B Biker

Here are some quick suggestions on how you can get the best mileage from your bike

2011-11-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bike maintenance
First off, you need to keep your bike well tuned with timely servicing. Keep all the parts of your vehicle oiled and get your bike serviced at recommended intervals. This is because regular servicing is like a regular health check for your bike.

Speed

Maintain optimum speed. For bikes it is economical to go in the 40-60 kmph speed. If you increase speed beyond this, more fuel gets consumed for the same distance.

Riding at slower pace than the optimum at low gears is a very bad practice and it gives a poor mileage to your bike. Therefore, avoid riding bike in low gear as much as possible and always go at optimum speed at the top gear. Gear change at right time gives enhanced mileage for your bike.

Air pressure
Air pressure in tyres should always be maintained at the optimum, as mentioned by the bike manufacturing company. Less air in the tyres leads to increased friction between the road surface and tyres which demands more fuel. Keeping the air pressure of tyres at optimum helps in ensuring less resistance thereby also increasing the fuel efficiency.

Braking
Avoid applying sudden brakes to the extent possible because it tends to waste more energy. It is better to reduce the speed by easing the throttle rather than applying sudden brakes. ‘Smooth’ should be the keyword in accelerating or reducing the speed.

Throttle and clutch
Throttle opening also is important, never open it wide and part open is what gives the best fuel efficiency. Maintain the clutch well, because slipping of clutch wastes lot of fuel.

Starting
Another great tip for proper oil circulation in the engine is to self start the engine and leaving it for a while so the oil gets heated up and can flow easily up to the top of the engine.

Excess is bad
Excess gadgetry such as over sized horns, lights as well as bigger sized tyres too can be a drain on fuel. Avoid adding weight to the bike through heavier guards, heavier visors, crash guards etc. It does have a lot of impact on the mileage.

Fuel filling
Refill the fuel tank during early morning hours as petrol expands by volume with increase in temperature which is a likely result during noon. Additionally, never fill the tank up to the brim of the tank and allow room for expansion.

High octane petrol

Again, it is high octane petrol that boosts mileage to a good extent, but make sure you check with the manual with regards to the quality of the petrol. New generation bikes have a high compression ratio; implying a need for high octane petrol. This petrol leads to better fuel combustion resulting in greater performance of the vehicle.

Traffic
Then, when you’ve to wait at traffic signals, switch off the engine. Avoid choked roads and if ever possible take on the broad roads and highways where you can enjoy better mileage of your motorbike.

New KTM Duke 200 in India

2011-11-11T12:52:00.001-08:00

Finally, the wait for KTM Duke 200 technical specification is now over. KTM Sports AG has disclosed the technical specification of KTM Duke 200 in EICMA 2011 (69^th International Motorcycle Exhibition Milan) at Milan. Indian bike enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for KTM Duke 200, which is soon to be launched in India by Bajaj Auto (Bajaj Auto owns nearly 40% in KTM Power Sports, AG). KTM Duke 200 was launched in Malaysia and Middle East before, but the specification was not disclosed by the company.

KTM Duke 200 is designed for young and passionate bike enthusiasts. Basically, it has similar technical specification as Duke 125. But what is so special in the specification for Indian bike enthusiasts let’s have a look.

New Tips for how to Overtake a Motor

2011-09-25T02:10:00.000-07:00

Hello riders this is about safe overtakes. Safety for yourself, your bike and others on the road. The key fact in safety is that you should be concerned about others on the road as much as you concern about yourself.

