I bought this bike in september 2002. I was among first few proud owners of this bike and rode it like asking. I fondly call my bike as Bassnti. I was a sure shot attraction wherever I went, thanks to my basanti. I went to modify it into a harley davidson look alike with elongated front suspensions by 8 inches, elongated back rest to 15 inches height which completely supports the pillion riders back., just perfect for long rides..i even applied the harley davidson logo on the bike..a huge glass in the front, with fm radio, antenna and 2 speakers..
I bought this bike as its first look attracted me to buy it..
I hate riding in the city traffic and thus prefer riding countryside for long rides with few of my pals.
Not a single person who has sat behind me, got down without praising about the comfort ride..
Ofcourseit was beacuse of the enhanced back rest by me and also safe ridingprinciples followed by me. I dont believe in overspeeding, racing or insimple words hurting my basanti..
I generally ride it at a constant speed of 60-70 on highways enjoying the lovely nature..
And at such times, the foot rest is really helpfull..balance and breaking is very good..
The disk brakes and self start version which was launches after I purchased my basanti, would be more helpfull..
Mypandit told me that golden colour is lucky for me and thus I didnt buyblack enticer even though I wanted it..after couple of years, icoloured it black and it is still running equally good for more then 4years now..i rode this bike to tough roadless mountains and terrainsand used it like a dirt bike with a pillon rider..and it didnt let medown..and not once, but on many occasions..
I have rode more then 150000 kms in last 6 years..i have been to numerous long rides with pillion covering more then 400 kms in a day without any problems..
Everyone in the group crave to be my pillion rider during long rides..surely because of the comfort level and safety it offers. What I dislike is the mileage. Though with my good riding skills and regular maintenance I managed to get a mileage of around 60 kms per litre, but only for few months. The mileage I get now a days is between 40-45..
For 125 cc bike, I would expect it to be around 55-60 on a regular basis. The plastic body is quite delicate and few falls by my younger brother , damaged it to get it replaced. This bike is not for racers..but for people who prefer comfort..its ideal for long rides...
I always give way to people who are in hurry and thus dont have problems with its pick up or power..
I hope you liked my honest description..i am planning a trip next week from mumbai to gir lion sanctuary in gujarat on the same bike, a distance of more then 2000 kms in total..