No milkman's bike please! - Which 150?

Hi,
I would like to buy a 150cc class bike. I have Apache RTR 160 and HH Hunk on my mind. I will not go for Pulsar because every Milkman owns it. ( tired of watching too many of them ) I do not like the looks of Unicorn and CBZ-X. Apache looks great, but TVS quality sucks. On the other hand Hunk is reliable as it is an HH product, but does not come with loaded features as an RTR. I am damn confused in choosing between Apache RTR and Hunk. Please, tell me what you would have done if you were in my place.
Thanks and Regards.
- Harshal Dharankar

Hello Harshal,
Thats a toughy out there. The choice between the RTR and the Hunk is a purely personal one as they are both able machines. What the hunk does not provide in terms of bells and whistles, it makes up for in the feel department. We are currently testing the Hunk out and can tell you that there is something about the bike that is really awesome. It feels great, nimble and is put together well.
If we were in your place, looking at a true blue 150, the Hunk would be our choice, eyes closed!
- Ride safe buddy!

125cc. Prioritized Purchase!

Hi,
I need to buy a bike in 125 segment in the month of December
My preferences are are listed prioritiwise as
1) Mileage
2) Less and affordable maintenance
3) Power
4) Economical in long run
5) Looks
Please help me to choose One of the best.
- Sanjay Yadav

Hello Sanjay,
Thanks for writing in. Going by your requirements, we would recommend the Bajaj XCD 125 to you. It has the looks, the new era styling, ample performance for a 125cc econocommuter and will give you a steady mileage of 72 kays to a litre in real world conditions.

You can also read our road test on the XCD 125 here>>

Let us know what you finally end up buying. And keep aside some money for a good full face helmet when you buy that bike. Like the good ol' joke that goes 'Especially in December, gift wrap your member!'
- The Monoshock Team

Mod God - Souping up the Pulsar 200!

Hi,
Its always great fun reading your road tests online. I loved yourreport on the Pulsar 200 and it helped me making a decision on buying one. So finally I have a Pulsar 200 which is just a week old. I want to fit a K & N air filter after reading the benifits it has to offeras well as the sweet sound it makes ;-) I won't be jetting the carb, and I wanted to know whether this would still affect the fuel consumption (positively/negatively) and the warranty of the bike. A few people have advised me to fit the filter after the warranty period is over, but I don't really agree with them, as the filter does not really have to do much with the same. But, I've read somewhere that its not advisable to fit the filter without jetting the carb as the carb won't work efficiently if it does not get the necessary fuel supply as compared to the extra air which would be pumped. This i think would affect the engine performance adversely too. If I go ahead and do the jetting, by how much kms will the fuel consumption ideally rise? Please tell me what should be done, will take your advice. Secondly I would like to know about the Iridium spark plugs by NGK, and how will they affect the performance of the bike, both with respect to the fuel consumption and performance. I have tried my best here in Pune to get information about them for my Pulsar 200, but my efforts have been useless so far. The last question, is it possible for fitting the rear disc brake arrangement of the Pulsar 220 to the200? Kindly advice. Thank you very much :-)
- Bhushan Patil

Hello Bhushan,
1) The current air filter on the P200 is perfect. A K&N air filter is no doubt a great unit but we would not want you to tamper with the breathing settings of the engine. You may have an issue with the warranty also as this qualifies as a modification done to the engine parts! Also, there will not be any significant changes with the filter alone.

2) Why would you want to rejet the carb? Never tamper with a carb till it is absolutely necessary or if there is an issue. Modifications to a well researched engineering product can have adverse effects on it's life, emissions and other crucial factors with a very small amount of rise in performance. Best avoided!

3) The disc brake unit can be fitted on the P200 rear. But it will need quite a lot of work on the swingarm, the wheels and hub, the rear brake fluid reservoir location and hoses. Again, we are not sure how it is worth the expenditure!

Bhushan, the P200 is a great bike the way it is. Please ride it well, look after it and after some time, you can upgrade to a larger capacity bike which has all the performance you need. People even modify their Busas and R1s for more performance. But that, beats the whole point!
- The Monoshock Team

Looking for an RD 350 HT- Nothing else!

