So, the Blue Avenger is now two years old and counting. I was looking at my older posts and laughing to myself. The Blue Avenger has grown old. Had a couple of repairs, new chainset etc. Not the same old sprightly fellow I used to know.
Funny as you get older the weight of the world seem to get heavier. But the world has always weighed the same, just the shoulders getting older and weaker.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 20, 2009
Oracle conquers SUN!
Googley!
This has to be the googley of the year considering the amount of hype, and concern people had of IBM taking over SUN while Oracle quietly slipped by and caught the cat. Everybody from open source zealots, to IAM professionals, to DS admins were a bit jittery of the pending take-over, but few if any would have expected this turn of events.
Oracle sees the future bright, yet...
It remains to be seen how Oracle handles much of the SUN idealogy and though the Oracle top-management is gushing over this deal, not everybody sees the silver lining...
Check it out:
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com.au/articles/31665-Oracle-s-Sun-buy-changes-identity-management-market
This has to be the googley of the year considering the amount of hype, and concern people had of IBM taking over SUN while Oracle quietly slipped by and caught the cat. Everybody from open source zealots, to IAM professionals, to DS admins were a bit jittery of the pending take-over, but few if any would have expected this turn of events.
Oracle sees the future bright, yet...
It remains to be seen how Oracle handles much of the SUN idealogy and though the Oracle top-management is gushing over this deal, not everybody sees the silver lining...
Check it out:
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com.au/articles/31665-Oracle-s-Sun-buy-changes-identity-management-market
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Blue Avenger's Freedom
First Service
Got up early. Reached Bagga Link, Karol Bagh, Delhi just in time. My bike was second in the queue. The guy writing the slip was good. Checked up the vehicle. Asked me if there were any problems. Suggested I should go for saddle bags rather than the dickey (and I thought it looked cool).
So I told him about this weird sound and vibration I get occasionally when riding constant at 50 for some time. He revved the engine and promptly noted that the mounting bolts needed tightening. He said they get loose sometimes. That done, it took about 40 minutes for my bike to get serviced. In the mean time I checked up whether my temp RC had arrived. Apparently it had not. In fact, the Bagga chaps haven't even received the full payment for the bike from Bajaj finance. I have no idea how that works out. Anyway, I got a call today and the finance chap told me the temp RC copy was with him. And I'll get the rest by courier.
In all, it cost me Rs 300 and that was just for the oil change.
Wings
The Avy is a deceptive bike. It feels extremely comfortable to ride at 50. And it gives this very lazy attitude. I dont feel like ripping the engine. But I did try and was pleasantly surprised. Its very eager to get ahead. Sine the speed limit is now 75kmph till the next 750 km for me, I pushed the bike hard and am very happy with the 200cc mill.
That said, I still love the 50kmph feel. The vibrations and the sound haven't completely gone. They still come back occasionally and I need to remember to ask the service chap next time I go there.
Mileage
My heart skipped a beat when the Avy went into reserve for the first time after just 346km on 10 litres of petrol. An average of 34.6kmpl would be hell of a pinch on the pocket. However, the second time, I managed to go 436km on 10 litres. So am pretty pleased with how it's turning out. Its probable cos of the low constant speed I ride at most of the way.
The Red Pulsar
I tried riding my old Pulsar, just to make sure the engine doesn't rust off. Man! What a world of a difference. Just sitting on the bike felt awkward. Too high. And I kept putting my foot on the rear brake pedal. Riding was also markedly a different experience.
For one thing, I have to lean on the handlebar and my back is completely bent. Another thing is it just doesn't feel good to ride below 70kmph. Its as if the bike is under performing. That said, it was good to feel the racer position and to flick the bike between vehicles and accelerate off.
Carnauba Wax
bought this can of Formula 1 wax.
www.formula1wax.com Cost me Rs180. Claims 12 month deep polish and protection and buffing out of scratches and haze. Need to try it out on the Pulsar and then on the Avy. I am not too happy with the teflon coat that the Bagga Link people did on my bike. I feel the dust scratches are too much on the tank.
Got up early. Reached Bagga Link, Karol Bagh, Delhi just in time. My bike was second in the queue. The guy writing the slip was good. Checked up the vehicle. Asked me if there were any problems. Suggested I should go for saddle bags rather than the dickey (and I thought it looked cool).
So I told him about this weird sound and vibration I get occasionally when riding constant at 50 for some time. He revved the engine and promptly noted that the mounting bolts needed tightening. He said they get loose sometimes. That done, it took about 40 minutes for my bike to get serviced. In the mean time I checked up whether my temp RC had arrived. Apparently it had not. In fact, the Bagga chaps haven't even received the full payment for the bike from Bajaj finance. I have no idea how that works out. Anyway, I got a call today and the finance chap told me the temp RC copy was with him. And I'll get the rest by courier.
