Biker’s Blog -The Blog For Global Indian Bikers....

Honda CB400 Super Four Special Edition

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 18:36:00 +0530

HONDA today revealed a limited-edition version of its ancient-but-still-cool CB400 Super Four, but only for the Japanese market.
Just 500 of the Special Edition bikes will be made in both naked and faired “Bol D'Or” forms, going on sale in Japan next month. Despite the fact the CB400 hasn't seen a major model change since its introduction in 1992, with just occasional tweaks seeing it transform from the original NC31 form to the current NC42, it's looking better than ever.
A red frame helps transform it's style, adding an element of aggression that's missing on the stock machine.
Given the trend towards smaller, but still classy, bikes in Europe – witness the CBR250R and the rampant success of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R – you might have thought it would make sense to sell the CB400 over here, too, but at the moment it's remaining a Japan-only model, with a hefty £5800 list price for the naked version and £6300 for the Bol D'Or.

CB 400

Karizma R 2011 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 8 Feb 2011 18:25:00 +0530

Sleek New muffler Cover With a Classy Chrome Finish
Classic Tail Lights And Clear Blinkers

source-HeroHonda.com

Yamaha sells 350,264 motorcycles in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:51:00 +0530

Yamaha registers growth of 30.7% on annual basis and 69.7% in December 2010

With a slew of new launches in the last three years, Yamaha has come out with bikes, which have been both trendy and performance oriented, and have appealed to the current motorcycle customers as they are stylish and macho and simply run over the competition in the looks and performance department. Even the existing models have been upgraded in terms of fit and finish.

As far as the sales of the company are concerned, the company clocked sales of 350,264 motorcycles in 2010 as compared to 267,895 motorcycles in 2009, a growth of 30.7% over last year. The domestic market recorded sales of 258,987 units in 2010 vs. 218,625 units in 2009, a growth of 18.5% while in export markets, a phenomenal growth of 85% was achieved with the sale of 91,277 motorcycles in 2010 vs. 49,270 units in 2009. In December alone, the company sold 34,839 units this year vs. 20,529 units in December 2009, thereby registering a growth of 69.7%.

The recent launches have been from Yamaha’s range of international models. The other companies have lagged behind in this aspect; most have the same models with (MMC) minor modifications and changes, as far as the highest selling models are concerned. Yamaha has created a niche for itself in the Indian two wheeler market, by launching premium models and let the others slug it out in the mass selling models. Also, the after sales and service have been given utmost importance in the last two years thereby, increasing the confidence of the customer base.
Also, Yamaha’s initiatives such as the Safe riding science workshop, Yamaha Fiesta, Yamaha riding clinic along with the Pan India SZ tour rally have scored well with the customers. The objective was to promote biking culture with safe riding techniques. The Yamaha’s core beliefs of Performance, Innovation and Design have sealed the year for the company.

Yamaha set to end the year on a high note with dual launches

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:30:00 +0530

New Delhi, December 10th, 2010: All set to give the year 2010 a spectacular finish, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. today unveiled two new bikes- 998cc FZ1 and 153cc SZ-R, adding a new credo for the bikers in India with the archetype Yamaha DNA of Performance, Innovation & Design.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor said, “India is one of the key markets for Yamaha and we have been constantly shifting gears to transform the market from utility to pleasure & lifestyle. Yamaha offers innovative designs, sporty looks and premium features across models as part of its strategy to give consumers a new thrill in biking. After the successful launch of our superbikes and 150 cc bikes in the Indian market over the last 3 years, we are adding two new bikes to our portfolio corroborating Yamaha’s continued commitment to provide world-class products to its consumers”.

“While FZ1 is a naked sports bike with fuel-injected power and ‘Pure Torque’ for the ultimate riding experience, SZ-R gives the 150cc commuters segment a sporty edge apart from delivering Power, Comfort and Style. SZ series bikes launched in August 2010 and aggressive pricing of Rs 49,000/- have high demand and are gaining popularity across India. Customers have been demanding inclusion of the disc brake version which is now available in SZ-R. We are confident that our new bike models will once again capture the hearts of our customers and will further consolidate our position in the market”, he added.

FZ1, a power packed sports bike comes with a compact design and 998cc DOHC 20-valve engine tuned for tremendous mid-range punch and massive top-end power. The cast aluminum bodywork and a comfortable handlebar position give the bike great looks while ensuring the comfort of the rider. The closed-deck cylinder block provides great strength while allowing a narrow engine in spite of big 77mm bores. The high silicon-content ceramic-composite cylinder lining reduces friction and maximizes heat dissipation for consistent power delivery. Also, the fuel injection with computer-controlled sub-throttle valves provides precise fuel/air mixture for outstanding power delivery through its broad rpm range while ensuring compliance of all emissions regulations.

Its race-inspired curved radiator with twin ring-style fans keeps everything cool under all conditions. The aggressive chassis geometry with supersport inspired 51 percent front wheel weight bias provides quick and nimble handling. The 320mm front discs aided by mono-block four-piston calipers up front and a single 245mm rear disc serve up strong and consistent stopping power.

