Riding with power and style

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 6:

Local bike market is certainly in the fifth gear. The year 2004 saw almost a record number of variant launches. 2005 seems even more exciting as there are more new models in the pipeline. Choosing a motorcycle is a diifficult job, albeit in a different price range, models and companies. Characterstics like handling, speed, acceleration, and appearance, among other factors are to be looked for before going for one. The exquisite range of Royal Enfield, Pulsar and Eliminator of Bajaj and Karizma of Hero Honda are bikes that have combination of distinctive styles, power and comfort riding, and they all fall into a 150+ CC segment.

Royal Enfield

The trademark of Royal Enfield is its sound, which makes every one turn their head. Enfield is never outdated. Now available in varieties of models it has lured a huge number to owe a real power machine. Unparalleled riding comfort for streets full of potholes and humps, it has gas filled shock absorbers and is also fitted with handle bar end weights that suppress vibrations. A stunning internationally styled meter console with smoked glass, ergonomically designed seats for and incredibly comfortable ride, five-speed gearbox, unmatched styling and unbeatable reliability are few of its features. The classic bikes available in five models with 346 cc and 500 cc come either with four gears system or five gears. A bike that everyone will love to ride with a feeling of royal pride is no wonder Royal Enfield.

ELIMINATOR

Eliminator — a bike with a custom look — is very good for long drive. The longest wheelbase has gumball rubber and in general seems like the most spacious set of wheels. Not that only, there’s a good deal of chrome for games with the light and to make a statement - an Eliminator’s charm. The slimness of line gives it a visual fragility that gives the rider an impression of an expensive fashion accessory. The 173.9 CC engine with power of 15.15 BHP @ 9,000 rpm and a torque of 0.06 kgm is certainly for an admirer of power and style.

Though the Eliminator’s engine has silent and smooth sound it wont let the rider feel inferior during the transition from low-end grunt to top-end whack. The acceleration is almost unbelievable when looked at its size and style.

PULSAR

The Pulsar 180 — a sporty model of Bajaj — is violent in nature and muscular in figure making it ‘a definitely male bike’. The handle position, which makes driver’s shoulders squared, always ignites one to go faster. The heavy looks of its front face; good competency with other models and a performance orientation has made it a street-sports motorcycle. All these had made it to make a big bang in the national and international market. The sales of Bajaj skyrocketed when Pulsar was introduced. Today Bajaj governs around 30 per cent market share in the two-wheeler segment. Pulsar with 178.6 CC engine has a power of 15 BHP@ 8,200 rpm. The standard gear of one down and four ups and 18 litres tank with three liters reserve gives it a bulgy but a great look.

The acceleration of 0 - 60 Kmph in 4.92 seconds makes it an august power machine. It has a husky growl but is still admired for its vroom-vroom. The aggressive structure of riding position always invites the rider to go fast, feelings like the faster the better.

KARIZMA

On 16, May 2003 Hero Honda launched Karizma in Indian market as a first Indian premium segment sports bike. Karizma has been introduced to catch a class of people who want more power but don’t give a damn about mileage or price. The top class design — trapezoidal headlight — gives the bike a fascinating front look. Perfectly designed indicators and the fuel tank with 15 liters capacity, fits well enabling the rider to stretch his hands and giving the bike a sporty look.

The four stroke engine of 223 cc bike has a power of 16.8 BHP@7000 RPM and an acceleration of 0-60 in a devastating 3.8 seconds. For retardation it has a 276 mm disc caliper at the front and 130 mm drums at the rear. The bike has plenty of technology like digital odometer, tripmeter and fuel gauge instead of the analog ones. There is a clutch actuation switch too in case of electric starting. Advanced Microprocessor Ignition (AMI) for better control over ignition timings and the CV carburetor has been designed in such a way that it is unaffected by the outside environmental conditions. Karizma is available in attractive shades of red, maroon, yellow, golden, blue, silver and black.