In all, it cost me Rs 300 and that was just for the oil change.
Wings
The Avy is a deceptive bike. It feels extremely comfortable to ride at 50. And it gives this very lazy attitude. I dont feel like ripping the engine. But I did try and was pleasantly surprised. Its very eager to get ahead. Sine the speed limit is now 75kmph till the next 750 km for me, I pushed the bike hard and am very happy with the 200cc mill.
That said, I still love the 50kmph feel. The vibrations and the sound haven't completely gone. They still come back occasionally and I need to remember to ask the service chap next time I go there.
Mileage
My heart skipped a beat when the Avy went into reserve for the first time after just 346km on 10 litres of petrol. An average of 34.6kmpl would be hell of a pinch on the pocket. However, the second time, I managed to go 436km on 10 litres. So am pretty pleased with how it's turning out. Its probable cos of the low constant speed I ride at most of the way.
The Red Pulsar
I tried riding my old Pulsar, just to make sure the engine doesn't rust off. Man! What a world of a difference. Just sitting on the bike felt awkward. Too high. And I kept putting my foot on the rear brake pedal. Riding was also markedly a different experience.
For one thing, I have to lean on the handlebar and my back is completely bent. Another thing is it just doesn't feel good to ride below 70kmph. Its as if the bike is under performing. That said, it was good to feel the racer position and to flick the bike between vehicles and accelerate off.
Carnauba Wax
bought this can of Formula 1 wax.
www.formula1wax.com Cost me Rs180. Claims 12 month deep polish and protection and buffing out of scratches and haze. Need to try it out on the Pulsar and then on the Avy. I am not too happy with the teflon coat that the Bagga Link people did on my bike. I feel the dust scratches are too much on the tank.
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Blue Avenger's follies
The Blue Avenger meets the Coiled Venom
Saturday was not such a good day. Bought a cable lock for the helmet. The long thin one that can be twisted. This one was wrapped quite tight. As I opened it up, the thing suddenly uncoiled and the lock hit The Blue Avenger smack on the fuel tank. Left a small white mark. Can't say much for the paint job. It really didn't hit the tank that hard. While cataloging that dink, I found that the chrome was also scratched. In fact, it seems to scratch quite easily.
The Blue Avenger meets the Evil Tow Truck
I had parked The Blue Avenger in front of PNB, Nehru Place. Turns out, its a no parking zone cos when I came back it was missing. When I asked the security guard, he took a leisurely time chewing his paan and spit it out with contempt. Then he told me to go to the thana and check up there if the tow truck had taken it.
And it had. Took me hell of a time haggling with the tower to get the bike back. That too when I wasn't carrying the RC. I really need to get on Baja Finance's back to find out what's taking son ong.
Saturday was not such a good day. Bought a cable lock for the helmet. The long thin one that can be twisted. This one was wrapped quite tight. As I opened it up, the thing suddenly uncoiled and the lock hit The Blue Avenger smack on the fuel tank. Left a small white mark. Can't say much for the paint job. It really didn't hit the tank that hard. While cataloging that dink, I found that the chrome was also scratched. In fact, it seems to scratch quite easily.
The Blue Avenger meets the Evil Tow Truck
I had parked The Blue Avenger in front of PNB, Nehru Place. Turns out, its a no parking zone cos when I came back it was missing. When I asked the security guard, he took a leisurely time chewing his paan and spit it out with contempt. Then he told me to go to the thana and check up there if the tow truck had taken it.
And it had. Took me hell of a time haggling with the tower to get the bike back. That too when I wasn't carrying the RC. I really need to get on Baja Finance's back to find out what's taking son ong.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Blue Avenger rides again
Bagga, Link Road, Karol Bagh
Went to check if my bike papers had come in yet. No luck. Told me to check after ten days! On my way out, I saw that the Avys standing there had been cleaned up and were spic and span. Maybe the Bajaj people gave some feedback from my blog to them, or they just did it on their own.
Found out the time period for advance booking for servicing at ProBiking. 10 days!!! I should have booked it before I bought the bike.
Accessorize...
Got a dickey fit on to the Avenger. A blue Studds dickey.Pretty neat. It has a nice red reflector at the bottom corner. Unfortunately it was on the bottom left corner. That meant, for it to face backwards, I would have to fit it on the right side of the bike. Which meant attaching it to the silencer. I tried to figure out how to get it done with out the silence getting involved. Couldn't. So had it fit on the left side of the bike on the Saree guard. So the saree guard finally came to some use. Cost me Rs 650 + Rs 40 labour charges. Got it done from Karol Bagh, Ajmal Khan road market.
