My Companion for life !. Review on Kawasaki Caliber

It was way back, precisely on the 29th July 1999 at 4 pm that I had taken the delivery of my Bajaj Caliber and took it straight to the Saibaba Mandir at Vile Parle to seek the lord's blessings. After all this was the first vehicle I owned. Though we had a family car, I never had even a bicycle for myself, so I was very emotional of the first vehicle that was registered in my name.

Before buying the Caliber, I spent months researching as to which bike to purchase. My fist choice was Kawasaki RTZ and second was Yamaha RX 100. But both of them being 2 stroke vehicles, many had advised me against buying them. Then one fine day my college friend Sunil Makhecha informed me that a new Bajaj bike had been launched. I immediately checked the newspapers and found a large advertisement of the Bajaj Caliber. From the time I saw it, I fell in love with it. The design was awesome and I found it big enough for a 6 feet guy like me. The shape was revolutionary, it had the feel of a big bike at that time. The large tank added bulk to its looks.

When I took the delivery of the bike, my best friend Adil rode it for me. When i learnt riding, I found the bike engine a bit rough and the gear shift too hard. I started fearing that I got a damaged bike or mechanically troublesome bike. I spent sleepless nights at times thinking that I had made a wrong decision as people often told me to book a Splendour. I took it to the showroom many a times for small issues but after the 3rd service got over, I found the bike getting smoother, though I felt that the engine was not as responsive and smooth as other bikes. As time passed I overlooked the small flaws that every Bajaj bike has.

Today, it has been over 7 years that I have been using this bike and never realised how quickly time had passed by. I still regard my bike as new, though it is 7 years old and has crossed over 55,000 kms. Ive taken it to Lonavala, Pune, Igatpuri, Malshej and on other long drives many times. Over the past 7 years my caliber has become my most trusted companion and accompanies me wherever I go. I have developed a deep emotional bonding with my caliber. Can't ever think of selling it to anyone. Its not that the bike is an engineering marvel or technological wonder but because it has never let me down. Even after crossing 55,000 kms, ive not changed the clutch plate. Never had to open the engine for any reason. The only expenses that I incurred on this bike have been for changing the brake pads a number of times, rear tyre, brake and clutch cable (once or twice) and for the eletrical switches and bulbs and for routine servicing. I am sure that even on the day I retire after about 28 years from now, my Caliber will be with me and in top running condition. I still feel that my Caliber has a hard gear lever and pathetic brakes, but it starts at the first kick every morning. I mean it, it really does and the firing is still crisp and loud just as it was when I bought it new. And even today when I feel low or depressed at times, I just check the petrol in the tank, kick-start the bike and go on a long ride.

In my personal opinion if a biker treats his bike with respect, the bike never lets him down, be it a Caliber or a Hayabusa. .

ADVANTAGES OF A BAJAJ CALIBER ( As compared to other bikes of the same engine capacity in the year 1999 when I purchased my Caliber)

1. Lower purchase price.

   
   




2. Lower cost of maintenance / cheaper spare parts.

   
   




3. Lare 14 litre petrol tank capacity helpful during long rides outside city limits.

   
   




4. Powerful headlights help during night time riding ( now even TVS has powerful headlights).

   
   




5. Only bike in 100cc category with RPM meter (Tachometer).

   
   




6. Wider tyres than Hero Honda Splendour (Splendour was the only 4 stroke competitor in 1999).

   
   




7. Better stability on high speeds as the bike is heavier than other 100cc bikes.

   
   




8. Rugged engine helps in greater load carrying capacity.

   
   




9. Best looking bike in 1999.

   
   

DISADVANTAGES OF A BAJAJ CALIBER

1. Engine is not as refined as Hero Honda bikes

   
   




2. Gear shift is hard as compared to Hero Honda and TVS.

   
   




3. The 1999 Caliber models have smaller sized drums, therefore brakes are pathetic.

   
   




4. The seats of the earlier Caliber were not comfortable.

   
   




5. Most body parts are made of brittle fiber (except the petrol tank).

   
   




6. Water seeps into the Petrol tank during Rains.

   
   

Inspite of some minor disadvantages, the Caliber is a great bike for those who want a decent and economical 100cc bike. The bike goes on and on without demanding much from the owner's pocket. I would suggest this bike to sales and marketing guys who need a bike to roam around the city the whole day.

I am sure that many fellow bikers like you must have had rich and unforgettable experiences with their bikes. For me it was a great experience owning a Caliber because I bought it when I had just begun my career and there was a long struggle ahead. My bike never left me stranded on the road for any reason whatsoever. I drove my bike through flooded waters and muddy roads, I drove it triple seat, I drove it in the heaviest of rains, I drove it over footpaths to avoid traffic and crossed it over the road dividers and ive also driven it with a flat tyre for about 3 to 4 kilometers but it never gave off, it continued serving me like a loyal soldier.

Friends, my caliber may not be the best bike on the roads but for me, my Caliber is my Life !

HAPPY BIKING !