The bike I test rode was the old CBF. Nevertheless I found it sporty and comfortable while test riding.
The day arrived when I got this Silver Black CBF delivered, on August 9th 2010.
It’s been over a year now and it has run 8563 kms.
Maintenance:
For the first 2 services( until 2nd engine oil change, and roughly 2500 kms) I never ripped my bike. Ripping the bike doesn’t mean going at speeds below 50kmph. It means keeping the rpm as low as possible in every gear. The optimum rpm which I felt on this bike for running in was around 4000 rpm.
I always warm up my bike if in case the bike has been parked for more than 6 hours. This is being done by me even today, and I feel this is why the bike has been so smooth for all these months and kms.
I wash my bike on every Sundays, and after the bike is dry I lubricate the chain with a commercially available chain spray. This lubricating of the chain has proven to be so advantageous as the chain never loosens and the sound from the chain sprocket is minimum. For 8500 odd kms, I have taken it to the service center only thrice to tighten the chain.
The maximum I spent on a service is Rs 270 which includes the engine oil and the cost of other consumables. The only part I have replaced till now is the rear tail lamp bulb.
The Ride:
I usually start my bike by pulling on the choke lever and choking it for five to eight seconds. After I release the choke I allow my bike to warm up for about 90 seconds. Then start riding it at moderate speeds for at least a couple of kms. There have been many heated discussions about the ride quality of the bike, to which I would like to comment on.
The engine sound is very silent. In the cities I get confused as to which gear am I riding in because of the loud noises thrown by other vehicles. In such cases I take the help of the tachometer. The clutch system in this bike is one of the best if not the best.
I have my reservations when it comes to the gear box of my bike. At times the gear box is so smooth that just a tap of your foot will change the gears. But at times the gearing becomes a bit rough. Overall around 80% of the times the gearing is on the smoother side.
There have been many riders complaining about the vibrations on this bike. I was unaware of it as I never went above 50kmph for the initial two months( two services with engine oil replacement). After replacing the engine oil for the second time I started riding at higher speeds. At there is no such wild vibrations as such. The bike does give slight. I repeat only slight vibrations at rpms between 6 to 7k rpms. I don’t prefer to ride fast as I prefer to follow the traffic rules. The max speed I have taken my bike is around 85kmph, the speed at which I foound the bike to be very smooth. I preferred not to exceed 85kmph(around 8k rpms in 5th gear) as it is always advisable to not to run the bike 20% closer to the red rpm line( the red lining of rpm on CBF is 10k).
The average mileage I get from my bike is somewhere around 57 to 60kmpl in mixed riding conditions. The worst mileage it delivered to me was 46kmpl where I rode the whole day in stop and go traffic. The best mileage I got was 72 kmpl . I tried to attain 72 kmpl again but the next best mileage I got was 67.5 kmpl.
The ride quality of the bike is worth to be praised. The handle of this bike is not attached to the speedometer making it very light and agile. The brakes( front disc and rear drum) have enough bite in it to control the bike at various speeds and stop whenever needed. The front disc is not as sharp as the Pulsar, due to which the front disc can be used on turnings without the fear of locking the tire.
The finishing of the bike is also superb. The front fairing has been fitted perfectly and doesn’t vibrate while riding on rough roads. I have ridden the bike on Asphalt, Concrete, muddy and roads with craters, and still the fairing is intact.
The front meter console is purely analogue with display of the speed in kmph and the tachometer along with neutral light, turn indicator light, and high beam light. I have always been a fan of analogue meters. Anyway while riding the rider has to focus on the road than admiring the beauty of the meter in front of him.
The electrical switches in the CBF should have been a bit better. I would prefer the switches used on DIO than the CBF. This bike has a pass light on the left, whereas the bike misses out on engine kill switch. I also miss the pilot lamps on this bike. The RVMs of the bike is perfect. The left mirror is places on the handle bar whereas the Right mirror on a bracket between the handle bar and the front brake lever.
The handle bar of the bike is the conventional one with greyish metallic finish. The handle bar is neither too high nor too low. This makes a rider feel as if he’s riding a bike with clip ons.
The paint quality used in 2010 model is top notch. The bike looks brand new after every wash( only water wash and no use of the expensive waxes). Some people are surprised to hear that the bike is over a year now looking at the shine on the paint.
Conclusion:
There is nothing more I can say about this bike. It’s done one year and the bike is new as ever. I do agree there are certain flaws in this bike, but the flaws can be eliminated or controlled by loving your bike by taking care of it in the initial run and maintaining it. This is why I have zero issues with my bike. The price I paid to buy this beauty a year ago was Appox. Rs 67000 including the accessories. I do agree that this 125 cc machine has been overpriced. But in the long run( now it’s one year) the price you pay is compensated.
The machine has the power, the mileage, the looks and overall value for money.
I thank god for making me to take a wise decision of going for Honda CBF.
My satisfaction says it all.
Thank you all.