Quote:
Originally Posted by revv_maniac
Hi Preetam ,
Any updates on the bike, let us know how is the 200 NS faring so far !
Thanks,
Revv |
Dear revv_maniac,
The bike has been doing well brother, haven't had a chance to ride much over the last couple of months.
Current ODO reading : 5800 Kms
Mileage (Mixed City riding) : 35 Kmpl
Things to note:
1. Second Free service complete.
2. Cost of second service was close to 1600 rupees.
3. The bike currently runs on Motul 7100 double ester synth, looking to change to 300v after the 3rd service, however not too sure as that would mean a change in grade of oil (15W50 as opposed to 20W50 recommended)
4. Not much of difference with the Motul yet, maybe because I haven't yet had the chance to hit the highways, but morning starts are easier.
5. Mileage has marginally improved after the second service.
Short trip report : BLR-Tirupati-BLR
This was the last trip I had done on the NS and till date, the longest as well.
Overall trip length was about
780 Kms.
For those of you who don't know, I am one of those people who get called to the weddings and different places to do something which, well, frankly everyone does these days. With a big black thing round my neck and some shiny glass moulded objects attached with it, I travel the country to try to make people's lives better by preserving memories of their oh-so-special days. This trip was one of those occasions wherein a friends sister was getting married and I had been summoned. I took this opportunity to make it a ride.
Left home early in the morning on a cold January day, the sun hadn't risen yet. My luggage was riding pillion and had been fixed in place with bungee cords and nylon ropes. I was travelling very light, just had a single change for the night and couple of bags of equipment, combined weight of about 20kgs.
Overall smooth sailing ride, covered good ground till I wanted coffee and stopped at a highway CCD after crossing Kolar bypass, distance from home 100 Kms.
After having a good hot cuppa and one of those white sticks that convert into white smoke and put pressure on your lungs, I was on my way again. Maintained good average speeds of 80-85 Kph all the way through. Second stop was at another CCD, 140 Kms from my previous stop.
Reached Tirupati by around 10'o clock.
Highlights:
Consumption: 40 Kmpl (Highest I have recorded till date!)
Distance: 340 Kms
Average speed : 80 kph (Heavy Crosswinds + No Fairing = RISK!)
Road Condition : 8/10 (Part gravel on stretches that are being completed,risky business. Highways are butter smooth, easy 140-145 Kph!)
NOTE: Stopped by highway patrol once for papers, no hiccups.
Came down to the foothills of Thirumala at 5 p.m. to go up again.
Timed the lap.
20 Kms Uphill in 20 mins flat + some pics against the setting sun. Amazing stuff!
I have always believed that machines are only as good as we can extract from it.
The Pirellis stuck on to the tarmac like a frightened kid holds on to its mother.
The NS feels nimble and alive in the twisties, is a hoot to ride, brakes do not fade after prolonged use. I am officially sold on Bajaj, what they have made here is a hooligan.
QUICK NOTE:
I am in no way, saying that this is the best that is there, a duke will be by all means faster and harder, but the NS with upgraded tyres is a good bet if you can keep the revs in the 7000-8000 range. Also do consider that the NS is 50K INR cheaper than the KTM200, 40K cheaper even after the super sticky Pirelli Upgrade.
Anyway, shooting started for the evening and went on through the day and the next day till noon.
Left Tirupathi by 1'o clock, and reached Bangalore by 7:30, rode slow because I was pretty tired from the shoot.
I did have to stop at a Bajaj SVC as the brake lock clamps had come off from the front assembly.
Had to waste a lot of time there as they did not have anything that would fit!
Waited for an hour to get parts from the closest major town, paid 78 rupees, thanked the personnel and left.
Some photos on the way back.
Will keep on updating as rides come up, fingers crossed, BLR-Goa-BLR in April!
Please NOTE: All photos and text from iPhone, please ignore formatting and quality of photos.
Cheers
Preetam