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I am planning to buy a motorcycle. I have short-listed the "Hoodibaba bike" and Wind 125. Can you compare these two in terms of economy, fuel efficiency, gearshift ease and pickup? My budget is Rs 50,000. Which one should I buy? - Shishir Kumar

Both the Bajaj bikes that you have shortlisted are contemporary. Between the two, the Wind 125 is the more recently launched sibling. It also comes with a larger, 124.6cc engine, compared to Caliber 115's (Hoodibaba bike) 111.6cc four-stroke engine.

A comparison between these two bikes cannot strictly be justified if the parameter is fuel efficiency. The Caliber 115 will be marginally more fuel-efficient than the Wind 125; however, the latter more than makes up for its poorer mileage on a comparison of most other parameters.

Visually, the Caliber 115 and the Wind 125 are strikingly similar, but for some minor variations to the headlamp, fairing, fuel tank and decals. What sets the Wind 125 apart, though, is its superior engine and transmission. The bike's 125cc K-TEC (Kawasaki technology) engine delivers a maximum output of 10.8 bhp and a top torque of 9.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm (revolutions per minute). That compares with the Caliber engine's 9.5 bhp output and 9.12 Nm torque. The Wind 125 also features a silent timing chain, which, in contrast to the roller or bush chain in the older bikes, reduces chordal action and fatigue. This results in lesser speed variations and also reduced wear and tear. This feature, while reducing noise levels, will also have long-term beneficial effect on engine performance.

A constant velocity carburettor that offers better engine response through the mid-range rpm and digital ignition are also standard.

But the clincher for the Wind 125 would be the five-speed synchronised gear box, which is much smoother on the shift and also allows the rider to kick start the bike in gear position by just engaging the clutch lever, instead of having to get back into neutral before restarting. The Wind 125 also comes with a much safer 240mm disc brake for the front wheel as optional equipment.

The price of the Wind 125 at Rs 44,500 (ex-showroom) for the disc brake option is also well within your budget. The better of the two is only too obvious. Stay with the Wind and remember to always wear a helmet.

I commute to office — a distance to and fro of about 50 km — on my Suzuki Max 100. The seating and shock absorbers are not up to the road conditions and the long distance. I like the seating and handle bar position of the cruiser Yamaha Enticer. Kindly clarify whether the Enticer with broad seats is better than the Hero Honda Passion. I am looking for a bike with comfortable seating and shockers. Please suggest between the Enticer and the Passion. Price and mileage are not a problem. - Prakash Joseph

The Yamaha Enticer, which shares its name globally with a very popular Yamaha brand Snowmobile, is an entry-level cruiser bike priced a shade over Rs 50,000. Though built like a classic cruiser with laidback, feet-forward design and seating, the Enticer's engine is a midget among the hulks of the cruiser species. Yamaha has chosen to keep the engine size small to ensure better fuel efficiency, a key parameter that Indian bike buyers look at.

The Enticer's fit and finish quality is good and the bike features a lot of chrome trim. However, age tends to show quickly on some of the bike's components. The cruiser styling of the Enticer is a real draw among potential buyers, both due to the "grooviness" of the design and the comfort of the riding position.

If you are really sold on the Enticer's styling go for it. You may also want to consider a much more expensive, but better built and better-finished cruiser — the Bajaj Eliminator.

But we suggest that you do not base your decision solely on the not-so-pleasant experience that you have had with the Suzuki Max 100. The current crop of 100cc bikes is in a different league altogether in terms of comfort, safety and performance.

The Hero Honda Passion Plus, which has replaced the old Passion, is a good choice among the 100cc bikes currently available. With top-notch finish quality, extremely fuel-efficient 97.2cc four-stroke engine and wide, comfortable seats, the Passion Plus might well suit your requirements. The Passion Plus also features a five-step adjustable hydraulic damper in the rear shock absorber unit.

In the long run, the Passion Plus may be the less expensive option and may well fetch you a better price in the second-hand market. It also comes with a disc brake option and is priced at Rs 42,700+ (ex-showroom).

Readers are invited to send their queries related to the world of automobiles _ such as which bike buy, which second-hand car to opt and financing for cars _ to: q&a@thehindu.co.in

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