Indian Sports Bike

KTM 390 Duke launch confirmed for June 25

2013-06-17T13:08:00.004+05:30

After months of speculation and rumours, KTM has finally revealed the launch date of 2013's most awaited performance bike on their official Facebook page

Two-wheeler enthusiasts, who've been craving for a proper performance motorcycle that doesn’t cost a bomb, the time has come to get your cheque books ready and mark the calendar. We were the first to break news about the KTM 390's arrival way back in October 2012. In April this year, we had again reported that the 390 Duke will hit showrooms in June (Related: KTM to launch 390 Duke in June) and weren't we right on the money?! KTM has now posted a teaser on its Facebook page with the date June 25th highlighted implying the bike's launch date.

It is no secret that the 390 Duke is the most anticipated performance bike for 2013 and it isn’t difficult to understand the euphoria surrounding it (Also Read: KTM 390 Duke: First Ride). The KTM 200 Duke was a revelation in terms of its performance and the fun factor and with the 390 Duke, KTM, it seems, wants to take the performance segment a notch above. The 390 will be powered by a newly developed 375cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill capable of pumping close to 45PS of power and 35Nm of torque. These are numbers which an average two-wheeler enthusiast in our country has never experienced in a budget which makes the 390 Duke all the more desirable.

The only question that hangs over the 390 Duke is the pricing, which we had speculated to be around Rs 2 lakh. If Bajaj are able to price it similarly then they have a winner in their hands since its core rival, the Honda CBR 250 ABS, is significantly under powered besides carrying a Rs 1.76 lakh price tag. The 390’s other closest competitor in terms of performance is the recently launched Kawasaki Ninja 300 but it sports a steep price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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Yamaha Launches 2014 FZ-09 847CC Three-Cylinder

2013-06-13T00:55:00.004+05:30

On display at Intermot last October was a prototype 3-cylinder Yamaha engine. Today, a mere eight months later, we’re revealing the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 – an $8000 naked sporty bike with impressive specs and an alluring price. Also new from Yamaha is the 2014 YZ450F and YZ250F.

Joining the ranks of other Triple manufacturers, namely Triumph and MV Agusta, the FZ-09 looks to trump its competition by virtue of more displacement and a lower MSRP.

The new FZ-09 replaces the FZ8 but the FZ1 remains in Yamaha’s 2014 model lineup.

TRIPLE PLAY: Intermot 2012: Yamaha Unveils Crossplane Triple Concept

How the FZ-09 Stacks Up
	Displacement	MSRP
Yamaha FZ-09	847cc	$7990
Triumph Street Triple	675cc	$9399
MV Agusta Brutale 800	798cc	$13,998

Yamaha refers to its new engine as a “crossplane crankshaft,” but in fact all three-cylinder motorcycle engines use the same 120-degree crankshaft spacings – the same as its British and Italian counterparts. Yamaha is borrowing the terminology from its R1 superbike – with a unique inline-Four crossplane crankshaft engine design – to imply that the new Triple delivers the same brand of linear torque output. Yamaha is claiming 65 ft-lb of torque, four more than its outgoing FZ8. And, like all Triples, Yamaha’s utilizes a balance shaft to offset the resulting vibration inherent in this design.

The FZ-09’s claimed curb weight of 414 pounds is 53 less than the FZ8. The FZ-09 also retails for $900 less than the FZ8 model it’s replacing.

Unique to the new Yamaha Triple is the use of different-length intake funnels (122.8mm, 102.8mm, 82.8mm) that Yamaha says improves throttle response as well as low- and mid-range engine power. Crossover tubes between 1 & 2 and 2 & 3 header pipes also broaden its torque curve. A large exhaust collector under the engine enables a nicely stubby canister outlet. Yamaha reps claim the FZ-09 emits a pleasing sound when both inhaling and exhaling.

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New switchgear featuring a single-purpose Mode button should make selecting the throttle performance you desire an easy operation.

