STOP CONDEMNING

Like the vice of complaining, it is easy to fall into the habit of condemning others, even those we love most. We criticize the way someone eats or manner in which he/she speaks. We focus on most minute and find fault with smallest of issues. But what we focus on grows. And if we keep focusing on a small weakness in someone, it will continue to grow in our minds until we perceive it to be a big problem in that person.

            Would you really want to live in a world where everyone looked, acted and thought exactly as you do? It would be pretty boring place. To live a happier, more peaceful life, begin to see that richness of our society comes from its diversity. Rather then looking for things to criticize in those around you, why not begin to respect the difference?

              Often we perceive in others the weaknesses we most need to address ourselves. Stop blaming and condemning. Accept complete responsibility for the way things are and resolve to work on changing yourself before seeking to change others. This is one of the truest qualities of a person of strong character.

As Erica Jong said: "Take your life into your own hand and what happens? A terrible things: no one to blame.??
George Bernard Shaw said.?? The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.??

With loving regards

Ankush Shilimkar

10 Tips To Ride During Rain

Monsoon should have started proving its potential in the form of rain in most parts of the country by this time. Riding your bike in a wet surface is actually an art to be mastered. But, the only problem is that mastering it takes lot of time. Though it seems very simple, it is too complex. Just because that we’ve been riding on wet roads or during rain for many years, it doesn’t mean that it’s too simple.

Here are a few tips to be remembered when making your bike’s tyre encounter a wet road.

1. Maintain a speed limit of 20 kms less than what you usually ride on that road. This enables you to ride comfortably and enables you to brake wherever you want smoothly and gently. It also offers confidence to the rider when it rains.
2. Be very careful when you brake on these wet surfaces. Try to avoid the usage of front brakes, irrespective of it being disc or drum. This would make you flip from the bike immediately.
3. Even if you are in a situation such that you are forced to use the front disc, keep in mind that it has to be used in combination with the rear brakes. In fact, make this as your regular habit. Off late, I see too many new users using the front discs alone without applying the rear. The caution of you meeting with a serious injury in this case is damn high.
4. Whenever you are riding in rain or along a wet surface, ride the bike in one gear low than what it deserves. This will offer a great control to the rider and stability to the bike. Don’t ignore this tip.
5. When you see so much of water in front of you that makes you feel that the exhaust will get submerged, follow the fifth tip. See to it that you ride on a very low gear by revving up the engine simultaneously till you cross that patch of road. Wanna know how this helps?  This will create a particular pressure along the tip of the exhaust which will reduce considerably the amount of water getting in.
6. Check the tyres before the monsoon season begins. If you find that the tyre has worn a lot, this is the right time to get the tyre of your bike replaced. The worst risk you can take in your life is riding in the rain or along a wet road with a worn out tyre. It’ll offer the poorest of the braking that is possible ever. Also, it’ll lead to skidding of the bike along the road. Imagine you are on a highway and this happening to you. Isn’t it scary? So, without a second thought, get the tyre or tyres replaced.
7. When you are riding in rain, prefer using the low beam light. A good biker is one who also thinks about the other riders on the road. The problem with high beam light is that it creates blurred image to the rider or driver coming on the opposite direction. That doesn’t mean that you should not use the high beam headlamp at all. Use it along sharp curves and wherever necessary. In places, where you think low beam is enough, try managing with that only.
8. This is exclusively for riders wearing ‘Spectacles’. I know how difficult it is to ride a bike in rain wearing specs. The best solution to this particular lot of riders is ‘Don’t ride when it rains’. Sorry, you don’t have any other go. When the vision is blocked, how on the Earth is it possible to ride a bike? And if there is a pillion rider, it simply means that you are risking their life too along with yours. So, please take care of it.
9. There are most possibilities of accident to happen during rain because of stray dogs or other animals crossing the road. So, be very alert and cautious as you ride. Keep looking for both the ends of the road.
10. Finally, don’t forget to carry a jacket or jerkin when it rains or when you feel it’s gonna rain. The reason is not to prevent you from getting drenched but because of the fact that when you ride in rain for a long time, it can so happen that your hands starts shivering because of the cold. This leads to jerky motions on the handle bar, which after sometime makes you lose control of your bike. So, practice this along with the rest of the tips.

All the tips mentioned here might sound very simple, but still take it serious. Severity of accident during showers will be more than what you can ever expect. (Ofcourse, why should you expect!) All this will make you confident which is very mandatory when you ride in rain. Happy Biking, Readers.