Hi, I am shahrukh azim from mhow. Actually i have nothing to say but i am looking for an rd 350 HT model so if u can help in getting a good stock rd 350 it would be gr8.

Hello Shahrukh,

Thanks for writing in. The RD 350 was a legendary bike of it's era. However, it is important for you to figure out for yourself that it was a polluting 2 stroke engine that does not make any sense anymore! Everytime you ride your RD, all you will do is dump toxins into the already dirty atmosphere. We say get yourself a 4 stroke motorcycle. The P220 comes to mind for some awesome performance and reliability!

- The Monoshock Team

Pulsar 200 or Karizma?

Hi,
I was planning to buy a Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSi. Can you please tell me a list of things to look out for while buying it? Also, considering the fact that I could buy a karizma for almost the same amount, would my buying a pulsar 200 be a wise decision?

Apart from the bike, are there any other accessories I can add to it while purchasing it? How would adding a more powerful horn/ headlight impact the battery?
Thanks in Advance,
Anirudh

Hello Anirudh,
Thanks for writing in. The Pulsar 200 is a great machine. For those who came in late, the Monoshock road test is here>> We think there is a great price difference between the P200 and the Karizma, hence its a no brainer which bike to pick up! Just go in for the P200. Its a more contemporary machine with a lot of technology going into it. Hmmm, what do you look out for when buying this machine? The color choices and the babes swooning on the streets comes to mind. I mean what could you look out for while buying a standard new bike? The horn is pretty good and so is the headlamp. So leave them untouched.

However, for the price of a Karizma, you also have the Pulsar 220, which is the big daddy of all bikes in India now! So we put in a picture above here to see if you get interested. Best headlights, electricals, handling, brakes and power delivery in it's class. Let us know when you make up your mind!
Ride Safe!.

Being a Wing Rider! We could not agree more!

Hi everyone... Having recently bought a new Honda Unicorn (Red), I thought I will share my experience with you all.

I must tell you, it was really tough for me to choose from 150 cc bikes available in the market today. Firstly, there is a legendary P150 then, there is a successor to the highly acclaimed CBZ and now there is Apache RTR which is priced very aggressively.

I have a daily to & fro travel to office of around 30 km. Hence, what I wanted was a powerful bike with a good seating position, good mileage and decent looks.

With these requirements in mind I zeroed in on two bikes viz.., P150n & Unicorn. I was really confused between these two bikes. But then, with inputs from Monoshock [we just showed you the door mate, thanks] and after test driving both the bikes I found Unicorn more suitable for me and touch wood, after 450 km on odometer, I feel that I made the right decision.

Of course, it lacks that sound or thump of P150, but then roaring clouds hardly ever rain. Unicorn is like an eagle which glides through the traffic without much fuss. One thing which I liked most is that it shows incredible stability at high speeds, even at corners. The overall fit and finish (build quality) is also ways ahead of any other bike in the segment.

However, cold starting is a big problem and low speed torque is missing.

Summing it up, I must say I am a proud owner of new Unicorn.

Kartik H. Shah
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.,
Automotive Sector,
R&D Centre

Have a story? Tell us. And ride safe!

Passport to Adventure?

I am planning to buy the Pulsar 200.Besides city driving I will use the bike on the occasional weekend trip. Next year or the year after I want to go driving from Manali to Leh. Most people use Enfields on such a trip where the terrian, weather and climatic conditions are very harsh. Would you recommend this trip be done on the Pulsar 200?

I don't want to buy an Enfield because it doesn't suit my image and its not very practical for city driving. Regards,

Huzefa.

Hey Mate,
Thanks for writing in. The P200 is a great machine and we have been saying that for quite some time. It is the best offering from Bajaj today overall. So pick one up and send us some pictures. As far as your question about taking it to the hills goes, this picture with the post should clarify your doubts. Taken by our partner club head Faiyaz Sultan, it shows a P200 taking some high altitiude Ladakh beating gracefully! So don't think about such non issues and go ahead.
Buy a good full faced lid and a riding jacket while you are at it though.
- Ride Safe

Wishing to buy a Pulsar 200!

