My Bike:I bought my Passion Pro in Mid-April. Now as the odometer has reached 3K, it’s good time to write a review. Right at the onset I would like to clarify that my market analysis says that each bike has its strengths and weakness. It is up to the individuals to ascertain their requirements and match it with the bike.
My requirements :
Except for unforeseen circumstance, this would be my first and last bike. So I wanted long-term reliability, less maintenance, good after-sales service, easy availability of spare parts
Electric start for city traffic,
Good mileage in city (above 65kmpl)
Not very sporty bike but still fairly good-looks
Budget max 50K.
My Options :
There were some very exciting options available - Yamaha Gladiator, Honda Shine, TVS Star City, Bajaj XCD-135, Hero Honda Passion Pro
My Analysis :
Yamaha Gladiator
Pros : Great looks, good reliable engine, great riding experience
Cons : Dismal after-sales service, difficulty in availability of spare parts after some time, average mileage
Honda Shine
Pros : Honda engine, good pickup at low speeds
Cons : Thin rear tyre, average mileage, no fifth gear even though 125 cc bike, vibrates on speeds more than 60 kmph, price 52K
TVS Star City
Pros : Cheap (abt 45K), 110 cc engine, good mileage
Cons : Long term reliability issue
Bajaj XCD 135
Pros : Overall Great Value for money (specs look good on paper), good sales and service
Cons : Poor long-term engine reliability (Bajaj bikes in general)
Hero Honda Passion Pro
Pros : Good Long-term reliability, less maintenance, easy availability of spare parts, good mileage
Cons : Cost high for a 97cc bike, no-frills except power start
My Verdict:
Though Bajaj XCD 135 is great value for money bike and Yamaha Gladiator is really enticing, I still went for Hero Honda Passion Pro because of its reliability, mileage, good handling and service network.
After using the bike for more than 4 months and after 2 services, I am getting the mileage of about 70-75 kmpl in pune city. I travel about 25 km per day and till date no engine problems, even during heavy rains when I encountered waterlogging on roads many times. Handling and Control is great (My friend using Honda Shine slipped and fell twice during these rains)
The problem I encountered was that the bike feels underpowered on steep climbs with pillion seated (expected because of small 97cc engine). Another drawback is its headlight which I feel is not strong enough.
As I had emphasised in the begining, I bought this bike because it satifies my requirements most than other bikes. Otherwise there are more exciting bikes in the market.
Thanks... enjoy safe biking.