Make sure that your side mirrors are set perfectly so that you are able to see what’s going on behind you. Changing lanes come in handy during overtakes if the rear view mirrors are used. Simply changing lanes just like that may hinder the vehicle which is already on the lane.
Some remove the side mirrors for the reason that they will obstruct the progress while passing through a narrow gap in between two vehicles. Narrow overtaking is always dangerous because you may get squeezed between the vehicles or you may have to brake hard even if one of the vehicles moves towards you. Reacting to and handling your bike within that short period is almost impossible. Another terrible fact is that most of the CV’s (Tata Ace, Bolero Pick-up and the likes) have loose latches/rods sticking out on the sides. Any slack in your cloth may get hooked to them and you will be dragged along.
The worst case scenario comes with our public transports. If you are tailing them be careful that they may apply brakes suddenly to stop in their regular stops without slowing down early or any warning.
Adding to the chaos most of the heavy vehicles won’t have their tail lamps working intact. So always maintain a fair distance behind such vehicles. Here is a tip, if you are following such vehicles notice that the brake drums produce a squeaking noise whenever brakes are applied. Act according to that.
Never overtake a vehicle from the extreme left corner of the road. Because you will not know what is happening on the other side of that vehicle. Also the driver will be focused more on the right side of his vehicle because he won’t be expecting anything to his left as he thinks he is already in the corner.
On the highways don’t follow a vehicle which is already overtaking another. The driver may apply brakes suddenly if he gets an obstacle in his path. So wait until the vehicle has overtaken and make your move when the path is clear.
On dealing with oncoming traffic overtake one vehicle at a time. Make sure that you have enough space to place your vehicle back on the lane after overtaking. Also after overtaking don’t switch back to your lane close to the vehicle that you just overtook. Instead move a reasonable distance forward before you switch back. This allows the other driver to maneuver (if there is a need) without any hindrance.

These are only a few tips based on my riding experience, but there are infinite possible situations on the road. To be safe keep all your sensors (senses) active.
You have any more points in mind? Share it with us!

Yamaha R15 2.0′s details are out! Here are the take away points…

2011-09-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

The bike is priced at Rs.1,07,000 Ex-Showroom Delhi
There is no major change in specifications compared to the old R15.
R15 2.0 is available in 3 dazzling colours namely Racing Blue, Sunset Red and Midnight Black

The bike features an aluminum swing arm for improved rear traction.
R15 V2 is the first 150cc in India featuring aluminum swing arm.
Split seats and LED tail lights. The seats are slip resistant and well cushioned. The new R15 has wider rear tyres than the old one. Has better grip and stability on the roads.

Very Effective Tips to Decrease Accident Chances on Road

2011-08-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

1. First of all ensure to remove your side stand before starting the bike.

2. Never ride your bike when you are angry or frustrated.

3. Don't try to overtake in Corner's or in sharp bends and before overtaking make sure you overtake from the right side so that the driver can spot you easily.

4. Don't brake hard or use your disc brake when you ride on the fine layer of sand near the edges of the road. Sand proves to be the worst enemy for bikers and cause most accidents especially in cities.

5. Don't panic and lock your wheels when you encounter a Speed Bump suddenly instead of concentrating on down shifting pull the clutch and apply your front brake first and gradually your rear brake.

6. Always make sure you use your L/R Indicator while turning this to Left or Right 30 M ahead of your turn this will ensure you are not getting hit by vehicles from behind.

7. Never follow Heavy vehicles or Car's very closely because when they brake hard you will have less time/No time to react.

8. Ensure to note that with Pillion rider the bike behaves slightly different in accelerating and in braking .So calculate accordingly before you overtake other vehicles.

9. The most important thing you have to do is to believe in you that you can stop your bike at proper time no matter what may come.

10. Ride with proper riding gear especially with helmet (fasten your helmet straps) and ride safely. Remember after all someone is waiting for all of us back home.

Have a Nice Day,

Ride Safe, Wear Helmet!

Kawasaki Ninza 250R Special Edition for 2012 Let's Have a Look

2011-08-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Not many days have passed since the Ninja 650 was rolled out and here we have some great news for all the Ninja fans across the world. Ninja 250R is certainly a bike that comes to everybody’s mind when one speaks of 250cc bikes. Ninja 250 fans across the world have a reason to celebrate as the 2012 Special Edition of the bike with varied color schemes has been spotted in Thailand from where the bike is sent across the world.

Apart from introducing new color schemes the company hasn’t made any significant changes to bodywork, engine, underpinnings or the mechanicals of the bike. Not only this, even the instrument cluster remains unchanged but the new color schemes are quiet good enough to calm the Ninja fans for now.

