The Mean machine

“Hello…Hello.. Hi..this is Rahul speaking..I saw your ad regarding your selling of bike..I am interested in it..yes..I am talking about TVS Apache..yeah 2005 model..what’s your expectation?”
after few seconds of pause..”forty thousands”…

This was the typical telephonic talk I used to have before 10th July..dialing day in and day out looking for some decent second hand bike for my day to day commuting..but then as they say..’Man proposes and God disposes”…same thing was destined to me as well..on 10th July I booked my mean machine. I wonder that you have some plans..and what happens is just opposite, before booking the bike I did almost a month of R&D on bikes and their performance, and finally I went for something which was totally new to the market..and without any reviews and preset notions. May be this is what people say..’going by your heart’..

Ok..coming to the point..this post is suppose to be review of my bike after I have done 2000KM on it. Yes, since 12th August I have wrapped up 2k Kms on this black beast. But, what is this bike I am talking about, oh yes it’s the new kid on the block (not kid seriously) …its Fazer, the new bike launched by Yamaha on 7th July 2009. Ok for formality let me put down the technical specs of the bike, before I move on to my experience with the bike.

Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve
Displacement 153.0cm3
Maximum power 14PS / 7500 rpm
Maximum torque 14 Nm / 6000 rpm
Starting system Electric start
Fuel tank capacity 12 litres
Transmission type Return type 5-speed
Brake type(front/rear) Hydraulic single disc / drum
Headlight 12V35W/35W+35W
Overall Length × Width × Height 1,975mm × 770mm × 1,045mm
Seat height 790mm
Wheelbase 1,335mm
Minimum ground clearance 160mm
Dry weight/Kerb weight 130 kg / 141 kg

This bike is basically a more of cosmetic change in the already existing  fz-16 series of Yamaha. Fazer comes with a fairing which the company claims to be wind-tunnel tested to prevent the highway rider from the blast of wind and make the journey a bit more comfortable.

Fazer is being touted as a touring bike, which in my opinion is open to debate. Reason being with 150 cc engine this bike is more suitable for weekend gateways rather than going for a cross-country one. But after riding this bike I believe that what Yamaha people meant by saying it as a touring bike was because of it’s comfortable sitting posture and the overall feel of the bike which makes it perfect for a long drive.

Performance of the bike
Well! to be frank I am almost satisfied with the bike. since I have got the bike I toured Lonavala and Sinhgarh. People from Maharashtra must be knowing what actually going to these places means, and the scary part was that I visited both these place within the first 1000 km of the bike that too on a back to back touring spree.
I  must say that bike is rock solid in terms of stability and its make is top notch. unlike other bikes where as you approach above 70 and 80s you start feeling a kind of vibration all around your bike as if the bike is shouting to come down to a normal acceleration. But with Fazer I felt the exact opposite, the more I opened the throttle the more confident the bike grew and the more stable it was at high speeds like 90 and 100. No vibrations nothing.
The bike comes with twin headlight giving it a insect like look. But with one light at low and other at high beam setting is something I am still unable to understand. People say that this is the way how light works in SBKs (superbikes) as well, but honestly saying I didn’t like this arrangement at all and went for the hack of the lights in such way that both light gets on in both ways i.e. low as well as high and yes that too without any added load on the battery.

Yamaha seems to be one company which has hardly any issues when it comes to performance of engine and the technology they use for the chamber. Same is the case with Fazer as well, their seems to be no pain point as of now from engine area, it sounds good and their is no problem of overheating involved in it contrary to many machines in market suffering from this issue.
Now coming to facts like top-speed and all. Guys to be frank top-speed is one issue which we Indians always love to discuss about but that becomes more of discussion. With Fazer I have reached till 110 km/h on a flat highway road. I think that I can go beyond 110 mark, but if that will be possible then it will be very short lived moment, racing bike till 110 sometimes seems to be a bit difficult as that is one point when it seems like the bike needs more power. BUT. I am happy with it. Reason? Firstly, I am not a speed freak who wan’t speed like 140-150 kmh or a title of Fastest Indian . Secondly, do you really think that reaching above 100kmh is a normal day to day thing for us? do you remember that everytime we rev our machines above 100 something..it always becomes a point to discuss..like..”Yaar aaj to kamal ho gaya maine bike 100 ke upar le gaya”..the only reason behind that is lack of kind of roads which we need for such high speed bikes, that’s why I am happy with 110 of my bike and never complain about its top-end.

