Original Source: Yamaha All Set To Open Its New Motorcycle Production Facility in Tamilnadu from BikeAdvice.in

Tamilnadu has been the paradise for all car manufacturers but not many two wheeler manufacturers were having presence there. Though, TVS and Royal Enfield have their plants, there wasn’t any other two wheeler company that was planning its production unit in the state. Now, the latest company to open its new two wheeler production facility in the outskirts of Chennai is Yamaha.

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company, Japan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government of Tamil Nadu today approving the construction and operation of a new two-wheeler factory in the state.

The new facility will join the currently operating factories of India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM) at Surajpur (in Uttar Pradesh) and Faridabad (in Haryana) to meet the rising demand for two – wheelers in India. The new factory is to be constructed on a 440,000 square meter area in an industrial park in Vallam Vadagal on the outskirts of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Construction of a factory facility with a total floor space of approx. 114,000 sq. meter is scheduled to begin in September 2012, with completion and start of operations scheduled for January 2014. According to plans, the new factory will employ 1,800 people and have an annual two-wheeler production rate of 400,000 units at the start of operations. Production capacity will then be increased in stages to a level of 1.8 million units annually by 2018, at which time employment is expected to reach 6,500 people.

The forecast for the total investment in the new factory and facilities is approx. Rupees 1,500 Crores over the period of next five years.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor said, “We are very pleased with this development as this is in line with YMC’s medium-term management plans of enhancing local production levels to meet the demand growth in emerging markets such as India and their export markets. The Indian two-wheeler industry has witnessed much growth in the last few years, attributable to increased disposable income levels among a rapidly expanding middle class. We expect the industry to attain 20 million units level by 2016 when we are targeting to sell 2 million units and achieve 10% market share.”

“We would also like to thank all the concerned Tamil Nadu government departments, especially Guidance Bureau which had extended its complete support to this project by facilitating as a true single window body”, he added.

The new factory will employ a “theoretical-value-based production” concept that operates on a system of completely synchronized manufacturing of parts and assembly of complete two-wheelers. Furthermore, the new Chennai Factory will be the first in the Yamaha Motor group to have a “vendor park” in its nearby vicinity that will bring together the production operations of main external parts suppliers, thus enabling complete synchronization of external supplier parts production as well. This system will reduce losses in the areas of production management and distribution to extremely low levels in the overall engineering, manufacturing and marketing process, and make the new production base a highly efficient and profitable plant.

The Indian two-wheeler market has continued to grow year by year thanks to factors such as the country’s stable political and economic conditions. In 2011, two-wheeler demand in India exceeded 13 million units, making it the world’s second largest market. For India Yamaha Motor as well, aggressive introduction of new models in the 150cc+ deluxe & premium motorcycle segments have contributed to a strong growth in domestic sales and exports. Total units sold grew from 380,000 in 2010 to 520,000 in 2011, and 23% year-on-year growth to 640,000 units (Domestic: 450,000, Exports: 190,000) is projected for 2012. Forecasts for the next medium-term management plan beginning in 2013 see annual sales of Yamaha two-wheelers exceeding the one million unit mark.

To keep pace with this current growth in demand, plans have been implemented to boost the existing factory’s annual production capacity of 600,000 units to One Million units on an investment of approx. Rupees 750 crores in 2012. However, another major leap in production capacity will be needed to meet the projected growth in demand. With the completion and start of operations at the new Chennai Factory and the increased production capacity of the existing IYM production bases (Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh/Faridabad, Haryana), India Yamaha Motor will have a combined two-wheeler production capacity of 2.8 million units by 2018.

Here is the overview of the India Yamaha Motor “Chennai Factory” as released by the company.

Location : Vallam – Vadagal Industrial Park, Tamil Nadu, India
Investment Value : Approx. Rupees 1,500 Crores
Site Area : 440,000 m2
Factory Floor Space : 114,000 m2
Start of Operations : January 2014
Business : Manufacture of Two-Wheelers Production
Capability : 400,000 units (at start of operations in Jan. 2014)/ 1.8 Million units (2018 Plan)
Employees : Approx. 1,800 (at start of operations in Jan. 2014) / Approx. 6,500 (2018 Plan)

Cheers,
Naren
Team BikeAdvice.

Original Source: Hero Motocorp is looking for creative partner for its brand Ignitor from BikeAdvice.in

Hero Motocorp is scouting for a creative partner for its upcoming launch of Ignitor. The company has identified four agencies for the same which includes JWT, Draft cb Ulka, Law & Kenneth and Percept/H. The company aims to spend Rs. 30 crore on brand building exercise of its upcoming launch Ignitor, as per the sources close to the deal.

