Bikers Delight

Enfield Thunderbird 500 has arrived

2012-10-28T06:10:00.001-07:00

The all new Royal Enfield Thunderbird now with a powerful 500 cc engine, a 20 litre tank, digital meter console, LED tail lamps and in three striking shades of black gives a new definition to Highway cruising.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated models from the Royal Enfield stable, Thunderbird 500 is poised to enhance the pleasure of leisure motorcycling amongst the touring enthusiasts. Coming soon from Royal Enfield this motorcycle with its distinctive "black" styling, this motorcycle is all set to make a distinct statement on the roads

TANK

Unique ‘Black’ styling and the 3D motifs
HEADLIGHT

A head lamp console with the projector and LED light guide Halo ring
SPEEDOMETER

The futuristic instrument console with the digital LCD display with the 2 independent trip meters
BACK REST

Split seats with a removable rear seat that can be used as a luggage carrier
REAR BRAKE

A rear disc brake & retractable foot pegs
BRAKE LIGHT

LED lamp with light guides
ENGNE

4 stroke, air cooled, all black 500cc engine.

Technical Specification

ENGINE

Type
Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark, Air cooled

Displacement
499cc

Bore x stroke
84mm x 90mm

Compression Ratio
8.5:1

Maximum Power
27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm

Maximum Torque
41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Ignition System
Digital Electronic Ignition

Clutch
Wet, multi-plate

Gearbox
5 Speed Constant Mesh

Lubrication
Wet sump

Engine Oil
15 W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA

Fuel Supply
Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection

Air Cleaner
Paper Element

Engine Start
Electric/Kick

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Type
Single downtube, using engine as stressed member

Front suspension
Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel

Rear suspension
Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel

BRAKES AND TYRES

Tyres Fr.
90/90-19, 52P MRF Zapper FM

Tyres Rr.
120/80-18, 62P MRF Zapper C

Brakes Front
280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper

Brakes Rear
240mm Disc, Single piston caliper

ELECTRICAL

Electrical System
12 volt - DC

Battery
12 volt, 14 Ah

Head Lamp
Projection type headlamp, H7 55 / 55 W

Tail Lamp
LED lamp with position light guides

Turn Signal Lamp
Hazard Light featured for the first time on an Indian motorcycle

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase
1350mm

Ground Clearance
140 mm

Length
2060mm

Width
790mm ( Without Mirrors)

Height
1205mm ( Without Mirrors)

Seat Height
775mm

Kerb Weight
195 Kgs

Fuel Capacity
20 Ltrs

Tvs Phoenix, India's First Premium 125 cc Motorcycle Launched

2012-10-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

Phoenix, India's First Premium 125 cc Motorcycle Launched

Chennai, 28 September, 2012:
TVS Motor Company launched its premium executive deluxe 125cc motorcycle, TVS Phoenix 125 in Chennai today. Dubbed by the company to be one of the most exciting products to roll off its lines, TVS Phoenix 125 is targeted at consumers who aspire to upgrade from just commuting to those who crave for a spirited ride experience without compromising on mileage.

TVS Phoenix 125 is loaded with premium features; and backed by an all new, highly refined 125cc EcoThrust engine, that provides excellent pickup with best in class fuel efficiency. The bike promises to be a seamless combination of premium style and comfort with unique, first of its kind features in its segment.
Speaking at the launch, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said, "We have developed an all new engine for this motorcycle. It complements several unique features to ensure 'premium ride quality'. With this launch, we hope to increase our market share in the segment. This launch also completes our motorcycle product portfolio."
TVS Phoenix 125 is equipped with novel features that are usually seen in cars. For the first time in this segment, features such as a fully digital speedometer, backlit in premium amber; a digital fuel gauge, a low battery reminder, a trip meter, service reminder, soft texture grips and soft touch switchgear have been provided. For the first time in India, TVS Phoenix offers car like hazard lamps to enhance added safety for the rider.
Riding comfort of TVS Phoenix 125 has been maximized by way of five-step adjustable 'series spring' suspension, high response damper and ergonomically positioned handle bar for superior riding control.
Engineered to magnify the joy of riding, TVS Phoenix 125 is equipped with EcoThrust technology: dynamic tuning which regulates the flow of petrol to deliver optimum combination of power and fuel economy. This facilitates superior pickup while delivering lower fuel consumption. An electric start fires up the 4 speed powertrain of TVS Phoenix 125 to churn out 11 PS of power@ 8000 rpm.
TVS Phoenix 125 has highest power to weight ratio in this segment. This aids in best combination of pickup and high fuel economy of over 67 kmpl under standard riding conditions.
"We expect TVS Phoenix to get a fillip with the festival season coming up and are targeting sales of around fifteen thousand per month." Srinivasan added.
Vibrant graphics accentuate the elegant styling of TVS Phoenix 125, which comes in five dual tone colours namely Moroccan Red, Alaskan Green, Helsinki Black Silver, Belgian Black Red and Oxford Grey. Features like aircraft inspired decals, rotopetal disc brake, LED pilot lamps, an all-black engine, alloy wheels and a stitched dual texture, high density comfort cushion seat with premium upholstery increase the style quotient of the motorcycle.

All New Hero Maestro–Features,Video Review

2012-10-01T10:33:00.001-07:00

The Hero Maestro appears as a sober looking scooter sporting conservative creases on its front apron and vast side panels. The front mudguard is well rounded while the front apron cleanly houses the clear lens indicators. The handlebar shroud features a bold headlamp and the rear view mirrors with two-tone casing lends the front profile a bit of style. The wide instrument panel is easy on eyes as it houses three pods – one each for analogue speedometer, a backlit LCD information screen and the regular warning lights. On the handlebar section, the palm grips are impressive. Quality of switches and brake levers feel good too. However, the rear brake has a locking clamp which is inconvenient to operate. Maestro is equipped with a shuttered ignition key slot for safety. The setup includes a manual latch which can be pushed to lock the key access even in the absence of the key. This means that even if you forget to close the safety shutter after parking your scooter and you are not carrying the keys, you can still push the latch (which has a one-way movement) to shut the key access manually.

Sit on the scooter and you would instantly realize what the company means by positioning it as the scooter for males. The flat floorboard is big in size which along with the bag-hook placed below the seat can be used to transport small goods. There is enormous amount of legroom which can easily accommodate taller riders. The glove box does not come as a standard option with the scooter; the Maestro gets the voluminous scooter-typical underseat bay. The vast side panels sport a boldly written ‘Maestro’ and lead to the tail section of the scooter which includes the brake light cluster and stylish rear grabs.

The scooter is powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, 109cc engine which generates smooth, vibe-free power. It quickly pulls from the stationery state with refinement and it churns out 8.09bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 0.92kgm at 5500rpm. The transmission is the scooter favoured CVT.

The Maestro deploys dual linked shock absorbers in front and a single shock absorber at the rear. The scooter uses a steel fabricated underbone type chassis with the engine as the stressed member. The ride quality is comfortable with the suspension effectively doing their job. Also, the seat provides soft padding to the rider and the pillion against the road undulations. Braking is via 130mm drum brakes which use Honda’s combi-brake system (CBS).

Features

Powerful 109cc engine

Combined Braking System for simultaneous application of front and rear brakes

Digital Analog Combo Meter Console with Service Due Indicator

Multi-lever key with Magnetic head and shutter
Bold trapezoidal multi-focal reflector headlamp and striking front visor
Combination tail lamp and clear lens winkers

Comfortable wide seat

Stylish rear grab rails
Maintenance free battery
Viscous Paper Pleated Air Filter
Large storage space

The New Yamaha Ray

2012-09-29T03:45:00.001-07:00

The new RAY offers best in class acceleration, easy handling & maneuverability and good fuel efficiency. It is equipped with an air-cooled 4-stroke 113cc engine with CVT (Continuous variable transmission) that boasts excellent reliability.
The engine achieves good fuel economy in the practical-use speed range, a power output characterized by smooth start-up acceleration and quick passing acceleration and more.
The body has fresh, innovative styling based on a design concept of being “Sophisticated & Dynamic,” and is full of fine touches that women will appreciate, like a seat designed with easy leg reach to the ground and ease of mounting in mind, ample storage space and easy to operate center and side stands.

Features

Comfortable Seat with Grab Bar

To provide easy leg reach to the ground,an optimum design is adopted for the portion of the seat that comes in contact with the thighs.The seat surface has an attractive dotted pattern for a heightened sense of quality.

Stylish Tail Light

The cut lenses sparkle with light A so when you drive away ,people wait for the break.

Longer Rear Fender

Movable mud fenders for enhanced protection against mud splatters.

Spacious Under-Seat Storage

The storage has plenty of room for your helmet,handbag and more.

