Although in my earlier review I was against the bike but now I would like to say +ve of the bike. Its a real friend of mine and an ageless companion.
In my college days the bike was brand new and was an average performer. The bike is still an average performer means that its performance has not deteriorated still. It seems that Bajaj has given it an ageless engine that never wears out.
Let me explain one by one:
Age:
I purchased this bike in may 2003. Now its almost 8yrs old. I still find the paint as it is. It still requires no repainting. Looks like 2yrs old bike.
Performance and mileage:
Calibers are not known for its performance nor for good mileage. I would rate it average for this bike. With new breed of motorcycles this one’s performance is like a peanut. It is good upto 70kmph after which it takes very good straight stretches to attain more speed. Top speed is alost 85kmph which I think is okay for its age.
Mileage is a consistent 57kmpl. No more or no less. This is always conistent in this bike. The good part is that for 8yrs I have been getting the same mileage and the bike still manages that. 8 years back I thought it was not a great figure but now with the age factor into consideration I feel this is good. Feels economical compared to others. This is the main factor I never wanted to sell off this bike.
Reliability:
This bike is reliable enough to prove it. I have crossed 1, 25, 000kms in this bike and still not have changed anything in the engine. Even the engine bolts not yet removed. I had a thought that this bike can last only 60, 000kms but this one has exceeded my expectation. Still it runs very good.
Following are the points I knew to find a worn out engine
i) Cicking or ticking sound while running (rings)
ii) Smoke from the exhaust. (oil burning)
iii) engine consuming more amount of oil
iv) Oil in silencer tip with a look of tar.
But for this bike I have not experienced any of the above symptoms. Even the sound is as it was 8yrs ago, a rhythm to ears that not even new breed bikes make. Calibers make the best sound in bike as far as I know. There were minor problems but can be neglected considering its age. Parts changed untill now are
i) CD unit - Rs350
ii) meter assembly - stopped working at 85, 000km - Rs1200
iii) full rewiring - Rs 800
iv) Kicker rod - Rs 300
v) fuel tap - Rs 120*2
vi) worm gear and set - Rs 40 - changed often - 15 times
vii) tyres - twice changed for back - once for front (Rs 1500-2000)
viii) locks as a set - twice - easily goes off or wears out quickly. set = Rs 1000 approx
ix) Chain sprocket - 3 times. Rs 650.
x) engine oil : 50 times approx
So maintenance cost till now was Rs. 22400. Adding another 8000 for engine wear the total expense will come lesser than 30000. Means 24 paise per kilometer. With today’s fuel cost (Rs 70) the expense works out to Rs 1.5 per km which is very cheap
Conclusion:
Reliable and good bike to own