I have been using two wheelers since last six years. I have started with 2nd hand Ind-Suzuki 100cc, then New Bajaj-Kawasaki Caliber and recently switched over to 2nd hand Eterno and currently owning Bajaj CT100.
I am too sort of research and experimental like Sanjiv Kabir (who has written review on Eterno here). I always wanted more space, advantage of stepney in my bike! People who are suffered from practical experience of -- tube puncture on the way -- can only understand actual consequences..
Though I have never faced any problem in my Caliber (except minor which is very common in all bikes), I was thinking of shifting to scooter since the couple of years. The biggest attraction towards scooter to me was space and stepney. I have taken a few test rides of geared scooters, like Bajaj Legend, Chetak 4S, Eterno etc., whenever they were launched. I am a well-built man of 6’ height, generally scooters are not suitable to my physique.
The major problem for tall men in scooter is leg space and braking; many tall people manage this by keeping their legs wide open, which is not my style of driving. Till I took Eterno’s test ride, it was all hopeless test rides for me. When I took the test ride of Eterno, I really impressed by its look, height, space (flatter footboard, under seat) and of-course the stepney. Also the sales executive has shown me the other few features. But I was not really in a position of buying new Eterno, as I had hesitation in my mind about suitability of scooter for me in practical. But I have made a mind, if at all I am going to buy a scooter it will be Eterno (if no other new models launched till then!!!).
It is happened that there was an advertisement in a local newspaper stating that a 2nd hand Eterno is for sale. I have approached the person immediately, the scooter was just 3 months old and I could negotiate it for the price which is less Rs.8, 000.00 than the on-road cost of a new one. I have decided to take the chance as always there was option to sell it for more or less same price if it doesn’t suits me. So in a quick development I have purchased my desired vehicle within a few of months of my test ride.
Now it was the time to experience the vehicle in real. I have got accustomed to the new vehicle within a couple of days. The leg space problem that I was always facing in other scooters was not a problem in Eterno besides of front inner box fitted. Brakes were comfortably reachable. Vibration of handle was manageable and shocks absorbers were quite good.
But the real disadvantages I started to experience later, which are...
The scooter is very heavy; good from road-grip point of view; but there is no side stand provision even at additional cost, which compelling to pull on main stands always. I really felt this as an unwanted strain.
Scooter size is considerably wide compared to other scooters so it is very difficult to park it in normal two wheeler parking-bays.
Pillion riding for gents is not as comfortable as ladies. Sitting in the pillion seat is itself a problem for gents due to height of stepney tire fitted and scooter’s rear body breadth. Even footrest for gents is also not comfortable. I have tried to lower the stepney tire height, but then brake, indicator lights gets covered. For ladies it may be comfortable than other scooters.
Gears getting slipped between 3rd and forth and gears are comparatively tight.
Due to lack of Battery, horn sound is too low; when in stopped condition it is not audible at all. Horn button is placed in the wrong side.
The mileage was quite disappointing; it was around 50 KMPL, which is in lower side compared to company’s claim (60kmpl on daily riding conditions).
In overall, I don’t say that Eterno is a bad vehicle. But at the same time I want to state that it is not up to the mark to declare it as a ’Motoscooter’. They have tried to add more features like easy-wash / tire change stand, fiber footboard, ?bonnet type? lift for regular maintenance etc., in the vehicle which are really appreciable. But those who are used to ride bikes and want to shift to scooters better to consider my points before deciding.
Thank you.