Well, this thing was long due. I was kind of fascinated by the glamor of this machine which also had fuel injected engine in its kitty. So, yesterday, en route home I stopped by Teknik motors to buy a brake switch for my Electra. Politely asked the supervisor if I can find a classic 500 for test drive. He obliged instantly in an equally polite tone :)
Next, I had to fill in a few details, the supervisor gave me a quotation for all RE bikes. I glanced the slip and the guy says the on road price is Rs1.5 lakh. My eyes blinked a couple of times inside the dark goggles I wore, fortunately deceived the supervisor.
My test bike was a black one. Sat on it and first impression was that it's low - the 18" wheels make lot of difference. Pressed the self start and machine roared to life. In fact, it wasn't a roar like an older bullet but a lot of mechanical clatter as if some had put a dozen spoons in the engine. :D
Rolled the throttle to feel the thump but didn't find any - unbulletish, I would say.
Now now, it's a left side gearshift, I had to remind myself. Shift pattern is similar to Karizma's.
Slowly rolled ahead and sped the bike to the service road. The handle bar was uncomfortable to me. As I shifted to second, immediately noticed the power. Throttle response is crisp and I for once wished my Electra had the same. Quickly switched to fifth gear and I was cruising good. Saw a few vehicles coming up ahead and I awfully missed the neutral finder. Had to fumble to get to first.
The bike has split seat, hence the rider's seat got some springy action which I felt was good. Could not test the electrical system as it was still 17:00 hrs.
Verdict: I envy the powerful engine, but the bike is moving towards becoming unbulletish(yeah, I invented this word :))
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