CBZee - The Machine

CBZ – CeeBeeZee as they call it. One bike that turns all faces, the bike that revolutionized the Indian superbike market. Armed with deadly looks and equally good engine to gel with it. Surely a masterpiece, a legend!

It was a dream to own one since I saw the first CBZ advertisement on the TV. Two guys, two stunning beauties riding away at dawn. The ad was backed by some great background score. But somehow I could not get one till now. Not till late though.

I took a old-new CBZ on Saturday, 23rd September, 2006. It’s a 2001 make, clocked somewhere around 14,000 kms. Maybe the odometer has been played with, nevertheless, its engine is intact and very responsive.

I was a bit apprehensive about the condition of the bike initially, but that was just until I picked up the reins in my hands. The engine came to life in one strong kick. And voila, that firing was awesome. No signs of a tired engine. The engine gunning and raring to go like a new baby ! Next was the time to check the pick up and the drive. Again with the same apprehension I stepped down on the gear lever to the first – smooth transition from neutral – and released the clutch slowly complimenting it with a slow, calculated accelerator twist. And there it took up, within a second I had to pull it up to second, then the third and then came the cruise at fourth. It was awesome riding this machine at this speed with the tacho reading 5000 rpm, the bike was cruising. No signs of rattling, no signs of mis-firing. There I was going, the wind caressing my hair. Then came a lovely stretch of tarmac with no intrusions. I tried to increase the speed to check the full potential of the black babe. It raised its hood, the hydraulic fork suspension at the front responding and I started to accelerate. At 6000 rpm and further the speed started stagnating a bit at around 70kmph. And then came the fifth shift and the tacho fell to 3500-4000. What was more, the mean machine sprang to life accelerating again. The speedo started to touch 90-95kmph. The bike was still responding to the twitch of the accelerator. Alas ! Potholes. That brought an end to the short speed trip.

The bike was equally good while cornering at 40kmph (with a pillion). Took a slant turn at around 40kmph on one of the smooth turns which are rare to see. Slanted at almost 45 degree and at this speed, the bike didn’t move an inch out of the path intended for it. So stable, so rooted to the ground. Never felt so confident with any other bike. It was like Rossi at Monza !!

And the bike z even better when you have a fairer sex as a pillion. The slanting, sporty seat gives an envious riding and sitting position. The pillion tends to slide towards the driver. And who would mind that!!?? Atleast, I wont.

This is one bike that you would cherish driving all your life. At 12.8ish bhp @ 8000 rpm, u just have to drool over it. In simple, non-technical language, it’s a deadly beast under your control. Too sexy ! A must have for any bike enthusiast. I have one now and am in love with it!!

Are you thinking about the mileage ???? Well, I really don’t care. And for that matter, I would never have gone for this monster. Its about living your dreams, and sometimes it can’t just get better.

Will keep posted about my future experiences with my sexy babe as I call it – The CeeBeeZee!!!

Some other features :

The CBZ has a TPFC( Transient power control) system for quick acceleration; a feature which is used on some of the most advanced cars. It has a Tachometer which displays the engine rotation speed & a Tripmeter too. The Hydraulic Vibration Dampers incorporated in the handlebars ensure that the ride is smooth. The Air Injection System injects fresh air into exhaust port to meet the emission norms.CBZ has Zero Crank Case Evaporative Emission which is an advanced pollution control feature & was the first of its kind in India. It has Adjustable Rear Shock Absorbers which provide extra comfort & can be easily adjusted into 5 positions.

From the tech - books : (courtesy : mouthshut.com):

Engine- 4 stroke, single cylinder, air cooled, OHC
Displacement- 156.8CC
Acceleration- 0-60 Kmph in 5 sec
Type of brakes: front- Disc type, rear- Drum type( 130mm diameter)
Maximum power- 12.8 PS @ 8000 rpm
Maximum speed- 100 KmphSuspension ( front)- Telescopic hydraulic fork( rear )- Swing arm with hydraulic damper; 5 step adjustment
Tyres: Front/Rear- 2.75*18-42P/ 100/ 90*18-56P
Clutch- ManualClutch secondary- Multi plate wetFrame- Tubular single cradleFinal drive- Roller chainDimensions- 2100*755*1130mm
Wheel base- 1335mm ;
Ground clearance- 160mm ;
Kerb weight- 130kgFuel tank- 12.5 l ( 2.0 l in reserve)


N.B : The tech-specs might vary and are purely based on my experience.