After reading lot of OGG and BAD comments about CBZ-Xtreme, I thought of checking the bike out. I am planning to buy a 150cc powerful bike to commute to my new office at ITPL from Koramongala once I join there. It is about 18 kms >< 2 every day in Bangalore, so to be prepared, I have to buy all the sports gear for my daily traffic adventure.
I am really surprised to see, Why people have been writing bad reviews about the Bike, here I dont represent hh or bajaj, I am no where related to these industries (software) so folks be sure, my comments are neutral to the extent as possible.
I remember few months back, I went to Yamaha show room infront of Forum, to check out the mysterious google eyed puzzles. There was some special edition came out, which the dealer explained, do contained some extra features in its head light reflector (limited edition google eyes!) I remember, I was walking around the bike to see all the shape, curves and diffrences as if it was an alien, probably Martian :D
Today I see people have bought the strangest of the bikes, with google eyes. Any way the headlight is not the part that drives the bike. It is the engine and engineering rather than the body. I can say body forms an integral part of the bike.
Coming back to CBZ-Extreme, yes it is some what extreme with a 150 CC bike for India. Being practical, the extra 1.7 BHP as compared to pulsar 150 comes with a price of extra fuel consuption. As far as my experience goes, it will give around 45 - 52 KMPL range with an optimum ride, avarage traffic mileage should be around 45+. (It is my assumption). In the long run the fuel costs would cumulate over total cost of ownership (TCO)
This bike is probably having more mature engine and engineering then Bajaj 150 DTS-i, it is more powerful, smooth gears and reliability of honda predigree. The head light is ok, I dont see any trouble with it. It might have been a bit better but OK, it does it’s purpose. The fuel gauge is good. Seat is a bit curved, and good thing no dangling side indicators ever. Bajaj pulsar have those protruding annoying rabbit ears. These are the parts which always gets scratched and bears the brunt of an accident or skid.
It is over all:
A bit big powerful bike
A bit fuel expensive bike
Good reliable Honda engine
Good gears
Good alloy wheels
No dangling side indecators
The head light could have been a bit ninja style
Back shocks could have been better
Front leg guards are no so good
It is good for people who would buy a 150 CC bike, who are ok to pay more than Rs.1 per km of power ride, people who would ride at 70 - 90 kmph range, people who want to ride a decent stylish bike, and people who do traffic adventure daily