Other high-tech prominent features of the bike include analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter, odometer, water temperature and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals. The half-cowl fairing design gives aggressive eye-catching naked profile to the bike. The dual 12V 60/55 watt multi-reflector headlight features a sleek profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility.

Yamaha commitment to technologically advanced machines is accentuated by the bike’s cornering acceleration ability which delivers the maximum amount of drive force in the smoothest manner possible. FZ1 is available in 2 color options - Black and White at an ex-showroom price (Delhi) of Rs. 8,70,000/-.

The 153cc SZ-R is a modern & sporty version of SZ-X which is a powerful, comfortable and stylish commuter. The muscular SZ-R is targeted at commuter customers with their sports-oriented interests and is designed to create the sensation of “High Speed”. The bike comes with front disc brake, tachometer and has tank protector added to the fuel tank to make it appear even larger. Furthermore, the shroud of the standard SZ-X model is replaced by an aerodynamic spoiler that extends out boldly and is given the same silver coloring as the side covers. The bike also has clear lens flasher, colored handle grip end bar, painted muffler end caps along with special graphics. SZ-R is priced at Rs. 55,500/- (Ex-showroom price - Delhi) and will be available in 3 color options – Quality Black, Quality Red and Quality Blue.
With the launch of FZ1 and SZ-R, Yamaha is all set to provide Indian riders a chance to experience true ‘Art of Engineering’, which lies at the heart of Yamaha’s creations. The duo is extremely well engineered, comfortable, stylish and promises to be the best in their respective categories.
info- Yamaha India

First Look:2011 Honda V4 Crossrunner

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Wed, 3 Nov 2010 17:28:00 +0530

WELL HERE it is: the 2011 Honda Crossrunner V4 800.

With a 782cc V4 liquid-cooled engine housed in an aluminium twin-spar frame, the new Honda looks set to take on the new wave of adventure sports machines currently flooding the market.
It's chain-driven, six speed, weighs 240kg and has a seat height of 816mm.
No mention of many hi-tech gizmos in the information we've received but we'll keep you updated as the story develops.
What's the verdict? Looks very 'Honda', doesn't it?

Suzuki GSX-R-1000 Specifications

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 10:15:00 +0530

GSX-R 1000 SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions and Weight Overall length 2,045mm (80.5in)

Overall width 720mm (28.3in)

Overall height 1,130mm (44.5in)

Wheelbase 1,405mm (55.3in)

Ground Clearance 130mm (5.1in)

Seat height 810mm (31.9in)

Curb Mass 205kg (452lbs)

Fuel Tank 17.5 litres (4.6 US gallons)

Engine

Engine Type 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC

Engine Displacement 999 cm3 (cc)
Bore x Stroke 74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Compression ratio 12.8:1
Ignition Type Electronic Ignition (Transistorized)
Transmission 6-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 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless

Rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless

CBR 1000RR The Name Is Enough

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:02:00 +0530

Sired by a MotoGP champion and tempered in the fires of world superbike and endurance competition, all- new CBR1000RR Fireblade vividly brings to life searing performance, omniscient control and a thrilling beauty and simplicity of form that sets hearts and minds racing.
Engine Liquid- cooled 4-Stroke 16-Value DOHC inline 4

Specifications
Displacement 999 cm3
Bore X Stroke 76 X 55.1 mm
Compression Ratio 12.3:1
Max. Power Output 131 kW/12,000 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max.Torque 112 Nm /8,000 min-1 (95/1/EC)
Carburation PGM – DSFI electronic fuel injection
Ignition System Computer – Controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance.
Starter electric
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive # 530 O-ring Sealed chain
Dimension (LxWxH) 2,080 x 685 x 1,130 mm
Wheelbase 1,410 mm
Seat Height 820 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.7 Litres (including 4-litre LCD –indicated reserve)
Suspension Front 43 mm inverted HMAS cartridge- type telescopic fork with step less preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment, 120 mm axle travel.
Suspension Rear unit Pro-link with gas- charged HMAS damper featuring 10- step preload and step less compression and rebound damping adjustment,135 mm axle travel.
Wheel Front Hollow –section triple –spoke cast aluminium
Wheel Rear Hollow –section triple –spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front 120/70 – ZR17M/C (58 W)
Tyres Rear 190/50 – ZR17M/C (73 W)
Brakes Front 320 x 4.5 mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston caliper,*Combined ABS and sintered metal pads
Brakes Rear 220 x 5 mm dual hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper,*Combined ABS and sintered metal pads
Frame Diamond; aluminium composite twin – spar
Caster Angle 23° 18’
Trial 96.3 mm
Kerb weight 199 kg (F: 105 kg; R: 94 kg) * 210 kg (F: 109 kg; R: 101 kg)
CBR 1000 RR

Happy Diwali And Your Gift From Bajaj Is.....

