I read Wheels on Wednesdays with keen interest. I currently own a Matiz, which I purchased in 2000. Though it’s still in good condition, I am planning to replace it with a new car. I am looking for a car with good driving comfort and economy. My average usage will be about 50 km a week and my budget is Rs 5-6 lakh. I was hoping that the Chevy Spark would be introduced soon. My mail to GM India was not even replied to. Do you have any idea when it will be in the market? Is it worth waiting for? I like the performance of the Matiz and I look forward to your reply.
T Swaminathan
The Spark has been launched and is very competitively priced. If you’re happy with the Matiz, you will like the Spark. The Spark is also a fuel efficient car and falls well within your budget. It will also suit your average usage pattern of 50 kilometres a week.
I have a 2003 Pulsar 150 DTS-i. I have a problem with its rear brake. I serviced it at two big Bajaj showrooms, but even then, it only works well for a month or so before the brake fails. The problem is that if I apply the back brake very strongly, the bike skids. Also, when I ride, I am able to hear a noise around the chain. Lastly, while travelling, if I shake my hip; I feel like every part of my bike shakes separately. I don’t have much of an idea about bikes so I am not able to tell them what exactly the problem could be.
Mukund
Replace the rear wheel drum. The noise you hear from the chain is the chain scraping against the inside of the chain cover. Have the mechanics adjust the tension in the chain and this should solve the problem. The loose feeling from the rear of the bi
ke probably means you have a worn rear tyre and probably the rear shock absorbers need replacement as well. Check swingarm bearings and wheel bearings. If required, replace the bearing kit and your bike should be fine.
I have a two-year-old kick-start Honda Unicorn model which is performing satisfactorily with an average mileage of about 55-58 kpl. I would like to change the wheels to alloys and have broader tyres, as in the Pulsar. Now with the new Unicorn about (with alloy wheels), should I exchange my bike for the new model which also has the electric start option? Is it economical? How is the performance of the new model?
N Desigan
The new Unicorn has the same engine and gearbox but the lighter alloy wheels should improve the handling of the bike. The cost for you to modify your Unicorn will not be worth it and it makes more sense for you to trade in your old bike for a new one, which should, on an average, cost you approximately the same.
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