The red reflector faces forward, but overall, the effect is still good. The bike just looks bigger. Is bigger in fact, cos the dickey juts out quite a bit. Will have to keep that in mind while turning sharp corners, or in heavy traffic. Storage space is not all that great but adequate for what I need.
False Alarm
On my way back, took the link road from Karol Bagh to Dhaula Kuan. As I rounded a curve, I saw a scooter parked and a woman struggling with a guy. I passed to soon to make much sense of it. The Blue Avenger stopped and parked itself at the side. I got off and walked back. And as I came near, I realised they were a couple and just arguing or playing around. Still, to be certain, I approached the guy and in my best Haryanvi accent asked "Kya ho raha hai bhai?". He was a bit taken aback and inquired "Kya ho raha hai?". Not a very bright fellow. I turned to the lady and asked if she knew him. She nodded an affirmative and since she didn't seem under duress (more embarassed actually), I turned to the guy and told him that I thought there was something wrong going on and had come to check. Gave him a pat on the shoulder and walked to The Blue Avenger. It seemed to be winking in approval. Got home without incident. What was saddening about the whole affair was I saw a few men walk on past that couple and even turn around to see whats going on, but none of them stopped to make sure. Apparently the b*stards keep their sisters and daughters locked up at home and hence are not worried that something unfortunates could happen to one of their beloved. And as long as it is someone else's, it's just entertainment.
Went to check if my bike papers had come in yet. No luck. Told me to check after ten days! On my way out, I saw that the Avys standing there had been cleaned up and were spic and span. Maybe the Bajaj people gave some feedback from my blog to them, or they just did it on their own.
Found out the time period for advance booking for servicing at ProBiking. 10 days!!! I should have booked it before I bought the bike.
Accessorize...
Got a dickey fit on to the Avenger. A blue Studds dickey.Pretty neat. It has a nice red reflector at the bottom corner. Unfortunately it was on the bottom left corner. That meant, for it to face backwards, I would have to fit it on the right side of the bike. Which meant attaching it to the silencer. I tried to figure out how to get it done with out the silence getting involved. Couldn't. So had it fit on the left side of the bike on the Saree guard. So the saree guard finally came to some use. Cost me Rs 650 + Rs 40 labour charges. Got it done from Karol Bagh, Ajmal Khan road market.
The red reflector faces forward, but overall, the effect is still good. The bike just looks bigger. Is bigger in fact, cos the dickey juts out quite a bit. Will have to keep that in mind while turning sharp corners, or in heavy traffic. Storage space is not all that great but adequate for what I need.
False Alarm
On my way back, took the link road from Karol Bagh to Dhaula Kuan. As I rounded a curve, I saw a scooter parked and a woman struggling with a guy. I passed to soon to make much sense of it. The Blue Avenger stopped and parked itself at the side. I got off and walked back. And as I came near, I realised they were a couple and just arguing or playing around. Still, to be certain, I approached the guy and in my best Haryanvi accent asked "Kya ho raha hai bhai?". He was a bit taken aback and inquired "Kya ho raha hai?". Not a very bright fellow. I turned to the lady and asked if she knew him. She nodded an affirmative and since she didn't seem under duress (more embarassed actually), I turned to the guy and told him that I thought there was something wrong going on and had come to check. Gave him a pat on the shoulder and walked to The Blue Avenger. It seemed to be winking in approval. Got home without incident. What was saddening about the whole affair was I saw a few men walk on past that couple and even turn around to see whats going on, but none of them stopped to make sure. Apparently the b*stards keep their sisters and daughters locked up at home and hence are not worried that something unfortunates could happen to one of their beloved. And as long as it is someone else's, it's just entertainment.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Adventures of the Blue Avenger
The Art of Neutral
The Blue Avenger is doing pretty well. I have mastered the art of finding neutral and now, am rarely caught fiddling with the gear shift at traffic lights or parking lot sentry gates.
This previously was a somewhat embarrassing experience because the parking lot security guards seem to frown upon frivolous people wasting their time while searching for their parking token. In my case, the search cant even begin until I find neutral or switch off the engine. Now the process is pretty slick, while I glide in front of the gate, stop, hand over the token with a satisfied smug and glide away in a lazy low rev mode.
The situation at traffic lights is also better. You look cool on the Avy until you stop at a traffic light. And since you know quite a few eyes are sizing you up (and they are! Honestly!), it feels stupid to play around with the gear lever while trying to remain as aloof as possible. Or maybe I'm just paranoid. Yes, the art must be mastered.
