Fill it , Shut it and Forget it is the slogan that one remembers of Hero Honda in the early days of its bike campaigning.Now, is it moving towards shut it and forget it?? Lets see.
For years, Hero Honda has dominated the 2 wheelers market with its CD100, splendor and Passion(relatively new).Now, things are a bit different as there is a lot of cut throat competition as the market is dancing to the tunes of the customer.CBZ was a bike which was good at looks but the same cannot be said about its performance.
With the launch of victor, freedom and pulsar150 there was a new segment which was open where there was an emphasis on power and fuel economy also .And now, everybody is vying to take the honours for leadership in this segment.
Hero Honda has responded with a 133cc 11BHP 79Km/ltre bike to woo the people who are looking to buy the old frugal 100cc bikes.It has been a couple of months or more since this bike was launched and somehow, I do not see many vehicles(Ambitions) running around. Any apprehensions as to whether to go for it or not? lets see what the bike has in it.
We will look into these points:
1)Price
2)Looks and Features
3)Suspension stability and Reliability
4)Fuel Economy and Electricals
5)Fit, Finish and Reliability
6)Specifications
7)Riding impressions
8)Publicity
9)Verdict
1)Price:Somehow, this still is a major factor in India when people buy bikes.This bike costs around Rs 51, 200 with the disc brakes in Bangalore and around Rs56, 000 for the electric start option.Since this a 5 geared vehicle,
the price is not an issue.
Rating:8/10 cos there is an electric start option and some degree of common sense shown as it is a 5 geared disc brake version.
2)Looks and Features:
We as humans, first form an impression about things by the way they look to our eyes and it goes without saying that bikes should be appealing to the eyes.Ambition definitely is not a good looking bike simply because it has got some things wrong in its looks.
Royal crest: It looks like they have tried to put a crown on this bike.Arent they supposed to be on our heads? Anyway, I do not find it attractive and maybe it needs some time to getting used to as in case of the Santro’s tall boy looks(at least there was a practical usefulness in more availability of space!!)
Tank shape and contours: To me, the tank is one of the components that make a bike look like Mr.Handsome or Mr.Ugly. CBZ had an excellent tank which still is the
best in the class.
Ambition’s tank is a bit sharp in its contours and falls short of Mr.Handsome by some inches. It isnt ugly in the ugly sense though.
The head lamp is round with a good reflector and the royal crest sitting upon it looks a bit on the odd side.The side profile of the bike is on the decent side and has a good feel of proportion to it(the best looking angle)
AMI:Advanced microprocessor ignition system which facilitates a good mileage, pickup with better control on ignition timing.
Colors:It comes with 9 colors with atleast 6 of them good for nothing.The stickering is pathetic and it is in this area where the designers have made a blunder and spoilt the whole bike.
5 gears, 11 BHP, 133cc, 127Kgs:The bike has 5 gears which help u draw a good mileage and top speed on highways.The company claims a top speed of 100Kms which is acceptable.
Rating 7/10
3)Suspension , Stability and Reliability:
Suspension: Is definitely among the best in the class and should not be the prime suspect for ur back problems.It has adjustable shocks which can be tuned for your liking.
Stability: Cannot really say about stability as it needs some thorough testing.But from the test ride I took, I can say that it feels stable with a pillion on it.
Reliability:Experience says that Hero Honda bikes are relatively maintenance free. If things of the past have to be believed, this bike should also be treated the same way(cannot guarantee though)
Rating:8/10
4)Fuel economy and Electricals:
Fuel Economy: The bike should be able to return 55KMs/Ltre atleast though the company claims it at 79Kms/Ltre.This definitely will play on the buying minds if the bike has to succeed and I think if it gives 60+ on an average, its looks will be forgiven and adopted.
Time will tell for sure!!
Electricals: Hero Honda gives the worst when it comes to lighting(best is TVS Suzuki).My splendor’s head lamps look as though u have lit those lanterns.But ambition seems to be the best so far from its side(I suppose)
Rating:8/10
5)Fit and finish: Known for its fit and finish, Hero honda also gives its new bike the same treatment.The quality feel is on the higher side and it definitely gives a lot of satisfaction when one owns one!
Rating: 9/10
6)Specifications:
Engine : 4 stroke
Displacement: 133cc
Max power : 11BHP
Gear box : 5 speed constant mesh
Frame : Tubular single cradle, diamond type
Weight : 127 Kgs
Top speed : 100KMPH
Fuel economy: 79Kmpl(around 55kmpl for sure)
Braking : Front disc and rear drum
optional : Electric start
7)Riding impressions:I had gone to one of the bath room tile showrooms on Airport road to select some glazed tiles for our new house.There happens to be a showroom of Hero Honda on the way back and I saw a guy doing the test ride and got tempted to do one myself and got one.
The pickup is on the faster side of decent and definitely bound to be of some help in the city traffic for short and quick overtaking. The engine sounds soft and the front feels a bit heavy because of the disc brakes.The seating position is comfortable and the switches are ergonomical to say the least.Gear shifting is on the smoother side and u dont have to move the foot rest of ur pillion to kick start the engine.
Important:I for one definitely feel that the company should give a fatter tyre on the rear instead of the 3 inched one for better handling and stability.Though it will eat a couple of kms from the mileage, I think it should be given as an option by the company itself.
Rating: 8/10
8)Publicity: This is the critical aspect of any marketing strategy.Hero Honda definitely got it wrong with the concept of the ambition ad.Space rocket launches saved by ambition bike!!!(dumb for sure) Enticer’s promotional ad is the best that is on the screen as I type this.
Rating: 5/10
9)Verdict: I believe this is a bike with a good package with a couple of major blunders which though doesnt affect the bike’s performance, will definitely go a long way in stopping the bike from becoming a success.
I honestly would suggest to wait for 3-4 months and gather as much data as possible from the experts and owners all across and go for it.
Dont forget to test ride one before u decide on it.
Final Rating:7 and 1/2