can say that ’’Once CBZian, always CBZian’’ :-)).... After you have it for some time your infatuation would turn to sheer love.
Cheers,
Amit