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S. Muralidhar

I plan to buy a bike. The options being considered are the Bajaj Wind 125, the Caliber 115, the Yamaha RX 135 and the Bajaj Pulsar 150. I do not know if I will be comfortable handling a heavy bike such as the Pulsar. My budget is around Rs 50,000, and I am looking for mileage of 50-60 km per litre (kmpl). However, I want to buy a bike that has good pickup, smooth riding comfort and hassle-free maintenance. Please advice.

SUBHRENDU SARKAR

The bikes that you have listed are all in the executive or premium commuter segment, except for the Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 150cc, which is a performance segment bike. Again, going by your budget, except for the Pulsar DTSi 150cc for which you will have to fork out an additional 10 per cent, the others fit within the planned Rs 50,000 budget.

From that list, we will recommend the Wind 125. That bike seems to be the best fit for your requirements. Yes, it looks almost like a slightly larger version of the Caliber 115. But, the Wind's build quality is better. This bike has been designated the world bike from Bajaj, by the company's technology partner — Kawasaki of Japan.

The Wind 125 will be exported from Bajaj's plants into some markets where Kawasaki has a presence. What this means to you is more reliability and a longer run for the model.

The Wind 125's single-cylinder, four-stroke, natural air-cooled, 124.6cc, K-TEC engine develops a maximum 10.8bhp at 8,500 rpm. This is a healthy power from an engine in this class. Compare it with the 12bhp that the larger 147.5cc engine on the TVS Fiero F2 generates. The Wind 125 also features digital ignition and a five-speed, constant-mesh type gearbox. With the primary kick-start mechanism, the Wind 125 can also be started when the gear is still engaged. Expect fuel efficiency of 55-60 kmpl.

The Bajaj Pulsar's looks are deceptive. It is not as heavy as it appears, especially the XXL fuel tank. Most of the additional 12-odd kg that the Pulsar is heavier than the other Bajaj bikes by will probably come from the weight of some six litres extra fuel in the tank and such other features as the handlebar dead weights.

That bit of extra weight alone might be manageable; The bigger problem could be the slightly higher saddle position on the Pulsar, which you may find more difficult to handle. However, the 800mm saddle height on the Wind 125 will be, let us say, a breeze to handle, in comparison.

You will also find the Caliber 115 a bit under-powered and the bike itself a bit of a compromise on fit and finish quality, though it is cheaper. You may also want to consider the new version of the Hero Honda Ambition 135 before taking a decision.

I live in Hyderabad and intend to buy a bike. I would like you to compare the Bajaj Wind 125 and the Yamaha Libero on the basis of economy, braking efficiency, mileage and so on.

B. SHANMUGARAJAN

What separates the Bajaj Wind 125 and the Yamaha Libero are about 20cc of engine size and Rs 2,500. Otherwise, the bikes are pretty close in finish quality, the overall riding comfort and fuel efficiency.

But with the Bajaj Wind 125, you are actually stepping up into the executive segment of the bike market. On the contrary, the more competitively priced Yamaha Libero offers premium positioning for the commuter segment bike buyer.

The Libero (including the newly launched LX variant) is powered by a four-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, 105.6 cc Yamaha engine that reaches a maximum power output of 7.6bhp at 7,500 rpm. The engine is refined and power delivery smooth. But the bike loses out to the Wind 125 because of its four-speed gearbox and on the power and top speed parameters.

The equally good 124.6cc engine of the Wind 125 pumps out 10.8bhp and the five-speed transmission is well matched. Unlike the Bajaj Pulsar which is still, on occasion, prone to false neutrals, the Wind 125's gearbox is more consistent and precise.

In the long run, mileage from both the Bajaj and Yamaha bikes will be in the region of about 60 kmpl, with the Wind 125's being closer to 55 kmpl. Braking efficiency on the Wind 125, which comes with a disc brake option for the front wheel, will be better.

But if the higher price of the Bajaj Wind 125 or the awkward design of the Libero puts you off, then you may find the newly introduced Libero LX to be a more acceptable choice. Price of the Libero LX is also a bit lower at Rs 39,800 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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