Powerful and fuel efficient 113cc engine

Air-Cooled 4 stroke SOHC engine with proven reliability.The engine intake /exhaust systems and new transmission settings have been optimized for performance in traffic and road conditions of India.Its powerful development characteristics makes it even easier to handle for women riders.

Compact Leg Shield

While providing plenty of mud protection,the leg shield has a design with little intrusion into the inner panel.Its design accentuates the look of compactness and lightness.

Telescopic Suspension

Telescopic suspensions helps driving on Indian roads an absolute pleasure.

Bright and Dynamic Headlight

The large headlight is mounted into the front face of the body in an integrated unit with the turn signals.The turn signal portions are designed with the look of long eye slits for an added touch of beauty.

Sparkling Crystal Lens Panel

The instrument panel has an analog type speedometer and fuel gauge plus indicator lamps for the high beam and turn signals.It features a crystal lens for an added look of quality and radiance.

Yamaha FZ16

2012-09-15T01:48:00.001-07:00

Street Macho

A new chapter was added with a masterpiece born in 2008 while inheriting the quality of the famous brand, the FZ16 was also born to revolutionize the era and carry out a mission. Its appearance more than any other, overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance is brimming with thrust that overpowers all others. This quality solely belongs to YAMAHA's advanced technologies. The FZ16 takes attention away from others on the road as it makes its personality felt.

The rider's will is spread to the handle, the body and then the engine giving birth to unprecedented torque. This force is truly dynamic. Due to minute calculations and overcoming major challenges, an ultimate body balance has been produced. The agile running performance is extremely exciting. The superior performance brings riding feel, which when you ride provides you an emotional high. Thus this is unique not only for the rider but also a source of great fascination to the onlooker. With the FZ16 you have the sensation of ruling the streets to your heart's content.

Each and every part of FZ16 has been designed with a lot of detailed attention and careful thought. This ultimate degree of perfection means even the slightest feature has not been overlooked. Only YAMAHA ensures this kind of craftsmanship. The rider and the machine share a feeling of oneness, and from different angles the impression is different. This is particularly because the finest components have been used in its precise manufacturing. The FZ16 possesses both a rough and brutish expression as well as a certain subtlety. This high quality masterpiece will without doubt become a rage for the next generation.

Features

Powerful Engine

"Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 153cc engine"

A newly designed 153cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 2-valve engine with a max.output of 14 Ps and a max. torque of 14 N.m., characterized by its breathtaking pick up and featuring an electric starter.

Monocross Suspension

"Monocross suspension adopted"

A Monocross rear suspension unit provides 120 mm of wheel travel, while optimized oil and damping valve specs help ensure agile running performance and handling. It inhibits bottoming while riding with a tandem passenger as well as providing a very comfortable ride.

Midship Muffler

"Exhaust efficiency, sound and concentration of mass"

To give a sense of volume to the machine, an external diameter of 35mm is adopted in a two-layer type exhaust to minimize the effect of heat on the pipe. The layout features a large-volume primary character on the underside of the crankcase. The muffler is an irregular shaped tapered type mid-ship muffler.

Widest Radial (Rear)Tyre

"India’s first “140/60-17” size radial tyre (rear)"

The rear tyre is India’s first radial tyre with a 60% aspect ratio. Both the front and rear tyres on this model are tubeless type that are less susceptible to sudden flattening should the tyre be punctured.

New Chain Protector

"New Chain Protector"

The most important use of a chain protector is that it prevents fluttery and loose clothing from getting stuck in the chain.

Trendy Meter Console

"Trendy Meter Console"

The meters on the FZ are installed in a Full Liquid Crystal Display. The speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and other indicators are set in optimum position to keep the field of vision clear. Also, the engine starting signal is an example of the spirit of innovation.

Fender

"Longer and Wider Rear Fender"

The bike sports a fairly wide rear fender that guards the tyre from the mud and water splashes. It minimizes the effect of the mud/splash and gives maximum protection.

Seat

"Longer and Wider Pillion Seat with New Grab Bar"

More seat space provides a more comfortable riding experience. The seat is long, firm and especially designed for the pillion rider. The grab bar not only acts as a backrest but is something the pillion rider can hold on to if the road is bumpy.

Bajaj Pulsar NS-Review

2012-09-08T20:24:00.001-07:00

Any Pulsar, be it the 135 or the 150 right up till the 220 was performance oriented and in the present scenario, the new bike hits the front and goes straight to the top of the heap in the quickest possible manner. I would also like to state one thing here and that is to ask whether any other bike maker in this country has come up front and stated the performance capability of any of its machines in so up front a manner as has Bajaj Auto. In fact the specifications released to the media at the launch today indicate a top whack of 136kmph which is surely top drawer stuff but then the acceleration figures are even more illuminating: zero to sixty comes up in 3.61 seconds while the ton from standstill is dispatched in 9.83 seconds!

Quick gets a whole new meaning. However, these figures are all academic because the real pleasure comes from the actual driveability in town and the way the bike reacts when the wick is lit! Meaning when you crack the throttle open, the engine spins so fast and quick that you need to aim for the gaps while keeping the throttle pinned open if you want to dazzle yourself with the capability the Pulsar 200 NS packs. This is a bike which thrives on revs but which is equally docile and tractable if that is how you want to enjoy your biking.

I got astride the bike for a short sharp session and was immediately floored by the strong seamless surge the 199.5cc motor put out. If that wasn’t all, sticking tall yet comfortably in the superbly crafted saddle and yet straddling the tank with its well defined recesses – better than on the older Pulsars mind you, the sheer strength of the new bike’s frame was apparent.

There was hardly a weave or tuck and under heavy braking or when leaning into corners and exiting them quickly was a revelation. After a couple of runs I came in but Joseph Abraham who was watching me go out on his baby asked me to be a bit more adventurous and told me to scream the motor in all the gears to its 10,000rpm red line and then come back and tell him how the bike behaved. This was something else altogether for the manner in which the bike screamed in sheer delight as she was given its head and I started shifting as high as the track allowed me to.

Third, fourth and fifth speeds snuck into at anywhere between 9500 and 10,000 rpm saw the Pulsar 200 NS blast out like a bat out of hell but yet so stable and sure that it was an intoxicating affair. Thrusting ahead with the energy of a record-breaking sprinter, the 200 NS lurches forward with intense ferocity as I keep on upshifting with the needle on the analogue tachometer bouncing off the 10,000 rpm redline and the gear shifter blinking incessantly. The new Pulsar pulls and pulls relentlessly in every one of its six cogs devoid of lag or hesitance. The clutch is light yet firm and the shifts are slick, precise and positive. Gives an altogether new meaning to the phrase as one with the bike!

The absolute connect between tyre and tarmac is a sheer joy for experiencing and the torque surge in whichever cog you may be gets you drunk on delight. The saddle height is slightly higher – at 805mm - than the older Pulsars but that is no deterrent in enjoying the brilliance of the handlebars-seat-foot pegs interplay which makes for not just a most sporty yet comfortable stance, it also allows you the flexibility to move your weight when you want to use it to good effect in the corners.

Speaking of weight and its effect, I must mention balance and mass centralization here again and the way this sets the Pulsar 200 NS from any other bike in the country today. While some may have marveled at the brilliance of the CBR250R’s handling the fact remains that it just doesn’t have the buzz and the exhilaration that the 200 NS does and even while giving away crucial displacement to the quarter-litre Honda, this Bajaj can show a thing or two, not just to the CBR but to every other bike on the market in its class and then leave them for dead.

The tightly packaged engine along with the boxy silencer element wrapped above and behind the swing arm pivot is key to this mass centralization. The engine is hung on a bracket just above the swing arm axle and there are two hangers up front to hold the engine on either side. If you thought the petrol tank looks dishy you are mistaken, no not for the style element but for the fact that it is only a plastic cover for the actual 12-litre capacity fuel tank, which resides below and close to where the rider sits on the saddle!

The aggressive rake and the beefy headstock play their vital role as well in the overall dynamic ability of the Pulsar 200 NS that tips the scales at 145kg, a saving of almost seven kilos over the Pulsar 220. While slashing weight is a key component in these days of emission legislated protocols where engine downsizing, better efficiency and cleaner exhausts take precedence over outright performance, here the pleasure delivery never ceases.

If all up weight has been slashed the gains in the weight distribution are even more pronounced. With a near 50:50 weight distribution front to rear, 72kg : 73kg to be precise, this has to be the best balanced bike there is on the Indian market today and nothing much needs to be said about the virtues of a bike endowed with good balance coupled with a low centre of gravity as well.