Regards

Ankush  Shilimkar

Courtesy

Courtesy is nothing more then consideration for others. It opens the doors the that would not otherwise open. A courteous person, who is not very sharp, will go further in life than a discourteous but sharp person.

It is little things that make a big difference. Courtesy is made of nothing more than many small gifts. Small courtesies will take a person much further than cleverness. Courtesy is an offshoot of deep moral behaviour. It costs nothing but pays well.

No one is too big or too busy to practise courtesy. Courtesy means giving the seat to a elderly or to the disable. Courtesy can be a warm  smile or a thank-you to the people. It is a small investment but payoff are big. It enhance the other person's self-worth.  Courtesy requires humility.

Courtesy and manners go hand in hand. It is equally important to practise manners at home and not just on outsides. Showing consideration and good manners brings out a feeling of acceptance in the home. Courtesy means practising good manners and making small sacrifices to others.

Besides being self-satisfying, politeness and courtesy have many more advantages than rude behaviour. Rude and discourteous people may get short term results. Most people avoid dealing with such behaviour and in the long run, rude people are dislike. Courteous behaviour ought to be taught to children at an early age so that they can grow and become mature, considerate adults. Courteous behaviour, once learned, stay for life. It demonstrate a caring attitude and sensitivity to other people's feelings. It seems trivial and unimportant, little phrases such as "please" "thank you" and "I am sorry" take a person a long away. Remember, being courteous will breed courtesy in return. Practise as much as you can. Initially, it make take some attention. but the effort is well worth it.

Politeness is the hallmark of gentleness. Courtesy is a another name of politeness. It cost a little but pays a lot, not only to the individuals bit also to the entire organisation.

Have you notice that sometimes, when one person is telling a joke, another person will jump in give the punch line, drawing attention to himself. And after everyone laugh he will reveal where he read it. This may show superior knowledge but it shows inferior manners.

Many brilliant and talented people have destroyed their own success because they lack courtesy and manners. Politeness and courtesy are signs of being cultured. Rudeness and discourtesy show the lack of it.

Treat other people with respect and dignity.

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength"    

Thanks & Regards

Ankush Shilimkar

150cc Indian Bikes Comparison – Ultimate Shootout of Twelve 150cc Bikes

150cc bikes are balanced machines which try to give you a descent mileage with a higher cc performance. There was an era when a bike meant a HH Splendor, But nowadays higher capacity Engines are making their statement.

We will be putting a total 12 machines head to head in this shootout. We have purposely kept R15 Out of this shootout, as it belongs to a different class, it would’ve been a clear winner if it was included here, obviously.

Contestants Are:

1. Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i
2. Bajaj Discover 150
3. Honda CB Unicorn
4. Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler
5. Hero Honda Achiever
6. Hero Honda CBZ-Xtreme
7. Hero Honda Hunk
8. Yamaha FZ16
9. Yamaha Fazer 150cc
10. Yamaha SZ-X
11. TVS APACHE 160
12. Suzuki GS-150

Lets begin a healthy comparo between the beast machines, with description followed by a scoresheet!

1. Bajaj Pulsar 150cc

One of the oldest 150cc bike in indian biking scene, legendary machine with legendary sales so far. Bajaj is an innovative company having number of technologies which were debuted by the brand in india. Pulsar makes 15.06 Ps @ 9000 rpm with Max. Torque 12.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm with its 149.01cc Engine, which is tempting if you want a powerful machine.

Pulsar is recommended for you if you are a performance freak, if you like stunting, can compromise engine refinement and maintenance, and is ready to ride a machine which is found almost everywhere, and has lost its uniqueness upto certain extent. If performance and power lures you, Pulsar might be your next bike!

2. Bajaj Discover 150cc

Discover brand is familiar for 100cc commuters being highest selling bike in the segment, Discover 150 is Bajaj’s smart move to pull its commuter-customers into 150cc segment. Bajaj Discover is cheapest 150cc bike which looks exactly as its younger sibling Discover 100.

If you want to test out 150cc revvs without compromising fuel efficiency, and can compromise maintenance, refinement and most importantly ‘Looks’, then Discover 150 is for you.

3. Honda CB Unicorn

CB Unicorn is ruling this segment for last 5 years in terms of engine refinement. Unicorns have seen many cosmatic changes in these years. Honda CB Unicorn oozes solid engineering brilliance and top notch build quality, but with its aging looks, the refined marvel is lagging in the competition.