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:13:00 +0530

With the onset of the festive season, Pune-based bikemaker, Bajaj Auto has introduced a special new Metallic Orange colour for its premier performance-oriented Pulsar brand. The new colour will be available on the flagship Pulsar 220F DTSi, the 220 DTSI and the Pulsar 180 DTSi. Knowing the young and energy-filled market of Pulsar lovers, Bajaj Auto has released the new paint scheme in order to appeal to the Indian youth and it will be a strong distinguishing factor bringing in a lot of exclusivity along with class and flair. Until now the Pulsar range was limited to four colour tones that included silver, black, red and blue but now with the addition of the Metallic Orange shade, it has added a lot of fresh feel to the Pulsar range. The Pulsar in Orange Metallic colour also sports a two-tone paint job with black centre panels and black footpeg stays.

Mr. S Sridhar, President Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said: "Pulsar has proven its performance both on the road and on the sales charts as well as. It is by far the leading sports machine in India with a consistent 50% market share beating its Indian and Japanese competitors by a wide margin. To add more zest to the Pulsar, we have introduced a new two tone orange color that is definitely going to make heads turn. The color is specifically for the young Pulsar lovers and shows a good spectrum from a fresh yellowish orange in the sunlight to a deep, reddish orange in the shade adds a fresh new perspective to the bike."

Happy Diwali

KTM And Bajaj In 125cc Sports

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Thu, 7 Oct 2010 17:48:00 +0530

The high-performance range of street bikes to be launched from the Bajaj-KTM collaboration are expected to carry a price tag of more than Rs 100,000 each.

Both companies have been involved in the development of a variety of motorcycles over the past 24 months, starting from 125cc.

The first of these bikes would be launched in the European market by the end of this year, followed by the India launch during the first half of next year.
Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto, said, "Whatever product will be out in the market will be at a very significant premium as against brands like the Pulsar. Else, what is the use of bringing such a product?"

The Rs 100,000 or more cost for the Bajaj-KTM range of 125cc bikes would be more than twice the average price of a 125cc bike sold presently in India. These are priced at Rs 43,000-Rs 46,000.

KTM And Bajaj In 125cc SBK

Honda’s 250cc bike by Diwali

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Thu, 7 Oct 2010 12:44:00 +0530

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plans to debut in the 250cc space in the next six months. Sources said the bike will hit the market before Diwali and will be priced at around Rs 1.5 lakh.

“R&D work on the bike is complete and trial production will begin in the next three months. HMSI is banking heavily on this bike as it will its first offering in in this segment, which is heating up,” said the source. TVS is also planning to launch a product in this segment, its first too.
However, before the 250cc bike hits the market, HMSI will introduce upgrades of its 125cc Shine and also launch the upgraded Unicorn (150cc) — the third upgrade since its launch 5 years back.
Another bike that could get volumes and marketshare for HMSI is the 110cc CB Twister, which is its first launch in the highly competitive mass segment. The space is so far dominated by Hero Honda’s offerings and Bajaj’s Discover.
“With Twister we are attempting to revive the mass-market segment and hope to sell around 2.2 lakh units by FY11. The product will also help us increase our market share from 13% to around 15% by the next financial year,” said Naresh Rattan, VP (marketing and sales), HMSI.
Since the pricing of Twister (Rs 44,870- Rs 51,150 ex showroom Mumbai) is premium in the 110cc market, the company is confident of selling good numbers. However, a HMSI dealer, who did not wish to be named, said, “the price of Twister is very close to that of Shine and it might eat into the latter’s market.”
Unconcerned about any cannibalisation, the HMSI official said a price gap will be created as upgrades of Shine and Stunner are launched. Shine currently sells around 25,000 units a month, while the Stunner sells 10,000 units.
Meanwhile, HMSI’s 15-lakh-unit Manesar plant is running at near-full capacity. Rattan said the possibility of setting up a new plant is being considered and a decision will be taken this year.
Despite labour issues in the Manesar belt, HMSI expects to close the year with sales of 1.25 million two-wheelers. It aims to sell 1.5 million units in the next fiscal.
Rattan said HMSI is optimistic of increasing exports as well. “We will close the year with 83,000 units —next year it will be over a lakh units”.

Dna India

Honda VTR 250

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Sun, 3 Oct 2010 18:37:00 +0530

Say Hi to the 2011 Honda VTR250 - a naked, learner friendly machine ideal for restricted licence holders.
The 250cc four-stroke V-twin's destined, at the moment.The Honda Machine With liquid-cooled just 161kg and has a seat height of 775mm, which should make it ideal for newcomers wanting a light bike that's not too tall.
And that's good news, because at 29.9bhp the Honda conveniently falls into the sub-33bhp category, making it legal for restricted licence holders.
We first looked at the little VTR in 2009. Honda didn't import it then and they don't look as though they're going to bother in 2011.
We're waiting for Honda (India) to get back to us over whether they have plans to bring the bike into the country.