It will make average riders and newcomers feel as if they are right in the league of gods while for those experienced hands it will be the right tool to go out and flog with delight and the bike will reward those with quickness of hand and the dexterity of being one with the machine. And one more bit I might add, and that concerns the exhaust note – this Pulsar has probably the best sounding note among present day Indian motorcycles with a slight throaty pronounced audio alerting all and sundry as to make way for it, in the nicest possible way!

While this might be emerging as a road test, I must say that an actual road test will only bear out all what I have outlined here and trust me this is one of the bikes which is destined to be a big seller, not just in India but also overseas. Bajaj Auto is finally going to launch the Pulsar all over the world and in any company this machine can more than hold its own. In fact, Kawasaki, its Japanese partner of long standing has been dazzled by the way the bike has shaped up and wants to explore ways to branding it as one of its own in some of its most important markets! And that’s just saying everything one wants to know about this firecracker of a motorcycle with manners to charm, delight and excite. A hooligan and a gentleman both rolled in one!

Vespa LX125-Review,Specification

2012-09-08T19:31:00.001-07:00

Vespa’s return to India comes in good time, when the scooter market here is showing healthy growth and ample promise. The LX125 is well suited to India.

Everything was beginning to seem picture perfect, till Vespa announced the LX125’s unusually high price. Let’s find out whether the Indo-Italian newcomer has what it takes to justify asking a premium over its rivals.

Arguably the best looking Indian scooter, the Vespa LX125 is perfectly proportioned, its smoothened, timeless lines having been well received ever since first seen back in the 1940’s.

Design

It’s rounded front apron runs a smart border, above which sits a rounded clear lens, halogen headlight that brightens up inky nights. The new Vespa has top-quality, elegantly formed switches that incorporate push-to-cancel indicators, comfortable palm grips and machined alloy brake levers that rank among the best on any Indian scooter.

A let down is Vespa having omitted a rear brake lock clamp on the LX125. We however like how the voluminous front storage bin sits flush in the panel beneath the steering, opening with a light push of the ignition key into its slot. Detailed engineering has gone into both stands for this scooter, the LX being easily propped onto its main stand, and the side-stand deploying an auto return feature.

The LX enjoys many perfectly evolved design touches, with even little details being properly addressed.

Sold in several options of trendy bright paint jobs, the Baramati built Vespa comes with good overall quality and smart fit-finish.

Performance

The button started LX125 is powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that displaces 125cc. The Vespa is the only Indian scooter to breathe through 3-valves.

This air-cooled powerplant is carburetted unlike several fuel-injected Vespa’s available worldwide. Maximum power is 10.06bhp made at 7500rpm, and peak torque, 1.08kgm delivered at 6000rpm.

The LX’s CVT transmission works seamlessly, saving riders the added chore of working a clutch and gearshift. The new engine emits a creamy smooth power delivery, with a refined, buzz free feel. Performance is adequate, the 0-60kph dash completed in 10.07 seconds. In the city, the LX125 is peppy enough for zippy traffic signal getaways.

Ride and handling

Vespa scooters have often used a monocoque chassis, the LX125 showing off a rigid, steel structure on these lines. The scooter’s seat is plush and roomy, with the riding position feeling just right, comfy, upright and with the handlebar set at the correct height.

Ride quality is good, even when riding with an adult pillion or negotiating poor roads and the LX is light and stable to ride.

The Vespa corners just as well as any scooter on 10 inch rims. A weak front brake proves the single biggest letdown on the Indian LX125 and is a safety hazard that needs urgent addressing, for it provides inadequate bite, as well as stopping power. Given the scooter’s high price, Vespa would do well to offer the LX125 with a front disc brake.

The LX125 comes shod with grippy MRF rubber front and rear.

Fuel Economy

The LX125 proves frugal for an automatic, 125cc scooter, returning 40.7kpl during our testing in real world, Indian city riding conditions, this improving a bit when testing on the highway, where it gave us 42.1kpl.

Verdict

Vespa's new scooter is a well rounded package. The LX125 is just as stylish as it gets on a scooter. This is unquestionably going to be the scooter members of the fairer sex will aspire to reach college astride, having said which, affluent male businessmen could also want to be seen on one. Barring its ineffective front brake, the LX rides and handles fine too, which leaves just one hurdle it is sure to find hard to overcome, its Rs 70,000 on-road price, which makes this India's most heavily overpriced scooter, hands down.

Tech Specs

Fact File

What it costs

Ex-showroom (Delhi)
Rs 66,000 (ex-Maharashtra)

Engine

Fuel
Petrol

Installation
Inclined from vertical

Type
125cc Single-cylinder, 3-valve air-cooled, four-stroke

Compression ratio
10:1

Power
10.06bhp at 7500rpm

Torque
1.08kgm at 6000rpm

Power to weight
88.2bhp per tonne

Transmission

Type
CVT

Dimensions

Length
1770mm

Width
690mm

Height
1140mm

Wheel base
1290mm

Chassis & Body

Weight
114kg

Wheels
3-spoke alloy

Tyres
90x100x10 inches (Front and rear)

Suspension

Front
Single-side shock, trailing arm

Rear
Monoshock

Brakes

Front
150mm drum

Rear
140mm drum

Performance

0-20
1.57

0-40
4.38

0-60
10.07

0-80
19.00

All New Discover 125 ST 4Valve Nitrox Monoshock

2012-07-31T07:54:00.001-07:00

Introducing the all-new Discover 125 ST

Rarely does one motorcycle bring beautiful design, cutting edge technology and the thrill of riding in one package. The Discover has always managed to defy convention and offer this unique combination. Presenting the biggest leap in this direction, the all-new Discover 125 ST.

1st 4-valve DTSi Twin Spark engine on a Commuter Motorcycle

We all crave power. The power to rule, the power to change, the power to stay ahead. When it comes to riding a motorcycle, it’s no different. Many motorcycles offer power. But only a Discover offers power without sacrificing mileage. So, how does it do it? After revolutionizing the Indian motorcycle industry with DTSi Twin Spark technology, Bajaj Auto is proud to present the first commuter category motorcycle with a 4-valve engine. The all-new Discover 125 ST 4-valve DTSi Twin Spark is an engineering marvel. Unlike conventional motorcycles which have 2-valves, the Discover 125 ST engine has four valves. This enables the engine to rev faster and smoother, thereby delivering a potent 13 horses of power. Working in conjunction with DTSi Twin Spark, this allows the rider to ride faster, yet without sacrificing any mileage.

1st Nitrox Monoshock on a Commuter Motorcycle

If the stylish looks didn’t get you, the super-sporty Nitrox Monoshock suspension will. The Discover 125 Sports Tourer cuts through convention in offering the first gas-charged Nitrox Monoshock on a commuter category motorcycle. While Nitrox ensures the legendary ride comfort of a Discover, the Monoshock delivers sporty handling characteristics that can give more expensive motorcycles a run for their money.

1st Petal Disc brake on a Commuter Motorcycle

After introducing Disc brakes to the Indian commuter motorcycle category over a decade back, Bajaj Auto yet again offers the best in technology by equipping the Discover 125 ST with a petal disc brake. As compared to a regular disc brake, a petal disc brake has more surface area, thereby providing better brake cooling and less brake fade. And the fact that it looks great, doesn’t hurt either.

DC Headlamp for unparalleled safety

One of the biggest safety hazards on a poorly lit road is a weak headlamp. Conventional commuter motorcycles come with AC headlamps, wherein the intensity of the beam is dependent on the vehicle speed. In rain or rough road conditions, vehicle speed is low, thereby weakening the headlamp beam. It’s only the Discover family which offers you a headlamp that is directly connected to the battery, thereby ensuring that you get a full beam, no matter what the speed.

Honda VT 1300 CX

2012-07-26T03:46:00.001-07:00

The Honda VT 1300 CX is a true original – a chopper that’s visually daring and great fun to ride; yet with the same functionality, quality and reliability you would expect from any Honda. Its raked-out styling, based round a high-mount steering head, long, slim fuel tank and ultra-low seat grabs attention from every angle. Clean lines and curves and an extreme attention to detail create a chopper with the distinct air of a full-on hand-built custom bike, but one that can be owned and maintained for a fraction of the cost.

The soul of the VT 1300 CX is its 1312 cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine. It features a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a Programmed Fuel Injection system. It produces satisfying performance and a truly impressive V-twin sound and feel. Fuel consumption is low and, with a clean, reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive, owners can be sure of spending more time on the road and less in the garage.

A single, powerful 336 mm front disc brake is complemented by a 296 mm disc brake at the back, providing smooth, powerful braking. An advanced Combined Antilock Brake System is also available as an option, providing the ultimate in stopping confidence. Comfort is also far beyond the norm for a chopper. The lines of what looks like a rigid hard-tail rear end are deceptively sleek, concealing an ingenious rear suspension system with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustment.

