The Hindu Business Line : A show of Caliber

BAJAJ Auto is reiterating its change: From being a slow-to-react, monopolistic player in the two-wheeler industry in the 1990s, to a more proactive one, zooming on competing new models with fresh releases. More important is the dramatic shrinkage in response time. The new Caliber 115 from Bajaj is clearly a product of this policy. Stung by competition from the TVS Victor and with the intent of distinguishing the Caliber from its kind in the 100cc category, Bajaj has given the bike a new niche positioning in the 115cc category. The effort at re-launching the motorcycle with a slightly larger engine is aimed at catering to the average buyer's (in that segment) need for more power, without compromising much on fuel efficiency.

The Caliber 115 is obviously pitted against the Hero Honda Splendor and will try to score brownie points over slightly bigger competitors such as the TVS Victor and Hero Honda Ambition. In addition to the punch in the details, Bajaj has also managed to complete the package with a penetrative Rs 44,500-plus on-road price tag.

The new variant of the Caliber, which itself was built on the original Kawasaki 4S platform, has been given a larger profile. The larger fuel tank, the aluminium die-cast grab rail, the broader Zapper tyres and the comfortably wide, moulded, anti-slide seat give the bike the feel of a larger motorcycle. The wider, aerodynamically-designed bikini fairing, housing the `optoprism' halogen headlamp and the cluster of meters (for rpm, speed and fuel) give the bike a more impressive profile.

Bajaj's technical alliance with Kawasaki has also helped it develop the 111.6cc K-Tec engine for the new Caliber 115 — the earlier avatar of the Caliber was 99cc. The new four-stroke, single-cylinder engine packs in a punch at 9.5 bhp, enabling the bike to reach a maximum cruising speed of 100 km per hour.

The new engine is also rated to offer a mileage of 90 km per litre of petrol. As with the claims of all other bike manufacturers, this rating is also based on performance under standard test conditions. Expect fuel efficiency to be only 75- 85 per cent of the rating, that is 65-75 kmpl under city driving conditions.

In terms of engine power, the 9.5 bhp of the Caliber115 compares favourably with the 7.5 bhp of the Hero Honda Splendor, the 7.7 bhp of the Boxer and the 8.1 bhp generated by the TVS Victor.

The 115's engine is rubber mounted at five points, as are also the handle bar and the silencer to reduce vibration and sound. The effort seems worthwhile, as the vibration and noise levels of the Caliber 115 are lower than competing models even at speeds of over 50 kmph.

On the lines of the economy and power modes available on the TVS Victor, the Caliber 115 has been fitted out with an optimum riding indicator, which shows the rider the optimum rpm range for achieving the maximum mileage from the bike. The engine also integrates the company's throttle responsive ignition control system (TRICS) to enable users to get a balance of power and mileage. For increased safety, given the higher power of the engine, the Caliber 115 comes with 130mm drum brakes in both the front and rear wheels, compared to the conventional 110mm drums offered in bikes in this class. The new bike's wheelbase, at 1,245mm, has also been increased slightly to offer more stability. Bajaj has also strengthened the rear suspension of the bike to increase load-carrying capacity and improve comfort vis-à-vis the previous Caliber version.

The bike features a four-speed gearbox. The flat torque spread helps boost the bike's fuel efficiency and, at the same time, the top speed is better than that of its peers such as the Splendor, Boxer and Victor. The gearbox's ratios also enable the engine to offer knock-free performance even at relatively low speeds. However, the shift quality, in terms of smoothness and ease of use, is not up to the mark. Caliber 115's build quality is definitely better than its predecessors. Bajaj is also offering front crash guard, integrated sidestep and sari guard as standard fitment.

Interestingly, while the company's product literature for the Caliber 115 has the name Bajaj featured prominently, on the bike itself, the decals on the fuel tank, the signature on the chrome heat guard of the silencer and the fairing prominently display the Kawasaki brand, with the Bajaj logo next to it.

Oh, what's in a name... Hoodibabaa.

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