There is still a doubt whether these awesome color combos will be served to Indian consumers. Lack of color options is probably one that hurts Indian consumers and so bringing in some new colors will only enhance the company’s brand. However there isn’t any update available that can assure that these colors are for India, we will have to wait and see if these color options are introduced in India or not but for now nothing can be assured.

The new color schemes are awesome as they add a sporty look to the bike. Also there is no denying the fact that introducing the color alternatives will attract more customers and enhances the bike’s creditability. The new Special Edition sports improved graphics and good sticker work that adds to the looks of the bike in more than one ways. All in all, one can say that the company has tried to give this bike a new dimension by trying to add new colors and graphics. We will have to wait and see if the Special Edition succeeds or not when it is introduced.

New Bajaj Boxer BM 150cc

2011-08-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

Bajaj has quietly launched the touted Bharat bike, Boxer BM 150 in the market which is aimed at the utilitarian market rather than the urban sporty bikes loving crowd.

The bike, to me, makes sense as it woud provide an option of ease of riding because of its bigger more powerful and more importantly more torque engine to the local rural guy whose main aim is to carry heavier luggage to different places.

I caught the bike at a local dealer in Pune and here are the main points which I noticed about the bike:

Important Points

- The bike is powered by a 150cc engine sans DTSi ie with a conventional single spark plug. Engine head is black colored with the remaining engine silver in color – resembles the Discovers mill.
- According to Bajaj, Boxer is targeted towards the rural crowd who want a no-frills good torque laden transport two wheeler
- Very conventional looking bike
- Round headlamp with a big (and a little disproportionate) windshield, round-oval orange side blinkers, basic tank, leveled seat, metallic grab rail cum light load holders
- Rear looks similar to older generation Boxer with a similar tail light
- Covered chain, commuter seating posture, spoke wheels.
- One good thing about Boxer is that self starter comes as standard. Also provided is the all important kick starting provision.
- Drum brakes both at the front and rear to keep costs under control. Though discs might have been an added advantage in most cases but considering the usage and riding habits of the targeted crowd, this seems to be a sensible move.
- Instrument panel consists of a speedometer calibrated till 140 kmph (reddened from 120 kmph) – highly optimistic..I don’t think it would have any crazy acceleration or top speed, odometer and a fuel gauge along with the neutral gear, upper and side blinkers indicators. Notice the absence of any tripmeter.
- Weighs low
- Electricals are all conventional with the light dependent on engine race. Also it was a little dim and difficult to read speedo-odo readings.
- Switchgear is all basic- light On/off switch (no parking light), electric starter, horn, side blinkers indictor button, upper/lower button and Pass switch.
- Tires are pretty fat from the conventional. Rear is 100/90 – 17 and front is a meaty 3.00 – 17 where the general convention is 2.75. Both tires are tube type and belong to some unknown brand called ‘MahaGrip’ (It might be a sub brand to some known company, however I am hearing it for the first time).
- Front suspension are the regular tubular telescopic whereas the rear are the Bajaj’s trademark Spring in Spring (SNS) suspension.
- Bajaj has kept its name away from the motorcycle. The only place which makes you sure that this is a Bajaj production is the small Bajaj moniker at the engine. At the tank ‘BOXER’ and side panels ‘BM150’ decals galore.
- Engine note had a ‘power’ cry to it.

Pricing

43,392 Ex showroom
1196 Insurance
3217 RTO
350 Smart Card
48,155 On Road Pune

This price makes Boxer the cheapest 150cc in the market today. Ironically the next cheapest 150cc is also a Bajaj product – Discover 150 which is Rs 55,761 OTR Pune. At this price point, Boxer competes directly with Hero Moto Corps different Splendor models like the CD Dawn, CD Deluxe, Splendor Plus, Splendor NXG, Super Splendor: HMSI’s 125cc Shine, TVS Star City; Yamaha Crux, YBR 110/125 etc.

