Riding into the sunset - Avenger 200

Here is an image of our test rider alongside the Bajaj Avenger 200 oil cooled cruiser. Shot on the NH2 from Kolkata to Delhi, the image portrays the essence of riding long and into the sunset!

Photo data: Camera body - Nikon D80, Lens - AF 24mm F 2.8. Mode - Aperture priority. Aperture set at 16. Metering mode - Centre weighted. Focus mode - AF Single Servo. I held the centre area to get the metering off the setting sun after focusing on it. Then, I used the Auto Exposure Lock and the Auto Focus Lock together, reframed the shot and released the shutter for this effect!

The Hero Honda Hunk does not let down!

Sit astride the Hunk and you will immediately start feeling great. That massive tank ahead of you feels substantial. The retro styled instrument console with analogue readouts and the new improved rear add to the style statement.

The gear shifts have become slicker, however, missed gears are still in the ballpark if handled carelessly. Handling is a tad better now and the bike rides a bit stiffer with more feedback.

The front brakes on the bike we got were spongy but that front wheel just comes up like your daily bread. Amen! Full road test report here>>

Cruise Control - The whole weekend, spent riding the Avenger 200!

The whole weekend was skooshed riding the Avenger 200 oil cooled number. We went on the highway, along the back roads and just about anywhere where good smooth tarmac was to be found!

The road test report for the same will be up on the site in a day or two. Till then, you can enjoy this desktop image of our man scraping the Avenger pegs to kingdom come!

Enjoy!

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!

Remembering the Lambretta!

It has been a long time since we did this story on the Lambretta. A whole day that we had spent just canoodling around town on this graceful blue machine from the yesteryears!

Makes for a good read once again and here is a great new wallpaper for you to see and use as your desktop image for a while!

Fits widescreens at 1280 x 960 pixels.

- Enjoy

Flinch!

The best time to listen to music is when you are travelling in your car. When I was in my previous job, such times came often everyday and I got myself a great collection of music I love!

One number that blew me away completely is called 'Flinch' and it figures in Alanis Morissette's album, Under Rug Swept. The lyrics, the entire rhythm and that amazing kick it produces from the sub is reason enough to pick up this album. There are other great songs too... A Must have for you, if cerebral music is what you desire!
- Rahul

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

Truckies now have a bad habit!

Quite often, when I go down the highways these days, I have made a strange observation. It has something to do with the truckies. See, principally, I am totally against overtaking trucks from the left hand side.

However, when I am approaching a truck from behind, I feel many times that the guy on the wheel up front does not know which side I am going to pass him from. Small cars and zippy bikes on the highway just go through the convoy of trucks like an obstacle course. If there is space on the left, they will get their nose in and gun the engine. If there is space on the right, they will take a moment to decide which side will it be more fun to do their stuff this time! So, truckies are now a confused lot. They are not sure which way a small vehicle behind them will go. So I pull close to a truck when I want to overtake it, flash a couple of times and stay right there till he moves and then I pass him with confidence and safety and a small nod as I go past his cabin!

In India, we overtake from the right hand side of a vehicle. So let us keep the highways disciplined. Just try it. You will be amazed at how well mannered truckies really are. They have never let me down. How about you? Tell us.
- Rahul

Somebody gonna get a hurt real bad!

In true Russel Peter style we say. Our man Niel worked his ass off (or was it something else eh?) and finally picked up this awesome 954RR a day back!

Now thats what we call a man who lives for his two wheels.

Expect a full story on the RR soon. Eh Niel, can you hear us?