Mahindra Mojo Long Term Report: March 2016

The Mahindra Mojo is a motorcycle that I had been waiting to ride for close to six years! I still remember the time when the Mojo was unveiled, with much fanfare, late in 2010. At that time, a 300cc motorcycle or above (barring Royal Enfields and CBUs, of course) was unheard of in the country. The Mojo inevitably grabbed the attention of bikers and motoring press alike. Call it a lost opportunity or however you’d like to put it, but the Mojo couldn’t take the first mover advantage and was nowhere to be seen for the next five years! But now that it’s on sale, and is part of our long term fleet, and I am the one who’s riding it, all’s well in the world, I believe…

Before I’d got the keys to the Mojo from Arup, I had often wondered why anyone would buy a Mojo over its rivals. Does it really make sense? Well, having ridden the motorcycle extensively now, I have to say that the Mojo is a classic case of more-than-meeting-the-eye. First impressions - it’s quite an intimidating motorcycle to look at. And once you’re astride the Mojo, the sense that you’re on a “big bike” only elevates further. Then, there’s the riding experience. The 300cc motor is a smooth operating mill and one of the most refined engines in the segment. Torque delivery is linear throughout the rev-range – it may not have the get up and go attitude like some of its rivals, but there’s enough grunt to keep you entertained.

Handling? Well, I have only been riding the bike solely for commuting purposes between Gurgaon-Delhi, so not much corner carving has happened. And I don’t think it wants to me do that. It’s a motorcycle that cossets you with its smooth power delivery, comfortable riding stance and effortless day to day usability. Also, the deep rumble from the twin-exhaust is invigorating. I’ve been deliberately riding the bike on lower gears/higher revs to listen to that. Fuel economy may have taken a hit. There haven’t been any niggles that need to be reported thus far. That said, I feel the clutch is a bit heavy and has a high biting point, meaning I mostly end up slipping the clutch unnecessarily while riding in heavy traffic.