It should not take more than a glance at the Libero LX to determine this is a spectacular looker. Gone is the eccentric front bikini and apparent is a simple, nice looking round headlight—the previous look too early for its time. This bike looks and imparts a ‘bigger’ and better feel. Attention to detail is at a stunning level, and overall one feels they are looking at a bike that’s not lacking in image to take on a larger segment. Paint quality, fit and finish, are of a tall order and delight the eye. To our surprise we found a fuel gauge absent. Looking backwards one is treated to a graceful fuel tank, with its bowler hat shaped filler-cap. Under the

The LX 4-stroke engine looks bottom heavy with its prominent sump area and 106cc cylinder jutting upwards. Sleeve dimensions are under-square, with bore and stroke at 49mm x 56mm, the classic design for frugality born of low-end torque. It’s no power snorter, putting out 7.6bhp at 7500rpm and 0.8kgm at 6000rpm of torque, though these numbers ring fair for the segment. Breathing via a conventional carburettor and two-valves the engine is principally the same as used on the old Libero. A four-speed gearbox employs one down and four up heel and toe operated shifts. Flogging the bike for its fastest acceleration resulted in 8.99 seconds from a standing start to 60kph, which though on the slower side, is not an area in which a mileage commuter is built to excel in. The Libero LX is a comfortable steed-- its riding position fairly upright with handlebars pleasantly wide for easy maneuverability in the tightest situation. The ride itself is smooth, long distances not causing any undue fatigue. The seat offers the right width, height and comfort. The Libero LX uses a twin-downtube frame to cradle its engine and is part of a minority of Indian motorcycles yet to switch to a box-metal swing-arm. This frame provides the bike exceptional straight line manners, as was proven while encountering strong gusts of cross-wind on our highway run, the bike staying rock steady and in no threat of losing its line. Hostile, was character displayed by the LX during our brake testing. In spite of managing to stop within a reasonable 18.9 meters in 2.37 sec from 60kph to rest, the bike regularly hurled out its rear in a startling manner and had our tester grappling with the bars as a wrestler does his opponent. Let’s sum up this section so as to prevent our giving readers an unfair impression: the Libero LX will not disappoint riders when ridden in the manner it is built for, but, it’s surely not the bike to try and race on. That would have similar results to wearing shorts and keds to a wedding.The Libero builds on its strong case with economy numbers as good as any. Subjecting the bike to swarming Indian city traffic on our fuel test route, it managed 56.7kpl. Cruising at sustained speeds out on the open highways returned an ample 58.3kpl.

Unable to put our finger on what exactly it is that’s restraining the Libero from soaring to success—we only guess responsibility lay with its ugly front bikini. What we are convinced of though, is the fact that here lies a good value for money motorcycle to purchase. Sure, it may lag a smidgen behind the Centras, Splendors, Boxers and Velocitys of today in the sprint and handling departments, but it sure leaves them all behind with its undeniable refinement, mellifluous engine and overall high build quality