EASY RIDER

by SUBEL BHANDARI

FROM ISSUE # 111 (March 2005) | IN THIS ISSUE
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ANUP PRAKASH

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city- where local transportations randomly stop every ten meters, light vehicles take hours to get from one side of the city to the other, small roads, endless traffic jams and wandering pedestrians; all add to the glory of Kathmandu's messy street saga. In this chaos, the best means of transport without a doubt, singled out, is a motorbike. Maneuver between two cars stuck in a jam, make quick de-tours on on sidewalks when deemed necessary, take U-turns anywhere and everywhere or enter any galli. Nothing can beat the thrill of a two-wheeler when it comes to the city's traffic.

Not very expensive and perfect for modern metro populace, motorbike is a boon for men or women who study, work or travel. Few years back, motorbikes were considered to be a luxury item, but today it is a necessity.

Bikes come in different brand, size, style and power. Newer editions of older models have hit the streets alongside brand new models. The bike manufacturers increasingly give priority to design and performance. Buyers now have more options than ever before. New technology to match with the modern design makes the modification in the bike world a phenomenon. Most of the bikes in Kathmandu suit the city-driving conditions well; ample power, simple style, honorable mileage and durability.

The regular irregular strikes and congestion on the streets have surged the demand for a motorbike in Nepal. Adding to that, Mobile Service, Spot Financing and Spot Exchange have now become synonymous when it comes to buying bikes, making the whole process convenient. Consumers are now not only interested in attractive bikes but also the after-sales service they get from the company. And almost all of the companies give freebies that may include free tickets to movies, exciting bumper prizes, helmets or leg-guards.

As Kshetiz Regmi, a bike enthusiast states, "biking is all about power that thrills along with comfort, stability and a reliable riding experience." Be it a cruiser, dirt, sports or normal city bike, the gushing of fresh air while riding gives you the essence of freedom that knows no bounds. A bike with more than 650 cc power is prohibited in Nepali streets by Traffic law. But it's not always about more power; the bike group Himalayan Enfielders is a fine example. With their mean machines power-packed at 350 cc or 500 cc, the gang roams around the valley and outskirts, sometimes even heading out on long road trips.

On Easy Rider, we bring you the perspectives of bike riders, bike dealers and WAVE on the major players in the field of motorbikes and the models that are available in the market today. Participating brands are listed in alphabetical order.

Bajaj:
Hansaraj Hulaschand started distributing Bajaj and Kawasaki Bajaj brands of motorbikes in 1998. With an average sale of 650 bikes per month in the last fiscal year in the whole of Nepal, the sales figure reached up to 11 hundred. The company is currently distributing five categories of bikes in Nepal:
100cc: CT100, which is a modification of 4S Champion (Best selling in 100 cc bikes in India). This bike is very popular in the Terai and gives great mileage.
115cc: Caliber 115 a.k.a. Hoodibaaba. This bike is also very popular in the Terai and is famous for its design, stability and mileage.
125cc: Wind, Discover. Wind has been discontinued for some modification. Discover is very popular in the city area with its executive look and powerful engine.
150cc: Pulsar. Popular amongst youths and urban middle class families. Has a very attractive look, powerful engine and sturdy body.
180cc: Pulsar. The young love it for its power, thrill, speed and sporty look.
Eliminator is the big boss and the best in its category. However, many also deem it as being too bulky.

Discover and Pulsar have the revised DTSi [digital twin spark system ignition] engines in them. These are the first bikes in the world under 250 cc to have this system. A new brand set to hit the streets soon is a scooter called Wave. Wind 125 will also be reintroduced with a few modifications.

KIRAN PANDAY

Cosmic Yinyang:
The first bike to be manufactured in Nepal, Cosmic Yinyang has been on Nepali streets for little more than fourteen months now. The company proudly claims that they have sold more than 2,500 of them since it was launched. The response was so overwhelming that the manufacturers could not supply extra pieces for three months. Cosmic Yinyang started with two models, 125cc and 100 cc. Six months later, they launched a scooter. The most exciting aspect of Cosmic Yinyang bikes is the fact that they are made in Nepal. And don't let this worry you because it infact means that the manufacturing has been done after studying the technicality of the roads, its needs and its challenges. So it is more or less cutom designed for Nepali roads and riders.

