Well…I finally managed to do it. After a lot of speculation and pocket pinching, I saved up enough money to buy myself a ride. And, after a week of riding this baby, I’m begging for more.
I had been riding my bro’s Hero Honda all through college and so when it came down to buying a bike for myself, an economy ride in spite of the spiralling gas prices, was ruled out. Sporty bikes, ‘Karizma‘ and kin, was’nt my thing anyways. A cruiser had been a long cherished dream and a little indulgence now seemed the order of the day.
After having lunched on the specifications of every bike that Bullet has to offer I zeroed in on the Thunderbird. I was on the verge of buying one when I heard of the release of a homebred cruiser by Bajaj (The Indian cousin of the Kawasaki ‘Eliminator’). Although at 180cc, it isn’t much on the power but considering it’s pricing and city traffic, it seemed like a fair deal.
This bike, hyperboles and clichés aside, is truly the start of an affair. But before the paean section, the drawbacks…or what I deem are the drawbacks of this beauty.
· A kill ignition switch is sorely missed. It is quite disconcerting to lunge down and turn the ignition off every time you’re at a traffic junction.
· Having the ignition and locking mechanism on either side is, quite simply put, stupid. When I put forth this observation at their much hyped probiking showroom, I was told that it fits in with the retro look that cruisers have maintained over the years. Honestly, I care a rat’s hind side about whatever has been a cruiser’s leitmotif over the years. This certainly isn’t high on ergonomics and this point was acknowledged in the end.
· I personally found the handle grip a little to hard for comfort. Something that needs getting used to.
· The presence of a fuel indicator wouldn’t have hurt either.
As far as the pros go …
· The USP of this bike has got to be its ride quality. Riding on this bike sure does make you feel like God. This comfort factor is something that I surely haven’t encountered in most other cruisers. The longest ride I have managed (its one week old remember) is a 60 km ride in hilly terrain, and, it certainly was an effortless ride.
· The 130 mm rear tyre provides you with great road grip. Its something that would put a Maruti 800 to shame.
· The headlight is the very best that any Indian bike can offer. It is sheer pleasure to watch drivers of large vehicles (read trucks) shield their eyes. A disconcerting experience that I have been subjected to quite often.
· The mileage in this segment is a factor that just doesn’t matter. But with the fuel prices being what they are, the thought does cross your mind. At 42 Kmpl, this bike is more than what I had bargained for.
· Looks....drop dead, gorgeous looks. This bike’s definitely male and an Adonis at that. Women simply love this bike…. you can ask my girlfriend…. or her best friend … or the …;)
All in all, one helluva bike. A cruiser that’s at home with city traffic as well as the rugged terrain it’s made for. God’s ride?…maybe.