First a confession, like many people in my childhood, that was when Yamaha/Kawasaki et all were not even known and Yezdi, Rajdoot ruled the market, I was always fascinated whenever I could hear or see a Bullet 350 on the road. Yes it was my childhood ambition to own one of the Thumping Madame.
So the first chance I got(which was after 20 years of working and fulfilling all my spousal and parental duties) I booked a RE Classic. I mean unless your Dad really loves you or your uncle leaves you an inheritance why on earth would you buy a bike for Rs. 1.5 Lakhs and wait for that4 months(now its 9 months) when much sleeker bikes are available at half the price and off the shelf, if you are not madly in love with the Thump.
So I got delivery of my prized possession 3 months back and I have been driving everywhere on the same even to meet my customers or to the airport where I leave it safely parked so that as soon as I land back I can drive it. I have completed close to 3K on my bike in 3 months time and did 130 Km on my car in the same period.
Coming out of autobiographical mode let me share the experience. Ride is very easy and with considering the heavy frame it handles really well on the road. Yes there is little issue with self start which can be improved but I have not had any problem with that so far. The pick up and power is awesome and it feels that you are holding a tiger on leash. I still haven’t turned full throttle on my machine. As far as fuel average goes, I was told at the time of purchase that it will be around 25 KMPL but I have been consistently getting+30 KMPL even after two servicing while driving in city. The fuel economy can be reason for the young crowd on limited pocket money when much more fuel economic bikes are available but then you can’t get the same experience and will be just a face in the crowd. Yes the bike is a great head turner and I get at least 2-3 persons asking me about the price/average/availability every time I stop at traffic lights.
What I really miss in this beast is the absence of a’Fuel Gauge’. The 500 CC model does have a low fuel warning indicator but then that will not tell you the exact status of the fuel in tank. I also feel that as this bike is supposed for long rides the tank capacity is not much considering its fuel economy.
So all in all I would suggest that every guy who can’afford’ it and is ready to wait for the same should go out and get himself one right away or you’ll have to wait like me for next 20 years:D
From one rider to other’HAPPY THUMPING’