Mileage…now that’s the point everyone loves to discuss about. ummm… initially I was extracting 43-45km/l but after first service it seems like taken a southward direction resting at 35 km/l but then I have no complaints with this facet of my bike. As FZ-16 series is not known for mileage and all, they are pure look-at-me kind of bike with a 150cc heart in place. the bike sports the widest rear tubeless tyre in place which looks awesome, and takes the bike notch up in terms of look.

Look factor. How can this review be complete without discussing the look factor this bike executes. Well I may be a bit boasting about this fact, but then I don’t care to say that Fazer is one of the most best looking bike currently on Indian roads, and my claim gets support from the fact that every time I pull out my bike people take a look of it, at signals people are more interested in the bike averages and price rather than looking at the green light . I am enjoying the adulation.

Overall I must say, that going with this bike gives me a sense of pride, as it brings that level of differentiation I get from the other machines plying on the road (no matter even for few months only).

Plus Points of Fazer

• Massive look appeal, you just can’t get un-noticed on the road that’s for  sure.
• superb low-end torque giving the bike amazing stability.
• Highly refined engine. for this you need to take a test-ride, but Yamaha  owners will second me on this point that Yahama is always known for their  engine performance.
• Its braking systems is spot on. An emergency braking dosen’t mean locking of brake or skidding. Braking system gets complimented by the widest rear tyre which instills a feeling of confidence in you with its grip on road even in rainy season.

these are the basic high points of this bike.

Minus Points of Fazer

• This machine would have been a rage if Yamaha would have come up with something like 180 cc kind of engine in it if not 220. Once you reach 100 then you seriously feel that bike is running out of juice.
• Its head light when hacked seems to get illuminated less bright as compared bikes like R15.
• Pickup is not that great. All those looking for zipping fast pickup this bike will disappoint you.
• Rainy season or for that matter riding through water or the wet muddy terrain will make sure that your shoes and lower part of trousers or jeans gets soiled up. Not only that, the pillion will also feel the same pain because the bike has no covering and throws a lot of mud and water.
• The seat of the bike is suitable only for one person. Pillion with healthy assets will definitely face problem in adjusting themselves. This is one major sore point of this bike, given the fact that Fazer is being promoted as touring bike.

Overall the bike is decent enough priced at Rs 72856/- (ex-showroom price) sounds a bit costly but still I feel satisfied with the bike. would rate it 3.85 /5.

 

chal mars chale..

Now after a long sabbatical I finally got something which tinkled that blogging  insect within me  to creep its head out of the cocoon again..was just surfing randomly when I came across this piece of news..” NASA lets you send your name to Mars” when I go ogled a bit more then I found that NASA now gives anyone the opportunity to send their name to Mars.For that what you need to do is just enter your name, country and zip code into the form, and your name – along with many others – will be included in a microchip on the Mars Science Laboratory rover which will be heading to Mars in 2011…sounds interesting ha??

what to say..my name is  already ready to go on MARS…if you folks are also interested in it..then here is the link below..check it out..
http://mars9.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/participate/sendyourname/index.cfm

Cheers..

Interested in IPL????

The Great political drama...

Well its one week since I have donned cap of an employed person,  since last month or two..two things driving this whole nation crazy is IPL and IPL…yeah..don’t worry not a repetition mistake..one is of course Indian Premier League and the other one is Indian Political League, hold on that’s not my discovery of IPL..it’s all media given..I don’t have much clue what I want to share with you all regarding these two phenomenon sweeping every nook and corner of country…but I am sure that I am always interested in stats related to politics and various political parties, taking each other head-on in this dirty political arena..Watching after poll analyst has always been somehow catching my attention…never mind…everyone should get their part of fame..so are these election analyst…who spring out of there hidden adobe after every five years…make their prediction and then fade away……just like frogs come out in rain.

This time also I am as usual interested in result of elections that which party will form the government??…but one thing is strange this time..I just can’t make it that which party is in which alliance…unlike previous version of political saga..this time around every where there is a situation of mayhem…in the news I watch in the night..I come to know regarding some ABC alliance..and when in the morning I read the newspaper..I  again come to know that there is some new ‘Re-alignment’…bosss…who is with whom….this flirting of political parties with each other is really funny…but who gives the dam to these elections…right???…if your answer is Yes…Then I am sorry..that you are one of the most irresponsible citizen of this country…time and again our hopeless kind of attitude towards Indian politics has led to mushrooming of these small time parties which now will be playing role of kingmakers in the centre…every time a government is formed it gives you a feeling as if one new patient with plasters all over the body has been admitted to this hospital of democracy..With each bone broken…that’s how I look towards the politics of alliance…