Kids just wanna have fun
Met a bunch of kids being driven in a Skoda. They seemed pretty impressed with the Blue Avenger. They were shouting and pointing as I rode beside them today. Apparently the driver didn't like the commotion too much and accelerated off. But not before one of the kids in the front seat leaned out of the window and waved bye-bye to me. Heh. Right out of a Bajaj ad. Kids ain't too bad I guess.
Met another kind of kid too. This one must have been in his twenties and was riding a Hero Honda Splendor with a pillion. I dunno if he was just messed up, or feeling inadequate as the two of them checked out the Blue Avenger (rush hour traffic, we were moving along at about 20 kmph, bumper to bumper). Suddenly he starts attempting wheelies! Yup! In bumper to bumper, with one car ahead and one behind, he would gun his engine and raise up the front wheel and brake and slam it down again. The pillion wasn't too thrilled from what I could hear. The Blue Avenger did not pay him any heed. It had more important matters to attend to.
Things I don't wanna see on the road
1. Truckers: They ruin the joy of riding. Couldn't care less about the black smoke belching out of their exhausts. And they pretty much assume that they own the road. Met one idiotic trucker with these huge black pipes jutting out the back. He didn't even put a red warning flag or cloth. I had no idea how far they were jutting out until I came dangerously close.
2. Black coloured vehicles: They are hard to see at night. Especially if there are no street lights. In fact, I dont understand why people go for the black look. It doesn't look great. It absorbs all the heat during summers. Shows dust and scratches very easily.
Taxis and cabs should be yellow. Not black. It just does not make sense.
3. Auto-rickshaws: They run in the middle lane at 40kmph. Regardless of whether its the Ring Road, the Highway, the Toll Road, the Express way, a flyover... They WILL be in the middle lane, and WILL try to overtake each other at the most inopportune moment.
4. Avengers: Yeah. Its no typo. I would prefer to have the only avenger on road. Else it just takes away the exclusivity factor. Saw three (!!!) Avengers today in Noida. Mental Note: Must avoid going to Noida.
The Blue Avenger is doing pretty well. I have mastered the art of finding neutral and now, am rarely caught fiddling with the gear shift at traffic lights or parking lot sentry gates.
This previously was a somewhat embarrassing experience because the parking lot security guards seem to frown upon frivolous people wasting their time while searching for their parking token. In my case, the search cant even begin until I find neutral or switch off the engine. Now the process is pretty slick, while I glide in front of the gate, stop, hand over the token with a satisfied smug and glide away in a lazy low rev mode.
The situation at traffic lights is also better. You look cool on the Avy until you stop at a traffic light. And since you know quite a few eyes are sizing you up (and they are! Honestly!), it feels stupid to play around with the gear lever while trying to remain as aloof as possible. Or maybe I'm just paranoid. Yes, the art must be mastered.
Kids just wanna have fun
Met a bunch of kids being driven in a Skoda. They seemed pretty impressed with the Blue Avenger. They were shouting and pointing as I rode beside them today. Apparently the driver didn't like the commotion too much and accelerated off. But not before one of the kids in the front seat leaned out of the window and waved bye-bye to me. Heh. Right out of a Bajaj ad. Kids ain't too bad I guess.
Met another kind of kid too. This one must have been in his twenties and was riding a Hero Honda Splendor with a pillion. I dunno if he was just messed up, or feeling inadequate as the two of them checked out the Blue Avenger (rush hour traffic, we were moving along at about 20 kmph, bumper to bumper). Suddenly he starts attempting wheelies! Yup! In bumper to bumper, with one car ahead and one behind, he would gun his engine and raise up the front wheel and brake and slam it down again. The pillion wasn't too thrilled from what I could hear. The Blue Avenger did not pay him any heed. It had more important matters to attend to.
Things I don't wanna see on the road
1. Truckers: They ruin the joy of riding. Couldn't care less about the black smoke belching out of their exhausts. And they pretty much assume that they own the road. Met one idiotic trucker with these huge black pipes jutting out the back. He didn't even put a red warning flag or cloth. I had no idea how far they were jutting out until I came dangerously close.
2. Black coloured vehicles: They are hard to see at night. Especially if there are no street lights. In fact, I dont understand why people go for the black look. It doesn't look great. It absorbs all the heat during summers. Shows dust and scratches very easily.
Taxis and cabs should be yellow. Not black. It just does not make sense.
