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.

 

What Jodi man…!!!???

With 2008 turning out to be a lackluster year for apna bollywood, all hopes now are pinned on year end releases like SRK starrer Rab ne bana de Jodi, Amir’s Ghazni and the much hyped Chandni Chowk to China. Among these three, first one to hit box office last week was Rab ne bana di Jodi. This movie was special because of number of factors.
1) Firstly it marks the return of Aditya Chopra after looong eight years so this one is his latest directorial venture post Mohhbatein.
2) Secondly this movie comes with the reigning king khan SRk after the much hyped but highly criticized fanfare of OSO.
3) Thirdly but not that important is the fact that this movie is launch vehicle of debutant pretty lass Anushka Sharma.

Thus stakes are high as bollywood is already carving badly for some hit to cheer the already damp mood post 26/11 strikes.
Anyways..Coming down to business the movie review…well well well..Seriously saying I wasn’t in favour to waste my precious 110 bucks on this movie as the first day review from my friends were already more than enough to keep me away from this flick. Few went to an extent to term this movie as most pathetic one of the year and were complaining for symptoms of insomnia after watching this movie…

Still as the cliché goes..that man proposes and god disposes…so happened with me..as suddenly Monday noon saw Subu, Rupesh and Sharif suddenly coming with this movie plan that I just couldn’t say no to them. Movie venue was our as usual loyal E-square..really I wonder what would have happened if there was no E-square..Symbians knows the answer well..

It was quite surprising to see such a large crowd for the movie on Monday noon..( I wonder why India’s Industrial growth is going south…).
I love watching the movie since beginning that includes the post credit roll advertisement and trailers as well, I really don’t have any reason for that but this is the way I am. However the movie started.
Well talking about this movie it is all about how a common wins back his lady luck. This movie is similar in terms of one movie which starred Rajpal Yadav I don’t recall the name but initial part does consists of that hangover.
Sharukh Khan every times does something with his character which just leave you craving for a bit more, out here the king khan has done the same with his portrayal of common man.

This is probably first time that SRK has added such kind of role in his acting arsenal. Without conveying much dialogue he conveys the complete pain of Mr. Suri.
Plot of movie is simple, Sharukh goes to a marriage of his professor’s daughter where a tragedy occurs and all the baraatis dies (including the bride) in an accident. Leaving the female lead Anushka in a difficult situation thus like normal routine types movie apna babuji takes wada from Mr Suri (Srk) to hold hands of his dear daughter…resulting in marriage of two completely different soul..even on such emotional scenes few like Rupesh and other can’t resist themselves from commenting like “ Sala shadi attend karne gaya tha ulta shadi hi kar ke a gaya”..never mind, then incidents unfold as suspected..the girl just don’t like her hubby who is straight out of Gandhian era sort of, where the guy just keep his emotions within expecting the girl to understand his love. I just don’t understand who the hell must be wearing such kind of look in these days as srk did, those thick glass frame, routine type shirts, pants and sports shoes on them..eeee…even common man has also grown smart today..

Anyways..suddenly the girl wants to participate in the dance competition where she finds her dance partner in form of new renovated SRK..now this is one big flaw of movie..Come on yaar..how can this happen again and again since ages that all the audience in the hall knows that the new look guy is the same old guy with moustaches and glasses but why our poor actress just can’t realize this..infact this problem had been there since ages in our bollywood where even our poor villain is unable to recognize the hero whom he had been troubling throughout the movie just because of that simple moustache and a monkey cap..come on man..aub to bus karo…still movie goes on with alter ego of Mr. Suri making an entry in form of Raj the JAT..

The movie is just fine till this whole dance school drama starts unfolding after that trust me movie has just lost its focus. Portrayal of Raj by SRK is too loud and bitter…it really hurts your eyes whenever SRK appears in form of Raj . After few reels the actress looses her heart to this guy (Raj who is apna MR. Suri only), and penultimate reels witnesses plan of eloping with this guy who is none other than his own husband..final few minutes of movie are really bukwas..dialouge like “ Mujhe aap mein mujhe apna rab dikhta hai” common yaar mujhe to har ladki mein hi rab dikhta hai..hahahaha…but towards end you really start feeling ki when this movie will end..or start feeling ki bhai aub plz is movie ko the end kar do…

No need to tell the ending of the movie..the movie falls short on expectations especially when it comes from director like Aditya chopra. Although I know this as well that movie will do huge business because of SRK factor..but I really didn’t like the movie neither in terms of music nor the story line..but still..kya kare srk hai to control nahi hota ….
Go for it if you are a hardcore Sharukh fan….else there is nothing much to boast for..will give 4.5 out of 10…

Bachna Ae Haseeno

This monday I checked out the much awaited music from Yashraj camp movie Bachna Ae Haseeno. It seems like that YRF has lost its midas touch in the music department, someway or the other they are not able to churn out  movies which are neither box office success nor having any catchy music unlike their other movies like veer zaara.

This movie will surely set the box office on fire for initial days becuause of its star value. With stars like Katrina, Bipasha, Ranbir, Deepika and Minisha any college goer will surely love to drop in for this flick.

Now the music…in one word I would rate it disappointing…The album opens up with Khuda Jane with singers like KK and Shilpa Rao I immediately developed big expectations. Once you listen this number and you somewhere get a feel as if you are listening song from some Bhatt camp movie with Imran hashmi in lead. May be these days we are so much into Pritam’s music that every other number seems to be composed by him only . But Khuda Jane a slow paced number is surely a treat for lovers check it out.
Lucky Boy is a big dampener neither its a dance number nor it falls in slow genre may be it will look more interesting on screen but nothing special in this number. Talent of singers like Sunidhi and Hard Kaur (Move your body fame from Johnny Gaddar) are completely wasted.

Aahista aahista is surely a winner track among all the other numbers of this title. A fast paced track which you would love to listen on a long drive is a number to watch for. Track opens up with melodious voice of Shreya and the whole pitch and feel changes as Lucky Ali takes charge of the proceeding. Lucky is almost on high pitch almost throughout the number, in coming days this one should surely be used for promotion

Jogi Mahi is nothing special to go for its just like any other punjabi number and is on some serious note, with singer like Sukhvinder Singh coming in you surely expect a cracker, but again its a let down. Other singer include Himani Kapoor( never heard of her) and Shekhar from the music duo Vishal Shekhar itself.

Small town girl is one of the funky number, with vocals from Shankar Mahadevan its surely takes some time to catch up but once you get through you somewhere get a feel of listening the song again. This is a full masti number. While listening this  I got a feel as if I am listening the track Ticket to Hollywood from Jhoom barabar jhoom, but still many of you would love the track because of its masti quotient.

Khuda Jane (revisted) is a remix version of the same number which opened the title, its a racy number with high tempo and good beats and will surely rock the floor for coming days.
and finally the surprise element- the title track Bachna ae haseeno. I got surprised to see Kishor kumar in credit of the song, but then its more of remastered version of the old song with same name, sung originally by Kishor Kumar. The only difference this time is change in the music (loads of beats added ) with Vishal and Sumit kumar adding in their vocals as well. Overall an decent number to tap your foot on.

In nutshell there is nothing special in this album expect Khuda Jane and Ahista Ahista , there is hardly any song which will set your imaginatoin wild. Even the Revisted version of Khuda Jane is one rrack to look for. It seem that duo composer Visal-Shekar are running out of gas after their phenomenoal success in Om Shanti Om. This reflects in this album as well with nothing much innovative I really wish that they churn out something really catchy in future. Overall a Okkkkish album. will give 5.5/10.
keep rocking..:)