Before you read this review, let me just comment that I am very finicky about things and demand nothing but the best from my vehicles. This review is to give you an overall idea from a normal persons point of view. I bought my Eterno just over a month back in Bangalore.
Overall I am quite satisfied with the performance of the bike. But there are a few-glitches as mentioned below.
1> Clutch Slippage between 2nd and 3rd Gears. I noticed this in heavy traffic on the Old-Madras Road. Although I haven’t faced this problem after the first service.
2> Starting Problems. At times, I’ve had starting problems with the vehicle. I can think of atleast 5 times that i’ve had problems. But when you push the eterno a bit, say 2-3 feet and then try again, it usually starts.
3> The pillion is quite wide and comfortable for women-folk sitting sideways. But for another male rider to sit with legs on both sides, it hurts the thighs. Also the stepney poses problems for the backseat-rider to aboard and alight the vehicle. I’ve eliminated that problem by removing the stepney.
4> Its a bit difficult to carry a co-passenger, especially in traffic situations. The heavy weight of the vehicle in addition to the weight of your co-passenger is difficult to balance. For a single person, the vehicle is absolutely fun, I tend to sit back and lean foward and enjoy the ride.
5> Parking the Eterno in narrow two-wheeler parking slots is very difficult.
6> My Eterno fulfills the requirements that I bought it for. Mileage, Power and Space. I am getting 56-58 Kmpl in city conditions after my first service. Even before the first service I was getting up to 55Kmpl.
Well, I should mention here that Eterno is my first vehicle. I have tried Hero-Honda Splendour, Bajaj Calibre, TVS Victor and Bajaj Scooters. But the Eterno matches my version of a complete two-wheeler. Inspite of the above deficiencies, I think I can live with my Eterno. Afterall there is no such thing as a perfect vehicle.
Eterno makes up for its above deficiencies with its excellent looks, mileage, space and power.