The following review is based on Test Drive only: Things to "Like" about it:
1.Visual Appeal - Full marks to Siva and his team for a home grown design.
2.Engine - Although the engine is the same as classic 500, I would say it isnt a bad decision for RE. The engine has enough juice for handling Indian Highways (the good and worse kinds). The much needed highway torque is like a birthmark in this engine.
This bike is the SUV of bike segment, and not a sports car. Those looking at it as a daily commute bike, do not expect to rev past the traffic when the signal goes green. If you want to do that, you have to wait for the Café Racer.
3.Build Quality – The true test for any machine is it’s usage with time. But the bike gives you a feeling of a good quality build based on ‘touch’ and ‘looks’ of the components used. No doubt this is much better than the legacy bikes. I am sure the engineers have done their job well to make everyone happy.
4.Handling- As I told you earlier this is the SUV of its class. The riding position, the rider’s view, foot rest all inclusive gives you a comfortable ride quality. This is not a stunt bike so you may not be able to make sharp ’cuts’ in conjusted city traffic. That means you are likely to reach your office/college 5 mins late. But if you are one like me who rides the bike following the ‘lane’ traffic, am sure you will enjoy every moment of it even in city driving. The pillion seat is equally comfortable and the all-new back rest is well designed.
- Use – Touring is a 100% yes, but I see no problem in using it for daily commute.
Things that that did not go well:
1.Kick Start – The kick start didn’t work. I guess this was specific to this demo bike. Moreover kick starting a 500cc engine bike isn’t easy. Unless you live in very cold places the electric start is what you need.
2.Rear Tail lamps - Considering the ‘half-blind’ drivers on Indian roads, whose eyes unfortunately are only used to heavy doses of light; I felt the tail lamp should have been a bit more brighter.
Idling Engine stopped – While taking my 1st U-turn, the engine stopped. It didn’t have any problem in my later maneuvers. I also asked my friend to check if the engine stopped at low RPM, he didn’t face any.
Delay in Delivery - The biggest problem with RE is the “WAIT”. I think it loses more customer here than any other factor. I will not be surprised if they come and tell me that it looses 4 out of 5 customers because of delay.
Conclusion:
A must have bike for long distance riders. If you cant afford the 500 go for the 350. The Bajaj Avenger is there for smaller pockets and quick delivery. But if you want the true cruiser experience then the TB 500 is the new benchmark in India.
With the new plant coming up there would be an exponential growth in RE bike owners (they already have a lot of fans). In Hyderabad I see a lot of FAQ’s coming from the IT crowd. This particular segment of the crowd would be a big trend setter for RE.
As for me, I have booked my bike. I will be able to post more reviews as soon as get my hands on.