1312 cc V-twin engine with single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a Programmed Fuel Injection system produces satisfying performance and an impressive sound.

Distinctive alloy wheels and fat 200 mm rear tyre paired with slim90 mm front tyre create a strong visual impact.

336 mm front disc brake and 296 mm rear disc brake provide smooth, powerful braking.

Exaggerated rake and stretched 1,805 mm wheelbase give a soft ride as well as a characteristic look.

Hard-tail rear end appearance conceals a highly efficient single shock rear suspension system with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustment.

Prominent chrome headlight and LED tail-light complement the simple and elegant styling lines.

TVS Apache RTR180 ABS

2012-07-25T02:41:00.001-07:00

PRESENTING THE MOST ADVANCED STREET-LEGAL RACING MACHINE WE HAVE EVER BUILT. THE ALL NEW TVS APACHE RTR 180 - NOW ARMED WITH ABS TECHNOLOGY, AN ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM ENGINEERED EXCLUSIVELY FOR PRO-RACING. OUTFITTED WITH BLAZING-HOT RACING DECALS, THE COMPETITION WILL INVENT EXCUSES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. ABS ELIMINATES ANY PROBABILITY OF YOUR WHEELS LOCKING ON ANY SURFACE, ANY SPEED, NO MATTER WHAT. ITS INTELLIGENT SENSORS AND PROCESSOR CALCULATE THE SPEED OF ROTATION OF EACH WHEEL, AND COMPUTE THE PRECISE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FORCE REQUIRED. WITH ALL THIS EXCUTED IN THE SPACE OF A FEW MILLISECONDS, IT'S RACING WIZARDRY AT THE FINEST. AND CHEEKIEST. THIS BEAST PRECEIVES ITS SHEELS AS TO SEPARATE UNITS, INDEPENDENT OF EACH INDIVIDUAL WHEEL-GIVEN THE RTR AND ITS RACER, AND UNBEATABLE [AND ALMOST UNFAIR] RACING ADVANTAGE. WITH ABS, YOU CAN BRAKE LATER, RECOVER FASTER AND EFFORTLESSLY SCREAM PAST THE CHEQUERED FLAG BEFORE YOUR COMPETITION EVER REALIZES WHAT HIT'EM. BECAUSE WHAT'S ABSOLUTE FURY, WITHOUT ABSOLUTE CONTROL?

BLACK WITH GRAY RACING STRIPE

WHITE WITH GRAY RACING STRIPE

THE NEW TVS APACHE RTR
180 WITH ABS

ENGINE

Type
4 Stroke

Displacement
177.4 cc

Cylinder arrangement
Single

Maximum Power
12.52 kW (17.03 bhp) @8500 rpm

Maximum Torque
15.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Bore x Stroke
62.5mm x 57.8 mm

Compression Ratio
9.5:1

Carburetor
UCAL BS-29

Compression Ratio
2 Valves, Single overhead cam

Starting
Electric & Kick Start

Idle speed
1400 +/-200 rpm

Starting
IDI-Dual mode digital ignition

Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.1 kW per 1000kg

ACCELERATION

Max. Speed (Kmph)
124

SUSPENSION

Front
Telescopic Forks, 105 mm Stroke

Rear
Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shox (MIG) with spring aid

TRANSMISSION

Clutch
Wet Multi-Plate

Primary reduction
65/21

Final reduction
3.385

DIMENSIONS (mm)

Length
2085

Width
730

Height
1105

Wheelbase
1326

Ground clearance
165

WEIGHTS (kg)

Kerb weight
139

Max. payload
130

BRAKES

Front
270mm Petal Disc with ABS & RLP

Rear
200mm Petal Disc with ABS & RLP.

Brake Fluid
DOT 3 / DOT 4.

WHEELS AND TYRES

Rim size
(Front) 1.85 x 17"

Rim size
(Rear) 2.15 x 17"

Tyre size
(Front) 90/90 x 17" (Tubeless)

Tyre size
(Rear) 110/80 x 17" (Tubeless

All New Hero Ignitor 125cc

2012-06-30T02:51:00.001-07:00

Pricing for Hero Motocorp’s choice of weapon in the 125cc segment, the Ignitor is out in the open and surprisingly it is priced a tad over its brother from another mother, the Honda CBF Stunner. Priced at Rs. 60,740 (Ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the top-end Self/Disc brake variant, the Ignitor is approximately Rs. 800 costlier than the Honda CBF Stunner, which has been the premium 125cc offering from the Japanese giant. Price for the base variant which comes minus the disc brake upfront is Rs. 58,638 (Ex-showroom, Mumbai). The Indian major had shown the Ignitor early this year at the 2012 Auto Expo fair in New Delhi, and the official launch is expected to be conducted shortly.

Despite the break-up, Hero still has a few Honda-based products in its kitty and the new Hero Ignitor is one of them. Fundamentally the same as the Honda CBF Stunner, the Ignitor gets aesthetic revamp from Hero. Employing identical underpinnings as found on the CBF Stunner and powered by the same trusty Honda 124.77cc ATFT single cylinder air-cooled engine making 11PS of power and 11Nm of torque, the only major factor that sets the Ignitor apart are the cosmetic alterations primarily on the front fairing as well as finer exterior detailing on the new Hero motorcycle. The front fairing gets pseudo air-scoops and the moniker Ignitor emblazoned on the flanks of the front quarter fairing. Edgier and funkier than the one seen on the CBF Stunner the front-end of the Ignitor is complimented by body-coloured rear view mirrors.

The two striking features on the Ignitor are inclusion of a digital speedometer and a kick-starter while the CBF Stunner employs a fully analogue instrument console and does away with the kick-start option. On the inside, while the power numbers are similar between the two motorcycles, the Ignitor makes 11Nm of torque lowdown the range at 5,000rpm, which is 1,500rpm lower than the CBF Stunner’s 11Nm of torque peaking at 6,500rpm. With the torque being made available lower down the rev-range, the Ignitor should have excellent in-town rideability as well as impressive in-gear acceleration.

The power from the engine is transmitted via a 5-speed gearbox with a one-down/four-up shift pattern on the Ignitor. Handling the suspension duties are telescopic forks upfront and twin adjustable shock absorbers on the rear, while stopping power comes from a 240mm disc brake upfront and a 130mm drum brake working on the rear. The 17-inch wheels are shod with tubeless tyres.

Honda Dream Yuga 110cc

2012-05-24T04:48:00.001-07:00

Dream. It isn't just a word. It is who we are.
It's all started in 1949 with the legendary 'Dream D' bike, which was the first in a line of many to follow Honda's philosophy. This 98cc, 2-stroke machine was the embodiment of the company's dream of becoming a motorcycle manufacturer. Today another dream becomes a reality. A reality that embodies India’s aspirations.
Introducing the 'Dream Yuga' legacy of Dreams. A 110cc, 4-stroke motorcycle that has been designed and created especially for India. Its decent style, best in-class mileage of 72 Kmpl* and great features at an affordable price to make it a dream motorcycle for everyone.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Honda company which is well known for its mileage has claimed that the new Honda Dream Yuga 110 delivered 72 km/L under test conditions. Hence, it may be expected that the bike would deliver more than expected mileage on the road. The fuel consumption capacity of Honda Dream Yuga 110 for city and highway is found to be 55 km/L and 70 km/L, respectively (as per the updates).

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Pick up

Keeping in mind the young mob of the country the new Honda Dream Yuga 110 with 110 cc engine is expected to deliver a good overall pick up. Also it is enhanced with 4-speed constant gear to give an incomparable venture to the bikers.

Colors of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Till date the colours of the bike have not been revealed apart from the dark maroon shade which was the one in which the bike was displayed initially at the Auto Expo 2012. Other than this, all the the company says that there will be five color variants.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Looks

Honda Dream Yuga 110 has a high torque engine and good ground clearance for rough terrain riding. Analogous fuel guage and analogous speedometer are its exclusive features adding pin-up to its appearance.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Dimensions

Honda Dream Yuga 110 has a wheelbase of 1262 mm with approximate weight of 108 kg with an incredible ground clearance which differentiates the bike from other brands in the same class.

How comfortable is Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 furnishes analogous fuel gauge and speedometer which adds beauty to its display. Indicator for low fuel and low battery, pass-light, passenger footrest are the other effective and valuable features. Honda Motorcycles has manufactured Honda Dream Yuga 110 for customers to fulfill all the daily journey needs and giving all the comforts possessing features like chock-full gear lever, complete chain case and long seat.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Tyres

Honda Dream Yuga 110 is been enabled with rough and tough tubeless tyres both in front and rear specifically made to drive with ease on all sort of tracks. Honda Dream Yuga 110 has spoke/alloy wheels with wheel size of 70/100 - 17 mm in front and 80/100 - 17 mm at rear side. The spoke wheels with tubeless tyres adds perfection to its quality enabling to handle the pressure of all types of paths either straight highways or curvy roads or rocky terrains or bumpy routes.

