[Jihasa vairagi]

I have named it
MAHARATHA.
I am starting my first review here, and i am going to keep it simple. More of data less of blabbers and stories. Hope my way of rating the parameters will help
Electric Starting - Good, but once in a while no response at all. 4.
Kick Starting - Kick start on this bike is bit "Moody" 3.

Run in details
First gear - maximum recommended speed is 10 KMPH works fine. 5.
Second gear - maximum recommended speed 22 KMPH works fine. 5.
Third gear - Maximum recommended speed 35 KMPH works alright. 4.
Fourth gear - Maximum recommended speed 40 KMPH works alright. 4.
Fifth gear - Maximum recommended speed 50 KMPH impossible. 0.

Gear shifting -
0-1 - Good 5.
1-2 - Good 5.
2-3 - Good 5.
3-4 - Good 5.
4-5 - Good 5.
5-4 - Good 5.
4-3 - Good 5.
3-2 - Alright 4.
2-1 - Alright 4.
1-0 - BAD 2.

False neutral issues
0-FN-1 annoying
2-FN-0 annoying

Vibrations -
Acceptable

Waiting period + Delivery time - 3 days 5.

Legendary helecopter sound
Yet to finish Engine break-in to reach that department.

Engine smoothness - Good 5. (I do not intend to say about the vibrations in the bike, but the jerks in engine)

Paint job - Good 5.(No rusting seen yet. Hope it does not haunt)

Component integrity - Good 5. (As in parts falling off due to excessive vibrations as mentioned in other models.)

Will get back with more details soon.
Last number in each parameter is my rating.

Here is the video shot on my way back home from showroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...yer_detailpage


Second day and next 50 km. Approaching 113 on odo.
Gear shifting - Very Good (5) project butter that started in andriod has its effect on bullet 500 gear livers. I mean it is amazing how smooth the gear shifting in this particular model with 500cc engine is compared to tbts or classics.

Kick start - Good, (4) And ya, kick start is 100 times tougher than what we find on std 350. I could just jump on the liver at 85 kilos with simple sound of crank move but no firing.

Handle bar - Average (2) I am used to low riding with tall ape hanger handlebar. May be this is the reason why I feel the handle bar on this feels too low and puts a part of 500cc torque on my lower back and trap muscles. Any suggestions will be almost a life saver. 

Redoing identical parametric review a half way through the period between delivery and 1st service .
Current odo reading 260.

Electric Starting - Improved . 5.
Kick Starting - Still a bit "Moody" but definetly improved 4.

Run in details
First gear - maximum recomended speed is 10 KMPH works fine. 5.
Second gear - maximum recomended speed 22 KMPH works fine. 5.
Third gear - Maximum recomended speed 35 KMPH works alright. 4.
Fourth gear - Maximum recomended speed 40 KMPH works alright. 4.
Fifth gear - Maximum recomended speed 50 KMPH impossible. 0.
Highest speeds ever reached on 5th gear = lowest speed ever reached on fifth gear = 55kmph

Gear shifting -
0-1 - Good 5.
1-2 - Good 5.
2-3 - Good 5.
3-4 - Good 5.
4-5 - Good 5.
5-4 - Good 5.
4-3 - Good 5.
3-2 - Improved and good now 5.
2-1 - Improved and good now 5.
1-0 - Improved 3.

False neutral issues -
0-FN-1 annoying but reduced.
2-FN-0 annoying but reduced.

Vibrations -
Acceptable level. Reducing as tires keep rolling more and more.
mirrors do vibrate but in comparison to C5 or TBTS5 my friends have, I felt my mirrors were more than just frozen. (relative comparison not absolutely frozen)

Legendary Helecopter sound -
Yet to finish Engine break-in to reach that department. doing research. Planing to try something unconventional. by the way I like the tappet sound of new use too. it sounds more like an assault rifle at work. MADE LIKE A GUN.

Engine smoothness - Good 5. (In this point again I do not intend to address about the vibrations in the bike, but the jerks in engine)

Paint job - Good 5.(No rusting seen yet. Hope it does not haunt)

Component integrity - still Good 5. still I am planning to include a pair of rubber wool washers/liquid gasket (if it is feesable) on either sides of all the nuts and bolts during first service..(As in parts falling off due to excessive vibrations as mentioned in other models.)

Last number in each parameter is my rating just like initial review.

Parametric review after first ride post first service. (520 on odo)
Finished first free servicing. Total cost 950 rupees($19) + 50 Rupees ($1) for a coat of chain lube.

Minor vibrations observed post servicing but not so much so that my teeth Jarrr. Ya by the way I forgot to tell, my dealer took 800 rupees extra while delivering and promised 3 coats of Teflon in first 3 service. earlier before first service manual recommends a maximum speed on fifth gear as 50 which was almost impossible as lowest we could go on 5th gear was little over 50. I always used to hit 55 to 60 ish. but since first is service over now I can feel bit relaxed to properly break-in the gears. manual permits us to hit speeds up to 80. This extra 30kmph gives my fast beating heart full of anxiety to relax a bit.

