Hi People,
Here's my two bits after nearly 5 Months of ownership and about 1450 kms.
I love to ride bikes more than driving on our car (XUV500). But sadly the car has completed much more kms than what my DESTINY did. Its been a strange relationship and one that has become sweeter as the days have passed.
You can ask anyone about its looks and they'll go gaga over it...so did I, but after purchasing the bike I wasnt too happy with the vibes and a few niggles that came along the way.
I dont know if other niggles have subsided or I've become immune to them. Its like being in a relationship. You start to understand and accept the flaws of your partner and often look at the sunny side of things. But it's the vibes which is keeping me off from making a strong bond with my bike. So am I disappointed with the bike? ...its a RESOUNDING NO!! Its a cracker of a machine and if any one reading this wants to go for it...well.....eyes closed...just do it!
Here are a few good and not so good things about this enigmatic machine....
Good:
Handling: I recently did some small rides and the way this beast behaved on the highway was as if the bike was born on the highway.....Suspension does not bottom out whatsoever. The bike remains composed. Brakes are awesome. Tyres...well not satisfied with the Stocks provided. Have fishtailed as much as 8times!! within these 4 months, and every time while panic braking. But the good thing is even with a fishtail, the bike always keeps a straight line, and there was never a fear of skidding off the road.
Engine: Jekyll and Hide come to my mind when I think of it...quiet as a cat till 75k and once the throttle is twisted up north, out comes the roar of the tiger.My cruising speed was between 75 and 80 (coz of windblast that one faces, and especially these chilly winter breezes are freezing) but the manner in which it stuck to that speed and the tarmac was just awesome. Overtaking at speeds in excess of 90k felt like a breeze. It just doesnt feel out of breath as it runs out of rev range. Never felt the same inclination from my earlier P150.
Electronics: All bulbs working fine. Headlight throw is decent. Very impressed with the 55w headlamps.Starter never fails. Cooling fan works when needed and makes a sound as if the bike is air-conditioned
Comfort: Though the padding on the seats is less, the riding position (at least for the rider) is perfect. (I'm 5"8) I did encounter some fatigue on arms, elbows, shoulders, back, etc. at first due to my riding stance, but now have adapted quite well with the Bike. No issues with any long ride.
Mileage: Aah...the question...kitna deti hai?? Apparently my bike returns about 40kmpl (very happy considering it has a 200cc heart producing 23.5 bhp)
Errr...not so good:
Electronic: Horn is not fit for the highway. Its like the Great Khali having the voice of Sharmila Tagore The fuel indicator is possessed....Turn indicator switch can be a pain esp for ones not blessed with long fingers.
Niggles: Irritating noises from the right side of the headlight fairing and still not sorted even after 2 services (I am now in ignore mode).
AND THE MOST IRRITATNG NIGGLE: The vibrations on the bike!! After passing the 6K RPM mark on any gear (except 6th) there is tremendous vibrations all along the bike. Starting from handle bars to the tank, foot-pegs, under seat, pillion seat, to the rear mud guard. This has still not Been solved even after multiple visits to the SVC. Am waiting for the 2K kms of run-in period to get over.. then will get the 2nd service done and will change the oil to Motul SS.
Final verdict: If you havent bought it yet and are yet reading this post....what are you? a window shopper?
Thats it from me....ride safe...wear protection in all walks of life
Peace Out!
few photos of DESTINY during the ride..