Hi Rahul,

I would be very pleased if you help me out on this. I am living in Pune and going to office involves a 30Km drive one way, partly in city and highway driving condition. I was interested in buying a P-200. I will be using it for almost 4 days a week, rest I will use a car. Traveling on a bike in Pune gets u there much faster. I was interested in knowing the fuel consumption figures for this bike. For Rs 73,220 will it be worth give good riding pleasure. Please advice. Thanks & Regards

Parag Dhande

Hello Parag,

Thanks for writing in. The P200 is an able machine. The best part about it is the ease with which it can handle traffic crawls and highway blasts alike. Still one of the best offerings from Bajaj! The bike we tested gave us between 40 and 45 kays to a litre of petrol. In your case, with a mixed riding condition, you can expect an average of about 43 kays to a litre if you are gentle on the gas. And yes, it is worth every buck that you spend on it. Only trouble is, that the lovely 200 lettering on the rear panels will probably fall off in a while. Take extra care of them. Ride safe.
- Rahul

Exceed my expectations please. . .

Hi, I am from Chennai.

I would like to know which bike would be better in terms of economy, performance and maintenance cost. I would like to choose between Honda Shine, Bajaj XCDand the Hero Honda Passion Plus.I hope I would receive a reply from you.
Thanks,

Patrick Regis

Hello Patrick,
Thanks for writing in. We have not yet tested the XCD extensively but the bike is good. Its a personal choice here I would say. In terms of economy, the Bajaj would probably beat them all out but the choice according to us would be the Honda Shine! Somehow, that bike has a lot going for it. Do let us know if you need any further assistance and what you decide to pick up. - Ride Safe!

Lead conversion and running in!

Hi Rahul,

Based on your inputs and suggestions, I have finally bought a Red Unicorn.

I would like to ask three questions...
1) Is it really necessary not to rev my new bike above 50kmph before 1st service?
2) What I feel is the first gear gives even before 15kmph i.e. I have to shift to 2nd gear immediately.
3) Can you suggest approximately up to what speed can go on 2nd and 3rd gears.

Thanks & regards,

Kartik H. Shah

Hi Kartik. Awesome choice I say! The red one looks so smashing. The motor is too smooth for its own good. Can you write a 400 word ownership experience and send in some pics for the Monoshock E mag? Would be great!

About running in the Honda: Please note that running in is a stage which has a lot of myths going around it. The key is not to keep to low revs only. If you want a long lasting engine with great performance here is the bullet list.

1) When you start up your bike in the morning or first time for that day, just let it idle for about 2 minutes. Gently keep the throttle just twisted enough so the engine does not stall if necessary during the first 30 seconds or so.

2) Take the engine through the entire rev range, which means rev it to 8000 rpm once in a while and then go back to 5000 or 4500! Do it again, each time for longer periods starting 30 seconds and gradually upping the durations. Speed is a result of gearing and its immaterial what the gear is. Just watch the rpm and go go go!

3) Put in about 100 ml of 2T oil into the fuel tank and tank it up to the brim. Do this till your bike has done 2000 kays on the odo. Thats orthodox but it works wonders.

This 3 point program can turn your machine into a well run in beast! Enjoy!

Is there anybody out there?

Hi I am Ismail from Ahmedabad, I want to buy a 200 to 250cc bike. Can i wait for coming soon bikes if any? Please let me know about them..I like powerful bikes. Fuel economy does not matter. Thanks.

Hello Ismail,
You could look at the Pulsar 200, the Pulsar 220 and the Hero Honda Karizma to suit your need. They are all powerful and able machines with reliability to go with them. When it comes to long term riding, the Karizma is still king! New launches are not due for some time now in that segment. Maybe in the next financial year. Till then, ride safe, or keep reading us for a launch scoop/ road test/ riding impression!

Apache RTR or Unicorn?