Worst part is that we all who are part of great Indian middle class..are always complaining about problems, problems and only problems…and somehow..I feel that this segment of society just feels itself as an insulated class from problems..(Worst part is that they are the most affected…) the only point I want to make out of this post of mine..is that go out and vote…stop appeasing yourself that “Kya farak padta hai….”..I know everything sounds like a cliché..but ..this  thought was going in my mind since quite long…that..what’s the value of one vote..for some, day of election is just another holiday to enjoy…I don’t know what I am writing here is right or wrong…but by not voting..I feel we are doing injustice to ourselves…ok ok..feeling like an activist now…but seriously..its high time..to come out of our comfort zone..and think for the future of this country…(no matter even if it’s a negligible thought of small gravity..but what matter is that at least you are thinking..) else you never know that next terrorist  attack might happen under your nose….with many more Kasab’s ready to injure you…vote for a secure nation..vote for any cause close to your heart..but do vote….

Are you confuesd??

With November approaching fast..in India..the most common phenomenon which grips a major share of student community is MBA entrance examinations across the length and the breadth of the country.
Even if it had been till examination it would have been much better, but the real pain begins not during the examination preparation but once you are through with it.

This pain comes in form of filling various forms for different B-Schools spread across the nation. These entrance forms are big time money spinner for these MBA colleges. when I was going through this stage..I always use to wonder why the heck a small piece of paper with few columns and boxes spread here and there cost me so heavily.
Trust me filling a form of 1200-1300 bucks (this is standard these days I guess..) is big time pain in a**.
specially students from humble background really feel the pinch of this consistently. Every time you go to your dad and ask him to dole out some moolah..he will always look upon you as if you you have committed some crime..and folks..he will be the first person to boast about your B-school admission..(lolzz so natural..with due respect to their feelings)..still its a hard time for B-School aspirants..

Coming down to business…how to fill forms???…people generally take it as a very casual process leading to a messy situation and loads of wastage of money..earlier it was not that difficult but with ever growing B-Schools, one feels that for what to go for and what not…
Actually form filling is sort of pre-test of your managerial attitude..what B-school to aim for what to leave…so many questions..

well the basic fact one should always keep in mind is that never be very impulsive on form filling…that never be to under estimating about your MOCK Exams score and even don’t be too bullish about it..suppose you are scoring consistently between 80-90 percentile..then you can aim for few colleges which are within 95 percentile (because you never know that it may be your day..)..and also keep few colleges below 80 percentile level..so that you can save your face for the worst case scenario..(surely it all depends on your choice of college).. and then surely you can go on to fill forms of those B-School whom you think you can easily manage to get through.

Another very important fact is that, always maintain a diary..keeping track of all the B-schools you have applied for..it sounds a bit casual..but it really helps..maintain information like Deadline, cost of the form, website address and other important facts related to that particular college.

Make a sound strategy..and prepare accordingly for that B-Schools. Form filling is all about holding your nerves and playing it safe….and if you feel that you can make it to a particular B-school then don’t stop your self from filling the form..I mean investment made in forms..are normally not wasted (provided that you work hard enough to secure that coveted B-school seat)…with these points in mind..I guess form filling process can be a cake walk (for me at least this was the case)…So what are you waiting for…make your plan and go for the final kill..

Ancient India in photgraphs.

Few days back only saw some really old photographs clicked ages ago and trust me felt like thinking, that how we are and how we were in the past. Picture speaks thousand times more than words, so check out the photgraphs and feel the same..

what more to say…fast racing life of city, the modern culture…everything is so fast paced today..that some times I wish that I can revisit that old age …

Team Columbus strikes again….

Fresh from hooting of juniors in Aarambh, Subu’s number flashed on my cell…
Me:- “Bol”
Subu:- “Rohi aa raha hai”
Me:-”So?”
Subu:-”we are going to his native place..”
Me:- “..Bye”
last sentence of Subu was more than sufficient to curb any doubt about fate of my weekend..since time (me, Subu and Rohi) we became roomies it was always a dream to visit Rohi’s village, may be because he has told us so many time about the place, that I already had big castle of imagination built up in my mind.

