A two wheeler was my dream right from my school days. I used to travel 15km daily on my bicycle and would dream the day when I can have my own bike. That did not happen even after I graduated and went to work in Tidel Park, Chennai(Family had some financial problems). Then after working for 2 years, I finally could afford a bike. I checked out the Bajaj Byk, but my friends strongly recommended it out as they said I will find it difficult once I get married. Hero Honda Splendor was out of my consideration as somehow I never liked it. Then there was the newly remodelled Pulsar, but then I was looking for a proper balance of Power+ Economy and Pulsar looked too big for me.
Hoodibaba
Then I turned my attention towards Caliber 115 and fell in love with it. It had the right mix of style, economy and power. Mine is the blue color and it still looks fresh and new(after 4 years).
Build / Stability
The bike is rock solid and I have driven it in testing conditions back in Pondicherry and now in Bangalore traffic. It has gone over terrains where I doubt many bikes might have given up. Still there are no squeals, noises or vibrations. It is one Solid Machine.
*Mileage
*Fuel economy has always been the best part of the bike. Initially I was getting 70+ on it. Now after 26k kilometers it has sort of settled around 60-65 km/litre. And even in the worst bangalore traffic scenarios it has maintained 60 atleast which is phenomenal for a 4+ years old bike.
*Comfort
*The seats are comfortable for both the riders. You feel totally in control of the vehicle. The gears are pretty easy to engage and feel solid. So it the braking. In fact I have travelled on heavy rains and never once felt it slip. The tyres have also played their part.
*RIP - Caliber 115 is No more
*It is sort of sad to know that Bajaj has stopped producing this. But then they had a decent bike in CT100 which was 10k cheaper(and now platina) and no noticeable build quality issues. So Caliber might not have got as many bookings and may be Bajaj thought they will rest this glorious bike in peace. Still I feel proud to drive this vehicle and when I meet another person driving it, we see each other and then smile - thinking - We have got a great bike - a cult symbol.