2011 Honda VTR250 specs:

Type V-twin 90° liquid-cooled 4-stroke
Layout DOHC
Displacement 250cc
Power 29.9 hp at 10,500 rpm
Torque 22 Nm at 8,500 rpm
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Tubular steel chassis
41mm telescopic fork
Rear Monoshock with adjustable preload/damping
Front tyre 110/70-17
Rear 140/70-17
Seat height 775 mm
Wheelbase 1405 mm
Front two-piston caliper 220mm Disc
Fuel capacity 12.4 litres
Dry weight 161 kg
Colours white, red, black

Fuel Injection OverView

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Sun, 3 Oct 2010 01:02:00 +0530

Fuel injection is a system for mixing fuel with air in an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s.
A fuel injection system is designed and calibrated specifically for the type(s) of fuel it will handle. Most fuel injection systems are for gasoline or diesel applications. A variety of injection systems have existed since the earliest usage of the internal combustion engine.
The primary difference between carburetors and fuel injection is that fuel injection atomizes the fuel by forcibly pumping it through a small nozzle under high pressure, while a carburetor relies on low pressure created by intake air rushing through it to add the fuel to the airstream.
The fuel injector is only a nozzle and a valve: the power to inject the fuel comes from a pump or a pressure container farther back in the fuel supply^.

HERO HONDA REGISTERS HIGHEST-EVER QUARTERLY SALES OF 1.2 MN

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:55:00 +0530

HERO HONDA REGISTERS HIGHEST-EVER QUARTERLY SALES OF 1.2 MN

REPORTS 5TH CONSECUTIVE QUARTER OF MILLION-PLUS UNIT SALES

•TURNOVER (NET SALES & OTHER OPERATING INCOME) GROWS BY 12%

Highlights of Q1, FY’10-11

•Total cumulative sales for Q1 FY10-11 stands at 12,34,039 units, growth of 10 per cent

•Total turnover (Net Sales & Other Operating income) Rs 4296.61crores •Net profit after tax at Rs. 491.69 crores

•EBIDTA margin for the quarter 14 per cent

•Fifth consecutive quarter of million-plus unit sales

New Delhi, July 29, 2010: Riding on its highest-ever quarterly sales of 1.2 million, Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today announced its first quarter (April-June) results for the Financial Year (FY) 2010-11, with continued market leadership and steady growth.
The Q1’11 also marked the fifth consecutive quarter registering sales of over one million two-wheeler units.
Fuelled by its all-time high monthly sales of 4.35 lakh unist (in May) and yet another four-lakh plus sales in June, Hero Honda registered a total turnover (Net Sales & Other Operating income) of Rs 4296.61crores. The company’s turnover was Rs 3829.16 crores in the corresponding period last fiscal.
The company reported profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 491.69 crores and EBIDTA margin of 14%, in the face of a steep rise in commodity prices in the first half of the quarter and additional expenditure incurred on account of conversion to new emission norms. The company’s PAT for the corresponding period last fiscal (April – June’ 09-10) was Rs 500.11 crores
Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, said “The value systems ingrained in the very foundations of Hero Honda’s culture combined with our strong partnerships, dealer network, joint venture partners as well as customers’ confidence have continued to drive our success in the market. We are committed to adhering to the highest standards, and will continue to strive towards achieving new landmarks and milestones.”
Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd said, “It has been a record quarter of highest-ever numbers, and we could have done even better but for the short supply of some components. On the other hand, it was a challenging quarter for the bottom line due to the rise in commodity prices. Switching over to the new emission norms also added to the expenditure, even as we witnessed substantial increase in input costs in the first half of the quarter.
“Going forward, we are striving to meet continuously rising demand of our products in the market. Accordingly, we are scaling up production in our existing plants to meet the expected market demand.”
Q1 of FY ‘11 witnessed growth from all segments of Hero Honda models. The refreshed models of Glamour and Glamour FI - introduced in April’10 are doing very well in the deluxe segment. Sales of Pleasure have also recorded a growth of over 50 per cent and have crossed the threshold of 25,000 unit sales per month.
Hero Honda, as the Presenting Partner of the Queens Baton Relay, and a Partner of the XIX Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, has initiated a slew of programmes to generate the spirit of sports and connect with customers across the country.
In yet another validation of Hero Honda’s popularity amongst its customers, the company recently won the “Most Preferred Brand of Two-Wheelers" award at the CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards.

Bajaj Avenger 220

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:42:00 +0530

Type 4-stroke, single cylinder, DTS-i, air cooled with oil-cooler

Displacement (cc) 219.89
Max. Power (Ps @ rpm) 19.03 @ 8400
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm) 17.5 @ 7000
Starting Electric

Suspension
Front Telescopic
Rear Hydraulic Shock Absorber

Brakes
Front Disc, Dia. 260 mm
Rear Drum, Dia. 130 mm

Tyre
Front Tubetype Unidirectional - 90 / 90 x 17"
Rear Tubetype Unidirectional - 130 / 90 x 15"

Fuel Tank
Total litres(reserve, usable) 14 liter full (3.4 liter reserve)

Electricals
Battery 12V, 9Ah
Head lamp 60 / 55W
Horn 12V, 30W

Dimensions
Wheelbase 1475 mm
Ground Clearance 169 mm
Kerb Weight 154.5 kg

Pulsar 220F, "The Fastest Indian" lands in Colombia..!!

