Cleveland CycleWerks Misfit

What’s Good:

Cleveland CycleWerks (CCW) is a US-based company which forays into Indian biking industry at the 2018 Auto Expo and shake hands with Laish Madison Werks Pvt. Ltd. for the assembly and sale of its motorcycles. The Ace Deluxe is the first motorcycle in brand’s Indian lineup and is a modern classic offering but more classic than modern in appearance. The motorcycle features.

• Retro Classic Styling
• Round Headlamp with Chrome Bezel
• Flat Leather Finished Seat
• 14-litre Tear-Drop Fuel Tank
• Black Finished USD Fork
• Wired-Spoked Wheels

Power and Mileage:

At powertrain, this good looking motorcycle with old-school charm packs a 229cc, single-cylinder, carbureted engine. From outside, the motor showcases its Indian connection from its looks. It seems quite similar to a unit on the Hero Karizma and shares majority of components from the same, but the bore and stroke are larger comparatively.

Manufactured in China by the Lifan Group, the engine is rated to make out 15bhp at 7000 rpm and 16Nm of peak torque at 6000rpm. However, the power delivery on this powertrain is not as linear and smooth as of the Hero Karizma. Still, the bike can easily cruise at the speed of 80kmph in fifth gear at 4000rpm.

• 229cc Engine Displacement
• Single-Cylinder, Carbureted Engine
• Max Power: 15bhp at 7000rpm
• Peak Torque: 16Nm at 6000rpm
• Top Speed: 110kmph
• Fuel Mileage: 30kmpl

Riding and Handling:

The ride quality on the Ace Deluxe is quite pleasant. The suspension setup with 38mm USD forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear with respective travel of 110mm and 90mm absorbs undulation on the tarmac. Being a stiffer unit, the suspension offers confidence around a bend. The motorcycle comes with hard cushioning which seems a good aspect on long rides while for the city riding condition a slightly softer cushioning would be a safer and more comfortable ride on the bike.

With the upright riding posture being provided by the wide, flat handlebar and centre placed foot pegs, this lightweight motorcycle with approachable seat height is easy to handle even female riders can have fun on this old school charm.

Safety;

At the safety front, the Ace Deluxe is packed with gripper CEAT tyres which filled the rider with confidence at leaning or cornering. Also, it allows harsh braking with the consisted braking units- 298 mm single disc dual-piston calipers up front and a 210 mm single disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. Well, the advanced safety of ABS is not offered as standard fitment.

• Grippy CEAT Tyres
• 298mm Disc Upfront
• 210mm Disc at the Rear
• Dual Piston Calipers Upfront
• Single-Piston Calipers at Rear

Verdict:

The Ace Deluxe is a retro classic with easy ride-ability. It can easily be handled by an average height rider and rider belongs to any gender. However, there a few areas which need improvements. Its price sticker which asks for INR 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom) as an introductory amount and the bike misses out on prominent components such as ABS and fuel injection which clearly undercuts its sales among the competition in segment like Royal Enfield and Jawa Motorcycles. However, it can only be rectified with the local assembling of the model which is expected in the coming future. Also, the introduction of a bigger engine unit to balance the power to price ratio.