Very interesting features wrt commuter segment. Anti Theft device, guide lamps, LED indicators & tail lamp, digital console. So Bajaj Discover 100T has got serious competetion here....

just to clear it once again, there were 2 bikes that were unveiled. The Pantero that we rode didn't/wouldn't have all these features. The above mentioned features will be seen in the Centuro, which is another bike based on the same 110 cc engine.

Nice try by mahindra, but frankly to me they look like chinese bikes, something is not right, pantero headlamp looks weird, centuro headlamp seems to be somewhat inspired by pulsar (when seen from front), engine looks like that of splendour, don't know what those two golden pipes are doing in centuro. and longest seat can not be called a feature, when others are coming with 4 valves. centuro dashboard seems to be inspired from ZMR. and i still can't understand what is central locking in a bike.

good thing is consumers will have more option, whether to go for features (centuro) or proven reliability (splendour).

i think bajaj's new discover 100T is much better.

Iam guessing, you can lock unlock the seat from the ignition key hole

possibly Fuel cap / Seat / side box etc would be controlled by the ignition key I think

There is nothing of that sort. Central locking is a wrong term used by SunilG. What it includes is an immobilizer, so, though a *mechanical replica* of the original key would be able to unlock the bike from handle lock, the engine just wouldn't start as long as the original key is not used. Further, any attempt to unlock the Centuro with a non standard key will trigger an audible alarm.

Also, It will be possible to use the remote provided on the Centuro's flip key to
1. Find the bike in a parking lot with 'Find me lamps'.
2. Lock the bike remotely
3. Unlock the bike remotely

Finally, the presentation material and the M2W executives (and a guy from M2W R&D) always mentioned that the key had a 96 bit encryption (and not 128 bit as mentioned in the press kit AND the various articles on the internet including this one). But that one is just a minor detail with no 'life changing' consequences.

They had Included so many technology [Electronics] to this segment,
That is only available in very high end segment or an extra fitting.
BUt is that some Mahindra duro console?

Actually its not all electronics. They also have 'Distance to Empty' on the console of the Centuro which is not exactly possible using purely electronics considering the fact that the bike in question is *not* fuel injected.

The only difference between the Mahindra Pantero console and Mahindra *Rodeo* console is that Rodeo console changes color at the press of a button.

Does it contains a Tubeless tyre ??

No, both Pantero and Centuro had MRF tubetype tyres. We couldn't test the wet grip but under braking, corners AND off road, the grip was more than acceptable.

These motorcycles are indivial efforts of M&M which I salute. The fact that they have developed the engine in 18 month's flat is a cause for appreciation. However from the photos of the bikes I am not being able to hold them in high esteem.

Let's be clear that M&M has entered a world of high volume, thin margin and cut throat competion and I am referring to 100 - 110CC commuter segment. Hero Honda had made made an empire out of it based of Honda's solid engineering and they had Bajaj & TVS always trailing behind them. Now Honda is beating them in their own game and we are eagerly watching this Hero vs Honda fight and how Hero will defend it's ground. Bajaj is catching up fast and TVS, Suzuki & Yamaha are all in the race though in different states of aggression.

So Mahindra has dropped right into the middle of a bloody battle and are they equipped enough? I have my reservations. The design of the bikes look decidedly down market, irrespective of features. I am not only talking about the designing exellence alone, but the way the bike is build. Both the bikes don't give me that comfort, I do not like the built and finish of the engine and the gearbox units or for the matter the digital console (If you have seen a Rodeo console you will know what I mean). They are decidedly Chinese and definately lack the finesse. A remote key is fine, but it won't cut ice alone. I would prefer a solidly built Honda Activa than a Gizmo packed but poorly built Rodeo. Say if I am a middle or lower middle class buyer from B or C class cities which are typically the first target market for this segment, I will be searching for that 'solid look' in a bike which will give me confidence that it will last. Hero and Honda have been offering just that. Bajaj is learning fast and improvising. This is what is lacking in M&M product. I just can't appreciate the design and built.


I sincerely hope these bikes will not meet the same fate of there previous bike.

Why does everyone call these Chinese bikes? And then I again get to read that the engine was developed by Mahindra

Re: Mahindra Pantero Review : Price, specifications, & details

Really? range works only with a fuel injected vehicle??

Re: Mahindra Pantero Review : Price, specifications, & details

The bike looks really good. I guess you could also compare it with TVS Phoenix and Bajaj Discover which should give some more ideas; something like a tabular column with features.
I would cast my vote for Mahindra's product. It looks good. The only worry is the availability of spares and service capability/availability.

Any BHPian bought it yet?