The reason being the company is spending this much amount behind brand building exercise because, Ignitor is nothing but Honda CBF Stunner.  There are some minor changes but one can easily identify it as CBF Stunner at first instance. Hence it is necessary to create a separate identity by the way of branding and influencing the perception of people, to remain in competition.

This is called badge engineering concept in automobile which is very much prevalent in car segment and now it is catching up in motorcycle segment with Hero Motocop using Honda’s product. The first one is Hero Impulse which is copy of Honda NXR 150 Bros. Badge engineering is a concept where a single product is sold under so many brand names by different manufacturers in automobiles. This is sometime necessary to save the cost of developing entire new product. As we know that Hero Motocorp’s R&D is still in nascent stage and it will take time the company to come up with fully in house developed product, badge engineering is the best solution for the company.

Earlier the company has showcased three new products at Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi which includes Passion Xpro, Ignitor and Maestro. Hero Motocorp has already launched Maestro scooter at ex showroom price (Delhi) of Rs. 48,280 in March. It is interesting to see how Hero Motocorp will establish the brand Ignitor. It is also to be seen that at which price Hero Motocrop will launch this product, at premium to Honda, at discount to Honda or at par. Let’s wait and watch.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Hero Motocorp’s Performance During the FY’2012 from BikeAdvice.in

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HMCL) has reported record results for the Financial Year 2012 – the first complete financial year since embarking on its solo journey. Solo as the company decided the break the tie up which existed with its erstwhile Japanese competitor – Honda.

Fueled by its landmark sales of over 62,35,205 units in this fiscal, the company registered a total  turnover (Net Sales & Other Operating income) of Rs 23579 crores, as compared to Rs.19,397 crores reported for the last fiscal. The company reported profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2378.13 crores and an operating margin of 10.69 per cent, in the fiscal. The company’s PAT in the previous year (2010-11) was Rs 1927.90 crores.

Riding on its highest ever quarterly sales of 15,72,027 units of two – wheeler, the company’s total turnover (Net Sales & other Operating Income) in the Q4 of FY’12 grew to Rs. 6035 crores, a growth of 11.95 per cent over Rs. 5391 crores, recorded in the corresponding quarter in last fiscal. EBIDTA margin for the quarter stood at a healthy 15.33 per cent.  The strength of the operations and the resultant strong financial position translates into a dividend payout of Rs. 45 per share.

Regarding this performance, Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, said, “The financial year 2011 – 12 has been a phenomenal and exciting year for us. This was our first full year since we began our solo journey and we have created a record by selling more than six million two – wheelers during this period. It amply reiterates the kind of trust our customers repose in us and our products. We are committed to keep bringing such innovative products for the customers across segments and provide them the best of after-sales service.”

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said “FY’12 was a year when we demonstrated not just our intent and vision for the future, but also our ability to consistently deliver. Even as we successfully made the transition to a new brand identity, and created an anthem for the country’s youth with the “Hum Main Hai Hero” campaign, we went on setting new industry benchmarks. It gives me sense of satisfaction to see that we are successfully playing our small role in the progress of our country. Even as the rest of the world was talking about an economic slowdown, we added over 62 lakh new two-wheelers on the country’s roads in just 12 months.

Foraying into the Exports

As we, at  BikeAdvice has been reporting for a long time, HMC is very seriously considering the idea of foraying into the export market. Here is what Mr. Munjal had to say about this. “We are, however, not going to rest on our laurels. We are raising the bar to bring in technologically-advanced two-wheelers with value-added features. We are actively looking at new markets in Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world to expand our global footprint. Our exports to some of these markets will commence in the first half of this fiscal. And to be able to meet growing demand for our products, we are also adding capacity at our three existing plants. We will also be soon announcing the details of a Parts Centre to cater to our rising volumes. And while all these initiatives take shape, we will also be adding about 400 more touch points this year to our already large distribution network. Undoubtedly, FY’13 is certainly going to be yet another action-packed year for us at Hero.”

During this year, the company also managed to get into few alliances for the development of new vehicles and for the existing line – up as well. Hero MotoCorp forged alliances with the US – based Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and Austria – based AVL to quickly scale-up and supplement its own in-house R&D capabilities and engine technologies. Through the strategic partnership with EBR, Hero MotoCorp also made its debut in the exciting world of international motorcycle racing, by participating at the AMA Pro Racing National Guard Superbikes Championship in the US.