Engine of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 has air cooled SI engine with 4-stroke, single cylinder, kick start/self-start having 110 cc displacement engine with four manual gears. The maximum power of bike is 9 bhp at 8000 rpm which is powerful and strong for uneven roads and very comfortable for plain roads. Maximum torque of Honda Dream Yuga 110 bike is 9 Nm at 6000 rpm making it suitable for Indian rural or urban area riding.

On Road Control and handling of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 bike has a front brake with disc and rear brake with 110mm drum making its control excellent. The system endures the handling power of the bike making it perfect to run steadily on any kind of pathway.

Riding Experience - Suspension of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 has hydraulic swing-arm shock absorber rear suspension and hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension. The air filters of the bike is paper filter viscous type providing the required strength to the bike.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Pros

The best feature of is its tubeless tyres which is one of the current requisition, which will eventually free the rider from getting flat tube problems. Apart from this the bike is is price efficient. Moreover, the bike is to be launched soon with an entirely different look, which will definitely attract people.

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Cons

Honda Dream Yuga 110 has no step up seat and no tachometer like other trendy high speed bikes present in the market. In the current phase of digital meters, still using the analogous speedometer and fuel gauge might drastically effect the overall sales of the bike.

The New Suzuki Hayate 112cc

2012-05-24T04:25:00.001-07:00

Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited (SMIL) has launched its new 110cc commuter motorcycle, the Hayate in India. The Hayate, the name is derived from the Japanese word meaning ‘Fresh Breeze’, gets an 112cc 4-stroke air-cooled engine which makes 8.4PS of power and 8.8Nm torque. Power is put down to the road via a 4-speed transmission. Suzuki has priced the Hayate at Rs 40,162 for the kick start variant and Rs 42,162 for the electric start one, ex-showroom Pune.

The Hayate comes with an 8-litre fuel tank and Suzuki say that the bike will deliver ‘amazing’ mileage for its class. For retardation duties, the bike gets drums at both ends. The Hayate is available in five colour options – Pearl Mirage White, Metallic Lush Green, Pearl Mica Red, GL Sparkle Black and Metallic Flint Grey. The Hayate is on sale at all Suzuki motorcycle showrooms and the company hopes to sell 10,000 units of this motorcycle every month. Suzuki has also got a new brand ambassador in the form of Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan. He will endorse every Suzuki motorcycle in India from now on.

Anand Thakur, head of national sales (SMIL) said, “Maharashtra is an important market for Suzuki motorcycles. We see the Hayate securing a significant and distinct space for itself in the Indian motorcycle market by serving the needs of the first time motorcycle owner and people with regular commuting needs. The Hayate is a great option for customers looking for both uncompromising technology and value for money. We believe that Suzuki and Salman together will make an emotional connect with all sections of customers that Suzuki’s range of two-wheelers reaches out to.”

Specification:

Engine

Type
Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, 1-Cylinder, SOHC

Bore x Stroke (mm)
51.0 x 55.2

Displacement (cm³)
112.8

Compression Ratio
9.5:1

Carburetor
VM17

Starting
Kick & Electric Start

Air Cleaner
Non-Woven Fabric Element

Lubrication System
Wet Sump

Suspension

Front
Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped

Rear
Swing Arm, Coil Spring, Oil Damped

Tyre Size

Front
2.75-17 41P

Rear
3.00-17 50P

Brake

Front
Mechanical, Leading-Trailing Drum Type

Rear
Mechanical, Leading-Trailing Drum Type

Dimensions

Overall Length (mm)
2,030

Overall Width (mm)
720

Overall Height (mm)
1,070

Wheelbase (mm)
1,260

Ground Clearance (mm)
165

Kerb Mass (kg)
112

Transmission

Clutch
Wet Multi-Plate Type

Transmission
Manual 4 Speed (4 Down)

Electrical

Ignition Type
CDI

Spark Plug
NGK

Battery
12V

Headlight
12V 35/35W

Brake Light/Tail Light
12V 21/5W

Fuel Tank Capacity (Ltrs.)

Including Reserve
8

Reserve
2

Presenting the New Pulsar 200NS

2012-05-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

Presenting the Pulsar 200NS:

Let the mania begin again!

The Pulsar is back and it is faster. Meaner. Has killer naked street fighter looks.
Introducing the Pulsar 200NS. 6-speed. 23.5 Bhp. Coming soon - to conquer your street.

Handling

Apart from adding to the looks and muscle to the front of the Pulsar 200 NS, the perimeter frame allows for sharp, nimble and confident handling along with better cornering stability due to higher lateral stiffness. The Pulsar 200 NS chassis comprises of a steel perimeter frame and a rectangular tube section swing arm that offers higher torsional rigidity The low slung central muffler & the tightly packaged Nitrox mono shox ensures low & central CG position.
The almost 50:50 weight distribution helps in effortless maneuvering curves and substantially improving high speed and straight line stability

Performance

The Pulsar 200NS is loaded with technology that has boosted performance. Sitting in the saddle takes you straight to the next generation of biking. The revolutionary Triple spark technology provides unprecedented performance, efficiency and lower emissions. And when coupled with the 4-valve engine - provides better power, throttle response and pick-up at all engine speeds. Keeping this power mill running smoothly is a Liquid cooling system that ensures longer engine life, smoother engine sound and no power fading or overheating. Add to this is a 6-speed gearbox and you are in biking heaven. The Pulsar 200NS manages to dish out peak power of 23.5 Ps @ 9500 rpm and a healthy torque of 18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm. It boasts of a power to weight ratio of 162 Ps per ton! No wonder it can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.61 sec and 0 – 100 in 9.83 sec

Styling

The NS in the name stands for “Naked Sports”. One look at the Pulsar 200NS justifies the claim that it is one of the best looking street fighters around. The body has been sculpted with careful attention to detail - from the foot pegs and the grips on the handle bar to the backlit switches. Every aspect of the bike has been crafted to ensure that the aggressive and muscular look of the Pulsar is married with the next generation of motorcycling design.
The upright riding position on the Pulsar 200NS makes it perfect for city riding and also for a spin on the twisties.

Triple Spark Technology

Three spark plugs provide unprecedented performance and efficiency - Fast and complete combustion at part load conditions results in better fuel efficiency and ensures lower emissions. The high performance triple spark engine, controlled by an advanced Electronic Control Unit, is the technology of the future.

4-Valve

The 4-valve engine facilitates induction of more quantity of charge (air-fuel mixture) and complete evacuation of all burnt gases. This results in increased engine performance – power, throttle response and pick-up at all engine speeds.
4-valve engines can be revved to much higher RPMs, without any engine strain, allowing the rider to experience superior performance.

Liquid Cooling

The high performance Pulsar 200 NS engine is kept cooled using liquid coolant, which is better at heat dispension in the engine as compared to an air cooled engine.
Liquid cooling ensures that there is no power fading due to overheating and results in longer engine life and the coolant provides for a muffling effect which smoothens engine noises even at high RPMs.

6 Speed Gear Box

The smooth shifting 6-speed gearbox is perfectly mated with the powerful 4 valve, triple spark, 200cc engine ensuring optimal use of the wider range of power delivery.

The New Suzuki Swish 125

2012-04-27T23:58:00.001-07:00

Get on board and you’ll slot into a fairly comfortable riding position. It’s not too generous if you’re around 6 feet tall, but even so, space is never really an issue. The riding position is neutral and together with the seat firmness, should see off 50 km commutes without any fatigue whatsoever. That’s if your commute is the good-roads-only sort. Once the going gets uneven, the Swish does filter a lot of the bad stuff through and in comparison to the Activa, its ride quality can be termed thrashy, though not distractingly so. Let’s say, if you’re upgrading from an Activa, having worn it out, you’ll notice the unwillingness of the Swish, despite its telescopic front forks, to isolate you from bad roads and then move on to seeking joy in the fact that the Swish responds to throttle inputs so enthusiastically.

Suzuki India launched two new vehicles at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. One is a 125cc gearless scooter 'Swish' and second is 112.8cc commuter bike 'Hayate'. Suzuki Swish is powered by the same engine which also powers Suzuki Access 125; it has displacement of 124cc and generates maximum power of 8.58 bhp at 7000 rpm with maximum torque of 9.8 nm at 6500 rpm. The engine is mated to continuous variable transmission. Suzuki Swish has under seat capacity of 20 litres and fuel tank capacity is 6 litres. The ex-showroom price of Suzuki Swish is around Rs. 45,000 rupees. It is available at all the Suzuki dealerships.