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:41:00 +0530

It could only be criminal to deprive the Colombian Pulsar fans by not selling the Pulsar 220F DTS-i there. So on August 24'th 2010, the Pulsar 220F DTS-i finally makes its way to Colombia.

Just gwak at the Metallic Green color (posted below) that Colombia gets (and we don't)..!! Makes you go "Green" with envy. Eh..??

The Colombian Pulsar 220F website has a special Video/TV Commercial section.

Apart from a Colombian TV Commercial that has been made for the Pulsar 220F DTS-i, a video on the evolution of the Pulsar in Colombia and the mind blowing Pulsar Mania TV Commercial [2008] also finds place in the Colombian site.

Info.

2010's Best Selling SuperBikes So Far

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:20:00 +0530

Top 10 motorcycle registrations in 2010
1 Honda CBF 125 1,484 2.4%
2 Yamaha YBR 125 1,198 1.9%
3 Yamaha YZF R125 1,152 1.8%
4 BMW S 1000 RR 1,009 1.6%
5 Honda CBR 1000 RR 919 1.5%
6 BMW R 1200 GS 838 1.3%
7 BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE 778 1.2%
8 Yamaha XC 125 733 1.2%
9 BMW R 1200 RT 676 1.1%
10 Honda VFR 1200 673 1.1%

2010 HAS been a tough year for motorcycle sales. The industry has seen a 14.7 percent drop in motorcycle sales so far this year.
However, there are encouaring signs for the future, as sales of 125cc machines are packing out the top 10 and prmising solid sales of larger capacity machines in the future.
Yamaha and Honda dominate the top three, but BMW also have a solid footing in the top 10, with four models featured, including the S1000RR, with over 1,000 unit sales. Honda's Fireblade is not far behind the S1000RR, proving you don't need traction control and power modes to shift superbikes
The combined sales of BMW's R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure would put that model on the top spot

Best-selling motorcycles

Mahindra To Take on Honda

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:03:00 +0530

A CAR manufacturer plans to take on the might of Honda when it introduces its first motorcycles onto the world's second-biggest motorcycle market: India.
Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will offer a variety of motorcycles, ranging from low-cost entry models to premium two-wheelers, said Anoop Mathur, the head of Mahindra’s motorcycle wing.
The company is already an established scooter, 4x4 and tractor manufacturer.
Despite their optimism, Mahindra is aware the company is moving into a competitve market, dominated primarily by Honda.
“We’re looking to become a credible player in the two-wheeler space in India over the next few years,” said Mathur. “There’s huge potential in the market.”
Mahindra’s motorcycles will be designed by Italian design company Engines Engineering.
As well as focusing on the home market, Mahindra say they are also planning to target Latin America, Africa and South Asia.
Mahindra To Take On ....

New look for Rossi's M1 at German MotoGP

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:03:00 +0530

VALENTINO ROSSI'S M1 Yamaha gets a new look for this weekend's German round of the 2010 MotoGP championship from the Sachsenring.

The Italian's 240bhp Yamaha gets Rossi's trademark '46' on the rear undertray, along with a few other graphic tweaks.
Rossi has yet to receive medical clearance from local doctors before the team confirm his participation in the weekend's action; the Italian broke his lower right leg just over a month ago, following a high-speed crash at Mugello circuit, Italy.Source-Visor Down

Headlights On in the day:Good or Bad Idea

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:23:00 +0530

Under normal circumstances displaying dipped headlights during the day will improve your conspicuousness, making it easier for other road users to see you, which is the main reason the choice to switch them off has been denied to us by EU ruling. When headlights were first made compulsory in some US states back in the 1970s, their accident rate actually increased temporarily which may have been due to a psychological effect i.e. “I’m now more visible so I’ll go faster and assume drivers in side roads have seen me”.

Headlights will only increase conspicuousness against a darker background but may well camouflage you against a bright background – when descending a hill with the sun on your back you’ll be almost invisible.

Headlights can antagonise and draw unwanted attention particularly if the beam is set too high. It can appear to a driver in front that you’re constantly flashing your headlight.

Do you think it is a good or bad idea? Debate below

The Cigarette Papers Grand Prix sponsorship

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Fri, 9 Jul 2010 21:31:00 +0530

In the 1990s, cigarette sponsorship ran the world. Massive corporates, incredibly rich and powerful, went to war on the sidepanels and fairings of the fastest machines in the world. We remember a time when fag ash was king...