Bare basic in nature, Boxer’s USP would be its bigger engine which would promise much better load carrying capabilities, superior performance and similar mileages as compared to the competition. Any Tom can predict that this bike has to prove itself to be a tough product which can withstand the abuse of rougher terrains, more frequency of heavier loads and slightly lesser maintenance timelines. And if this bike excels in this department, only then Bajaj can hope to gain any amount of share in this segment from the market leaders- Hero Moto since ages, who would/might also suffer from brand dilution after the exit of Honda from the JV.

This product comes right at the time when Bajaj senses they can carve into Hero Motos absolutely unbreakable grip on the market as people might also plan to move away from the company. If Boxer succeeds as a product, it would definitely take Bajaj surge closer to the market leaders. Check out the photos and make your own opinions about the bike.

Royal Enfield's New Plan in India

2011-08-06T22:15:00.001-07:00

Royal Enfield, the brand that is synonymous with true biking spirit in India and in many parts across the globe had a few unsatisfied customers owing to a few quality issues. The company has decided to get rid of all and get back on the track.

The decision of setting up of a new plant in Oraggadam in Chennai was a great news as it was an immediate solution to drastically reduce the abnormal waiting period owing to a spur in demand of Royal Enfield bikes.

In an interview, Dr. Venki Padmanabhan, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Enfield said that most of the quality issues are resolved by now. He added that Royal Enfield has started importing the batteries from Italy, which brings cost advantage to the company besides addressing all the quality issues.

The company is also planning to add 3 or 4 dealerships every month for the next three years to the existing chain of 180 presently. This ensures a minimum of additional 110 dealerships which in turn would result in additional demand and sales as well.

2010 is an important year for the company as it had sold around 2500 units abroad and the Bullet bikes was also ranked among top 10 motorcycles in terms of sales in the United Kingdom in the 125 to 500 cc displacement range.

By the year 2012, the company says that the exports would contribute around 6 per cent to its annual sales and would mark its presence in around 40 nations across the globe from the 29 now.

“We are now figuring out the right brand and value positioning needed to appeal to the vastly untapped developing country markets that, owing to our success in India, we are well prepared to handle”, he added.

The company is also following the footstep of Harley Davidson, the brand that is synonymous with cruiser bikes across the world. The reason is the fact that Royal Enfield is all set for brand extension by coming up with a wide range of riding gear which includes jackets, glasses, boots, rain coats, chains and a lot more too. All these products will bear the Royal Enfield logo on them thereby emerging as a brand in apparel and accessory segment too.

Royal Enfield is very sure to come back as a great brand of motorcycles capable of quenching the biker’s thirst in every man. What have you gotta say about the RE brand and about its foray into the new segment of apparels and accessories?

Fuel Efficient Driving and Tips to Save Fuel

2011-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

By following some common sense rules of the road, anyone can increase their driving efficiency. Fuel efficient driving is not just good for the environment it is also good for your car. The following tips will also help to reduce fuel consumptions, thereby saving you money on Gas/Petrol, and also contribute to a better running vehicle.

Here are some tips for eco friendly driving.

