SWELL HANDLING, POWERFUL DISC
The Ambition 135 uses a single downtube frame which bolts on the engine as a stressed member. It harks of the flawless handling of the sporty CBZ, despite lacking a rectangular-section swingarm. This along with the narrow rear tyre are possible reasons for the 135’s rear end feeling slightly nervy when pushed to the limit, though never enough to cause concern when riding sensibly. The bike’s adequate 1285mm wheelbase has only recently been overtaken in this segment by the Fazer and Discover.
Straight-line stability is just fine and the Ambition 135 tackles corners just as sweetly as one has come to expect from any bike in the Hero Honda range. The front suspension features a pair of forks, while the rear utilises an industry-standard five-way adjusting dual shockers.
Ride quality is a good balance between firm and plush. The Ambition 135 does not lose any of this nice poise even when it is ridden two-up.
This Hero Honda can be bought with an optional 240mm disc front brake or with ample 130mm drums all round. Both versions offer adequate stopping Performance. Our test equipment registered the disc-brake-equipped Ambition 135 coming to a standstill from 60kph in an excellent 17.72 metres in just 2.14 seconds.