Cancer victim and timeless racing superstar Barry Sheene was the world’s greatest smoker. He even had a hole drilled in the chin-piece of his helmet so he could have a last few puffs on his Gitanes (the filter broken off) on the start-line. Sheene was also the unashamed pioneer of securing sponsorship money.
It is slightly surprising then that it wasn’t Barry who first pocketed the generous cash available from cigarette logos. That prize had already been taken by the time Sheene joined the 500 class in 1975, by illustrious incumbent Giacomo Agostini. Fifteen times world champ Ago raced in the twilight of his career with a small but highly significant logo on his fairing. It said: ‘Marlboro’.
The first appearance had been at the Isle of Man TT in 1972, with Ago and MV Agusta teammate Alberto Pagani. Present MotoGP race director Paul Butler remembers that the new sponsor took time to understand the ethos of bike racing. “They thought Douglas was somehow like Monaco, and they hosted a big party on a yacht in the harbour. They’d forgotten about the ten-foot tide, and the Manx Maid ferry coming in and out.”
Seasickness aside, the British-owned cowboy-boots brand was the first to join big-time bike racing, at a time when the whole concept of outside sponsorship was in its infancy. Thirty-six years later, cigarette advertising is banned almost everywhere except Qatar and Malaysia. But Marlboro alone is still there.
In between came the glory years, a cigarette war that escalated throughout the 1980s. Rothmans, Marlboro and Lucky Strike all tried to outdo and outspend the others. Off track, the hospitality suites burgeoned and the parties became more and more elaborate whenever there was anything to celebrate, and often when their wasn’t.
Bikes painted as fag packets dominated the grid, and the money flowed. Into the pockets of not only the top riders, but also a slew of ancillaries from technicians and team managers to a whole layer of free-spending PR schmoozers as well. The lunches were not only free but also very tasty. By the start of the 1980s, cigarette companies were already facing increasing restrictions on advertising, so they had to find another outlet for vast marketing budgets.
Car racing came first, and the bikes soon afterwards. And the money was like nothing anyone had ever seen. Informed speculation puts the fee paid to a top factory team like Yamaha at something like $15-million back in the early 1990s. Today, even with inflation, the same money would buy two or more years of the factory Honda or Yamaha teams, and a lot longer from Suzuki, rumoured to have accepted just half-a-million per annum from Rizla.

•Eight-times 500 champion Agostini was Marlboro’s first sponsored rider in 1972, and the lynchpin for securing Marlboro team sponsorship as Yamaha team manager in 1980.

•Kenny Roberts probably got more Marlboro money than anyone. A Marlboro rider in 1983, he took over the Marlboro-Yamaha team from 1987, then took the Marlboro Millions with him for two years when he started the ill-starred Modenas project in 1997.

•Gauloises came into GPs with Christian Sarron in 1979, but a French government ban ruled them out of bike racing in 1991. They came back in 2002, and won the title with Rossi in 2005.

•Rossi’s bid to escape cigarette sponsorship were unsuccessful after efforts to find backing for a one-rider team in ’05 and ’06 foundered. “I would rather race with tobacco sponsorship than not race,” he said.

•Rothmans came in big in 1985, the first sponsor for the factory Honda team. Freddie Spencer won both 250 and 500 titles; the Hondas stayed blue and white until 1991. Rothmans Hondas won again in 1987 (Gardner) and 1989 (Lawson). In 1994, they walked away to go F1 racing. Honda raced unsponsored that year.

•Marlboro’s first of four champions was Agostini on a Yamaha in 1975. Eddie Lawson won three of his four in Marlboro gear between 1984 and 1988; Wayne Rainey from 1990 to 1992. The next Marlboro winner was Stoner, in 2007.

•Lucky Strike came in one year after Rothmans, left for F1 in 1998 after the Suzuki results faded away. “They would think nothing of throwing a Schwantz championship party that cost more than a private team’s entire budget for the year,” said Suzuki team manager Garry Taylor.
The Cigarette Papers

Kawasaki ZX-10R racer revealed

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Fri, 9 Jul 2010 21:17:00 +0530

THIS IS the world's first official image of Kawasaki's 2011 ZX-10R racer.

The 220bhp machine, which is undergoing a series of intensive testing at Suzuka circuit, will be the basis of the 2011 road bike due for release next year. Visordown has learned the 2011 10R will be an all-new machine belting out a reported 200bhp in road trim.
And with an expected wet weight of less than 200kg, the 2011 ZX-10R is shaping up to be something really special.
We ran the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R concept skectch back in June and a very early 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R concept sketch in January.
It's about time Kawasaki clawed back some of the deficit in the 1000cc market. Let's hope the new 2011 bike really delivers what Kawasaki are promising.
Looks a bit like the BMW S1000RR, which we all thought looked like a ZX-6R and there's more than a passing resemblance to the 2009 Kawasaki/Hayate MotoGP bike pictured below.
It seems like we're going around in circles ...
Kawasaki ZX-10 R

Delhi world's 5th most painful city for drivers, Beijing worse

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 21:36:00 +0530

NEW DELHI: The national capital may pride itself on its wide roads, which are the envy of other Indian metros, but Delhi's drivers have the fifth most painful commute among 20 global cities, says a survey conducted by IBM among drivers in these cities. Almost all of Delhi's respondents said that traffic had negatively affected their health and half said that driving makes them angry.