Obey the posted speed limits. Gas/Petrol mileage improves by more than ten percent when a driver cruises at 55 miles per hour (60-8- Km/h) rather than speeding above 65 mph(104 km/h). Use cruise control to keep your speed limit under control.
Avoid fast starts and hard braking. Aggressive driving is unsafe and can increase unwanted emissions. Studies have shown that the number of emissions increase more than travel time decreases when drivers are heavy on the Gas/Petrol and brake pedals.
Always keep tires full of air. Under-inflated tires can cause fuel consumption to increase by more than five percent. Check tire pressure at least once very thirty days. The Energy Information Administration, estimates that properly inflated tires could save approximately 800,000 barrels of oil a day in United States alone.
Don’t idle. Except when you are in traffic, turn off the car if you will be sitting idle for more than thirty seconds. Sitting still with the car running contributes to unnecessary greenhouse Gas/Petrol. Even in the winter, it is unnecessary to warm up a car for more than thirty seconds. Older cars, however, may require more time to warm up. Be sure your car is warmed up sufficiently so that it won’t stall. But avoid warming it up longer than necessary.
Drive in the highest gear possible. Driving in too low of a gear can waste fuel.
Service your car regularly. A poorly running engine can use as much as fifty percent more fuel than a well-tuned engine and will emit more emissions. Clean air filters and oil will help a car run more efficiently.
Avoid drag by rolling up the windows when driving on the highway and by removing unnecessary weight from the car. Don’t keep unneeded heavy objects in the trunk. Remove bicycle racks and ski racks when they are not in use and never tow a trailer if it is empty.
Try not to use the car’s air conditioner. The air conditioner can increase fuel use by up to ten percent. Crack the windows and or use the ventilation flow to cool the car. When you park the car, do so in a shady spot. This will keep the inside temperatures down and negate the need for the air conditioner when you get back in to drive.
Plan your trips and combine errands. Try to do your banking, dry cleaning and shopping in the same location to avoid driving too many miles. Map your routes in advance to find the most efficient way to get to and from your destination. Finally, try to avoid driving during peak traffic hours.
Drive less. The most fuel efficient driving is not driving at all. Walk, ride a bike or take public transportation whenever possible.

Here are some tips to avoid scratches on your bike...

2011-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

1. Whenever you are to park your bike in a tight parking lot, make
sure you always park it on its main (centre) stand and not on its
side stand. This is because, when you park with the side stand,
your bike is easily prone to be touched by the neighbouring bike
when the person takes his/her bike out thereby getting scratched.

2. Apply a coat of Teflon periodically so as to avoid the minor
scratches (atleast).

3. Whenever possible, try avoiding very busy parking areas. When you
are not busy, park it in some free area a little far away and walk
the mile. (Good for health too..!!)

4. When the number of scratches is more, making the bike look really
bad, there is nothing to panic. There are so many spray painters in
almost all the cities. Try discussing with them on re-painting on
that particular area alone. Out of my personal experience I tell
you, it works out really well.

5. You also have spray paint in small cans at very affordable prices
(mostly, it doesn't exceed 300 bucks). If the scratched area is
very small, this would prove to be an apt solution. But, be very
careful in using them. The problem with these paints is that they
don't get adhered onto the body as you spray it. It usually clots
downward, thereby creating a mark all along the body. So, use them
on surfaces where clotting would be minimum.

6. There are more chances of your bike getting scratched during
service. Might sound odd, but true. Careless handling and lack of
space results in getting your bike scratched. So, tell them about
this issue and give it for service.

7. In traffic signals, do not try to push yourself into every single
gap. This is where most scratches happen. If it's true that you
love your bike a lot, don't attempt to do it.

8. Riders having an R15, Fazer, Karizma, Pulsar 220 and other such
bikes with side fairings need to drive carefully because it is this
part that projects outside the body. Especially, when you get down
from some other bikes and get on to this. This is when you don't
get the feel of extra projections.

9. Do not wipe your bikes with clothes other than soft ones. These
days, you get separate soft cloth to wipe bikes. Hardly, costs you
a hundred bucks. Worth the penny.

10. Last but not the least, Clean your bike regularly. Wipe it
immediately when you find come bird-droppings. This may lead to
scratches if not wiped off.

Hope you found these tips useful. Stay tuned for more such tips...

Precautions to Ride a Brand New Bike

2011-06-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have always followed the following on buying each of my new
two-wheelers and was quite gratified to see the results generally
far exceeding the manufacturer's claimed efficeincies.

1. Ride smooth and Do not allow the Speedo to cross 40kmph for the
first 2000km (however boring it may be!).

2. Take one or two long rides of say 100/150km or more, involving a
few high gradients.

3. Always drive in the appropriate Gear so as not to strain the
engine.

4. Shift Gears smoothly and accelerate in moderation (not sharp &
sudden).

5. Do not disturb Carburettor setting (by setting for a lean
mixture) even if you don't get the expected mileage at this stage
of the bike's life.

6. DO NOT ever lend the bike to any one else during the
running-in-period. Tell gently & excuse yourself. If unavoidable,
drive yourself taking him pillion.