Pickup after 60 kmph in 5th gear is dyum good. it goes from 60 to 80 in no time I mean little less than a second or so. Now I am slowly exposing engine to 80 for a brief time and drop down riding bike in all possible speeds distributing the distances across the Speedo. Hope this makes the engine age well.

Now my priority is to break-in the gear box. After the first service project butter of gear box has become project Rusk. Well not always, but God, when it happens I have to almost dance on the liver to shift the gear.

Electric Starting - Good, Improved after first service 5.
Kick Starting - Kick start on this bike is still a bit "Moody" but definitely improved 4.

Run in details -
First gear - maximum recommended speed is 15 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Second gear - maximum recommended speed 25 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Third gear - Maximum recommended speed 35 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fourth gear - Maximum recommended speed 45 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fifth gear - Maximum recommended speed 80 KMPH works like a charm. 5.

Gear shifting -
0-1 - Good 4.
1-2 - Good 4.
2-3 - Good 4.
3-4 - Good 4.
4-5 - Good 4.
5-4 - Good 4.
4-3 - Good 4.
3-2 - Alright 4.
2-1 - Alright 4.
1-0 – Still BAD never falls to neutral at first go. 2.
Over all, missing project butter, hating Project rusk.

False neutral issues -
0-FN-1 Still annoying
2-FN-0 Still annoying

Vibrations -
Acceptable

Service Delivery time - 1 days 5.

Legendary helecopter sound -
Yet to finish Engine break-in to reach that department. Still deciding which to try.

Engine smoothness - Good 5. (I do not intend to say about the vibrations in the bike, but the jerks in engine)

Paint job - Good 5.(No rusting seen yet. Hope it does not haunt)

Component integrity - Good 5. (As in parts falling off due to excessive vibrations as mentioned in other models.)

Last number in each parameter is my rating.



Parametric review after 1000 km on odo.

Electric Starting – Continue to be Good, 5.
Kick Starting - Kick start on this bike is still a bit "Moody" though improved after first service it still needs lot of pampering 4.

Run in details
First gear - maximum recommended speed is 15 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Second gear - maximum recommended speed 25 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Third gear - Maximum recommended speed 35 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fourth gear - Maximum recommended speed 45 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fifth gear - Maximum recommended speed 80 KMPH works like a charm. 5.

Gear shifting -
0-1 - Good 4.
1-2 - Good 4.
2-3 - Good 4.
3-4 - Good 4.
4-5 - Good 4.
5-4 - Good 4.
4-3 - Good 4.
3-2 - Alright 4.
2-1 - Alright 4.
1-0 – Still BAD never falls to neutral at first go. Continues to annoy as ever 2. Over all, missing project butter, hating Project rusk.

False neutral issues -
0-FN-1 Still annoying
2-FN-0 Still annoying

Vibrations -
Acceptable.

Legendary helecopter sound -
Yet to finish Engine break-in to reach that department. Still deciding which to try.

Engine smoothness - Good 4. (I do not intend to say about the vibrations in the bike, but the jerks in engine. However I feel the tappet noise is sturdily increasing over time. Got to fix it)

Paint job - Good 5.(No rusting seen yet. Hope it does not haunt)

Component integrity - Good 5. (As in parts falling off due to excessive vibrations as mentioned in other models.)

Last number in each parameter is my rating.

Parametric review after 1500 km on odo.

Electric Starting – Continue to be Good, 5.
Kick Starting - Kick start on this bike is still a bit "Moody" though improved after first service it still needs lot of pampering 4.

Run in details -
First gear - maximum recommended speed is 15 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Second gear - maximum recommended speed 25 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Third gear - Maximum recommended speed 35 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fourth gear - Maximum recommended speed 45 KMPH works like a charm. 5.
Fifth gear - Maximum recommended speed 80 KMPH works like a charm. 5.

Gear shifting -
0-1 - Good 4.
1-2 - Good 4.
2-3 - Good 4.
3-4 - Good 4.
4-5 - Good 4.
5-4 - Good 4.
4-3 - Good 4.
3-2 - Alright 4.
2-1 - Alright 4.
1-0 – Still BAD never falls to neutral at first go. Continues to annoy as ever 2. Project butter, where are you?

False neutral issues -
0-FN-1 Still annoying
2-FN-0 Still annoying

Vibrations -
Acceptable.

Legendary helecopter sound -
Yet to finish Engine break-in to reach that department. Still deciding which to try. On list are following options
a)   Wild Bhor.
b)   Sans glasswool monster.
c)   Company short bottle.

