Quote:
Originally Posted by shashanka I agree that ownership reviews give a much better, real world feel to a review. Unfortunately, after going through the sound-track of the salvage operation of the Gurkha on this thread posted by rakesh_r, I feel disappointed. It highlights certain issues (low G.C., and apparent lack of thorough testing) which should have been tackled before launching the vehicle. The Gurkha has a certain reputation as a serious off-roader - and this video will not help to strengthen that reputation. Apart from creating doubts in prospective buyer's minds. |
Firstly thank heavens they are all safe and sound, but honestly speaking the narrative does not match the video. Talking about which, I don't see the video of the incident itself ... not sure if I missed it somewhere.
I don't think it is as simple and as easy as A+B+C caused the Gurkha to topple.
27-11-2021, 330AM Chennai + 3 days and 2150kms reached Nepal.
Lumbini - Pokhara - Muktinath - Jomsom - Chitwan - Kathmandu - Maneybhanjang (10Dec) - Sandakphu - accident - YT video 22-Feb
But
- From somewhere in Tamil Nadu and 'x' number of kms done over 2 weeks they landed at Sandakphu which is by no means a regular destination like a Leh/Ladakh region. This one needs serious skills as mistakes can be costly and injurious too.
- New vehicle + new drivers, neither having experience of hill driving nor with the Gurkha - heck I think even accomplished hill drivers will be very careful about Sandakphu.
- The most important part of any roadtrip is the vehicle itself, and a planned check must be carried out at workshops especially when your entire itinerary revolved around high mountain passes and rough terrain. But still in none of the 10 videos I came across any terrain which was not passable, can see Scorpios and Boleros in plenty, and to be utterly honest, I am really surprised to hear that the Gurkha was hitting everywhere where Boleros and Scorpios were able to cross, as I own both the Scorpio and the Gurkha.
The Scorpios lower arm sits at 18cms as against the Gurkha which is at 20.5cms.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5254930
This place is deep and has loose boulders on the river bed.
- Just looking at the way it was driven does not emanate confidence even as a viewer, if it was me, I would just pray to the almighty to have come out of this alive. The accident happened while returning, where gravity will add power to the vehicle, and a hell lot more trickier than climbing.
I see the vehicle was running and they were driving it inside the workshop, I could not pick out the exact issue what caused the mishap, can't believe I watched all 10 videos but then the last video I lost interest as its merely a post episode retrospective where we all have become a lot wiser.
Dime a dozen people are setting about 'Exploring'. Having a 4wd means your vehicle has more functional capability against a 2wd, but it does not come with driving experience. One should be really cautious about their new vehicle, spend time understanding the nuances.
I would not share my Gurkha or any of my vehicles with 3 of my friends over such a long road trip, there are distinct driving styles of each individual
I don't think anyone should base their purchase decision on the basis of reviews alone. One should also think whether they need such a vehicle in the first place. A mishap in Sandakphu would be the last criteria to decide a vehicle.
But then again, that the vehicle body sustained the rolls, definitely increases my confidence on the safety aspect of the vehicle, can't even imagine the result if it was a soft top.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vigneshkumar31 As a satisfied Gurkha owner., I feel compelled to pitch in.
In understanding the limitations and stretching within its capabilities lies the key to a happy ownership:
I’m alarmed by the sheer number of new owners just driving off their brand new Gurkha without getting to know what it can and cannot do.
And when things go south, it is easy to be wiser in retrospect.
The fundamentals never change - Know Your Vehicle. |
Apt!