Design and Instrument Cluster of Suzuki Swish 125

The design of Swish 125 is conventional and has nothing new to boast about. It resembles Access 125 from most of the angles. The front features clear lens head lamp and vertical turn indicators with black coloured rear view mirrors. The instrument cluster of Swish 125 is all-analogue which features blue background dials with red needles. The rear features large tail lamp with integrated blinkers. It also features silver rear grab rail which further enhances the overall looks of the scooter.

Engine of Suzuki Swish 125

- Powered by a 124cc petrol engine
- Maximum power of 8.58 bhp at 7000 rpm
- Maximum torque of 9.8 nm at 6500 rpm

Suzuki Access 125’s engine has displacement of 124cc and generates maximum power of 8.58 bhp at 7000 rpm with maximum torque of 9.8 nm at 6500 rpm. The engine is mated to continuous variable transmission.

Shades Available in Suzuki Swish 125

Suzuki Swish 125 is available in 5 shades:

- Metallic Triton Blue
- Pearl Mirage White
- Sparkle Black
- Pearl Mira Red
- Metallic Flint Grey

Tvs Max 4R with 2x2 Rear Shocks

2012-04-22T05:58:00.001-07:00

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

4-stroke single cylinder 109.7cc

Max power

8.28 bhp at 7500 rpm

Max Torque

0.85 kgm at 5500 rpm

Transmission

4 speed Gear Box

Chassis

Single down tube type

Brakes

130 mm drums front and rear

Suspension

Telescopic forks (f), 4 shock absorbers (r)

Tyres

2.75x17-4 ply, 3.00x17-6 ply

L/W/H (mm)

2005/733/1055

Wheelbase

1240 mm

Kerb weight

118 kg

Honda CBR 150R

2012-04-04T05:59:00.001-07:00

Experience the ride of your life. Unbelievable as it may sound, CBR150R brings an experience that's like no other. It comes from the lineage of the iconic CBR and the racing DNA of Honda, the reigning MotoGP champions. The journey begins here.

CBR 150R has new age graphics, dual-layered full body cowling, which reportedly improves aerodynamics and performance of the bike. The CBR 150R also sports a Y-shaped headlamp, short pentagonal muffler and digital meter.

The motorcycle comes powered by a DOHC 150cc engine which produces peak power of 13.11 Kw (17.6 BHP) @ 10,500 RPM and peak torque of 12.66 Nm @ 8500rpm. Adding to the sports performance, CBR 150R has twin tubular frame which increases the stability of the bike, liquid cooling and PGM-FI increases the efficiency of the engine giving maximum output with minimum effort.

CBR 150R comes with front & rear disc brakes, mono-suspension and wide front and rear tubeless tyres which gives the rider sports performance with better stability at cornering, excellent braking confidence and comfort.

CBR 150R will be available in 2 variants– Standard and Deluxe. The Standard variant will be available in 2 shades – Black with Pearl Sunbeam White and Sports Red with Pearl Sunbeam White. The Deluxe model (with special sporty graphics) shall be available in Black with Candy Palm Green & Vibrant Orange with Pearl Sunbeam White colour.

Suzuki Intruder M1800R

2012-02-23T02:46:00.001-08:00

The 1800cc Intruder that Suzuki Motorcycle India has just rolled out is a massive bike. With dimensions similar to a A-star and a price tag in the range of a Toyota Corolla, Suzuki’s Intruder is another biggie to be offered to fanatics with ample money.

This gigantic motorcycle certainly has an authoritative presence. It comes with great, low-set headlights that grin under a chrome hat-like mantle and remains on at all times. Traditional turn indicators stick out front and rear, while a digital bar-type rev counter setup on tall stalks looks directly into a rider’s field of vision. A astonishing fact is that other basic instruments including the speedometer sit far below, across the bike’s fat tank, which means the rider’s eyes have to leave the road to take a look at them.

The Intruder comes with a smooth, broad, pulled-back chrome handlebar and attractive, retro-style tinted mirrors. The low-slung cruiser style saddle is wide and has a somewhat taller, still comfy pillion seat just behind. And the tail with its fixed dazzling red brake warning lamp looks chic.

The Intruder has 18-inch rims, with tyres as thick as 240/40 section at the rear. Under-over silencers snake out from the large, four-stroke, 1783cc power plant to add heaps of personality to the motorcycle. The Intruder’s engine bay is totally filled up by its colossal V-twin and liquid cooling system. With a climax power figure of 125bhp at 6200rpm, this big Suzuki excels in delivering all 16.3kgm of torque as low in the power band as 3200rpm. A blip of the Intruder’s throttle is akin to emptying a double-barrel shotgun. It’s the best part of this motorcycle, and the gruff roar of the Intruder’s exhaust rips through the air with magnificent effect. Its engine sounds and pulls with a thump similar to a big single at top speed, and a short stroke (90.5mm) dimension guarantees the revs rise with an enthusiasm contrasting most cruisers with their long-stroke nature.

The pillion needs to grab on really tight when the rider presses the pedal hard as a mallet of torque bangs in while drawing out the Intruder’s telescopic forks and push its power down through the low profile rear tyre to the road. It from time to time takes efforts to keep your feet from lifting off the pegs as the monster thunders its way down the road.

The Intruder feels most comfortable on long, straight highways and can glide here smoothly at speeds close to 130kph forever. Its cable-fed clutch works well with a good, progressive feel coming through the lever. But the Suzuki’s five-speed gearbox, often felt notchy during our ride. The shaft drive communicates a straight, motorized feel that needs getting used to for riders who are adjusted to chain drive motorcycles.

You would take time to get used to the Intruder’s riding position. Its footpegs and handlebars need the rider to stretch out, and the seat feels like it is set a little too far behind for comfort.
Ride quality is more taut than soft with straight line steadiness a strong point, thanks to the 1710mm wheelbase. But cornering is a task and the low-slung Intruder grazes its pegs just about too easily, before being pushed down into a bend. But being a cruiser bike, it’s made to cover long distances in style and in a stress-free way.

The Intruder stops with excellent poise and comes with dominant brakes, a pair of 310mm discs in front, and a single 275mm disc unit at rear, which pull it to a stop with a encouraging feel.

The large overhead camshaft-driven four-valve per cylinder engine delivers about 15kpl in terms of fuel economy.

Suzuki’s huge Intruder, is a special bike in India. But does that make it a reasonable bike for our market? It’s difficult to beat for people looking for a bike that’s attention grabbing, lets out the definitive exhaust note mankind can hear in India and with enough money to spend

Intruder M1800R SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions and Weights

Overall length
2480mm (97.6in)

Overall width
875mm (34.4in)

Overall height
1185mm (46.7in)

Wheelbase
1710mm (67.3in)

Ground Clearance
130mm (5.1in)

Seat height
705mm (27.8in)

Curb Mass
347kg (765lbs)

Fuel Tank
19.5 litres (5.2 US gallons)

Engine

Engine capacity
1783 cm³ (cc)

Type
Four stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54° V-twin

Bore x Stroke
112.0 mm x 90.5 mm

Compression ratio
10.5 : 1

Ignition
Electronic ignition (Transistorised)

Transmission
5-speed constant mesh

Suspension

Front
Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Rear
Link type, coil spring, oil damped

Brake

Front
Disc, twin

Rear
Disc

Tyres Size

Front
130/70R18 M/C 63V tubeless

Rear
240/40R18 M/C 79V tubeless

BMW F 800 ST

2011-12-07T18:53:00.001-08:00

Riding a motorcycle is simply great fun. Whether you take a short sporty tour cross country, a trip through the city or a long holiday trip with luggage. That's right - every ride means pure pleasure! This kind of versatility requires an all-rounder which gives the rider whatever is needed - both on winding roads and for fast motorway travel.
But common sense is important too: economy, reliability and no complications are just as important as a great visual appearance and pure fun on the road - whether in the city or for sporty weekend tours. The BMW F 800 ST is just such a universal talent, combining pleasure and common sense.

This is what a sports touring bike looks like - combining touring fun and comfort with an impressive sporty touch: elegant, functional trim with superb wind and weather protection. A powerful, highly sophisticated 2-cylinder in-line engine with 80 hp which fulfills the toughest environmental standards and is right up there when it comes to torque levels. Modern toothed belt drive with loss-free power transmission and without any load alteration, easier on maintenance than a chain drive and with higher durability.
The chassis gives you dynamic and stress-free pleasure on winding country roads, you enjoy uncomplicated handling in the city and can cover lengthier distances including swift spells on the motorway with a high degree of ride stability. And as is characteristic of BMW, there are many intelligent accessory ideas which will enable you to put together your own personal sports touring bike.
Why not go to your BMW Motorrad dealer to test drive the F 800 ST? Then you'll find out what we mean by "serious fun"!

