Jan 27, 2009 08:47 AM
5383 Views
(Updated Jan 27, 2009 09:31 AM)
BACKGROUND OF MOTORCYCLE REVIEW WRITER:*
Am an original Bharateeya, now residing overseas foro many many years; have since moved onto sport/cruiser m-bikes.
*CURRENT LOVE
*I ride a Suzuki GSX250 Classic which I will trade in for a Suzuki Cruiser 800cc C50 Boulevard or Yamaha Cruiser 950cc -2009 MODEL. The other motorcycle I use to commute and travel long distances is a Hyosung V-Twin 4stroke, 8 Valves, with 33 Horsepower comes with 39mm Restricted Carbs. I can remove this and have regular twin Carbs that will provide 81 HP but at the moment 33 HP is Ok. (Cost A$200 or so to change carbs)
WHAT MAKES ME WRITE ON HERO HONDA CBZEE
I love Honda and their obsession with quality and what they do to produce those great engines and price them MUCH LOWER than a BMW bike engine. Trouble is, the dealers think they rule the motorcycle market. This was once true and is still true to a large extent, but other manufacturers have played level and caught up with Honda, big time.
e.g.
TVS's engineering feats
Bajaj's stunning designs
Suzuki's quiet appearance
Kinetic-Hyosung (Mahindra?)'s classy offerings
Electric bikes way of the future?
THE ORIGINAL CBZEE -Motorcycling unplugged
Ride - balanced
The height - good
Stance - sporty
Road grip - confidence providing
Behavior - predictable
Power delivery - thrilled for that day and age
Felt like - Drive it, drive it, drive it!
Looks - Eye catching
Height - Good for tall folks
Handling - near perfect at 80-100kmph
Design - Superb because it was new and was a jaw-dropper!
USP - First major 150cc+ classy bike for Indians
New seat design
Exhaust note - Great!
GOOD STUFF:
All that mentioned above and the ride and engine noise is fine until 60-70K.
Ride on Hiway and city a new experience compared to 100cc
Seating height great
Pickup sensational compared to other 4-strokes at that time
Stealing the thunder form other bikers!
BIGGEST HIGH: FELT LIKE A 200/250cc m-bike compared to others and got looks from many people on the road and off of it! I got as many as 10 inquiries on the original CBZee m-bike!!
True to its slogan was "M-cycling unplugged"
NOT SO GOOD STUFF
Engine vibes after 70K
Poor fuel efficiency compared to B-Pulsar
Hi Price!
HH monopoly and hi prices of spares (e.g plastics worth Rs 100 were charged Rs 600-1000) HH learnt lessons here!
Short term legend
High cost of running compared to 100cc
Not so good for women in saris due to stepped seats
CBZ with 5 kilos less (from1 30 kgs) would have given Fiero F1 a run for its money
Engine is de-tuned Honda and not smooth as Fiero
COMPETITION:
Suzuki was seen as a smaller m-bike
Yamaha RX 100/135 were great; but lacked the big size and presence. Many Yam owners used to drool; but Yam being 2 stroke holds its own --
VERDICT:
Buy a Honda/HH for quality
TVS for overall package
Buy Pulsar if you have the money and short life of engines compared to Honda/HH
otherwise ask me; Am gonna say - HYOSUNG HYOSUNG
