Okay, I won’t start of by taking the name of the bike, or the punch-line. I’ll start off with the bottom-line. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a bike, it’s right for you. Okay... now for the essay.
It’s perfect. The power, mileage, handling, comfort, image, maintenance, control, everything’s highly above average, at the least. The looks are the weak point of the bike, but with the reputation it’s building up, it appears beautiful in your mind, like the RX.
Power: AMAZING, with a capital A, G, and everything in between. Can pull from 0 to 60 in no time flat. Whaddya expect from the makers of the Hayabusa? Excellent top-speed: I’ve touched 100 easily with a pillion, and it was still going... I spied a road-hump on the horizon and had to slow down. One of these days, I’m going to go out onto the highway and touch the sky. I’ll let you know when I do. You’ll never have to see any vehicle’s back wheel again. As is mandatory in any Fiero review, I should mention that it could do with an extra cog in the box. If you’re not mileage conscious, install an expansion chamber, and you can boast of Satan in your engine. You might also want to install discs.
Mileage: For this kind of power, the mileage is phenomenal... you can touch 57 if you’re careful. I’ve read of people getting 70 an’all, but that’s bullshit. Realistic figures are 55-60 at the max, around 45 if you have a compulsion to drag with anything that has wheels.
Comfort: Treats you like a lover. The suspension is good, but you notice that only when you get onto bad roads. You don’t feel any rattles from the engine. The feel of the bike is better than the CBZ, except for the posture. The Fiero’s posture is not as sporty as that of the CBZ, but it’s more practical and more comfortable.
On good roads, it feels smooth.
On bad roads it feels smooth.
I have a nose and I have a tooth...
Image: Everyone’s heard of the Fiero. From petrol-bunk attendants to your college lecturers, the Fiero is an easy way of being classified as a stud/babe.
Maintenance: A true-blooded no problem bike. In spite of being a four-stroker, you can kick it about, mess it up, and generally take its trip, but it performs. Think of it as a dirt-bike. That’s what I do, and I have no problems.
Control: The control is good, but not as good as the CBZs, mainly because of the lesser weight, but that means you can throw it about more in city traffic. However, on long stretches, you tend to feel a little wobbly at very high speeds. Another drawback is the heavy tail. It’s got a tendency to wheelie. If you have a pillion and you’re used to a Splendor or some such bike, you’ve got some wheelies in store. With a little practice, the second gear lends itself to a wheelie also. At low speeds with a heavy pillion, it feels like the front tire is about half-an-inch above the ground.
Looks: Not bad, but not very good either. The image of the bike makes up for it. It does have a presence, but the limelight will be stolen by guys with CBZs. Till you twist the throttle, that is. Try installing a round/CBZ headlight, depending on your tastes. Don’t listen to other people, who say it doesn’t look good or whatever. If you like it, fit it. It’s your bike.
Price: For all that it’s offering, the price of the bike is very reasonable.
The Shogun’s brother is here. He’s waiting for you.