My take on the MACHISMO. Review on Bullet Machismo

Ive had a machismo (black) for exactly a year now. I got it on january 2 this year and Ive done 12000 km on it. Its been a satisfying experience with some cons (obviously). Im 6'3'' and well built so I was on the lookout for a bike which would suit my size. That was my major criterion. I considered the 180 dtsi, which at that time did not have alloys (thank God I didnt go for it because I would have felt bad because one week or so later they launched it with alloys standard), the karizma which I didnt like the seating posture. So it was down to the bullets.

I went to the Royal Enfield brand showroom in Chennai and saw the 3 models electra, thunderbird and machismo. I drove all three again and again and again. I took my dad and uncle who just came down from Bangalore. My uncle suggested that I take the electra and my dad kept mum. But I wanted an exclusive bike and thunderbirds and electras are a bit common. I feel thunderbird does not look great on BIG guys and my mom and sis told me that I look like a slouch on it!!! So for the same reason I chose Victor over Splendor/Passion 3 years ago(for exclusivity because almost every 2nd bike at that time was a splendor/passion) I chose the machismo.

I fitted a headlight cap, short silencer(for the beat) and the back rest of the thunderbird 2 inches behind where it normally is fixed to get extra space on the seat.

My mechanic was Shankar from Tiruvanmiyur. He did all my services right from the free services. But I want to warn you that he is a cheater. He always takes lot of money but gives pathetic service in return. He kept the chain so tight and I have to change my chain and sprocket already. The front fork is slightly skewed but he refuses to admit it. Please dont go to him for service. Get your free services done at the authorised service centeres and after the free services, go to a good mechanic. The other mechanic I went to, Seshan, immediately found out that the chain was loose and that the silencer was loose and fixed it. I went to him the day after I got it serviced from Shankar. He seems a good mechanic with 35 years experience. My friend recommended him after hearing my story. Seshan's shed is inbetween Tidel Park and tiruvanmiyur signal.

Pros :

Nice beat

Comfortable for 2 big people

Looks macho

Decent mileage aroung 35-38 kmpl in city and 40 on highway

Cons :

Expensive bike!!! (82 K)

Rusting close to seashore because of the exposed body and chrome

Expensive parts (Chain & sprocket cost 1200 + labour)

PLEASE RATE MY REVIEW AS IT WILL ENCOURAGE ME