Hoodi baba … Hoodi baba … Hoodi baba Hoo … Goes a new commercial … The green coloured bike is enough to hint that this bike is from the Kawasaki Bajaj stables. Yes it is the all old Caliber revamped as the Caliber 115. Being a bike lunatic than a fanatic, I used to peer everyday into the bajaj showroom which is on my way to the college to scoop up this vehicle and when it arrived, could I resist ?
“Hello, Can I speak to Vikram?” I enquired at my friends house. Vikram is well known for telling false stories with a natural accent. We decide to take a test ride immediately and off we go to the bajaj dealer, Rydon Auto. “Only direct cash” Vikram concluded his story to the dealer convincing him to offer a test drive. The poor man believed that we would take delivery the same week itself ! And so we got off our seats for the 4 km test drive he offered, I made my best attempt to read all the traits of this bike within this 4 km.
Looks:
The tank and the side panels are stolen from the original caliber but the cosmetics are changed. The new stickers are not as good as on the Croma and six colour options are available. The fresh thing is a beautiful/handsome headlamp fairing which looks aggressive enough for the competition and blends well with the overall look unlike the ugly libero. The tail lamp is also the same but the rear fender is slightly changed and has a large ugly reflector on it. Frankly speaking, I don’t like reflectors, if present they should be like those in the pulsar, hidden enough and small. The front fender is also taken from the caliber bins. The handle bar is high for comfort but I like the fury as on my pulsar. Also you feel this (any) bike small after driving the Pulsar. The instrumentation consists of speedo, odo, tacho, tripmeter and tell tale lights. The silence goes with a complete heat shield with attractive Kawasaki logo. With all these, the caliber scales at a very good 118kg dry. Overall, the looks are a carry over from the original caliber except for the fairing. I feel that the 115 is the best looker in the 100cc segment.
Looks: 4.5/5
Engine and transmission:
This is the third variant/upgrade from the Caliber which had one of the least inspiring engine and transmission. To say the truth the Caliber 115 seems as though it dosent belong to the Caliber blood at all. The engine has the same dimensions (112 cc) as that of the older one but the air intake volume etc. have been sorted out very well to give an almost all new engine. K-Tec (Kawasaki Technology) replaces the R.A.C.E (Radial Aluminium Combustion Engine) logo. The transmission (4 speed all down) has also improved a lot but still the bajaj trademark of chunkiness still exists while changing gears. No false neutrals though. The best news is the adoption of TRICS, a superb ignition system that varies the ignition process as per the requirement of speed or mileage. In fact this seems to be as good as the ignition system on the Victor. The rpm indicator also indicates whether the driver is saving fuel or not. The engine is also silent, refined and very torquier than the other 100cc bikes.
Engine: 4.5/5
Transmission:3.5/5
Ride, Comfort and Handling:
The ride quality is good with the new suspension system unlike the stiff springs on the older sibling. It seems okay for a continious 20 km drive. Ride quality is far better than Splendor, Passion and it is easy to take sharp turnings. Comfort is another aspect which has greatly improved. The older seats were experts in throwing of the driver on the fuel tank and for leaving a sore butt. But the cushion has improved and is quite comfortable though not as in the splendor. Handling has never been a problem with Bajaj bikes for they are generous in providing broad footwear. As for the Caliber115, it runs on 2.75 & 3” MRF Zappers which offer superior grip.
Ride quality: 4/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Handling: 5/5
Performance and Mileage:
Performance for this segment bike is outstanding. It has got a good torque spread an pulls easily in any gear. There aren’t any vibrations in lower rpm and the pick up is good for a 112cc machine. The bike is really quick upto 50-60 but then slows out. Owners claim that it is capable of 90+ speeds easily. As for the mileage, when driven in the 40-60 kmph range in top gear don’t be surprised with a 70+ mileage gigures. Thrash the vehicle around, even then u get a happy 50-55 kmpl.
Performance: 4/5
Mileage:4.5/5
Pros:
115 is more stylish yet suitable for both adults and teens.
Full fledged instrumentation with tripmeter, drive mode indicator etc.
Highly improved engine.
Better seating and footwear.
Performance – Mileage balance.
Cons:
Gears are good but should be slick.
Rear could go without the ugly reflector.
Bajaj’s not great reputation for quality and service.
Verdict:
If you like the looks of the 115, it is really a good bargain for the 45k bucks and is cheaper than the passion, performs better and gives good mileage too. But the long term reliability cant be said now anyhow it seem bajaj is improving on this aspect. On comparision to victor, it is ruled out only coz of its gawky styling whereas it is competitive on every other factor. Hoodi Baba !!!
“tring … tring…” the phone rings at my friends house enquiring whether he likes to get the bike. He likes to but he has already got another one. Anyway thanx for the test ride !