Hero Honda Hunk 6,000KM report

The Hero Honda Hunk has been with us for a little over eight months now. Over this period, it has largely been confined to Pune city limits and also subjected to the city’s chaotic free-for-all traffic. I had been pining for an occasion to let the 149.2cc motorcycle stretch its legs out on the open road. An opportunity came up recently when I found myself wide awake at 5am. With a cool breeze blowing outside, conditions were perfect for a long ride. I promptly decided to catch the sunrise and headed off towards the upcoming township of Lavasa, approximately 60km away.

One touch on the Hunk’s electric starter and the bike gamely sprang to life, taking a minute or two to clear its throat. Its strong headlight allowed for swift progress through poorly illuminated stretches of the city’s streets. 
 
The real ride started on crossing Pirangut. A rider’s dream, the next 35km of tarmac comprised flowing corners, hairpin turns, steep inclines and long straights. With absolutely no traffic in view, I could happily gun the Hunk towards Lavasa’s main gate.  We have always liked the Hunk’s riding posture but on these roads the combination of a sporty seating position with slightly rear-set footpegs worked brilliantly allowing me to confidently attack corners.

Grip from the bike’s MRF tyres was good and never once did I get the feeling I may lose the bike mid-corner. The Hunk’s strong mid-range is not just a boon in city riding, but also allows for stress-free negotiation of the gentle slopes that constitute a large part of this route.
I parked the bike at a tea stall outside the Lavasa main gate, making it just in time for sunrise. Looking at the bike, the chatty tea stall owner came up to me and said smilingly, “Styling ekdum mast hai,” summing up the general opinion on the Hunk’s attractive design.

On the return ride home, the bike’s dual gas-charged shock absorbers helped me coast over the occasional unmarked speedbreaker. Back in the city, the Hunk’s light clutch and slick-shifting gearbox takes some stress off a tiring urban commute. Fuel economy is respectable, hovering around the 47kpl mark in city conditions.

A tail-light bulb that fused at the 5,000km mark was promptly replaced. Recently, the fuel gauge has developed problems. The needle refuses to move above the one-third mark despite filling the fuel tank to its brim. This irritant aside, there have been no other major flaws with the bike.
On the whole, I am quite satisfied with our long-term Hunk, with my spur of the moment Lavasa ride increasing my respect for this multi-talented bike.