In order to partially off-set the rising input costs, Hero MotoCorp has raised prices on most of its products in the range of Rs 500/- to Rs 1000/-. This new pricing has been in effect from 2^nd of May.

Talking about the new product front, Hero MotoCorp launched two new models in addition to few refreshes during the year. “Impulse” which is the first Hero branded bike introduced an entirely new segment in the Indian two-wheeler market, the “off-road on-road” segment. The company also launched a new 110cc scooter “Maestro”, further strengthening its steadily growing presence in the gearless scooter segment.

During the Auto Expo in Delhi in January early this year, Hero MotoCorp showcased a concept Hybrid scooter – “Leap”. It also unveiled a 110cc Passion X Pro and a thrilling new 125cc bike, Ignitor – to be launched in the domestic market over the next few months.

Taking forward its association with sports, Hero MotoCorp sponsored the men’s and women’s hockey qualifying events for the London Olympics 2012. The event, titled “Hero FIH Road to London” and held in Delhi in February, saw the Indian men’s hockey team qualify for the London Olympics.

Adding to its illustrious list of young achievers as brand ambassadors, Hero MotoCorp brought on board current heartthrob of Hindi cinema Ranbir Kapoor during the year.

Hero MotoCorp received a slew of awards for its performance and products during the year. “Impulse”, the first Hero-branded motorcycle and the country’s first on-road-off-road bike, was adjudged the “Bike of the Year” at the ET Zigwheels Awards and BS Motoring Awards 2012. The trans-roader also won the “Motorcycle of the Year (up to 150 cc)” at the NDTV Car & Bike Awards 2012, at the ET Zigwheels Awards, and also at the Car India & Bike India Awards.

Hero MotoCorp also received accolades for its highly-innovative rebranding initiative. This initiative won the CNBC Awaaz-Storyboard special commendation for “Effective Rebranding of a New Corporate Entity” at the CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards 2011. The company also won the “Most Recommended Two-Wheeler Brand of the Year” award at the same awards.

Let’s wait and watch the way the company would perform in the coming financial year where it has got bunches of new plans to go ahead with.

Regards,
M.Naren.
Team BikeAdvice

Original Source: KTM Duke Submerged in Water, Will it ride through? from BikeAdvice.in

KTM Duke Exhaust Submerged in knee depth water

When we first time saw the KTM Duke underbelly exhaust, everybody doubted about its performance in rainy reason. I was also surprised that would it be able to perform well in India, where you have to ride your motorcycle in knee deep water in a rainy season. However, the below video can show you the power of KTM Duke’s Underbelly Exhaust. Pulsar 200NS also has the same exhaust so we can assume that it will be as powerful as KTM Duke’s Exhaust.

Discuss this KTM Duke test with other Bikers in Bikeadvice discussion community.

Original Source: Honda Motorcyles launches Dream Yuga Priced at Rs. 44,642 Ex-showroom from BikeAdvice.in

New Bike - Honda Dream Yuga Price: INR 44,642

HMSI (Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India ltd.) has launched today its mass market motorcycle Dream Yuga. Dream Yuga has been priced at Rs. 44,642 Ex-showroom Delhi for base version which is bit higher than what market was expecting. Dream Yuga has been positioned slightly below the CB Twister motorcycle which is available at Rs. 45,140 Ex-showroom Delhi.  HMSI aims to sell 3,00,000 units of Dream Yuga in the current financial year.  As reported earlier Honda has also announced Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador for India.

Honda Dream Yuga is powered by 4-stroke, air cooled, 109cc engine which generates maximum power of 9 bhp@8,000 rpm and maximum torque of 9Nm @ 6000 rpm. It comes with 4 speed transmission and self start as an option. The motorcycle offers 72 KMPL in actual riding conditions as per Honda. It has segment first tubeless tyres.  Apart from this, it has maintenance free battery and vicious air filter similar to Honda CB Twister. The motorcycle looks sober and decent.  The motorcycle will come in three variants. The base version of the bike is priced at Rs. 44,642, the mid version is priced at Rs. 46,134 and the top end variant is priced at Rs. 48,125 (All prices Ex-showroom Delhi)

On the launch event HMSI’s President and CEO Keita Muramatsu said “Honda retained the brand Dream as part of a global strategy that was first launched in 1949. This new bike is very economical with better mileage.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, operating head for sales and marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter said “We want to sincerely increase our market share in India. We need mass-market products to do that. Our ambition is to be number one in market share by 2020.”