It was Saturday night when we left for the place known as Koyandai, altough this place is just 40 or max 50 km from Pune but because of its loaction and route of travelling it takes a good amount of time to reach (almost 1.5 hrs). Our mode of travelling this time was Rohi’s Indigo (its our official carrier now..;) ).

uptil now I visited places like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Murud Janjira, Shirdi the common fact binding these spots was that they are tourist hotspot in Maharashtra, so I always felt like going to a place almost untouched by population and away from tourist culture. Expectaions were high…

we started off at 7:30pm in evening, with me taking the backseat next to window fell asleep even before we crossed the city limits, evening traffic made sure that we were late to our destination by almost 45 minutes. After some time we reached Raj Guru nagar a place which is the only big town before we reached Koyandai as the name suggest, Raj guru Nagar is famous for the fact that its the place from where famous Rajguru (Indian Independence struggle martyr ) hailed from.

Leaving past the civilization and madness of population we took turn from Rajguru nagar.
Rupesh:- ” Abey hum safari pe ja rahe hai kya??”
Rupesh:-” Yaha sher aata hai kya?”
Rupesh:-”Yaha saap aata hai kya?”
and Rupesh continued with his never ending bombarding of silly and funny questions, every body in car was given ample opportunity to get the feeling of HOT SEAT (victim of leg pulling).

with friendly abuses ringing in our ears we reached a place from where two roads divided, in pitch black night it was difficult for Rohi to figure out the right turn suddenly we saw somebody sitting on the road side a bit illuminated in car’s headlight…and guess what he was doing??…hehehe..itni rat mein village roadside mein koi baith ke kya karega…

Rohi:- “Subu yar us se pooch na ki koyandai ke liye kidhar se jane ka??”
Subu:- “Pagal hai kya tu dekh raha na what he is doing (he was answering nature’s serious call;) )”
Rohi:- “Abey yarr pooch na..yaha koi nahi aur kis se poochenge??”
Subu:-”nahi yarr..” (by now two three friendly abuses already banged subu..but he was firm on his decision on not disturbing this peaceful soul sitting on the roadside..

finally I asked him..and he answered with so much joy..as if I have informed him of winning a lottery(but his moment was almost equivalent to that only)…this regained my faith in old saying that if you want to feel the real hopitality you need to visit a village …

we reached Koyandai late in night by 11 pm with no cell network (except Rupesh’s TATA which he was boasting again and again as if Ratan got suggestion of launching TATA indicom from him only..) it was perfect setting for an adventure away from city rush. with no electricity and road lights..we first time felt the importance of NOKIA 1100 which our only source of light to guide us towards the place where we were suppose to stay.

withing no time after reaching we changed and sat on the mats on the hard mud floor (trust me that feeling was amazing). Now it was dinner time, menu included Gavran chicken (Desi chicken diffrent from the normal broiler chicken we get in city), Bajre ki roti, fried fish and onions (the rural taste can’t be felt it can only experience, can you imagine while writing this menu I am feeling equally hungry;)).

we retired to bed (mats spread on floor with blanket as our pillow), it was mad rush again for Rupesh as he is in habit of sleeping with his legs on somebody or else (or say his roomie Samuel;)).Sleep  which we had was so peaceful broke once folks were tickling me.
now the judgment time..where to go for the early morning routine??? and pat came the reply “upar pahad hai na wahi jane ka hai..we will get two dubbas”..for me doing early morning chores in open was not a new thing as I also hail from rural background, but people like Subu and other it was something like a kid wathcing an UFO in morning…anyways..we somehow got over with this crucial phase of our life..:)

By 10 am we started off for the trek (or say base of the hill from where we suppose to start our trek) almost 1km of distance was covered by car which we left near small hut before we kicked of the trekking. It seemed to me as if even rain god was welcoming us with showers lashing us while we started our climb. I never felt so close to nature with lush green vegitation and everyone felt as if somebody pressed the reboot button of their mind with so much of freshness around the mountains and valleys were reminding constantly of the epic movie Lord of the rings and the scenic locales were it was shot, I felt as if we are going in search of some ring…

we were suppose to reach a temple of  lord Shiva known as kundeswar located on the hill top.
Passing by stream of water, wide spread green grass, narrow uneven paths and the cool breeze hitting the face…everything was so pure…

On our way to top, we caught one crab, we took break near one small cascade of water and had a round of ThumsUp’ing and then started of again..and reached on top with heavy breathes..and soon after darshan of lord Shiva we started off for downhill. We stopped again in mid way to have our locally packed journey snacks and few rounds of aereated drinks…

within half an hour we were back in our car….and then in lunch we had crab which was one of the major USP of this trip…and then after spending some good time in village we left for Pune.

Once again it was one memorable trip with my roomies ofcourse including Rupesh and Sharif (the new member of our Columbus team…

Yamaha YZF-R15…ready to ride the thriller…??

