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I live in Chennai and need a bike to go to college. The options I am considering are the TVS Fiero F2, Bajaj Pulsar, Bajaj Caliber 115 and TVS Victor. I need good mileage and a comfortable ride. Can you compare these bikes and suggest which would be the best choice? How is the new Bajaj Wind 125?

Mahesh Chayel

Chennai

The Bajaj Pulsar and the TVS Fiero F2 were compared in these columns on Business Line, August 17. You have not indicated your budget, however, for the options you have listed the price ranges from Rs 42,000 to Rs 51,000, on-road (without considering the 180cc version of the Pulsar).

Bajaj Caliber 115 and TVS Victor are pretty much head-to-head on performance parameters. The TVS Victor's 109.3cc, four-stroke engine offers 8.1 bhp. The Bajaj Caliber 115 sports a 111.6cc, four-stroke, air-cooled engine that thumps out a maximum of 9.5bhp. Both bikes offer four-speed gearboxes. Their mileage are also comparable at 60-65 km per litre.

In terms of dimensions, the Victor is marginally taller and also gives the rider the feel of a larger two-wheeler, thanks to its large headlamp and fairing combination, and a broader seat. Its fuel tank appears large and gives the impression of being heavier than the Caliber 115. But surprisingly, the Victor's fuel tank capacity is just 11 litres, with a reserve of two litres and a kerb weight of 113 kg. In contrast, the Bajaj Caliber 115 has a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres with a reserve of three litres and weighs 118 kg.

The Bajaj Caliber 115 is more stylishly designed, and is sleeker. It pips the TVS Victor marginally on maximum speed, pick-up and braking. The better braking is in part due to a larger 130mm drum brake on the rear wheels of the Caliber 115. On the other hand, the TVS Victor is a value-for-money bike that focusses more on convenience and sturdiness than on aesthetics.

Both the bikes' fit and finish quality are right on top in their class, though with newer colours and the stylish optoprism headlamp in the Caliber 115, the finish quality of this Bajaj-Kawasaki bike is a shade better than the former. The TVS Victor and the Bajaj Caliber 115 are also priced neck-to-neck. You may also want to consider the Hero Honda Ambition and the Bajaj Wind 125.

But given that fuel efficiency is an important parameter (after all, your pocket money may be at stake here), the three best options for you may be the Bajaj Caliber 115, Wind 125 or the TVS Victor. Go for the Bajaj Pulsar 150cc, if smashing good looks matter to you in addition to solid performance.

Readers are invited to send their queries related to the world of automobiles — such as which bike to buy, which second-hand car to opt for and financing for cars — to: q&a@thehindu.co.in

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