HMSI aims to sell 27.5 lakh units in the financial year 2012-13 compared to 21.07 lakhs unit in the last financial year. Dream Yuga is going to play an important role in the ramping up production beside Honda Activa. Dream Yuga’s pricing suggest that Honda wants to take premium of its brand name.  The motorcycle has been priced 10% higher than what we were expecting. The lower price might have done wonder for Honda but let’s see how Dream Yuga will perform in Indian two wheeler market.

-Mahavir Kothari

Original Source: Bajaj Launches Discover 125 ST [Sports Tourer] from BikeAdvice.in

Bajaj has refreshed the Discover completely with a new Discover 125 cc Sports Tourer which has been specifically designed for the commuter segment, it is powered by the DTS-Twin Spark technology which has been introduced for the first time in this category of bikes, according to the press release the new 2012 Bajaj Discover 125 ST delivers 13PS  of power which is highest in the 125cc category without compromising on fuel efficiency.

Bajaj 125 ST Features:

• Five speed gear box
• Sporty styling
• Chiseled muscular fuel tank
• Aggressive fairing with sharp edged headlamp
• Allow wheels
• Monoshock suspension for comfort
• Anti Vibration frame for enjoyable rides
• Petal disc brake for enhanced safety

Technical Features of Discover 125 ST

Clear pictures will be available soon.

Update:

Photos of the new Discover ST 2012:

Full Tech Specs for Discover 125 ST

DISCOVER 125 ST

Engine: 4 Valve Twin Spark Air Cooled

Engine Displacement : 124.6cc

Max.Net Power: 13 Ps @ 9000 rpm

Max.net Torque: 1.1 kgm @ 7000 rpm

Ignition System: Digital CDI

Carburetor: CV type

Starting: Self + kick start

Transmission: 5 Speed Constant mesh

Frame : Semi Double cradle

Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork with Anti-friction DU Bush

Rear Suspension: Nitrox  Monoshock with gas canister

Front Brake: Petal Disc 200 mm

Rear Brake: Drum 130 mm

Front wheel / tyre: New design alloy / 2.75 X 17” 41P Tubed

Rear wheel / tyre: New design alloy / 3.00 X 17” 50P Tubed

Fuel Tank: 10 L

Wheelbase: 1305 mm

Seat Height: 800 mm

Turning Circle Radius: 2100 mm

Ground Clearance: 170 mm

Kerb Weight: 124.5 kg

Max Speed: 105 kmph

System: DC Ignition

Battery: 12V 5AH

You can also discuss about Discover 125ST at our community forum thread with other bikers.

Original Source: 2012 Discover 125 ST Technical Specifications from BikeAdvice.in

Here is another picture of the tech specs from the Bajaj’s Discover 2012 Launch Event, the new Discover 125 ST will be featuring 4 valve twin spark air cooled  124.6 cc engine and sports both self and kick start. Max Net power is 13Ps @9000rpm while max torque is 1.1 kgm @7000rpm.

Keep checking back for more updates from the event.

Pictures of Discover 125 ST 2012 edition are coming soon.

Original Source: Bajaj Auto to launch all new motorcycle today from BikeAdvice.in

Bajaj Auto is going to launch all new motorcycle today. Our special correspondent Devinder will be covering this event for us. It is expected that this all new motorcycle will be launched under Discover brand name. We also hope to see Pulsar 200NS official launch and price announcement too on this occasion. So stay tuned to BikeAdvice for live updates.

Bajaj launch event pictures:

Original Source: MotoGP India: World championship of Motorcycle racing comes to India – Begins March 2013 from BikeAdvice.in

Jorge Lorenzo at Buddh Int. Circuit Earlier, Image Credit: Yamaha

India is all set to witness the MotoGP, the premier Motorcycle Racing World Championship beginning March 2013, the news has been confirmed by various sources and it appears that India will play host to the opening round of the MotoGP Racing championship at the Buddh International Circuit, earlier the same circuit created history by organizing the first ever F1 Grand Prix Race in India, now with MotoGP, it will bring the 63 year old sports event to India.

Indian MotoGP 2013

Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the federation which manages MotoGP Events has officially declared that India will play host to the inaugural race of the MotoGP 2013 season at the 5.141km racetrack in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.

