Jan 16, 2003 05:06 PM
32527 Views
(Updated Jan 16, 2003 05:13 PM)
Named after the noble and devoted horse of Maharana Pratap this scooter from the Bajaj stable once ruled the roads of India. It still is the World's Largest selling scooter. It was the gaining popularity of Motor Bikes, which led to the downfall of not only this vehicle but also the company manufacturing it. Bajaj Auto once the unchallenged leader of the two wheeler market was removed from the No 1 position by Hero Honda the company behind CD100, Splendor, Ambition, Passion and other such popular Bikes.
The Bajaj Chetak scooter has evolved over the decades and is preferred for its low operating costs and easy spares availability. Bajaj Auto has also introduced a 4 Stroke variant of the Chetak scooter.
Its current price is : Standard model Rs 27040 ex showroom Jaipur Price Info from their web site.
My scooter is a 1995 model and in the last eight years I have not had to take it for any major repairs at all. Driving it is quite comfortable and since I have gone in for the model with separate seats for solo and pillion I do not feel the jerks due to bad roads and badly made speed breakers. Unfortunately the pillion rider does feel the jerks as the drivers seat is on a spring whereas the pillion seat is placed on the body of the scooter. I guess that speaks badly of the suspension built in the vehicle.
Fuel efficiency advertised should not be believed. You would be lucky if you got 25km/lt. I believe they advertise 45 km/lt. on city roads.
Briefly this Scooter is a comfortable riding machine, much economical to your bank balance as compared to bikes, long lasting and durable, does not need much repairs and when it does the spares are easily available and inexpensive. The only hitch is the fuel consumption department in which the scooter will always be leagues behind the modern bikes. Recent reports in the media have suggested that Rahul Bajaj is now concentrating on consolidating the chetak brand and his company will soon launch a new Modern scooter based on advanced technology. Its too early to comment on how that will fare.
A brief historyabout the company behind this scooter:
Bajaj Auto Ltd of India has been manufacturing scooters for four decades and has become the largest scooter manufacturer in the world.
The Bajaj Group was established by Jamnalal Bajaj, a confidant and disciple of Mahatma Gandhiand often referred to by the Mahatma as his fifth son. (I bet you didn't know that, did you ?)
On the death of Jamnalal the Mahatma said, ''whenever I spoke of wealthy men becoming the trustees of their wealth for the common good I always had this merchant prince principally in mind.''
Kamalnayan, the eldest son of Jamnalal Bajaj, succeeded his father in 1942, at the age of twenty-seven. Deeply involved in the freedom struggle, he could devote himself to business only after 1947.
In the years that followed, he not only consolidated the group, but also diversified into scooters and three-wheeler vehicles, cement, ayurvedic medicines, electrical equipment and appliances.
The status which the Bajaj group enjoys today is largely the result of Kamalnayan's vision and guidance.
Bajaj Auto's two vehicle manufacturing plants are spread over 1 500 acres in two cities, produce a vehicle every 17 seconds and employ over 18 000 people. The company manufactures world acclaimed products under licence or in collaboration with other manufacturers and in 1995 produced more that one million vehicles for markets in 70 countries in Asia, Europe, the America's and Africa. Continents where Bajaj Auto vehicles have already logged billions of kilometers.
Technical Specifications
Engine Two Stroke, Forced Air Cooled
Power 7.8 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Displacement 145.45 cc
Transmission 4 Speed
Chassis Type Monocoque
Kerb Weight 103 kg
Ignition/Electronics CDI/12V AC
Fuel Capacity 6.5 Litres
Specification Value
Engine Type 2 stroke; Cooling Type Forced Air Cooled; Displacement 145cc; No. of Cylinders 1; MaxPower 7.5bhp; Max Power RPM 5500rpm; Max Torque 10.8Nm; Max Torque RPM 3500rpm; Ignition Type CDI Electronic; Carburettor Spaco SI- 20 20 mm venturi carb; Transmission Type 4 Speed Constant Mesh; Clutch Type Wet Multi-disc; Electrical System 12V AC; Head Light 35/35 W; Horn 12V AC; Chassis Type Monocoque; Front Suspension Variable rate coil spring & double acting Shock Absorber; Rear Suspension Variable rate coil spring & double acting Shock Absorber; Front Tyre Size 3.50 X 10in - 4PR; Rear Tyre Size 3.50 X 10in - 4PR; Front Brakes Drum; Rear Brakes Drum; Fuel Tank Capacity 6 litres Reserve Capacity 1.4 litres; Wheel Base 1230mm; Ground Clearance 135mm; Saddle Height 830mm; Minimum Turning Radius 1.56m; Kerb Weight 103kg; Maximum Payload 140kg; Fuel Efficiency (Ideal) 68kmpl Fuel Efficiency (Highway) 55 to 60kmpl Fuel Efficiency (City) 45kmpl Max Speed 85kmph.
Whew! What a lot of information. Being a commercial man I do not understand any of the above technical stuff, but I have reproduced information taken from my scooter catalogue as well as their web site for your benefit.
Today I was reading an article in a business magazine which stated that the scooter market is also rising (not as much as the bikes ofcourse.) The renewed interest in scooters is chiefly because our elders perceive the scooter to be much safer than the superfast bikes plus the entry of modern scooters like Honda Activa. I guess in the coming months we will be seeing renewed action in this category.
