GREAT BIKE FROM BAJAJ REALLY IMPRESSED

GREAT BIKE FROM BAJAJ REALLY IMPRESSED

Style It is not about style. I liked the bike's massive dimensions from the moment I saw it the first time many years ago. Now when I went to the showroom, I saw this pearl-white (black & white) P220F and it was love at first sight. I could have gone for the P180 of same color, but this pearl-white with Bybre discs in the rear looked massive and a fuller sportsbike to me. This bike is something big for me because I have graduated from Max 100 to Discover 100 to P220F. That's a big move. Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox I know Bajaj engines are not like Honda or Suzuki engines, but I have ridden a Discover 100 for 2.5 years and know how to maintain a poorer engineering. Even when I gave it away after 24,000 kms, it was smooth enough. I just know how to ride with love. This P220F engine seems to be solid for the time being. I want to keep it for long, like an Enfield (It is an enfield for me because its a 1-lac rupee bike). The soft report upto 55kmph doesn't make you feel that you are riding a power bike. But one or two times I crossed 60kmph and that is when I felt that this was a monster. In fact, I shouldn't have bought it. Should have gone for a less powerful bike like one of those new Discover 150's or the Gixxer. Once you cross that 60-mark, it sounds like booooooor in your helmet and pulls like anything. It reminds me of my friend's Yamaha 350 from many years ago. I don't want to kill that engine in the long term, so I will not take it beyond 80kmph ever. They say that a Bajaj engine lasts only 30k, I want to test it with my smooth riding style. Gearbox is slightly tough, but not an issue. Mileage is however an issue. I haven't calculated it, but I can judge that it's in the 35-40kmpl bracket. I used to get 80+kmpl from my Discover 100cc. Ride Quality & Handling The P220F doesn't create much noise over shallow broken roads. The main stand however does touch those awkwardly built speadbreakers. Ride quality is overall much smoother than the weaker bikes. The large rear tires can withstand some of those broken roads that would otherwise be a pain. Handling - I didn't find any difficulty in moving on from my Discover 100 to this monster. This was probably because I have ridden my cousin's Yamaha R15 for some time. The front fairing doesn't cause any concern to me but the bike does require a lot more turning radius. Need to take those deep curves slower than usual. Final Words I am in love with this monster. It is a lovely creature until 55-60kmph. But once you cross that 60ks, it becomes a devil and gives you the sensation of sitting on something with the sound of a Yezdi (only to the rider, not to others), but with the power of a Yamaha 350. It is a 1-lac bike, so got to wipe it and clean it everyday and protect its parts from rusting. Bajaj spare parts are not that good quality, so need to oil and remove dirt regularly. Areas of improvement Could have helped if gear No. was shown on the display. That main stand is a problem. Should have added a kick to allow starting whenever in trouble. Bajaj could do better by adding a full engine cover that comes upto the fairing. Otherwise the bike looks incomplete.Read More