In the electronics department the new FZ offers both Yamaha Chip Controlled (YCC-T) Ride-by-Wire throttle control and three rider modes (A, B and Standard). Standard mode is set to accommodate a wide range of riding conditions while A mode employs sharper throttle response in the low-to mid-rpm range, and B mode exhibits a milder throttle response.
The frame and swingarm are aluminum and boast a newfound narrowness by virtue of the swingarm being mounted outboard of its lower frame rails. New 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels are 0.85 pounds lighter than the FZ8’s wheels, while the distance between contact patches is 56.7 inches (0.8 inch less than the FZ8’s wheelbase).
The new FZ also features a more relaxed rider triangle compared to the FZ8’s by way of handlebars that are 53mm taller and 40mm further back. Footpegs an inch (26mm) lower supply added legroom. The inverted fork and non-linkage rear shock are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons is on the small side.
We’re chomping at the bit to take this new Triple for a spin, which should happen in about 90 days. We’re assuming this to be the first of more models from Yamaha utilizing the three-cylinder design.

The LCD instrument cluster is offset right-of-center for no purpose other than styling. The readout area is tidy but small and includes a fuel gauge and gear-position indicator.

Having previously produced three-cylinder models in the late ’70s in the form of the XS750 and XS850, this isn’t Yamaha’s first foray into the world of Triples. But, if successful this time around, how long until Honda, et. al. bring their own versions of the easy-to-package and relatively cheap-to-build Triples to market? Like the former under-seat exhaust trend, will Triples be the new Black?
Naked sporty bikes from Japan have consistently sold poorly in North America, but Yamaha is taking another swipe at it with the FZ-09. The company’s internal research shows that American riders are using their motorcycles for commuting purposes to a greater extent, and a comfortable riding position is now at the top of the list of purchase reasons for a bike in this class, which bodes well for a comfortable yet sporty machine like the FZ-09.

The 2014 FZ-09 comes in two colors: Rapid Red or Liquid Graphite. Expect them in dealers sometime this fall.

2014 Yamaha FZ-09 Specs
MSRP	$7990
Engine Capacity	847cc
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 12 valves
Bore x Stroke	78.0 x 59.1mm
Compression	11.5:1
Fuel System	Fuel injection
Transmission	6-speed
Clutch	Multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive	O-ring chain
Frame	Aluminum frame with externally mounted swingarm
Front Suspension	41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 5.4-in travel
Rear Suspension	Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping; 5.1-in travel
Front Brakes	Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Rear Brakes	Single hydraulic disc, 245mm
Front Tire	120/70-ZR17
Rear Tire	18055-ZR17
Seat Height	32.1 in
Wheelbase	56.7 in
Curb Weight	414 lb
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gal
Electronics	Ride-by-Wire, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle, D-Modes
Colors	Rapid Red, Liquid Graphite

Kawasaki Ninja 300 launched at a price of Rs 3.5 lakh

2013-04-22T13:58:00.001+05:30

Though the new bike commands a premium of Rs 50,000 over its predecessor, the 250R, Kawasaki has loaded the Ninja 300 with lots of goodies

Although it was no secret what the Ninja 300 looked like, we had been waiting in anticipation to find out how much power it produced and all the relevant technical specifications of the new bike. Bajaj Auto has finally put to rest all the speculation and rumour regarding the bike’s final pricing and other details by launching the Ninja 300 at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new bike has been priced Rs. 50,000 more than its predecessor and though the hike appears to be significant, it gains a mere 50cc over its older sibling. But don’t forget the new Ninja has been revised from the ground-up completely with power hiked by 6PS and features like slipper clutch which is unheard of in this segment.

2013-03-01T15:12:00.000+05:30

Kawasaki has launched a downsized version of its Z1000 and Z800-inspired Z250 in Indonesia. Being part of the Z series, this 250 gets similar styling to its larger displacement stable mates. The Z250 is a naked sports bike with minimal body panels. It uses the same digital speedometer and analogue tachometer as seen on the 2013 Ninja 250R, only this time using a white dial for the tachometer. The engine and five-spoke alloy wheels have been given an all-black look just like the Ninja 250R.

The Z250 will house the same engine as the 2013 Ninja 250R, a four-stroke, 249cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. Changes in power and torque, if any, are yet to be revealed.