The bikes also have a patented fuel saving device that controls up to 20 per cent and gives you better mileage. The company also provides one-year free parts replacement facility, in all kinds of manufacturing defects. Another interesting facility that the company provides is a buy-back guarantee. If you want to sell you Cosmic Yinyang bike, the company will buy it back from you. Seasonal schemes offered by the company tying up with different banks and financial institutions can offer you bikes up to an amazing zero percent down payment. The company has new models in pipeline, which will take sometime to hit Kathmandu roads.

ANUP PRAKASH

Hero Honda:
Hero Honda is the first 4-Stroke two-wheeler maker in India. Syakar Company at Jamal is the Japanese Honda's distributor in Nepal. They have 18 outlets, branches and dealers across Nepal and 6 showrooms in Kathmandu along with 12 trained authorized service centers.

Hero Honda entered the Nepali market with its CD 100 series. The bike, which is out of production now, was very popular at one time. CD Dawn has many similar features. Its price is affordable and economical in the long run. The model is very popular in the Terai regions. But few bikes have become as popular as the Hero Honda Splendor. The company claims that it has had a steady sale since its start and it isn't so hard to believe. Uncomplicated, Splendor seems to be evergreen even after 10 years in the market. It covers 45 per cent of the total Hero Honda sale in Nepal. The new Passion Plus is quite like the Splendor in terms of user friendliness, except for the fact that it's a whole lot more stylish. In the 135 cc segment, Ambition 135 has power and economy combined in one. Ambition has 25 per cent market share. The very youth oriented CBZ has a new look in its recently launched CBZ Star. With its 150cc-powered engine, the bike targets young riders who love style and power. The bike is very popular amongst college and +2 students. It has 13 % market shares amongst Hero Honda bikes.

And last but not the least, Karizma, the bike that has mesmerized the urban youth with, well, its charisma. It offers a combination of style, comfort and power that can't be compared to any other Indian bike. For the first time in India, digital instruments like digital electro-magnetic speedometer, digital clock, digital tachometer and digital fuel meter have been installed. But as good as it is, you have to compromise on two things: affordability and mileage. This good- looking bike is relatively expensive and doesn't give you an economy mileage. But if you can money and mileage isn't an issue, nothing can beat the Karizma.

According to their parent company's policy, they provide Sales, Service and Spares for three years. The company will be launching a new 125 cc bike within 3 months.

KIRAN PANDAY

Jialing and Sting:
Sugan Trading Company and its sister company SNS Automotives have been distributing Jialing and Hero Motors for the last three years. The best bike from China and most popular in the Nepali market amongst Chinese and Taiwanese bikes, there are 21 models available in Nepal from off-road bikes to city bikes and cruise bikes. New brand JY2 is of the off-road category. Only two models are available from Hero motors,: Hero Smart, which falls in the moped category, and Hero Sting, which is designed for college students.

MIN BAJRACHARYA

Kinetic:
Shrestha International Trading has been distributing scooters for the last two decades and motorbikes for the last five years. The company has 15 outlets across Nepal. Currently they offer Nova 115 and 135 in the scooter segment. Nova 135 is the highest cc scooter available in Nepal. The award-winning scooter is focused on young college girls and has been one of the best sellers in Nepal.

Laser 170, their other model, has a sporty look. Bikes usually have two valves, one inlet and one outlet. But with four valves, Laser 170 offers good pickup and maximum energy. The company claims to have the largest number of youngsters as their major customers. 115 cc Velocity has a unique signal system for both high power and high mileage, giving both speed lovers and mileage conscious owners good options.

Other products from the company include Challenger and GF.