Hi Rahul,

This is Amzad..! I am planning to go for a new bike.. As of now I have RTR and Unicorn in my mind.. I am really confused to select one.. Please let me know your view ..
And also about the RTR engine, Will it do its best in the future.. I mean will it work for a long time(engine stability) when compared to Unicorn.
Awaiting for your reply..
Regards,
Amzad


Hello Amzad. The decision between the Apache RTR and the Honda Unicorn is purely functional. In terms of styling, performance and handling, the Apache RTR is the logical choice. But if you are looking for a more relaxed riding posture, longer distances and really bad roads, then the Unicorn makes more sense. You should judge your situation based on this.

Also, we do not see why the RTR engine should not go a long way. With a good run in, proper warm up and regular services, it will serve you a long time.
Ride Safe and let us know what you finally bought.

Table for 4 please, but I am paying for 1!

Hi Rahul / Team Monoshock,

I’m an out and out Monoshock fan. And one of the pictures I like best is the one in which the Guy is standing next to the Karizma and err.. ..as its mentioned doing not what we’re thinking he’s doing..???
Any ways
I’ve been planning to get my first bike for over a year now, and since I’ve been riding friends' bikes for long enough , I thought I’d better go in for a gr8 one when I buy one myself. My options include Karizma, P220 or P200.
I might also include that there’s a really good CBR [Modified CBZ -2002 model, still gives 30 kmpl] at 70 Grand which is adding to my confusion. Please check out this bike here at
http://reddevilbike.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

Can u please help me decide what to do?
More over can you please give me some idea of the process involved in getting your bike to another state within India i.e. Re-Registration, Road tax, NOC etc.

Thanks a Ton…

All the very Best….
Ride safe..
Cheers,
SHAANT

Hello Prashant. Thanks for your words. Let me try to address your queries one at a time. Firstly, rule out the mod! It does not make sense to me in any way. Even if it looks good, let it look good with the owner.

Now to come down to your choices, the Karizma is a great bike but its dated and the mileage is not exactly top of the line. Buy this bike only if you are a die hard Karizma fan or doing long rides between cities is part of your KRA!

The P220 is a contemporary machine and few can match it when it comes to bikes on Indian shores, but I would suggest you wait a year for this. Sit back, use a friend's bike for the time being and see how things are shaping up in the segment and how the P220 finally evolves!

The P200 is an instant smile machine and would make the best buy out of the 3 as of now on all parameters. People may differ but that would be my personal opinion and I will stick by it.

Lastly, while changing states of residence, obtain an NOC for transfer from your current place of registration (takes about 90 days normally to come through) and then take the bike to the next state, apply for transfer with the required forms, cash and jam in the NOC you have with you for instant results! Add sugar to taste.

Cheers mate

- Rahul

Awesome threesome!

Hi Rahul,

New Tvs apache RTR 160 or Hero Honda CBZ Extreme or Bajaj Pulsar dtsi 150

Pls advice a best bike from above.
Thanks
Bala

Hello Bala. If its sheer performance, styling and oomph, then do not look beyond the new RTR. If it is doing long distances then the CBZ is the best bet. If you want a jack of all trades (and thus the second part of the saying too..) then the Pulsar is a great buy! Please keep us posted.

Falling in love with the Karizma again!

Let me cut out the nice things and the riff raff from this and get down to the point. I am in love with the Karizma, and am jotting down 5 points which make it a far superior tourer than the P180!

1) The long stroke motor always feels relaxed and rollover lugs from the engine between 60 and 90 kays an hour is awesome!
2) The ergonomics are made for long distances. So even with a beer belly and a few extra kilos, you will be right at home blasting across on our highways
3) The suspension and the long wheelbase are a work of art. Even at high speeds, this art does not seem to lose the layers of paint on the canvas!
4) Stamina. Yes if you have been doing long distances on your bike, you will know what it means. The engine starts to fag out on the Pulsar if you keep the throttle pinned for long distances. No sir, not on the Karizma!
5) Lights. If you zap a trucky up front with a high beam, a left swerve from him to let you go will be an immediate reaction. Also great while riding through B Class unlit roads and rural no roads.