The Z250 will also deploy the same frame, telescopic fork front suspension and rear monoshock absorber as seen on the Ninja 250R. The Z250 being a naked sports bike, ergonomics have been altered giving the bike a more upright riding position, with wider and 35 degree higher handlebars. Kawasaki have also gone ahead with a 29 degree change in rake for better handling prowess while riding around town and also claim to be 4kg lighter than the Ninja 250R.

There is no clear indication as to when the Z250 will come to Indian shores, but is sure to create waves with Indian bikers with its sharp styling and smooth engine. With the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and Honda CBR250R already here and bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar 375 and KTM 390 Duke coming up this year, the Z250 makes perfect sense for a market like India.

Bike Maintenance Tips

2013-02-28T14:11:00.000+05:30

Regularly check tyre condition and air pressure. Optimum air pressure in the tyres of the bike is important for maximum road grip, stability, riding comfort and longevity of the tyres.
While under-inflated tyres wear unevenly, adversely affect handling, and more likely to fail from being overheated, over inflated tyres make the motorcycle ride more harshly, and more prone to damage from surface hazards, and wear unevenly.
Check your tyres for cuts and scrapes on your tires, which could cause a blowout. Also check the tyre treads once a week and have the wheels balanced and the alignment checked if the wear is uneven.
Engine oil plays an important role in ensuring smooth operation and maintenance of the bike and maintaining a correct engine oil level is important. Check engine oil level each day before operating the two–wheeler. Oil level should be between upper and lower marks. Top up engine oil if required. Check for oil leakage.
Clean the two-wheeler body surface regularly to maintain the surface finish. Before cleaning the motorcycle, ensure that the ignition switch unit, H.T. Coil and silencer are covered using plastic sheets.
Clean the motorcycle using low-pressure water. All painted surfaces should be washed only with water, as kerosene or detergent will damage the paint.
The motorcycle battery needs periodical maintenance to ensure a long and trouble free life. Check the electrolyte level against the top and bottom markings on the battery shell. Always top up with distilled water whenever required.
Check for any leakage from battery. It should be clean and free from any leakages. In case of non-use of motorcycle, battery should be kept fully charged and electrolyte level should be at Top mark.
Clean spark plug regularly. Every 750 km for two-stroke bike and every 1,500 km for four-stroke bike. Clean spark points (electrodes) with emery paper.
Keep carburettor clean. Every 1500 km, clean out the carburettor float chamber and other parts. Clean jets by forcing compressed air through them.
Keep both brakes properly spaced. Keeping them too tight (too urgent), or too loose (too late) is dangerous. Brakes should be tightened as per the rider’s personal style and requirement.
Check cables regularly for kinks, bends and frayed ends. Especially check ends. If one or more strands appear broken, replace immediately.
Always ensure that the tax is paid and Insurance cover (Insurance policy) is within validity period. Keep Tax Receipt and Insurance policy at home and keep xerox copy in bike.

KTM showcases 350 SX-F in Mumbai

2013-02-27T17:52:00.004+05:30

KTM showcased a competition spec 350 SX-F at the recent Orange Day event in Mumbai, giving rise to fevered speculations over the Web and social media about whether the Austrian off-road enthusiasts are planning to launch the motorcycle in India soon.

The truth is that the 3350SX-F is a competition-only machine and isn’t, unfortunately, homologated for street use. The only reason KTM displayed this bike at the event was to showcase their primary strength, which is offroading.

Nevertheless, the 350 SX-F is one of KTM’s most-capable off-roaders, sporting a peak power output of more than 45 PS from its liquid-cooled, fuel injected 350cc mill, for glitch-free offroading maneuvers. Its lightweight frame is crafted from chrome-molybdenum steel while the one-piece outer clutch hub with primary gear is machined from a single piece of high-strength steel. USD 48 mm open-cartridge forks from WP with fully adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping handles the suspension duties upfront while the slim and flat enduro-style seat offers extreme maneuverability on all types of terrain. Not that that would be much of a bother, with a super-high ground clearance (unloaded) of 345mm, seat height of 970mm and weighing in at a mere 108.5 kgs (without fuel).

So, there we are, the 350 SX-F isn’t coming to Probiking stores anytime soon, but if you have the dough and your very own dirt track, you can always talk to the nice guys at KTM Racing. Who knows, they just might acquiesce to sell you one.