7. Avoid pillion riding to the extent possible.

‘Bye Bye Hero Honda! Welcome Hero Moto’.

2011-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Following the split by Munjal’s Hero Group from Japan’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer Honda in the recent past, we get to know regarding this name change. Hero Group has applied for this name ‘Hero Moto’ to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to check for the availability of this name. It seems that the company is awaiting for the reply from ROC. But, even if the name is available and Hero Group gets it registered and patented by the Hero Group, expect the name change to take place not before two months atleast. The reason for this delay is that the company has to get the stakeholder’s nod before proceeding further on this issue.

But, one interesting fact here is that the brands of bikes and scooters would be continued in the market with their own names. For instance, Karizma ZMR would be called Hero Moto Karizma ZMR and the CBZ Xtreme would be called Hero Moto CBZ Xtreme. This sounds like a move after a lot of thoughts on it.

And now guess the amount which the Hero group has allocated for its total re-branding exercise. It’s a mind whooping 200 and odd crores of Rupees. Also, this huge amount of money is going to play a very crucial role in the company’s export market strategy. The company has identified new markets in Latin America and a few other African nations as well. There are also plans to enter these markets in this financial year itself. Probably, the company may enter new markets with its new name – Hero Moto. Expect a write up from us in some two months on the topic ‘Bye Bye Hero Honda! Welcome Hero Moto’.

These are some of the safety tips which I have gained through mine or someone else's experiences. You may already know some of them but it is good to get refreshed...

2011-05-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

1. [Vision] Wear proper eye safety gear at night, so that the Lights

of incoming vehicles don't flash right into your eyes. When buying

shades try buying those through which you can look at the sun

straight for 1 min or so. Wear clear glasses at night at any case,

chances are that a insect might hit you in the eye... Our hand's

natural reflex is to to rub the eye and imagine doing so while

whistling at a speed of 100kms in middle of a highway!

2. [Ghat Roads] Do you switch the engine off or put it in neutral

while descending a hill? This is an absolute no! First reason, in

neutral gear there will be no engine braking - if the slope

increases suddenly then your will not be able to anticipate your

braking and bad things can happen. Second reason, if you approach a

plain surface and if you need to overtake a truck or something, you

will not be able to do so. Generally speaking, you will not be able

to anticipate the behaviour of the vehicle when it is turned off.

So never do it.

3. [Stability] Look out for cow dung, cricket ball sized stones,

rounded pipes or even bundles of cloth. Enough to tip you over in a

flip of eye. Also try avoiding hitting out small animals, they tend

to lock up in the rear tire.

4. [Overtaking] Never overtake from wrong side. If some vehicle

approaching from the opposite derection goes wary, the vehicle you

are overtaking will move to the left naturally which is extremely

risky for you. Also, don't overtake if overtaking lands you on a road

which is joined by another road. Chances are another vehicles may

just cut in at that moment.

5. [Being Human] Always help accident cases, nowadays the law is

quite liberal. So you won't be harassed by anyone. Imagine you or

your near dear ones lying on the road wounded and others just

passing by casually.

6. [Turning] Always use indicators to signal you turning, at least

a few meters from your actual turning point. Sticking out a wide

hand when turning, can be risky in two ways, you can hurt yourself

by a close ongoing vehicle and also you cannot a control a bike

with one hand.

7. [Staying Cool] Some vehicles are driven by mad people. They honk

the horns in a rude manner and flash the high beams wildly. Never

lose your cool in such situations. If you move suddenly, then other

vehicles would not have anticipated your move. Give way to them

slowly. Such drivers are also very attentive and hence staying

where you are will not harm you (except your ears if he is honking

so badly!).

Remember: Expecting that you will not to run into an accident

because you drive safe, is like expecting the lion not to eat you

because you are a vegetarian! India is yet to come up with strict

rules for the roads like US... until then our safety is in our

hands!

Enjoy riding and be safe...