LML:
The LML brand of motorcycles entered the Nepali market during the Vespa days, but it was only in 2001 that LML 4-Stroke bikes entered Nepal. Currently, there are six models available in the market: Beamer, Graptor, Freedom Prima, Freedom Topper, Adreno FX, Energy FX and Freedom TX. The latest in the horde, Beamer was launched five months ago. The sleek machine comes packed with 150cc, 13.9 bhp power engine, a.k.a Gamma 9 engine. Similarly, Graptor has been able to grab the urban youth's attention. Both the bikes have Digital microprocessor controlled CDI which helps in delivering high performance and fuel efficiency. The company also offers discounts, finance plans and exchange facilities.

ANUP PRAKASH

Royal Enfield:
Agni Inc first introduced the bike in 2002. After a brief discontinuation Dugar Bros and Sons started distribution 17 months ago.

Enfield is a bike that most, particularly the young at heart, would fall in love with. With its sturdy look, this mean machine has become the center of attraction since its inception more than 50 years ago. The first and the only of its kind in the market, the bike has left all other Indian bikes far behind with its power, unique style and legacy that it's owner inherits.

A class of its own, you can currently get five models of the Royal Enfield in Nepal: 350cc, 350cc Electra, 500cc, 350cc Machismo and 350cc Thunderbird. The Machismo and the Thunderbird are 2002 models with an aluminum engine, 5 gears and gear on the normal [left] side. The first three are classic models with 4 gears which are on the opposite [right] side. Electra, Machismo and Thunderbird come with disc brake and gas shock to give more stability in all kinds of roads. Electra will come with a self start within a month. The most interesting factors about Electra are the all new front disk brakes, gas-filled rear shocks and new electrical system with a regulator.

Bullet has one year or 10,000 kms warranty; during the period of which if any manufacturing defect arises, the company will replace the bike immediately. The warranty somehow seems less than what other Indian bikes offer. However, the company claims to have zero maintenance investment in the long term. There are no rubber or plastic items, which adds to the reliability and durability of the bike. The bike fascinates most teens with its sound, looks and history.

A 35kmpl mileage in a 350cc model is not bad, and something one would have to deal with if they want to experience the Bullet. Spare parts are cheap and easily available.

The Himalayan Enfielders are one of the first motorbike clubs in Nepal. They often head out on road trips and share and run a service center in Kathmandu, which also serves as a meeting junction for the members.

MIN BAJRACHARYA

TVS :
Distributed in Nepal by AIT Pvt. Ltd of Chowdhary Group, the company got their TVS dealership in 1996. Currently they have three brands in the market: Suzuki Feiro F2, TVS Victor GLX and Scooty Pep.

Victor GLX offers good mileage, pick-up power and stability. With it's newly introduced VT-i Engine, the company claims that the bike has left all other competitors far behind in the race for minimum fuel consumption. The econometer introduced with this bike also gives greater control over mileage. The company claims that Victor GLX gives 60 to 65 kmpl in Kathmandu's streets, which we think can be considered pretty good in the 125cc category.

A self start version of their other product Suzuki Fiero F2, with a 150cc engine, should be available within a month. The bike is especially designed for style conscious youth. The Scooty Pep has its own category and is popular amongst urban girls. The company will also launch a new bike called Centrino within a month. With a 100 kmpl mileage claim, it will cater to middle class families.

MIN BAJRACHARYA

Yamaha:
Morang Auto Works has been working in Nepal as Yamaha agent for the past 30 years. The company first started with Rajdoot RX, which was very popular back then and can still be seen on Nepal's roads. But after 2-Stroke motorbikes were banned, the company launched the YBX a few years back. It is still one of the most popular Yamaha models in Nepal. The ground clearance is ideal for Nepali roads even when carrying goods.

The Libero was launched last year. Its 60 kmpl mileage makes it ideal for mileage conscious customers in the country. Enticer is deluxe model from Yamaha, mostly catering to the style conscious youth. For this, Yamaha even endorsed pop singer Nima Rumba for three months last year and put on a huge concert with him. The bike has tremendous presence on Kathmandu's streets. Fazer is the latest product from the company. Stylish and powerful, this bike is also intended for young customers who love to ride what looks good.

Yamaha also offers a 2 years or 30,000 km warranty and 8 free servicing.