IBM's 2010 Commuter Pain Survey polled 400 drivers in each of 20 major cities in six continents. Based on the results, it compiled a Commuter Pain Index that ranks the emotional and economic toll of commuting in each city on a scale of one to 100 along 10 indicators, including commuting time, driving-related stress and the impact of traffic on work.
If it's any consolation, Beijing, with a score of 99 on 100 is much worse than Delhi as is Mexico City. Johannesburg (97), Moscow (84) and New Delhi (81) complete the list of the five worst. London, ranked 10th worst, sits in the middle, while New York is 17th, which means it is among the best. In line with Scandinavian countries having the best standards of living, Stockholm's drivers experienced the minimum pain among the 20 cities covered.
Nearly all of Delhi's drivers — 96% to be precise — said traffic negatively affected their health. Almost two-thirds (62%) said traffic negatively affected their work or academic performance.
Info-T.O.I.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-worlds-5th-most-painful-city-for-drivers-Beijing-worse/articleshow/6117068.cms

A new set of hot wheels for John Abraham

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:08:00 +0530

John Abraham's fetish for bikes is legendary. Adding to the two superbikes in his garage, Bollywood's hottest hunk has a new war horse straight from the land of warrior Rajputs.

The actor had commissioned a bike from Jaipur-based Rajputana Customs, which according to the makers is "one of its kind in the world."
John Abraham with his new Rajputana Customs bike at his garage

"The bike we have built for John is an extension of his personality and taste. For instance, the bike is subtle, simplistic, and a complete stand-out much like John's calm and uncomplicated demeanour but amazing presence," Vijay Singh, co-owner of the Rajputana Customs, told MiD DAY.

He said the bike draws inspiration from the American 'Board Track Racer' of the 1910's where motorcycle races were conducted on oval race courses which were about 3-km long and the surface composed of wooden planks.

Singh said they treated John's bike with extra care as he is well versed with motorcycle design and they discussed the specifications with the Bollywood star in detail.

"We have made sure that John's bike is highly stylized in all aspects such as frame geometry and engine design," he said.

John is known as a true connoisseur of bikes and knows machines inside out. "It was a true pleasure to sit down with him and go over aspects of his custom machine," Singh added.

"The whole bike took 50 days to make and finish. Every thing on the bike has been made by hand...the chassis, single side-drum brakes, rims, spokes, girder-fork front suspension, gas tank, handle bars, seat, fenders, internal throttle assembly, even heads of the screws were shaved to make them sit flush and achieve an unmatched finish," he said.
Apart from his new toy, John also owns a Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha R1. Singh did not disclose the cost of the bike. Repeated calls to John Abraham were not returned.

United Colours Of Enfield and Kinetic

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:11:00 +0530

Royal Enfield Motorcycles is inundated with orders but is simply unable to meet the demand for motorcycles.
The Chennai-based company produces 4,500 bikes on average every month, while the market demand exceeds this by at least 2,000 units.
“It is a difficult situation and we are looking at a variety of options to get over this problem,” Mr R. L. Ravichandran, Chief Executive Officer, told Business Line. One of the chief problems lies with the paint shop, which is not large enough to cope with the orders.
“In fact, our bigger problem is meeting the demand for the Classic model, which uses a unique paint and painting process. The in-house capacity is just not able to satisfy the demand. We have a six-month waiting period as of now,” he said.
Help in Pune
Royal Enfield has partially overcome this problem by reaching out to the Kinetic group. Pune-based Kinetic, which recently sold its two-wheeler business to Mahindra & Mahindra, has spare capacity at its Ahmednagar paint shop which Royal Enfield is now using to paint key motorcycle components including front and rear metal fenders, cover tubes, toolbox and ornamental covers for its Classic model.
The company, however, needs a long-term solution. Its plant is located not in one of Chennai's bustling auto hubs of Maraimalainagar or Sriperumbudur, which are home to the likes of Ford and Hyundai, but in Tiruvottiyur, one of the oldest parts of the city.
Mr Ravichandran said the company is working at ways to overcome the present supply crunch.
“There is only so much this plant can take, but it is not as if we can just start producing motorcycles overnight in a new facility,” he added.
Coming full circle
Amidst this anxiety, there is also cause for cheer at Royal Enfield. Quite unlike the big-ticket manufacturers like Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto or TVS Motor, this company is a niche player with a focus on high-end leisure cruiser bikes.
When Mr Ravichandran took over as CEO five years ago, things were not in the best of shape. The company was rather wobbly with a fragile bottomline, a limited array of products, and with more stocks than demand.
“Since then, things have gradually got back on track with the domestic and global business looking more buoyant, thanks to a focused business strategy on new models and engine, stricter quality standards, well-tuned brand initiatives and a vibrant team,” he said.
And the biggest turnaround of all is the waiting period for bikes which ranges from eight weeks to six months. “Customers have been calling non-stop to check when they can own one. We are pulling out all stops but this is still not enough,” Mr Ravichandran said.

