Boon to LML. Review on LML Beamer

Finally, LMLs Life-style bike ''BEAMER'' has hit the showrooms in BLR. They delayed the launch of its earlier variant ''the GRAPTOR'', which now seems to have found its place in history.

First things first - The RED beamer caught my eye instantaneously as I entered the showroom. The other colors dont carry any impression at all, though the BLACK one is probably the next best. I felt the looks of this bike is definitely better(from a distance) than the rest of the 150cc crowd, though Pulsar has been the most favorite of the population today in terms of looks too.

As a thought, the EST frame and the small grill thats provided below the petrol tank, could have gone with some contrast color shades (Graptor had this, I guess) than being painted with the body color.

The console comprising of the Speedometer (no trip-meter), RPM meter, Fuel gauge, indicators are just decent and LML definitely needs to give a better attention to this. The same is with the quality/finish of the switches. The black fiber finish provided for the chrome based console is a little awkward, could have done without that. The Petrol tank could have been a little smaller and with less no. of contours, though it does not matter much. However, the small drain provided within the petrol lid sounds interesting, need to see it how effective it would be, really.

All other stuff like the headlamp, tail-lamp, the indicators....et all, find themselves to be in their usual best.

After looking/observing all 150CCs, I guess these things are not given any great importance by the manufacturers. They are more or less, just being put there for the sake of it. A small compartment below the seat (note, the entire seat needs to be removed) is good enough to hold a tool kit and vehicle documents(who needs luggage space anyway in a bike).

The test ride - My hands were itching to get a grip of the accelerator as the showroom mechanic handed over the bike to me. The kick-start was a smooth one and the engine came alive with just one kick. The sound of the exhaust is a very rythmic beat with some BASS in it, so that makes the rider feel more excited. 1 down - 4 up gears are just right to give a smooth take-off and lead to an exciting riding experience.

The torque is well balanced on varying speeds and gears, providing a strain free riding in city traffic. For those who want to kick dust, am sure this bike would just do it with ease. The seat looks a tad thinner/smaller than the other 150CC bikes, however felt very comfortable while riding. The mileage also sounds very encouraging - 55 to 60kmpl real-time is a definite winner.

All in all, a well made piece of automotive from the underdogs(if I might say), who I feel should be appreciated for their effort and endeavor. Note that LML does not have any biggies backing, such as Bajaj(Kawasaki), Hero (Honda) and Honda. After TVS, I feel LML is striving to make its mark in the motorcycle segment on its own (though it has a tech collaboration with Daelim) and my confidence in their R&D has only become stronger.

My ratings of the 150CC bikes -

1 - Beamer

2 - Pulsar

3 - Unicorn

4 - Fiero FX

5 - Fiero F2

Look out for my review on Honda Unicorn too...:-)