Unicorn makes 13.3bhp @ 8000 rpm with max Torque 1.3 kg-m @ 5500 rpm with its 149.1cc Engine. It touches top speed of 111km/h.The performance is basic but is enough to tackle day to day rush. 3D Emblem on Fuel tank is the only Style element you can spot though with black engine treatment and high quality paintjobs, Unicorn poses its classy looks in its unique way. Unicorn features maintenance free battery, TuffUp Tubes and viscous air filter to minimize maintenance. India’s first mono-suspension works like wonder even on bumpy roads. Honda’s knee placement adds to the comfort and ergonomics of the bike. Absence of Digital console, LEDs and average power figures puts this machine behind in competition.

If you are looking for High quality stuff with almost no maintenance and Engine refinement, and can compromise on Style factor, Unicorn might find its way to your Home!

4. Honda Unicorn Dazzler

When Honda finally listened to its loyals, Dazzler was born. It was first showcased as the Unicorn ‘Sport’ concept at the Auto Expo 2010. Honda gave us almost no chance to complain with the machine which was superior in looks, power, performance and style.

Dazzler is equipped with same engine is unicorn but is tuned to produce 14bhp @ 8500rpm with torque 1.3 kg-m @ 6500rpm. It registers an impressive top whack of 118km/h. Dazzler features Digital console, Rear Disc (Optional), Sporty looks, Floating panels featuring Honda Emblem, 110/80 Tubeless tyres, Maintenance free battery, Viscous air filter and the list continues. Its one big step above Unicorn. All these comes at slightly high price which might make you jump into higher cc segment to satisfy your perfomance thirst!

Honda Dazzler is for you if you want trusted engine of Unicorn and cant compromise on built quality but want a competitive performance machine.

5. Hero Honda Achiever

Achiever is old commuter from Hero Honda stable which recently got a botox treatment to sustain the competition. Achiever comes with basic looks which justify its competitive price. It makes 13.4 bhp@8000 rpm with Torque 12.8N-m@5000 rpm with its 149.1cc Engine, borrowed from Unicorn.

Achiever features basic aesthetic elements. TuffupTube is only a worth mention feature which helps you in minimizing maintenance.

If you want a basic looking reliable 150cc, better than discover in looks but cheaper than Unicorn, Then Hero Honda Achiever is for you.

6. Hero Honda CBZ – Xtreme

Biking community was obessed with CBZ Mania many years ago. All new CBZ Xreme promises you to deliver optimum power and mileage with its upgraded avatar.
CBZ Xtreme makes 14.4PS@8500 rpm with Torque 12.8N-m@6500 rpm with its 149.2cc engine, borrowed from Unicorn.

It features Analog console, LED tail lights, Split grab rails, Dual tone rear cowl with body tone alloy wheel which adds to its style quotient.

CBZ is a healthy mixture of Looks, Performance, and Mileage. CBZ still can improve in areas like Suspension, Ride quality and a Digital Console.

7. Hero Honda Hunk

Hunk is a mascular mean machine from Hero Honda stable. It features semidigital console, LED tail light, Rear Disc (Optional), Muscular design, Tubeless tyres, Hero Honda’s first gas-charged shock absorbers etc.

It makes 14.4PS@8500 rpm with Torque 12.8N-m@6500 rpm with its 149.2cc Engine, borrowed from Unicorn. It touches the top speed of 107km/h. Hunk immediately impresses with its brimming midrange torque. It’s handling is on par with its peers with the ergonomic riding posture aiding considerably.

The Hunk is practically the CBZ Xtreme in a more stylish and muscular costume. The bike’s build quality is trademark HH – robust and solid. The bulging tank scoops shout for attention from every angle. It still remains a worthy overall competitor to high ranked bikes in the segment.

8. Yamaha FZ 16

FZ revolutionised the 150cc segment with its mean looks and perfomance. It completely changed how the 150cc bike ‘can’ look. Its naked street bike design inspired from its international 1000cc sibling, the FZ1, makes it one of most attractive deals on two wheels in India currently.

FZ makes 14ps@7500 rpm with Torque 14Nm@6000 rpm with its 153cc Engine. It features Eye-raising 140/60 rear tyre, Rear Monoshock suspension, Mascular Fuel tank and Digital console but we found it almost useless to look into while driving. With its Street fighter looks, Yamaha built quality, Highclass Performance FZ-16 Stand tall to find its place somewhere in top ranks.

