I bought a kristal 3months back. From day-1 starting is an issue. I have to press electric start nearly 4 to 5 times to start the engine. I tried to kick start it and both my knees are worn out by now. I am unable to climb stairs like before(i became owner of kristal). Even for a 100 kicks it wont start in morning(while starting to office) & in evening(while leaving from office).
In 2 months, the starter motor got damaged & now facing an issue with this. I gave it to service in the Service centre. Next day they called me up & told to collect the vehicle saying they have changed the starter motor. But when I received the vehicle, in the first start itself the same noise issue with starter motor. These service centre people were trying to cheat me without changing the motor. Then one guy in service centre apologised to me saying that motor has arrived but forgot to change. Horrible. This happened with Visaka Bajaj in Chennai Today(8-Aug-2008 Fri).
Another issue is that while riding the kristal for few km, suddenly the engine will stop for a while and again start in few seconds. This happened many times while I drive in highway. Imagine how I would have managed while overtaking.
Other than this mileage is good at 44 to 52Km/litre. Low noise. Good features.
But not sure how long this product will last & spares will be available.
On the other hand I own a Bajaj CT100 for past 4 yrs. It hasnt given me a single problem. It has done 20, 000 Kms and no issues. Initially was giving a mileage of nearly 70Km - 80Kms per litre from 3-9months, then it dropped & still gives 58Kms - 68Kms per litre. Even the break shoes & battery lasted for nearly 3 yrs. It is a great vehicle.
Bajaj does produce quality products. Even in kristal its design features are excellent. considering the front plastic design, rear wheel to silencer gap, boot space, auto headlamp. Even the ride quality & pickup is very smooth & good in kristal.
If the starting issue is solved, then kristal is a real winner.