Some Tips to Increase Your Bike's Mileage

2011-05-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in increasing the fuel efficiency of your bike?
Yes? Then read on...
The mileage of a bike is a critical factor in the buying decision
and also keeping our running costs low. Many of us think that
mileage is just about the cost of fuel, but it is not.
A bike which gives a good mileage compared to other similar bikes
is a sure indication that the health of the bike is well maintained
and the rider is careful enough to get the bike frequently serviced
and tuned.
My Hero Honda Karizma R gives a mileage of 41 in the city and 49
in highways. My bike is in perfect health.
To keep the engine healthy all you have to do is, let the engine
warm up before you take it to real performance.

Small engines like that of Splendor NXG and Passion Plus have a
horizontal engine, so as soon as the bike is started, the oil flows
easily into the engine. But bikes with a high bore and stroke find
it difficult to circulate the oil throughout the engine as soon as
it is started.

I recommends bikers to put the choke, self start the engine
and leave it for 10-15 seconds so that the oil gets heated up and
the luke warn low density oil finds it easy to circulate through
upto the top of the engine.
Do not leave the choke for too long as it would flood the engine
with fuel. Do not open the throttle until it has run for atleast 5
km distance and the engine comes to a normal operating heat range.
If you gun the engine in cold conditions as soon as you start it,
there would not be enough lubrication in the engine and it leads to
more friction which ultimately damages the piston and the engine
and hence your mileage will be low.
If you go to a gym, your coach will ask you to warm up before you
do some heavy lifting and iron pumping... this is just like that.
Your bike is not much different from your body!
Another good tip worth mentioning is to remove the saree guard if
there is no use for it. I am a student and even after I get married
I do not expect my wife to sit on the high back seat of Karizma. So
I removed the saree guard as soon as I bought it. It reduces dead
weight by a few kgs and would definitely improve the performance of
the engine and increase fuel efficiency.

Some basic fuel efficiency tips that you may already know are...

1. Switch off your engine during signals with long waiting periods.
2. Change your oil according to your manufacturer's
recommendations.
3. Check your tube's pressure every month... higher pressure than the
recommended value would give you more mileage but less friction and
stability. So keep it to the optimum value.

Hope you found it useful!

10 New bike Riding Tips

2011-05-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

How would you feel when you gotta new bike for yourself and you are first getting on her. On top of the world? Well, that’s how I usually feel when I get new ones.

But to ride a new bike is never as easy and simple as throttling up your old machine to which you are used to. So, I thought of coming up with 10 tips on riding a new bike.

Never throttle up your new bike very high as soon as you bring it out of the showroom. For best fuel economy to derive from it, keep riding at the lowest speed possible in the top most gear and this is to be done not for the first 2k or 3k kms, but for the first 10k kms. Yes, I mean it. You’ll get the best(est) of the fuel economy possible on that bike.

Don’t strain the engine too much. The ideal fact to follow is keep checking the odometer that you never cross 5k rpm. There was a friend of mine during my engineering days (and that wasn’t a long back. Just before a year and a half), who bought a new Honda Unicorn. He made the bike strain so much from the initial moment he kept his hand on her and guess the mileage the bike returned him back. It was 22kmpl! Should be one of the lowest in India, I guess for a Unicorn.

If the reason for purchasing your bike is totally performance dependent, like using for racing purpose or so, you can throttle her high right from the initial day of purchase. This case is entirely different from our regular usage.

Don’t take her for long rides initially. Avoid this atleast for the first 3k kms.

Do not worry about the fuel economy your bike returns you initially. It would deliver its actual mileage only after the first service. So, don’t start hating your bike during the first few months itself.

Service your bike regularly as long as the free services are available (atleast). The first three services are very important to derive the best performance from her.

Do not overload your bike. Remember, this has got nothing to do with the pillion rider.

Do not allow multiple people to use your bike. Difference in handling can lead to heavy differences and fluctuations in performance. Use it single-handedly.

Kick start your bike everyday in the morning. Apart from protecting your bike from the regular problem of cold starting, this action would also enable your bike to have a long life of the electric starter.

Lastly, if you are a first-time rider, ride safely with confidence taking all precautions.