May 15, 2009 12:01 AM
17393 Views
(Updated May 15, 2009 07:49 PM)
I got this bike when I was in grad college and I am an MBA now. Besides this I now own a Hero Honda Karizma and I have just got myself the all new Honda City. But as they say, its hard to forget the girl you lose your virginity to, the wind 125 has been the baby whom I keep running back to. Its been five long years since I have been riding this babe and it has definitely made me the man I am. From 2am morning rides to Up and Above at Candni Chowk or early morning climbs to Singhagarh, I have done it all. I'll break my review into the above five sections for the ease of understanding.
Fuel Consumption:
If you have had an engineer at home, you would definitely know how to get the best mileage. Here are some tips. (these can be extended to any other bike)
Do not run the wind over 45 kmph (lowest optimum rpm in 5th gear) for the first 1000 km. Follow proper gear ratio. This helps in proper functioning of piston and reduces scratch formation on pistons. Do not race engine at all !!
Replace air filter, oil filter, engine oil and spark plug at scheduled intervals (they dont cost much, but helps engine function better)
Ensure periodic servicing from authorised dealer only !!
Ensure proper air pressure in your tire every time you go out. Do not overload your bike.
I had done all this. And a mileage check test my baby had clocked 92 km/l ( the company claimed 80 km/l) . I still have the test report card !! But on an average I used to get 70 kmpl in city for the 1st three years (that included brief stints at over 80 kmph speed). Mileage since has fallen to 60-65 kmpl.
But a lot about fuel consumption really depends on how good a rider u are and how less u accelerate hard / brake hard / use clutch.
Comfort:
Seats - Perfect. I had done Pune - Mumbai, Delhi - Chandigarh, Delhi-Jaipur - without any rear ache. The fuel tank is also designed in such a way that you dont crush your balls every time you brake !
Riding Posture - The handlebars are placed at the perfect height and angle. You really couldn't have asked for anything better.
Foot Rest - Perfect. Giving best access to gear pedal and brake
Reliability Handling and Control :
The bike is very reliable and doesn't at all vibrate at 103 kmph (thats the farthest mine went). It can run for distance together (Pune-Mumbai non stop). But like all machine you will have to ensure no overheating of engine i.e. no overspeeding. Fabulous turn radius and turn angle. Did a u turn while riding solo at about 50 degree angle with zapper tyres !! boyy... this baby can really bend low with those. So deccelerating is not something you do with a WInd when u are to take a turn !!
Acceleration was very good in city. I have done it across the country with riders from maharashtra, delhi and punjab. If you know when to change your gears, you can very well give the pulsar 150 or the cbz a run for money !! The wind achieves this with 125 cc just because of pure kawasaki blood and a lower weight. Though I would not agree that racing a 2 stroke RX 100 is a good idea.Those things are gas guzzlers and lightning fast. But one thing that a Wind has that gives it a sigfig edge is its superior 5th gear acceleration. I've been neck and neck with many bikes till the 4th, but once you have held it till there, you knew it boy, your 5th gear will any day win you the race !!
There's one downside though - at high speed if you were to brake suddenly, there was significant lateral movement in the rear wheels. Therefore, riders need to get used to this before they take it to 100 kmph.
Looks:
In the age when the karizma's and the CBZs were already in the market, kawasaki did not produce a beauty. But what it did was produce a bike for the middle class bike lovers who had taste. For those that liked its refined curves, its chic instrument panel, its wide-beam headlight, that classy rear and nothing but the sound of the wind while cruising down a mountain in that "A class" 5th gear.
For this entire experience, I whole heartedly thank the crew at
Sai Service, Pune
Deewan Bajaj, New Delhi