With Yamaha unveiling its new power machine on Indian roads, it will be interesting to watch that how Indian customers take up this new bike. It can boast of being first Indian modeled bike with cooling method in the Indian market. Being a liquid-cooled engine, customers can look forward towards a stable performance from this mean machine. The new feature is that the engine is surrounded by a water jacket in which the liquid coolant circulates to keep the engine’s temperature under check.

With features like

• Liquid cooled Single Cylinder
• Four Valve engine with FI System
• Six Gears
• Front & Rear Disc Brakes
• Tube Less wheels
• Stunning looks

its for sure that this bike will give a head on fight to already established players like pulsar 220 and Enfield Machismo.

The bike can boast of 150 cc engine which generates power of 17 bhp, and kerb weight of 120 KG makes it best power to weight ratio bike available market (do take note that bike like Her Honda Karizma generates power of 17bhp with engine of 225 cc).

as per user reviews, the bike will cost you whopping 1.07 lacs INR!!, also you will get one biking gear (stuff like leather gloves etc).

anyways, pics of this bike compelled me to write something on this bike, but one thing is sure this bike will soon be a rage on Indian streets ( http://www.yamaha-motor-india.com/r15).

Apple iPhone

With Apple’s announcement of launch of its new 3G iPhone in almost seventy countries, people are all set to grab this piece of tech marvel. Vodafone is collaborating for its launch in India, that means that iphone will be locked to be used with Vodafone only (it will be interesting to see that till what time such locks will sustain in India ).

But the point is that, what prompted me to write this post? there are already plethora of articles available on iphone.
Today as I sat down to begin my work, my ears rang with a sweet phrase..”Oh Sh*t”…..that sound came from Deb’s cubicle (my office friend), that sound was enough to make me stand on my feet with anxiety. “What happened Deb? ” …..Deb- “Sh*t man”….(as if he was taught only these two words..) one more try..”At least tell me what happened?”…
“$600 to $200… can you imagine..man from Rs 25000 to 8000..8GB, 3G enabled iphone!!..that too in one year”..this much was enough for me to understand his plight..Apple’s launch report robbed him in one second of his exclusivity which he was owning since last one year.
He got his iPhone from US last year only (when it was not sold in India and is ready for its official Indian launch now) got it cracked so that it can be used with local operators, and today he reacted as if somebody cheated with him. He purchased 8GB, 2G enabled iPhone in kool $600 and today the newer version is all set for its launch on 11th July in just $199!..that too within time frame of one year….what more to say..is this an alarm bell for biggies like NOKIA? coming days will really be interesting to watch upon specially in mammoth market like India.
But somewhere I feel that poor people like me who are surviving on NOKIA’s low end model like 2610 can surely dream big now;) and can try to make our life more beautiful:)…Thanks Apple…

Jaipur Blast

13/05/2008…nothing new..ya just another bomb blast in the Pink city of India- Jaipur…it was first major terrorist attack of its kind in the city, ripping apart the peace and harmony of one of the tourist heaven in India.
Once again same post blast rituals have kicked off, our ever non capable politician will have a quick tour of the spot, will come up with the statements like “we suspect a foreign hand in this” (common guys it’s Pakistan which is doing this..why we are so afraid of taking the name directly), “we congratulate people of X city to maintain the communal harmony in such situation” (oh common give me a break..no body gives a Sh*t to such things as even grave incidents like bomb blast have become a routine in day to day life of an average Indian..life becomes hell for those who are real sufferers of the incident for other life moves on).

After every blast it seems as if some change will happen, but things move on..from first page of newspaper to second and then it eventually goes off, its gives such a feeling that we are becoming so insensible today..not in terms that we are not realizing the pains of other but in terms that these event are just not casting any shadow on our brain..I just hope (that’s again an Irony)..that things improve upon (even point one percent will do), nothing much, may god give enough strength to the victim families to cope up with the situation, and hope that life can become more beautiful. Amen…

Kudos to TATA…keep rocking..

Finally TATA is out with 1 lakh car..it was being touted as worlds cheapest car..dont know…but it will be intresting to see that how things shape up in small car segment.
I really wonder that if this car goes on to become a hit in masses..where our pollution level and traffic control will go…
but in any case..hats off to TATA for coming out with yet new innovation for market…as if they are planning to capture the complete Indian state of mind….from TATA salt to TATA motors..you name it and they have….
nothing much…..just wishing that life becomes more beautiful in this new year…amen..