Few among us are born Boss, others have their Boss thrust on them.
Kinetic Boss , is from the stables of Kinetic Engineering, more known for its Electric Start/Gear-less Scooters. Earlier, Kinetic had come out with two bikes, Kinetic Challenger and Kinetic GF 150. Challenger was given the tag of performance bike, while GF 150 was put up as Power Bike. As we all know neither of them impacted the market. This time around Kinetic launched Boss on 3rd-Time Lucky policy than anything else.
Technical Aspects
Boss runs on 100cc Engine, with 9BHP Power. Tank, Cradle & Chassis are the same as that of Challenger (may be, a lot of Chassis was left because of the non existent sales of Challenger). Challenger was considered as a very heavy bike, Boss has got its weight reduced to an agreeable 116 kgs (Dry Weight). The Kick-Start is uncomfortable. Put on as a Performance Bike, it still relies on Expanding Drum Brake but God knows why they have put on Torque/RPM Meter. The integrated Grab Rail and Foot Rest for pillow rider is a novel idea.
For the Engine-Power & Price Boss provides, it is put up against Hero Honda’s Dawn, Kawasaki Boxer and Bajaj BYK.
Test Drive
When the specification showed a 100cc bike, I was not expecting any surprises as far as Pick-Up of the bike, but rather unexpectedly the bike did surprise me. It still commands more Start-Up power than any of it contemporaries. The Bike gained a maximum speed of 87kmph, but the driving speed of this bike 50-55kmph, which is what somebody needs on city roads. The bike I tested had completed 9mths on roads. The Balance and Braking was excellent to say the least, the cornering is so good that it can put the high ranked bikes to shame. Front suspensions were too soft, but that may be because of the usage it has gone through.
But when it comes to Maintenance and Mileage its the same old story as with Challenger. Very high on maintenance, the electronics gives regular problems Engine makes very sweet sound, but the body work, hides the sound of the engine with its excessive noise.
Mileage, as with challenger it is also put on 90kmpl, Challenger on roads provided 50kmpl, making the owners cry. Boss has improved on it, by providing a slightly better 68-72kmpl on roads. Now when you compare these points to Dawn and Boxer, these two are very big loss.
Surprises
Originally 97.2cc Engineering.
Actually 7.2 BHP.
Average Mileage of 68-72kmpl, as compared to 90kmpl claimed.
Its Free Revving Engine was supposed to cause havoc among competitors.
Priced Rs. 33, 000 onroads Delhi.
Overall
The Balance, Braking and Styling is Very Good. But then you have problems with Maintenance and Mileage. The better the Cornering capabilities is accompanied with worse Suspensions. So the bike losses out.
Verdict
Power :
Styling :
Performance : *
Maintenance : *