Went for a long drive till Markonahalli Dam, it was a 250 Km drive, both ways. We were a group of 10 bikes and it was fun to get all the attention, even better was the view of the beautiful projector lights all the time in your rear view mirror.
This was the first long drive for Drakula after that 1st Service, and it performed well for the majority of the part, though now I have two major irritants.
1. The chain sound it just continues to get worse, TVS need to fix this. I will try to meet the R&D team this week. In a funny development I have figured out when that when I have a pillion rider the noise is pretty much non existent. Points to ponder for TVS.
2. The clutch and gear box is giving me a bit of trouble, where in the upshifts are butter smooth, it's the downshifts that are becoming extremely hard while shifting from 3-2-1, Neutral is almost impossible to find. The moment I switch off the engine,* I am easily able to find the neutral. This also needs to be fixed very quickly. I think I will be spending majority of my next Saturday in the service centre.
Engine Performance - The engine is absolutely a gem on this one, it revs freely, and gains speed extremely quickly, before you know you are doing triple digits. Overtaking is a breeze, and it is around the 4000-8000 rpm that this engine comes in it's* own. You can cruise effortlessly at around 110 kmph at around 6500 rpm. Peeps waiting for BMW G310, you guys will be in for a treat. TVS/BMW has got everything right about the engine. You will be smiling every time you get to rev this engine, it's a given. This is an effortless highway cruiser and a very frugal city performer, the servicing of the engine has just opened up the avenues to push the engine further.
Vibrations - Let's just say this is no where near the refinement of the Japanese with the twins. Vibrations are a plenty the moment you hit 100+, it's not a deal breaker, but no way you can ignore them. They only get worse as you move further the speed chain. The footpeg, the handlebar have quite a bit of vibrations, the tank also has some element of it. I will suggest the prospective buyers to test drive before making a decision, specially if vibrations puts you off. Prasannadhanna suggested to look at CBR 250R if vibrations put you off, and I guess it is worth a shot of you can live with a dated design and engine. Let's see what and how TVS makes it better.
Braking - Had a heart in mouth situation when one car just took a sharp left and came in my lane, I braked real hard, no fuss no drama, brakes just worked as they should have. 10/10 to TVS.
Leaving you with some pics, and a video.