Its soft seat and a wide almost flat handlebar give you a comfortable riding stance even during long rides. Uncomfortable seat, Little space for pillion, Poor console, Low mileage figures are the few drawbacks worth a mention. FZ-16, Though is relieble in maitenance with features like tubeless tyres, still needs to work in service areas as many complain about aftersale services. Most of the FZ Owners honestly confess us that buying decision was taken solely considering looks.

If you want to look Mean, want a real performer at the cost of low mileage, FZ-16 plays the role. It is available in one more avatar called FZ-s which features some graphical upgrades and nothing interesting in terms of performance upgrades.

9. Yamaha Fazer

Yamaha’s tricky machine for those who want R15 – similar aesthetics but at a competitive price.

Fazer is a Semifaired FZ featuring some graphical upgrades over FZ.

With Exactly same engine as FZ, we wonder how Fazer manages to be a ‘Touring Spirit’! Fazer is for you if you wanted a FZ, but can’t hide your love for Faired machines!

10. Yamaha SZ-X

SZ-X is latest bike from Yamaha, which is priced aggressively to heat-up the competition. It makes 12.1PS@7,500 rpm with Torque 12.8N.m@4500 rpm with its 153 cc Engine. Though it surely looks appealing and unique, no feature is worth a mention. SZ features both Drum Brakes which might be a disappointment for many.

It does not feature a tachometer. Ride quality is appealing though not as expected to survive the competition. Its a overall package but a little compromise on performance being an entry level machine.

SZ-X can be a good choice if you admire Yamaha, if you want a unique machine as not much SZs found on roads, and if you want an entry level overall package.

11. TVS Apache RTR 160

Performance is the key to success of this bike. Ever since Apaches hit the indian road, TVS have made a new statement in the biking scene. TVS Apache scores high in the segment in terms of performance.

It makes 15.2bhp@8500 rpm with Torque 13.1N-m@6000 rpm with its 159.7cc engine. These figures are enough to satisfy performance freak! Apache goes on all the way to a top speed of 118km/h. It features digital speedo, LED tail lights, Clip-On handle bars, Gas charged MIG shocks, Engine Cowl, Aerodynamic airscoops and the list continues! There is even a 0-60km/h timer and a top speed recorder on the LCD display. Running racing stripes, dual petal discs and rear set footpegs are some of the highlights of the bike’s design angles. Apache has one of the best power-to-weight ratio in the segment. TVS still needs to work on engine refinement, Service centre networks and Mileage.

If you want a sheer performer and can compromise on comfort and mileage, Book one and you won’t regret.

12. Suzuki GS150R

Suzuki’s first ever 150cc for India, Featuring 6 Speed gearbox, unique in its segment.GS150R gives you big bike feel as its biggest in its class. It features Digital console, LEDs, Gas charged shocks etc. It looks simple, and promising. Console also specifies which gear you are currently in. Bike lets you choose between three different modes. 149.5cc engine is smooth, making 13.8bhp@8,500 rpm with Torque 13.4Nm@6,000 rpm.

The ride is comfortable and fuel efficient. Suzuki needs to improve its service network though.The GS features the widest seat of the segment. It touches 108km/h at ease. Though its not the fastest but it is supremely comfortable and dependable.

If you always wanted that extra gear, with overall balanced features and ok with basic looks, Suzuki just made it for you!

Score-sheet Analysis

• FZ rules Design and Looks department, and continues to be Lord of the Streets.
• Engine and Performance crown is shared by Unicorn siblings and Apache. Unicorn siblings feature most refined engine and Apache outperforms the competitors in the segment.
• Comfort and Ergonomics department coined by Hondas, HeroHondas and GS-150R
• Maintenance and Reliability is ruled by Dazzler which stands still with Honda quality and Tubeless tyres.
• Fuel Efficiency finds a clear winner in Discover 150

Above analysis might find give you an idea of clear winner, but all high ranked machines takes handful of money out of your pocket.

Overall Scores

Top 3 can be summedup as: If the Yamaha FZ16 is all about looks and the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler is about engine refinement and a superior suspension, it’s the TVS Apache RTR that redefines performance in this segment. Hero Honda Hunk achieves overall balanced ratings.

We hope you enjoyed our 12 bikes shootout! We would like to say that personal choices may differ over some subjects in the shootout. Kindly comment below about the article and your opinions.

Thanks & Regards

Ankush D Shilimkar