Honda gears up once again to promote racing

noreply@blogger.com (shawaiz) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:56:00 +0530

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan, is all set to conduct five rounds of ‘Honda One Make Race’ in Chennai this year. The round one will be held from June 4-6 has already revived heart-warming enthusiasm among the participant and others alike. Once again, it has brought the racing enthusiasts together to make them experience the adventure, thrill and sporting spirit of the event.

Honda had successfully participated in all the five rounds in the ‘Rolon – FMSCI National Motorcycle Racing Championship event series held in Coimbatore and Chennai last year. The “One Make Race” event series last year saw the participation of about 350 riders. We had awarded the CBF Stunner class champion with a New CBF Stunner Bike and Trophy apart from the cash awards and trophy in each round to the winners.
Popularly known as the ‘Honda One Make Race,’ the activity is aimed at providing ‘Fun Riding Experience’ to all participants as well as spectators in a safe and controlled environment.
Honda keeps on enhancing its product lineup to meet the diversified needs of the Indian 2wheeler customers, with last year’s full model change of the Activa 110cc scooter, one of the company’s best-selling products, and by introducing the CB Twister 110cc motorcycle in February 2010 in the 100-110cc market segment, which accounts for approximately 50% of total motorcycle market. Recently HMSI also launched the new CB Unicorn Dazzler, the 150cc bike, a great combination of style & performance for the young customers. The decision to build the second motorcycle production plant was made to better accommodate a further increase in demand in India.
Honda One Make Race is mainly focuses in two categories – CBR150 & CBF Stunner, this year Honda is adding up one more new category with its recently launched 110cc Mass model CB Twister. Now there will be three kinds of races; CB Twister for Novice class, CBF Stunner for Intermediate class and CBR150 (import from Thailand) for expert class.
Honda is Technical sponsor of Sidvin- FMSCI National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2010. This year we will be awarding the winners in each round of Honda One Make championship and Race (1st – Rs 7500, 2nd – Rs 5000, 3rd – Rs 2500). We will also be awarding the championship prize at the end of 5 rounds for CBF Stunner Class and CBR 150 class (1st Prize: Bike + Cup, 2nd Prize: Rs20000 + Trophy, 3rd Prize: Rs10000 +Trophy)
In addition to the racing sports, participants will have a chance to improve their riding skills through various fun & Safety riding activities, which will further enable them to implement these skills in their day-to-day riding. Many biking enthusiasts and Auto journalists will also participate in the Honda ‘One Make Race’.
Honda promoted Safe biking and Gymkhana activities. These activities gave the visitors an opportunity to get tips on safe riding from the Safety Riding Instructor. Honda also spread its belief that fun-biking can also be safe.
Safety issue is very close to Honda’s heart. HMSI has taken several initiatives to generate awareness and knowledge about safety. A large number of students, corporate entities and other institutions have been trained for Safe riding and safety education. HMSI has also installed Safety Riding Trainers at its dealerships in order to cultivate a healthy road sense among the riders. HMSI believes in educating young kids about traffic sense and safe riding through fun riding experience using CRF50 bike designed especially for kids. HMSI has also taken initiative to provide special riding education to ladies for them to ride safely on their scooters.
Honda had launched its international premium bikes – CB1000R & CBR1000RR Fireblade - in the Indian market last year in order to popularize the fun-biking culture. The bikes have generated good response amongst the Indian biking enthusiasts. We will be taking more steps in this direction. This year we will be introducing our latest International bike VFR1200 to Indian Market.
A lot of fun activities at the racing events ensured that all those present at the track had a gala time apart from experiencing the adventure of the racing event. Even the kids enjoyed learning safety riding with the CRF-50 model which has been specially designed to give them an experience and education on two-wheeler & road safety.

Excerpts from Company officials-

“We will continue our efforts in promoting the fun biking culture in India in controlled & safe manner. As a responsible member of society Honda always believes in nurturing the youngsters with safe fun biking with our nationwide spread of Gymkhana activities. ” – said Mr. N.K Rattan, Operation Head, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.in his presentation.

About HMSI
Honda is the world''s largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), is a 100% owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company Ltd., Japan. Current HMSI products include Activa, Dio & Aviator in Scooters and CB Unicorn, CB Shine, CBF Stunner, CB Twister & CB Unicorn Dazzler in Motorcycles. All products have been well received in the market and have created new benchmarks in their respective categories. HMSI has also entered the Fun-Bike market last year with the launch of CBR1000RR Fireblade and CB1000R bikes in the Indian market. For more information visit www.honda2wheelersindia.com