Last year Lorenzo became the first MotoGP rider to lap Buddh International Circuit(BIC) in Greater Noida, “It’s been great to visit the Buddh International circuit today,” said Lorenzo, “the track is very modern and wide. I think it is quite prepared and ready to be on the calendar [MotoGP].”

In 2011, Mahindra became the first Indian manufacturer to enter the MotoGP championship with the new Mahindra Racing team.

In another related news Buddh Int. Circuit Managers are also in talks to hold the WSB Series Event (World Superbike Championship) in 2013, exciting times ahead for the Bike Racing Fans in India.

Original Source: Piaggio VESPA India Review by BikeAdvice from BikeAdvice.in

Vespa, an iconic brand in scooter segment, a 66 year old brand in the history of automobile.  It has made its mark in more than 200 Hollywood movies. Vespa was also used by French army in the war of 1956. Is it enough to define Vespa brand? We can write an essay on the history attached with the brand Vespa. Definitely, the Vespa brand and its manufacturer are not new to India

As we know that the first Vespa was launched in India by Bajaj Auto in 1960. The license agreement between Bajaj Auto and Piaggio was ended in 1971. Piaggio reentered in India in 1983 partnering with LML Motors which lasted till 1999. This is the third time Piaggio and Vespa are entering in Indian market. However, this time Piaggio has made solo entry and it is aiming to cater India’s lifestyle oriented people.

Genesis:

With the launch of Hero Honda CD100 in 1984 and Hero Honda Splendor in 1994, the era of motorcycle begun in the India. The change was so strong that top two scooter manufacturer Bajaj Auto and LML were out of business of scooters. While, Bajaj Auto has transformed itself in motorcycle manufacture, LML is doing geared scooter on very limited basis today. Though the era of geared scooter has ended, gearless scooter demand is growing at brisk pack. Last year demand for gearless scooter segment has grown in excess of 30% and it is expected to grow continuously at higher rate due to its utility, increased woman participation in work and household use.

With the increasing share of gearless scooter in total two wheeler sales, there is now need of stylish and life style oriented gearless scooter. Piaggio has sensed the market opportunity and it is the sole reason of entering in India at this point of time. So what has been offered by Piaggio in terms of Vespa brand to this new segment? Let’s have a look.

Engine and Transmission

Vespa is powered by 125cc, 4 stroke, 3 valve, single cylinder, air cooled engine. The engine can generate maximum power of 10 bhp @ 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 10.6Nm @ 6,000 rpm.  The power and torque figure are highest among the scooters available in India. The transmission is handled by CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission).  The engine has equipped with modern technologies such as Variable Spark timing management, MAP (Manifold  Absolute Pressure) sensing.   Apart from this, it has high efficiency media air intake filters for clean air to engine.  The engine has high compression ratio of 10.6 for increased power and torque.  The engine is powerful yet fuel efficient. Vespa’s engine sound is unique and it feels like a geared scooter engine sound. 

Vespa Performance, Fuel Efficiency and Top Speed:

The engine feels punchy while initial acceleration. It’s a quick scooter which takes around 8-9 seconds for 0-60 run and achieves top speed of 100KM/hour.  Vespa has ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 62 KMPL. However, the showroom guy intended a fuel efficiency of 45- 50KMPL in city ride conditions and around 55-60 KMPL fuel efficiency in highway ride conditions. This is something which has impressed me. The scooter is not lacking on the fuel efficiency front despite of excellent performance figures for gearless scooter.

Chassis:

What is so special about the Vespa’s chassis. Vespa has monocoque full steel body construction.  It is something which we saw on old age geared scooter. The entire chassis is a single piece steel body which is unique now a day. It also has been a signature feature on the Vespa since 1946. The monocoque chassis provides great strength and rigidity.

Apart from this the link spring mechanism between the engine and frame provides adequate balance and high speed stability. Vespa has designed this scooter chassis adequately which gives confident sharp turn.  The scooter weighs just 114 Kg and weight distribution is adequate so that you can easily stand it up. It also has auto return stand feature (optional) which automatically return the side stand in case you forgot to do so.

Brakes:

Vespa has got bigger brakes for effective braking. The front has got 150mm drum brake and the rear has got 140mm drum brake.  Vespa has designed the shear point on the brake handle’s end portion in order to keep handles intact in case of fall.  Braking is effective and adequate. However while riding it feels that you need to press the brake lever hard to activate braking. The braking is adequate however it is not that much good like we see on Honda Activa. What missing is a disc brake on front which Vespa has in other countries (possibly stored for future upgrade)

Vespa Suspension:

The front has got single sided trailing arm front suspension which comes with antidive characteristics. The rear has got dual effect hydraulic shock absorber. Suspensions are working fine and offers jerk free riding.

