LML CRD 100 Review by Dilip Bam

LML have recently launched their new entry-level bike named CRD 100. Their last offering in this category was the excellent 109.15 cc bike Freedom almost three years ago, which I have tested extensively. This bike was, and still is, as good as any of the best bikes in this class, and still gives more than 60 kmpL mileage. Then after the last Delhi Auto Expo in January 2004 LML launched a slew of bikes like Topper, Graptor and Beamer backed up by a high profile media blitz. However, in the market it did not translate into the kind of numbers expected and the company seemed dormant for sometime.

Now with the launch of the CRD 100, it seems LML is back in the market with renewed vigour. This CRD100 has a 104.18 cc engine, which is exactly 5cc less than the Freedom. Breathing through a Keihin PB-18 carburettor, the CRD produces max. power of 8.2 bhp at 7750 rpm as compared to 8.5 bhp produced by Freedom at the same rpm. The max. torque produced by CRD is also marginally less at 0.84 KgM at 5250 rpm as compared to 0.85 KgM of the Freedom at 5000 rpm. Also, the bore x stroke dimensions of the Freedom were 53 x 49.5 mm, while they are 51 x 51 mm in the CRD. Why I am mentioning these technical & dimensional differences between these two bikes is because the on-road performance of these two bikes will differ accordingly. The smaller engine, lesser power and lesser torque of the CRD means it will give considerably more mileage than Freedom, while ease of driving in traffic will be better in the CRD, i.e., less gear changing will be needed because Low-End-Torque of the CRD will be better due to the longer stroke (51mm) as compared to that of the Freedom. Fuel economy of the CRD will be even more better, because it uses 2.75 x 18 tyres both front and rear as compared to the Freedom which has a thicker 3.oo x 18 tyre at rear. It is interesting to note that petrol prices have gone up by 30% since the time Freedom was launched so sacrificing some performance for the sake of fuel economy makes eminent sense. More so, because average speed of traffic in our cities has dropped by 30% in the last three years, as revealed by a survey done by a body named People Of Pune And Traffic (P.O.P.A.T.) recently.

Created with international technology, the CRD has been engineered by BASTRA of Germany, with styling by UGOLINI of Italy. Ignition timing and advance is digital, which is now almost standard on all Indian bikes and gives better mileage. Further fuel economy is achieved by the driver by using the economy switch, which reminds him to stay in the economy range by means of a light in the speedometer. A side-stand with gear interlock is an excellent unique safety feature in LML bikes, due to which you cannot engage gear unless the side stand is retracted.

The CRD claims a top speed of 90 kmpH via a four-speed constant mesh gearbox transmitting power through a wet multi-plate clutch. The single down-tube chassis with engine as a stressed member has a wheelbase of 1235 mm. Ground clearance is claimed at 175 mm. Stopping is by 110 mm drum brakes both front and rear. Headlight power is 35 watts with a halogen bulb reflecting light from a multi-reflector. The taillight also sports a multi-reflector. Electricity is produced by a 130 watt flywheel magneto. Weighing 104 kg, and having a 11 litre fuel tank, this bike claims a mileage of 104 kmpL under standard conditions with a 130 kg payload, i.e., riding double seat.

The base version CRD (round headlight) is priced at Rs.31,430/- ex-showroom in Kanpur (U.P.), while the deluxe-version (having bikini-fairing on the headlight dome) would cost @ thousand Rupees more. On road price in Goa would be @ Rs.34,500/-. LML is targeting to sell 1,60,000 units of this bike in this financial year.