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I have been following Wheels for the past onemonth and now need your advice. I'm looking for a newbike between the Yamaha Gladiator, TVS Apache and Bajaj Pulsar 150cc. Some of my friends recommend the Honda Unicorn. I weigh only 56 kg, and am worried about whether I can handle the bike. Which should I go for? I want style and performance.
Srikant Jayakumar,
via email
The three bikes you have shortlisted each have their own virtues. Here's a brief on them. The Pulsar is the segment sales leader, as well as an established and successful model. It looks good and has decent performance. Its only problem is a clunky gearbox. The Apache is similar to the Pulsar in many ways, though it enjoys a better gearbox, and looks fresher today. The Unicorn lacks features including alloy rims, alloy fuel filler, alloy triple clamp, a trip meter and city lights. Yet, it's got a really smooth engine and gearbox and is superior to the Apache and Pulsar in this one respect. The Gladiator fits into the 125cc segment while all the above are 150cc bikes. Now, considering your weight and requirements, we would recommend the Apache to you - it is a more compact package than all the other bikes in your list and will also be easier to handle, especially if you are short as well.
I have a Bajaj KB100, a 1989 model. It has good mileage of 40 kpl andI want to know whether I can retrofit the carburettor of the Bajaj CT100 to it to further improve mileage. CanI fit the Bajaj CT100's SNS shock absorber too? Will this improve ride quality?
A Ananda Ramesh,
via email
Don't fiddle with the carburetion of your KB100 - if it is giving you 40 kpl after these many years, consider this a blessing! Meanwhile, we're not quite sure about how your bike will react to the SNS shockers from the CT100. The KB has a long-stroke suspension system at both ends and really offers very good ride quality - simply replace the old shockers with a new pair instead, and you'll see improvement without tampering with the original package.
I have owned a Santro for the past five years and am now planning to change it. On an average, I log 1000 km a month, most of which is within the city. I take my family of four on long trips twice a year. I enjoy the pleasure of driving and expect decent mileage and minimum ownership cost from my prospective vehicle. My budget is Rs 5 lakh and have shortlisted the Maruti Swift and Ford Ikon Flair. I personally like the Flair, even though it is old - it is three-box and a bigger car. My family insists on the Swift. What could be a better choice? Please advice.
Rama Krishnan
via email
The Ikon is a great deal - it is bigger than the Swift and will accommodate all of you comfortably. However, we suggest you listen to you family. Since most of your driving is in the city, a small car will be easier to park. And look no further than a Maruti for decent mileage and relatively low ownership costs - the Ikon will cost you more as time passes.
Car or bike queries? Write in at metrowheels@gmail.com
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