Engine smoothness - Good 4. (I do not intend to say about the vibrations in the bike, but the jerks in engine. However I feel the tappet noise is sturdily increasing over time. Got to fix it)

Paint job - Good 5.(No rusting seen yet. Hope it does not haunt)

Component integrity - Good 5. (As in parts falling off due to excessive vibrations as mentioned in other models.)

Last number in each parameter is my rating.





Few configuration changes to suit my riding conditions:-

Handlebar - I had been to one of the reputed Parts dealer in Raipur for Enfield and took a “hands on” of RD extended handle bar. I even kept it right next to my handlebar. They are almost identical. Not an mm here or there. So I am still open for that option.

Mirror - Utterly useless stock mirror. And this Useless factor is not being attributed WRT the vibrations but because of the placement. With the stock mirrors All I can see is my own biceps. I hope I am clear in explaining. The placement of the mirror is so bad that the rider can’t see a wee bit of street behind and added to it, the mirrors have very less adjustability. Thanks to its pivot on the center. In no angle can I at least see the street behind me. I wish to save my life from complete blind spot. I wish the mirrors were a bit wider with longer raised stems so it can be a rear view rather than bicep viewer. If RE is listening here is my shout. “We need rear view mirrors, not own biceps viewer mirrors” Suggestions are worshipped.

Seat - Planning to put a TBTS split front seat and a detachable carrier based broad rear seat for utility purpose.

Back rest - Old TBTS back rest or an Avenger back rest. Please suggest which gives higher functional support and which needs least modification.

Lighting - I feel I must reduce the load on electrical first and utilizing the freed load to lit up the night roads so that I can reach home alive every day. Not that OEM is insufficient, but when the rider/driver from opposite side has number advantage I end up blinded, it is fine I can gauge the street but if there is a black dog/black cow/human with black outfit, I will be under immense self guilt.

Cellphone mount and charger - This forms a very important kit since I am planning big cross country trips soon. Need a solution where I can keep my phone/navigator in an enclosure with transparent view and a charging outlet on tank. Somewhat like a motorcycle dash board. Design ideas will be a Boon.

Side boxes - I am attaching some pictures of Maharatha and am also interested to have a pair of side boxes.

Here is a video of Maharatha firing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wRU_ox9kklQ

Here is the video shot on my way back home from showroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL...yer_detailpage

[ByTheLake]

I am starting my first review here, and i am going to keep it simple.

Um, thanks for keeping it 'simple'. 

[Royalista]

Ouch, very scientific. 

I second your cry for rear view mirrors.
If you turn the stem forward the view can be improved. I guess you did this already. Still requires a purposeful lean to get the full rear picture. Bar end mirrors are a solution, if you like them.

Anxiously waiting for the legendary helicopter sound; if it is an UCE EFI that might be a tad disappointing.

Happy trails 

[ROVERMAN]

I can only say 'wow'.

[squire]

Thanks for the brief report, I'm hoping you post something with a little more detail for us soon.

[tooseevee]

      Awful lotta typing. And numbers...

[Ducati Scotty]

I second your cry for rear view mirrors.

Almost all stock mirrors on all bikes are useless.  If the mirror doesn't extend past the end of the handlebar, it doesn't extend past your elbow either.  Of course adding in vibrations doesn't help anything

Scott

[GSS]

a)   Wild Bhor.
b)   Sans glasswool monster.
c)   Company short bottle.

Which one of these produces the best legendary helicopter sound?  We are awaiting anxiously for a detailed review soon!

[mattsz]

Here is a video of Maharatha firing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wRU_ox9kklQ

Now that's some low-speed idling!

[no bs]

mine sounds exactly like a helicopter with a 500cc enfield uce engine!

[mattsz]

mine sounds exactly like a helicopter with a 500cc enfield uce engine!

I'm guessing that the "legendary helicopter sound" is the sound of the carburetted iron-barrel engine thumping along at about 25 rpms...

[JVS]

I'm attaching a short audio clip of my UCE 500 'taking off', with the Hitchcock's EFI silencer in a zip file. I recorded this last year with a household digital camera. Does the sound relate to a helicopter or some kind of gun? lol. (Should be best to listen on a computer with a subwoofer and/or good quality headphones/earphones)

I might record an extended clip sometime, with idle etc and a 'drive-by'.

[barenekd]

It's a little late now, but, please ignore those breakin speed numbers. Those speeds were for the iron barrel engines and bear no significance to the UCEs. Just ride the thing without flogging or lugging the engine. It will be fine and much better for you!
As for corrosion, get some ACF50, and lightly spray the bike down. An occasional treatment, they recommend annually, with this will take care  of corrosion problems. There is a video link in the New Product & Improvement Ideas category a ways down the thread list. It's good stuff. I never had any problem after I used it on my bike.
Bare

[Gypsyjon]

I got mirror extenders for about 12 bucks on Amazon. After that I just change the oil and ride...quit putting such a fine point on stuff guys..It is 50s technology, right? Sounds like most of you have never owned a pan head...;.

Merry Xmas.