You have some more to add? Or would you like to minus something?

Its an open road.

- Rahul

Zeroing in!

Dear Rahul,
I have zeroed in on two bikes

1) New Bajaj Pulsar 150 Dtsi &
2) New Honda Unicorn.

I am really confused. Please help me out.

Thanks & regards,
Kartik H. Shah

Hello Kartik,
Thats great news. Both these bikes are great choices but in terms of serenity, refinement and reliablity, the Honda is a winner. We would push for the GP edition, as it looks really great. The red one looks amazing too! However, since you are so confused, could I add to the confusion by asking you try out the HH CBZ Xtreme too?
Keep us posted.

Tall ones!

Hi,
I am looking to go for a Cruiser bike, can you let me know is there any chance that Kinetic will launch the Aquila again or any other bike in this category? If yes then when and what will be the price estimated.
I am 6.3” with long legs, hope the Aquila will suit me, please let me know your suggestions.
With regards,
Udai

Hello Udai. One of us at Monoshock had an Aquila for almost a year and a half and she was the apple of our eye. Great bike. But there was no service back up and the owner decided to sell her off while she was still good rather than watch her slowly fall apart. We don't think the Aquila is coming again, and even if it does, we would say stay away from it till you have the assurance of proper company services and spares.

Till then, if you need a cruiser and a cruiser only, look at Bajaj or Enfield. The only other choices you have. Please feel free to speak out by posting comments here.

Homecoming!

Hi,
This is Anish, and i am in Canada right now, coming back to India next month and am very much interested in the P200, but i am confused; is that a good bike? How much is the average and how much it costs on road.

Thanks and Regards
Anish Mathur

Hello Anish. Great to hear from you. As our report here suggests, the 200 is a good machine. One of the best from the Bajaj stable without doubt. The riding style requires a bit more commitment than commuter bikes but hey, thats what we are looking at right? Looks smashing and that motor will get you 45 kays to a litre if you are not ham-fisting the throttle.
Price would be about 75 thousand bucks (on the outside) on road.
Feel free to get back here with your comments.

Tell me Xtremely Quick!

Hi,
I read your road test of the Xtreme on Monoshock and had a few queries as I am planning to buy this bike really soon.

I am listing down my queries -
1) Are there vibrations from the bike and are felt by the rider above 80 kmph ?
2) How is the performance of the Engine, Clutch plates, Gearbox in long term ?
3) Do you recommend me to buy this bike among the 150cc segment or you will let me go for Unicorn / Pulsar / Apache ?

Also I am 5' 6" tall so does it put some restriction to owe a bike to ride it through a heavy traffic or a highway ?
Please reply soon as I am in immediate need of the bike and have to buy one really soon ...

Thanks

Yogendra

Hello Yogendra,
Being 5.5 feet tall is no limitation to any riding. So just go ahead and enjoy the highways and traffic alike. Make sure you are wearing a helmet at all times!

1) The CBZ does have some vibrations at top speed but its not that high that you cannot buy one. If you are however, looking at carrying a pillion for long road trips, we would suggest the Unicorn.
2) The Honda motor that the CBZ comes with should give you long term reliability and fun. Its really great. The gearbox and clutch are good and there should be no issues if riden carefully, warmed up a bit each morning and serviced at scheduled intervals.
3) Its between the CBZ and the Unicorn here mate. Then its your personal choice. We can tell you that the CBZ has more character!

Keep us posted and post comments here for us to get back again. Ride Safe.

Need for Speed!

Hi,
I am wondering which bike to buy after selling my pulsar 180cc...should i go for a pulsar 220cc or the KARIZMA...suggest...which one is faster...i am looking for the fastest 2 wheeler in town...
- Aritro Ganguly

Hello Aritro, we hope you have gone through our extreme road test of the P220. For all those who came in now, its here... if you are looking for the fatsest bike in town, then the P220 is the best bet. No two ways about it. Pick one up from Bajaj Probiking. We guess there will be a little waiting time attached though. And hey! Send us pictures when you do.
Ride Safe.