If you are looking for a Cruiser and your budget is limited then we have 2 new motorcycle from UM motorcycles called Renegade Commando and Renegade Sports.
We had the pleasure of taking them for a test ride and here's what we have to say.
Renegade Commando and Renegade Commando Sports
Looks: Well the first thing that you notice is that they bikes are visually appealing for a 280 cc engine. The Commando Looks more like the Harley Fat Boy with the big broad end and big fat tires front and rear, while the Sports comes with alloys wheels and looks more like the Suzuki intruder with the front fairing.
The seating position is comfortable with foacot pegs in the front and the handle bar gives you a upright riding position, for the pillion rider there is also a backrest. The quality of plastic used on the control switches could have been better. Though the bike was smooth while revving , however the speedo needle vibrated as if it was a windscreen wiper. The sports also features running day light next to the fuel tank
The Engine: It’s a liquid cooled 279.5 cc, with 6 speed gear box which produces 24.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM and 21.8 NP @ 7000 RPM of torque , though we felt the gear shifting is a little on the hard side, UM said they are working on it to improve the same before they start delivering the motorcycle. Unlike most bikes today UM has decided to stick with carburetor instead of fuel injection and claim 25KMPL.
Handling and Breaking: The bike felt stable on straight line and surprisingly it was able to absorb the Gurgaon pot holes real well. The breaking was good with the front 280mm disk doing a good job while the rear drum break was also very responsive. On the corners the bike did feel a little heavy , 172 kgs yes the bikes is almost heavy as a Royal Enfield and handling corners was not that easy.
Overall when we look at the Indian motorcycle market for a budget range cruiser , we don’t have too many options, we have the Bajaj Avenger, their Street 200 variant and then if you want a old school thumper then you have the Enfield.. even though the bike has some quality issue with the price range that UM is offering it might just be able to crack some place for itself in the Indian market.
Text and Images by : Sohib Solomon
Interestingly, there is already some penetration of this brand in the interiors of Rajasthan where many folks have asked me about the arrival of this motorcycle for over a year now! There are takers for this already.
ReplyDeleteWow that's interesting to know!!
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