Brought the bike on 9th of FEB 2009. Chose Black, but planning to switch to red after 1st service (just costs 1800/- ) for the colour panels. So far rode 1000 KM. and my first impressions on different parameters are as follows.
Performance:What I like the most about the bike is its torqey nature, the engine seems to pull very easily in 5th gear right from 35KMPH. I feel 2nd & 3rd gears are the bikes strongest points
Handling: The handling is best in class, the wide handle makes it very easy to ride at low speeds in conjested city traffic conditions. You can literally play with the bike.The chassis is very well optimized.
Even if you are not a biker at heart you will soon become one . The bike will bring out the cheeky nature in you and make you a boy racer once again. Regular office commutes are no more boring and lazy, you will enjoy every second with the bike. Suspension:The rear monocross suspension looks very cool apart from doing its duty extremely well, though at times it feels a bit harsh over broken roads, but the bike never lost its composure.
I scrapped the under body twice over medium speed brakers(with a pillion), so take it easy if you are driving with a pillion. Grip levels:The grip levels from the ultra fat rear tire is best in class and very confidence inspiring. Instrument cluster:The instrument cluster is a bit of a let down, it doesn’t look upmarket and the quality of plastics is not great , you should get a better instrument cluster for the price.
Also I feel blue light will look very cool compared to the orange light. The switch gear should have been backlit. Fit & Finish: Not a mature time to comment on the fit & finish. Braking: Braking is very confidence inspiring, the bite offered by the front disk is top class, but I am not satisfied with the rear drum brake, after just 600Kms the rear brake kind of loosened up,
I prefer to use the front brake more than the rear brake. Could not exploit the complete potential of the bike as it is in its runing period. I Never crossed 55KMPH and 4200RPM, cannot wait to complete 1000Kms and then explore the limits of this once in a life time machine. Haven’t checked the mileage yet , shall update the review as Km’s pass.
Happy Riding!!!