Road Test: Hero Honda Ambition: UNDERSTATED EXCELLENCE!


Fuel consumption
Riding single seat I took four measurements under different conditions with the following results.
To all those who pose queries to me at bikeguru@cybersteering.com I would like to emphasize that fuel consumption is highly dependant on road, load, traffic and speed conditions and even more on driving style. As can be seen from the table below, it can vary from 41.8 km per litre to 91.4 km per litre. Therefore to get the best fuel average, watch your driving style!

Driving conditions Distance (km) Fuel consumed Fuel average
Speeds up to 50, Up-down Symbiosis slope in 5th gear, three brakings and gear changings. 3.3 km 55 cc 60 kpl
Full zip up to 80kph, many brakings and gear changings down to 3rd, going unslope and overtakings. 4.6 km 110 cc 41.8 kpl
Normal riding, upto 65-70, many brakings and gear changings, full stop at one traffic light, off engine, self start and go. 6.8 km 120 cc 53.7 kpl
Overall 14.7 km 285 cc 51.6 kpl
Steady 40, not over 45, no braking, no stopping, no gear changing. 3.2 km 35 cc 91.4 kpl
Overall if steady 40 included 17.9 km 320 cc 56 kpl

From the above table it is obvious you have to watch your driving style if average is what you are after. The 91.4 figure is actually measured on the ground and is an indication of what this bike is capable of. The second row (41.8 kpl) shows that if you are the throttle happy type, you are going to get a RX100 type fuel average. Yet a normal average of 51.6 kpl is very real and with a little throttle consciousness an average of 56 kpl is easily achievable.

Conclusion
Though a 133 cc engine by dimensions, is neither in the hardcore economy category nor in the power category, the Ambition does a commendable job on both sides of the power-economy divide. The 95 kph top speed and the 56 kpl overall average are more than adequate for 99% of user requirements. With a price tag on road Pune of @ Rs.48K for the base version, @ 51K for the disc+kick version and @ 55.8K for the fully loaded version, the base upgrade from the Splendor is only Rs.3,000/-, which is less than 7% more than the base Splendor price.

If you are a die hard HH brand loyalist and you are ambitious, then AMBITION is the bike for you.
It lives up to its claim of being the POWERFUEL bike by giving almost CBZ performance at almost Passion price. Passion is passé, get AMBITIOUS!

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Author: Dilip Bam
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