3. Auto-rickshaws: They run in the middle lane at 40kmph. Regardless of whether its the Ring Road, the Highway, the Toll Road, the Express way, a flyover... They WILL be in the middle lane, and WILL try to overtake each other at the most inopportune moment.
4. Avengers: Yeah. Its no typo. I would prefer to have the only avenger on road. Else it just takes away the exclusivity factor. Saw three (!!!) Avengers today in Noida. Mental Note: Must avoid going to Noida.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi - Ride Experience
First day to office on my new bike. The traffic is moderate. I was under the impression that flicking the Avy between cars would be difficult. Not so. Agreed, it's longer than the Pulsar, but if you got space, it's a pretty easy bike to maneuver.
City Ride
You can count on it to respond to the throttle. Not a sports bike acceleration, but enough to get out of tight spots. And pretty well anchored to the road. I like the overall stability I feel. I did stall the engine a couple of times, which I would attribute to my relative inexperience to the bike. But like I said, it picks up on the 3rd gear pretty easily.
The brakes are responsive although the rear one is somewhat weak. Could do with a little adjustment, plus the positioning is somewhat new to me. So I am not too used to it as of now. The disc brakes are neat. Very effective.
Oh yeah, before I forget. Heads DO turn!!!
Highway Ride
This is exactly what the Avy is for. Smoooth steady slick ride at 50-55 kmph. The handlebars vibrates mildly, barely enough to notice. And I like the feel. I did notice the mirrors vibrating and blurring the image which is a mild concern.
The engine is pretty smooth. Won't say that I like the sound. Doesn't sound like a cruiser (a nice Bullet thump would be awesome). From what I hear, Bajaj had to work under some strict norms, but I wonder how the Bullet gets away with it.
Country Ride
Not much to write about here. On a bumpy dirt road, you WILL feel the bumps. Don't expect a cushion ride. That said, it's still more comfortable than a Pulsar. In fact, the ride would have been smoother if the rear shocks were gas chamber ones like the Pulsar has.
Night Ride
The headlights are so damn bright. I have a tinted visor on my helmet and rarely ever use it at night. But with the high beam on, it's pretty easy to see thru it. On a stretch where there wer no lights, the high beam illuminated half the lanes on both sides pretty well.
The indicators are pretty swell. I love the bullet-nosed rear on them. And they are adequately bright. One gripe though. The indicators are pretty useless on the tank. I hardly ever see them. In fact, I would have to take my eyes off the road completely to look at them. The brake lights are bright as well. Didn't see them directly, but the illumination on the road behind me was proof enough.
Overall, I have enjoyed the first few rides. Just waiting to get the running-in complete. Not that I want to cross the 3-digit mark. Just to have the peace of mind.
City Ride
You can count on it to respond to the throttle. Not a sports bike acceleration, but enough to get out of tight spots. And pretty well anchored to the road. I like the overall stability I feel. I did stall the engine a couple of times, which I would attribute to my relative inexperience to the bike. But like I said, it picks up on the 3rd gear pretty easily.
The brakes are responsive although the rear one is somewhat weak. Could do with a little adjustment, plus the positioning is somewhat new to me. So I am not too used to it as of now. The disc brakes are neat. Very effective.
Oh yeah, before I forget. Heads DO turn!!!
Highway Ride
This is exactly what the Avy is for. Smoooth steady slick ride at 50-55 kmph. The handlebars vibrates mildly, barely enough to notice. And I like the feel. I did notice the mirrors vibrating and blurring the image which is a mild concern.
The engine is pretty smooth. Won't say that I like the sound. Doesn't sound like a cruiser (a nice Bullet thump would be awesome). From what I hear, Bajaj had to work under some strict norms, but I wonder how the Bullet gets away with it.
Country Ride
Not much to write about here. On a bumpy dirt road, you WILL feel the bumps. Don't expect a cushion ride. That said, it's still more comfortable than a Pulsar. In fact, the ride would have been smoother if the rear shocks were gas chamber ones like the Pulsar has.
Night Ride
The headlights are so damn bright. I have a tinted visor on my helmet and rarely ever use it at night. But with the high beam on, it's pretty easy to see thru it. On a stretch where there wer no lights, the high beam illuminated half the lanes on both sides pretty well.
The indicators are pretty swell. I love the bullet-nosed rear on them. And they are adequately bright. One gripe though. The indicators are pretty useless on the tank. I hardly ever see them. In fact, I would have to take my eyes off the road completely to look at them. The brake lights are bright as well. Didn't see them directly, but the illumination on the road behind me was proof enough.
Overall, I have enjoyed the first few rides. Just waiting to get the running-in complete. Not that I want to cross the 3-digit mark. Just to have the peace of mind.
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