I live in Hyderabad and compute to work in Madhapur (Hi Tech City). Till last week, I was using my car, a Maruti Baleno, for my daily commute to work as well as all other work. Given the condition of Hyderabad’s traffic, I finally decided to go and buy myself a motorbike. The last time I drove a motorcycle was more than 7 years ago when I drove a Hero Honda Sleek.
I wanted a bike that would be easy on the pocket, that is, a bike that gives good mileage. Secondly, it had to be comfortable to ride. I didn’t want back problems for having to lean over the handle bars. Also the contours of the seat was an important factor. I don’t like bikes with contoured seats because they never fit my back side. So it had to be a bike with a flat seat so that I could adjust my posture as I saw fit rather than having to sit in particular position only. Third, there should be a good service network. I really don’t have the time to go to a workshop in Secunderabad every few months to get the bike serviced. Fourth, overall cost. My dream bike is an Enfield. However since I was going to use a bike after a long break, I didn’t want to put down 80K at this time. The 150 cc plus bikes like the Pulsars etc didn’t make it to my list because they are all 60K plus and it didn’t make sense for me to spend that much when an extra 20K would get me an Enfield. So I was now looking at the 125 cc, 50K bikes.
I read a lot of reviews on mouthshut.com and spoke to my colleagues who use bikes. Finally zeroed in one the Hero Honda Super Splendor. The price was right, approx Rs. 49, 000/- for the drum brake version. 125 cc engine and the proven Splendor line. The bike is supposed to give good mileage and has a reputation for being maintenance free.
So far I have driven a little over 100 Kms on my new bike and am satisfied with my decision. The bike handles well. The seat is comfortable. The brakes are a little weak and the head light could be brighter and a more focused. The fuel tank takes about 12 liters of petrol. I filled it up the day I got the bike. The horn is the worst I have ever experienced. It is like a mouse trying to meow like a cat. Hardly audible a few feet away and cannot be heard over normal traffic noise at all. I feel embarrassed every time I am forced to use it. I will replace it as soon as I can. The headlights are weak and unfocused. Instead of a cone of light I get a number of blotches of illumination. Have to get that looked into too.
So far I haven’t pushed the bike over 70 Km/hr, mostly because I am still finding my feet driving a bike. The bike vibrates a bit at speeds above 50 Km/hr (fourth gear). I keep trying to change into a higher gear only to realize that I am already on the highest :-)
I picked maroon with orange stripes or whatever they are called. I don’t like the orange part but the base color (maroon) is very nice. Better than the other color variants in my opinion.
Now about the dealer -
Ace Motors
Krishna Nagar,
Near Srinagar Colony
Hyderabad, AP
Run by a young chap. Opened a few months ago. The typical lousy service. He just wants to be paid and doesn’t give a damn about the customer. I selected this dealer because I live in Srinagar Colony and servicing would be convenient. I paid the full amount in cash on Friday, Dec 9, 2005. Received the bike but didn’t get my invoice or Temporary Registration. I was given a Delivery Challan and a receipt for the money. I wanted to use the weekend to relearn bike driving so I decided to take the bike on Friday without the invoice. I am regretting that decision ever since. Since the entire payment has been made the dealer doesn’t give a damn. I have gone to the shop 3 times now but still haven’t received my invoice or temporary registration. The idiots keep promising to give it the next day.
After I picked up the bike on Friday evening I drove to the neighborhood petrol bunk to fill up. On the way I realized that the bike had problems:
1. Chain loose. Clanking against the chain guard every time I loosen the accelerator.
2. Lights Totally Unfocused. The high beam was aimed at the tree tops. The Low Beam was not visible!
3. Rear Brakes so loose that I had to almost take my foot off the foot rest to brake!
4. Right Turn Indicator NOT working. Left turn indicator working.
This of course shows how much this dealer cares about his customers. They gave me the bike without even the customary pre-delivery inspections and service! And now they don’t care about the invoice and temporary registration.
STAY AWAY FROM ACE MOTORS, Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad. Buy your Hero Honda in any of the other dealers but NOT from these people!