BMW F 800 ST

Engine

Type
Water-cooled, 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine, two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication

Bore x stroke
82 mm x 75.6 mm

Capacity
798 cc

Rated output
85 hp (62.5 kW) at 8,000 rpm

Max. torque
63 lb/ft (86 Nm) at 5,800 rpm

Compression ratio
12.0 : 1

Mixture control / engine management
Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K+)

Emission control
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speed
Over 125 mph (200 km/h)

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h
69 mpg, at a constant 55 mph

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h

Fuel type
Unleaded super.

Electrical system

Alternator
three-phase alternator 400 W

Battery
12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

Clutch
Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated

Gearbox
Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase

Drive
Belt drive with shock damper

Chassis / brakes

Frame
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminum, load-bearing engine

Front wheel location / suspension
Telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm

Rear wheel location / suspension
Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with eccentric adjustment for rear axle, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable

Suspension travel front / rear
5.5/5.5 inches (140/140 mm)

Wheelbase
57.7 inches (1,466 mm)

Castor
3.7 inches (95 mm)

Steering head angle
64.2°

Wheels
Cast aluminum wheels

Rim, front
3.50 x 17"

Rim, rear
5.50 x 17"

Tyres, front
120/70 ZR 17

Tyres, rear
180/55 ZR 17

Brake, front
Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers

Brake, rear
Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper

ABS
Optional extra: BMW Motorrad ABS

Dimensions / weights

Length
86.4 inches (2,195 mm)

Width (incl. mirrors)
33.9 inches (860 mm)

Height (excl. mirrors)
48.2 inches (1,225 mm)

Seat height, unladen weight
33.1 inches (840 mm),
low seat 32.1 inches (815 mm),
low suspension/seat 29.9 inches (760 mm)

Inner leg curve, unladen weight

Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled ¹⁾
461 lbs (209 kg)

Dry weight ²⁾
412 lbs (187 kg)

Permitted total weight
893 lbs (405 kg)

Payload (with standard equipment)
432 lbs (196 kg)

Usable tank volume
4.2 gallons (16.0 liters)

Reserve
Approx. 1 gallon (4.0 liters)

Aprilia SR Motard scooter

2011-12-07T18:40:00.001-08:00

For younger riders, the Aprilia SR Motard scooter adds enjoyment and a sporty style to the daily commute, with a sparkling 2-stroke 50cc and a robust 4-stroke 125cc. The Aprilia SR Motard has the aggressive, essential and compact personality of a supermoto, the bike that stands for fun in its purest form. Thrust, acceleration, pick-up, agility in traffic and braking are the “weapons” of the Aprilia SR Motard, a scooter enabling younger riders to lead the way every day on the city streets.

Enfield Classic Desert Storm

2011-12-04T18:40:00.001-08:00

The Classic Desert Storm comes to you with a “sand” paint scheme reminiscent of the war era, a time when Royal Enfield motorcycles proved their capabilities and battle worthiness by impeccable service to soldiers in harsh conditions of the desert. Donning a younger today resplendent with styling cues one would expect only from a genuine Royal Enfield: single cylinder air-cooled pushrod engine, 1950s style nacelle and toolboxes, traditional paint scheme and buffed engine components, this motorcycle is all set to bring you the pleasures of modern motorcycling while reflecting the aura of eternal classic styling.

The New Aprilia SRV 850

2011-11-26T04:08:00.001-08:00

The Aprilia SRV 850 extends the confines of the scooter world: its power, balance, sport spirit and design draw on the technical and aesthetic standards of Aprilia, Italy and Europe’s most successful racing motorcycle manufacturer, with a collection of 2 Superbike world championship titles, 9 off-road world championships and an astounding 38 titles in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The Aprilia SRV 850 is equipped with the first and only 850cc 90° V twin-cylinder scooter engine, capable of a maximum power of 76 hp and maximum torque of 76.5 Nm, numbers that put the new SRV 850 at the top of its class. Its style is a clear reference to the Aprilia superbike world. In the look of the new SRV 850, devotees will immediately recognise the stylistic standards that have helped make Aprilia a benchmark in world competitive motorcycling.

All New Hero Impulse

2011-11-26T03:46:00.001-08:00

High torque ATFT engine and high ground clearance for rough terrain riding
Raised fender and large diameter front wheel with “stud pattern’ type tyres
Sturdier front suspension with long stroke and large front disc brake for cross country riding
Nitrox gas-filled mono shock rear suspension
Straight pull spokes at the rear for touch terrains
Low maintenance seal endless drive

Engine

Type
Air cooled, 4- stroke single cylinder OHC , Self start

Displacement
149.2cc

Max. Power
9.7 kW (13.2 Ps) @ 7500 rpm

Max. Torque
13.4 N-m @ 5000 rpm

Ingnition
D.C - CDI Ignition System

Transmission & Chassis

Gear box
5 Speed constant mesh

Suspension

Front
Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers

Rear
Swing Arm with Mono Suspension with Nitrox

Brakes

Front Brake
Dia 240 mm Disc

Rear Brake Drum
Internal expanding shoe type (110 mm)

Wheels & Tyres

Tyre Size Front
90 / 90 x 19 - 52 P

Tyre Size Rear
110 / 90 x 17 - 60 P

Electricals

Battery
12 V - 4 Ah, MF Battery

Head Light
12 V - 35 W / 35 W - Halogen Bulb (Multi -Reflector Type)

Tail Stop Lamp
12V - 0.5 W / 4.1 W LED Lamp

Turn Signal Lamp
12 V - 10 W (Amber Bulb) x 4 nos (Multi-Reflector-Clear Lens)

Dimensions

Wheelbase
1360mm

Ground Clearance
245 mm

Fuel Tank Capacity
11.1 Litre (Min) - 2.6 Litre (Usable Reserve)

Colours

The New Hyosung GT650R

2011-10-20T02:48:00.001-07:00

There is no better way to describe the hooligan that resides inside the Hyosung GT650. Real, radical, and ravishing, the newest bloke from Garware Motors has a lot more to it than its faired sibling, the GT650R

In the Indian motorcycling space, it is critical that performance and practicality blend in like a leaf-tailed gecko on a tree – either one fails to sync with the other and the result is directly visible in dropping sales numbers and wavering product value in the market. Be it the race for fuel efficient 100cc machines or the premium pocket-rocket 1000cc machines – the unspoken law remains unchanged. The mantra then is to give the best of both worlds. So when it comes to superbiking, not only in India but anywhere in the world, the domain for presenting a mix of real world use and excitement hugely lies in the hands of naked bikes, some hot enough to be termed street-fighters, which offer oodles of functionality for everyday use with just as much power to make every Monday seem like a Saturday night!

Sadly, Indian bikers have been left wanting for naked superbikes with respectable power and an affordable price tag for a long time. But things are about to change and bringing in this change is Garware Motors’ newest offering, the Hyosung GT650 – a naked iteration of its middleweight supersports offering the GT650R.

While the fully faired race-spec Hyosung GT650R is a fantastic product for the hardcore race-replica patrons, the GT650 trumps its race-spec sibling by miles on practicality and, wait for it, on excitement too! Swing a leg over this Korean-made vee-twin motorcycle and the first thing one notices is the ultra friendly riding posture that allows one to not only be confident and feel in-control but also extremely comfortable for spending long hours on the saddle. Even if the 1000cc race-replica machines might make one feel all jazzed up like a MotoGP racer, on our roads and conditions they simply end up being overtly stressful and demanding with their race-crouched riding stance and mega power delivery which quickly turns pleasure into pain whereas their non-faired cousins offer almost identical performance in a more manageable package with the comfortable riding stance and friendlier power delivery that if exploited correctly, can change untrained hands into artists of speed in a lot safer and forgiving manner.

And that is precisely what the new Hyosung GT650 does with aplomb and conviction with its welcoming stance and comforting feel from the raised handlebars and the forward shifted rider footpegs. Even though the tall-ish 830mm saddle height is identical to its racy GT650R sibling, softer rear suspension set-up on GT650 results into a lower riding stance with the rider onboard thus leading to an unperturbed riding experience. In simpler terms, the Hyosung GT650 is a one-size-fits-all package with age no bar, despite the fact that the motor has a quite wilder and gut-wrenching power delivery in line with the bike’s streetfighter temperament. As distant as the two things seem, they gel perfectly well in the GT650’s gorgeous looking trellis frame which adds so much to the bike’s overall visual appeal. A few might find the bulk of the motorcycle fairly intimidating but it’s only till one takes it out for a spin. Rolling down the streets, the kind of attention the GT650 draws is truly humbling, destroying the usual credence that only the faired motorcycles draw eyeballs. The hulk-like presence of the GT650 barely escapes any eyes on the road not to forget the rumble of the powerful liquid-cooled DOHC 90-degree 647cc vee-twin motor humming in the background leaving no stone unturned to grab complete attention.

