Hero Swing : Niggling defects spoil the party. Review on Hero Cycles

An Update to the review

Its now over a year and a half since I have been using the bike and after the niggling problems mentioned in the review, the bike has been running fine. Brakes still need a lot of adjusting, and brake shoes on the left side of both wheels keep wearing out because the spring is weak(and spares are unavailable), and doesn't keep it from rubbing against the rim. Do keep the gears well lubricated to prevent jamming of the shift mechanism.

OK, the Swing is a very stable machine that makes you trust it to go further, faster and better. My confidence in it has recently taken a beating though because of a freak accident I had, a BajajPulsar coming and hitting me from behind at a traffic light at night. Visibility issue? Not hurt much except a scraped knee, torn trousers and scratched palms.

Also had my first puncture in this period. Classic nail penetrating the tyre.

Rusting is a problem in Mumbai, and I have to park the bike exposed to the elements except at home. It won't affect people in drier climates.

The original review

I have been using Hero Cycles for most of my 23 year life (ever since I was 7) and I have noticed a deterioration in product quality with the passage of time.

My first cycle was a Hero Jet -flawless and basic and rustic, this was in the days before the advent of the ATB.

Then I had a Ranger LE and except for initially getting the chain shortened and a few punctures and a change of brake shoes, the product gave me six years of trouble free service until it got stolen, still looking as good as new.

Now I have gone a bit upmarket and bought the avant garde product HERO SWING for Rs. 4000/- at Mumbai. You would imagine that you were buying a Premium product that should perform even better for all the extra cash that you pay for it. The bike ran like a dream initially, with all its 21gears shifting beautifully and helping me keep in front of a gaggle of auto rickshaws that choke our streets.

But in the 8 months that I have owned this machine, visits to mechanics has become a regular feature:

Brakes require adjustment at least once a week. It would not be over twice a year on my Ranger LE (The older design was better and wear resistant. The brake shoes got pulled evenly from the center instead of one side as in the current design.)

Rear mudguard broke from the welding joint within 2 months.

Pedals threading of the joint between the pedal and the center gear wore out within 3months(spares not available for this particular model which sells in lesser nos.) and had to be welded on, leaving an ugly scar on the looks of the bike

Bearings in the center axle have got worn out within 5 months and makes a creaking noise while running. Will have to get them changed.

Rusting at all weld joints without exception despite all possible protection from the rain.

Note(These problems are not covered under warranty which applies to the frame only-lack of confidence in the product is obvious)

Something or the other troubles you all the time: Get the mudguard fixed and the stand will rattle, and get that fixed and the shock absorbers start creaking. Lubricate them and the seat starts spinning around despite all the tightening that you can do.

A long standing design flaw: There has to be some sort of a chain cover arrangement for your trousers get greased every time you ride the bike. It has been a problem from the days of the Hero Ranger. Although the Image is of an off road bike, the actual application is within town for most of us and you rarely ride in shorts unless you are a kid. The bike's application is as a daily mobility tool and customer's usage habits must be looked into.

The consumer experience could be better at the price

The consolation: its still as much fun to ride as ever.

If you can afford it a something if phenomenally better quality is available from Mercedes Benz for those Benz drivers who like the wind in their hair. Price? Rs. 90000+