I had purchased this bike 9 months ago and I have clocked 7000kms till date. Before taking this bike, I had some experience only with unicorn. A very good bike, but it didn’t appeal me because of its plain looks. Then I thought of taking Hunk/Extreme. I went to the Hero Honda showroom.
I saw the bikes, the sales guy told me the two bikes were powered by the same motor. He quoted 66.5K for extreme and 64.8K for hunk. He had no explanation why the former was expensive. I went in for a short test ride of both the bikes. The only small difference I could find in both was of the seating position, rest all were the same. I decided to go for hunk as I liked its looks and also felt its seating position somewhat more comfortable for me(My height is 5’10”). Rest is history.
PERFORMANCE:
I maintained a strict running-in and did not cross 60 till 1500Kms and crossed 80 after 2500Kms.The throttle response is very good. The bike performs really well in city as well as on highways. The midrange is very strong and it’s absolutely fun to ride the bike. I later learnt that the engine which this bike sports is a beefed up version of the unicorn. It has a bhp advantage over unicorn and this was clearly felt when I rode both extreme/hunk for the first time. I have done few medium length trips on this bike and it performed really well. The engine is very refined but some mild vibrations start creeping in around 70 Kmph, a typical unicorn character but are much strongly felt in hunk than unicorn. They don’t last long and usually subside with service. The top speed to which I have taken this bike is 120Kph(Speedo).
MILEAGE:
I get a mileage of 45-50(0-50Kph) in city
On highways: 50-60 Kmph(constant) 55-58
80 and above: 40+.
HANDLING/COMFORT/GRIP/BRAKING/ELECTRICALS:
Handling is a department in which this bike excels, is top-notch and very impressive. The bike is absolutely stable at all speeds. No shaking and wobbling of any kind.
The GRS- Gas Reservoir Suspension at the rear is pure awesome. Although I found the uni’s Mono-suspension very good on highways and cornering, I was disappointed bit as it wasn’t very comfortable on a rough and pot-holed road. But the GRS on hunk do an excellent job and it takes all potholes effortlessly. The seating position is a bit sporty having rear set foot pegs.
The seat is well cushioned and very comfortable for long rides. The gearshift is smooth initially but eventually becomes hard if not serviced well. The(MRF) tires have a very good road grip almost on all surfaces. Front disc does a good job, is progressive type and is not impressive when it rains. Overall Braking is quite good if not excellent. There have not been cold start /starting problems of any sort till date. It usually starts in the first two cranks.
SOME ISSUES/-VE POINTS:
Ø Head light is powerful but the light throw/ distribution is very poor.
Ø Horn is very weak.
Ø During rainy season, the switches usually malfunction. I had to change the Pass light switch transistor for 100 bucks as it failed to work after rains.
Ø Service is ok.ok. Not so good not so bad. Hero Honda, Being a largest seller of motorbikes in the India, you will be accompanied by at least 50 more bikes any day/any place at a given service centre. It involves a lot of fuss getting your bike serviced well.