The fantastic new front cowl on the 2012 model houses an MV Agusta Brutale inspired headlight that adds a lot of chutzpah to the naked GT650 highlighting the attention to detail on the GT650. The idea to keep the front wheel mudguard black only exercises the manufacturer’s line of thought for a good looking motorcycle and it certainly excels at its job as it underplays its presence diverting the attention onto the smart new headlight cowl. The clever play of colour does more than just bring attention to detail but also plays its part in hiding the bike’s lack of fairing but proudly showing off the massive black V-twin motor and the chunky frame along with the stylishly large exhaust unit. There is certainly not a shadow of a doubt in our minds about the GT650’s gorgeous design and head-turning abilities.

If there were any doubts, they were about the performance credentials of the machine and how much muscle the GT650 packed in its naked form. Just like when a shirtless Salman Khan is more dangerous than when he has all his clothes on! The boffins at Hyosung confirmed that the GT650 employs the same mill from the GT650R without any changes whatsoever. Firing up our own heartbeat appreciably is the prospect of a whopping 72PS of power on tap let loose at 9,000rpm and 60.9Nm of torque peaking at 7,500rpm, certainly very impressive numbers for a sporty middleweight vee-twin motorcycle. And impressive it was, but a bit too much as the docile feel of the GT650’s power delivery at lower revs quickly turned into brutal aggression when the rev needle swung up the 5000rpm mark blurring everything in sight while I gathered the last vestiges of bravery and tried to hang as best as I could on to the bars with the speedometer dial mischievously flaunting 207km/h!

The high from the acceleration was wild and convincingly mad enough like one would expect from a powerful 650cc naked motorcycle with the GT650 posting a sub 6-second 0-100km/h time! But as the rush settled down and I parked the GT650, my arms were quick to whimper thanks to the vibrations that they had to deal with while I was on my adrenaline powered flight. With the identical engine powering both the motorcycles, similar to the GT650R, the GT650’s ride experience too gets notably impinged by the vibrations from the vee-twin engine reaching the handlebars especially as the revs climb upward of 5,500rpm. But thanks to the comfier upright riding stance of the GT650, the vibes feel a lot less irritating compared to the GT650R. Trust me, it makes all the difference when it comes to feeling in control of the motorcycle since how comfortable one finds himself on a motorcycle largely determines how much in control he is. Which is what was strikingly evident in the case of the GT650 too as despite the unnerving vibes, the bike did not feel threatening or detrimental to the ride experience.

But the ergonomics share credit for the GT650’s composure with the superbly competent trellis frame that provides incredible amount of feel and feedback thanks to a fine mix of flex and rigidity. And joining the frame’s efforts is an equally skilled set of suspension bits consisting of 41mm upside down telescopic forks adjustable for rebound damping and compression on the front while the damping duties on the rear are handled by a 5-way adjustable for preload monoshock. The set-up works exceedingly well on our roads no matter where you take the GT650. This bike can take everything in its stride all the while rewarding the rider with a thrilling experience as long as he respects it and is keen to scrub off speed when he realises the engine is hitting its high notes. The lighter front end extends even more support to the overall handling with the GT650 turning in smoothly into corners demanding minimal efforts from the rider. Never did I feel the 208kg of bulk of the GT650 come in my way as I caned the GT650 on the hills surrounding Pune. I doubt I can say the same thing about the GT650R, which though equally adept at handling, certainly demanded a lot more from me with its sharp reactions to my inputs, while the GT650 let me enjoy my time astride it demanding slightly less and giving me time to also take it easy as the scenery went by.

Isn’t that exactly what a motorcycle is supposed to do? At least on the streets? Let you enjoy the saddle time to its fullest without scaring you silly unless you are one of those who are looking for it? That is what makes naked motorcycles like the Hyosung GT650 so much more fun and enjoyable to a larger audience than their race-crazy counterparts which possess zero practicality for real world use and require a race track to truly shine on. And the realism doesn’t end here. Thanks to Garware Motors, the price of the Hyosung GT650 too is going to be as real as it gets unlike the CBU-routed imports which cost millions here in India. Coming in as a CKD and getting assembled at Garware Motors’ assembly plant in Wai near Pune, the GT650 is expected to be priced at least Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 cheaper than the GT650R, placing it within the reach of many more bikers in the country.

Editor’s Assessment:

I happened to spend some quality time on the saddle of the GT650 only because I had to handle the bike for our TV shoot. What was pleasant about it was the excellent riding position, the raised handlebars and the forward shifted footpegs making for an ideal riding position which was way too curled up and also not so very upright. If that’s not there, there is a certain lightness to the steering making you give great inputs and being rewarded with lightning fast turn-ins. Mind you, this can also have you spitting on the tarmac if you go way too quick but by and large this generally tingling appeal of getting it just right on a knife edge gives you an adrenaline rush like none other and while also having you whistling in delight under your helmet visor.

I am not hesitant to state that I was uncomfortable on the GT650R with its clip-ons making me go low down and the wide girth of the fuel tank at odds with my arms and also my own considerable bulk. No problems of this kind at all on the GT650, which I think is what biking should be all about for the majority. The bike is stunning to behold, the fair ladies at BMC College and Fergusson College making Varad and his colleagues feel as if they were on top of the world when it is only the bike they are raving about! Fair play this but then this is what motorcyclists live for and the GT650 helps you at a price point not many can match.

Enfield Bullet Electra EFI

2011-10-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

The Bullet Electra is a classic motorcycle, simplistic in design with a new, robust and reliable unit construction engine. Comfort takes a front seat with gas filled shock absorbers and a sub frame.

This new version of the Enfield Electra may look the same, and to be fair in alot of ways that count it is, but in fact it features an all new unit construction engine with fuel-injection, dragging it kicking and screaming into this century to meet Euro 3 emission laws. This is a motorcycle with alot of charisma- a throwback from a bygone era. It's endearingly different to modern bikes, which can be a positive thing if you're looking for something different. Warm to it's character and you'll have a massive grin on your face as you thud gently around the back lanes. But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

Specifications

Top speed
82mph

1/4-mile acceleration
secs

Power
27.5bhp

Torque
30.5ftlb

Weight
160kg

Seat height
820mm

Fuel capacity
15.75 litres

Average fuel consumption
87mpg

Tank range
miles

Insurance group
6

Engine size
500cc

Engine specification
499cc four-stroke, single cylinder ovh. 84mm bore x 90mm stroke. Fuel injected, five-speed gearbox, chain drive, electric start.

Frame
Tubular steel. Telescopic front forks. Twin rear shocks.

Front suspension adjustment
none

Rear suspension adjustment
none

Front brakes
Single 280mm disc.

Rear brake
6inch rear drum

Front tyre size
3.25" x 19"

Rear tyre size
3.5" x 19"

Bikers Delight

Enfield Thunderbird 500 has arrived

TANK

HEADLIGHT

SPEEDOMETER

BACK REST

REAR BRAKE

BRAKE LIGHT

ENGNE

Technical Specification

ENGINE

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

BRAKES AND TYRES

ELECTRICAL

DIMENSIONS

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The New Yamaha Ray

Features

Comfortable Seat with Grab Bar

Stylish Tail Light

Longer Rear Fender

Spacious Under-Seat Storage

Powerful and fuel efficient 113cc engine

Compact Leg Shield

Telescopic Suspension

Bright and Dynamic Headlight

Sparkling Crystal Lens Panel

Yamaha FZ16

Street Macho

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Fact File

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Introducing the all-new Discover 125 ST

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TVS Apache RTR180 ABS

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Honda Dream Yuga 110cc

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Pick up

Colors of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Looks

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Dimensions

How comfortable is Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Tyres

Engine of Honda Dream Yuga 110

On Road Control and handling of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Riding Experience - Suspension of Honda Dream Yuga 110

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Pros

Honda Dream Yuga 110 Cons

The New Suzuki Hayate 112cc

Presenting the New Pulsar 200NS

Presenting the Pulsar 200NS:

Let the mania begin again!

Handling

Performance

Styling

Triple Spark Technology

4-Valve

Liquid Cooling

6 Speed Gear Box

The New Suzuki Swish 125

Tvs Max 4R with 2x2 Rear Shocks

Honda CBR 150R

Suzuki Intruder M1800R

BMW F 800 ST

Aprilia SR Motard scooter

Enfield Classic Desert Storm

The New Aprilia SRV 850

All New Hero Impulse

The New Hyosung GT650R

Enfield Bullet Electra EFI

Specifications