Motorbike Enquiry

Yesterday I had visited showrooms of TVS, Yamaha, Bajaj, Hero Honda and HONDA for a formal bike enquiry.All showrooms were in Dr.Rajkumar Road, Rajaji Nagar. I primarily wanted to go for 150 cc, but midway after visiting all these showrooms, got confused and left my options open. I would list out the bikes in contention:

• TVS Apache
• FZ 16
• Gladiator SS
• Pulsar 150cc UG4
• Passion PRO
• Splendor Plus
• Unicorn
• Shine

Let me briefly explain the pros and cons of each showroom visit. Guys, this is not a blog on the specs of these bikes, rather the reception of showroom guys to an enquiry.

1) Bridgestone TVS

TVS Apache: The showroom ambience was OK and one could sense it was not after aggressive marketing and not targeting the youth primarily. Even though there were 3 different models of Apache 160, the salesperson was not able to tell even the basic differences. It was a disappointment for a techie like me. Then, as the cost of the price was a little high on my budget, I spoke to the Asst. Sales Manager for finance options. I was shocked to hear that since I was a bachelor, it was very difficult to get a loan, even for a small amount. But, I was also informed that if address enquiry goes well, then may be I will get the loan.

My rating out of 5: 3.6

2) BANGALORE WHEELS - Yamaha

FZ 16 - Recently, Yamaha made a decent run in the Indian bike scenario by introducing it's high powered and stylish bikes targeting the youth. Even though I was not keen on FZ 16, I am a YAMAHA fanatic. My boss used to talk about getting this bike for himself, so that set the tone for my liking towards it. The sales person who was young was well informed and did a good job. He even took me to the attic and showed me the console and features like Wide Rear tyres, Mono shock absorbers, Light weight fibre petrol tank, etc. I also went for a test drive in one of the service roads and the bike was very nice to drive.

Pros: Comfortable riding position, Light weight - 126 Kg, Economical changeable Tank covers

Cons: Pillion Seat Height, No Kicker(Only Electric Start), Pillion seat unsuitable for Indian women

As the bike cost is Rs. 76K on road, I decided it was beyond my reach. I saw Gladiator type SS new model that was on display and was drooled by the looks. I think so it will be Total Value for Money. Personally, one of my picks.

My rating out of 5: 4.4

3)VST Bajaj

Pulsar 150 UG4 - There's nothing much to comment as we all know about Pulsar and Bajaj. I would rate the service as neither good nor bad, a bit more on the good.

My rating out of 5: 3.5

3)MAX MOTORS - Hero Honda

Passion Pro, Splendor + - Worst of the lot. The showroom seemed sleepy and none were interested in a potential customer. Even though more than the customers, their bench strength was more, still those people were only lazing around. They did not even have a model of the latest launched bike, Passion Pro. I was utterly disappointed as expected from Herohonda, who only make some aesthetic changes for a 20 year old engine and sell bikes like hot cakes. I am not such a kind of person who tolerates non innovation in this rapidly growing sector. My gut feeling says that, the way their competitors are gearing up, marketing and releasing strategically powerful bikes often, Herohonda's complacency will get jolted in the days to come.

My rating out of 5: 2

3)Planet Honda

Unicorn, Shine - I'll make this short. As my rating goes, HONDA's refined and reliable engine was what I was looking for. Sales person was a young chap and seemed OK. He basically explained about the specs of both Shine and Unicorn. When enquired about finance options, I got the same negative reply as with TVS w.r.t bachelors, but this one on a higher tone with the finance person assuming things like myself running after 6 months, blah - blah... But one another HDFC person was cordial enough and explained me the pros and cons and convinced me that with the proper papers, he'll get my loan approved.

My rating out of 5: 4

So that has left me confused over a lot of options. My only worry is not visiting SUZUKI showroom also. With these insights and some more of research, I hope to pick the best bike for me.

PS: Hope you would like this post. Sorry for keeping it a bit long.