Vespa Tyres:

Vespa comes with nylogrip tyres.. It has 3 spoke, stain finish alloy wheels with the rim size of 90/100-10. The road grip of tyres is firm and makes the scooter stable in the wet conditions.

Electricals and instrument panel:

Vespa comes with 12V, 5Ah low maintenance battery (Now a day’s standard for gearless scooter). The front headlight is powered by 35 watt halogen with multi focal view.  The headlight offers adequate visibility in night. The instrument panel has electric clock along with speedometer, fuel gauge, side indicators and high beam indicators. The switchgears are top notch quality but finishing is average.  The horn sound is good enough to catch your ears.

Style:

Vespa is most stylish scooter available in India. It has got stylish headlamp, tail lamp and LED indicators. Apart from this it’s sleek body design and color scheme catches eye of anyone. The chrome element is visible everywhere starting from the signature Vespa chrome grill to tail light chrome appliqué.  Moreover Vespa also offers unique accessories which can further enhance the style factor of the scooter. Apart from this it has its own brand heritage history which provides enough brand value to this scooter.

Vespa Ride and Handling:

The riding quality of Vespa is entirely different then what you feel on other scooter like Activa and Access 125. It feels like powerful geared scooter. The scooter has width of 690mm (20 mm less than Honda Activa) which is very suitable for Indian conditions. It makes the judgment factor much better especially for girls. It has wheelbase of 1290mm which is mostly highest in scooter and ensures stability while cornering. Handling is good enough. However, I am not that much impressed with the handling quality of Vespa.

Vespa Storage Capacity:

Vespa offers adequate under seat storage capacity of 15 Kg (16.5 liters) which is good enough for a full size helmet and other stuffs.  You can also remove the under seat dickey and do some regular maintenance of engine. The front also offers good amount of storage for small things. You don’t need to pay extra for front glove box as it comes standard. You can open all the storage with just a single key and key lock which is now becoming standard.

Other features in Piaggio Vespa:

The leather seat has enough padding but looks like semi-finished. I feel that a leather seat cover requires for its final finishing touch.  The footrest for pillion has been integrated in middle panel itself (a side ladies footrest comes optional). Paint quality is of top notch quality and it impressed me. There are six color options available in Vespa  Monte Bianco, Nero Volcano, Giallo Lime, Rosso Dragon, Rosso Chianti and Midnight Blue. There are other optional accessories like met, helmet and side guards.

Vespa Scooter Price and availability in India 

Vespa has been priced in a premium scooter segment. In fact Vespa is pioneering premium scooter segment in India. The scooter has been priced Rs. 66,661 in Pune. In Ahmedabad it has ex-showroom price of around 72,000 and on road price cost Rs. 77,000 without accessories. The scooter on rider price with other accessories is around Rs. 80,000 in Ahmedabad. The delivery has already started in Ahmedabad and it commands around 15 days to 30 days waiting now.

Verdict:

Vespa has been purposefully priced in premium segment to discourage fuel efficient and cost effective buyer. It is made for lifestyle oriented youth and people. The good thing about the scooter is its performance, fuel efficiency and style factor. On the other hand the handling qualities and braking department has scope of improvement (What we hope in next upgrade). It has been priced at a very high premium to other gearless scooter available in India, but that is not a concern considering the target buyers.

Overall, a very good gearless scooter from Vespa in premium segment and it will surely have a good number of buyers in the absence of competition.

Vespa 2012 Technical Specifications

ENGINE

• Displacement: 125cc
• Engine: 125cc, 4 Stroke
• Maximum Power: 10.06 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 10.6 Nm @ 6000 rpm
• Cooling Type: Air Cooling

CHASSIS

• Chassis Type: Monocoque steel high rigidity structure

DIMENSIONS

• Length: 1770.00 mm
• Width: 690.00 mm
• Height: 1140.00 mm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight: 114.00 kg
• Fuel Tank: 8.00 ltrs
• Wheelbase: 1290.00 mm
• Headlamp: Multi-focal with 35w halogen
• Battery Type: Low Maintenance
• Battery Voltage: 12V
• Battery Capacity: 5ah
• Horn: Dual
• Wheel Type: Alloys
• Wheel Size: 90/100-10 53J mm
• Colors: Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, Yellow

More Vespa Scooter 2012 Images: Vespa Black