Throttle

Gurgaon KTM

2012-01-15T19:51:00.000+05:30

Well, the air is surely and positively spreading orange. With the announcement of the KTM Duke 200 national release being slated to 24th Jaunuary, 2012, Bajaj is surely picking up the pace for prepping up for the event. Earlier, there were news that the Pro-biking outlets in Pune and Bangalore being converted to KTM outlets, today, got the glimps of NCR getting the drift. Converting the Gurgaon Pro-biking to KTM, is in full swing, which only goes to tell that orange days are just around the corner.

The KTM Duke 200 would surely write a new chapter in the history of affordable performance motorcycling in India, where a single cylinder engine is tuned to blast out maximum from it's furnace and yet be reliable. Above all the KTM Duke 200 is packed with goodies that every "Desi Boy" dreams of. The only thing that remains to be seen is the reliability, fuel efficiency and build quality in real life.

There's no doubt that the India media is raves about the baby Duke, but real test of the Duke, and because it is designed to be so, is the real Indian road, amongst Indian weather and traffic condition, where the motorcycle would spending 95% of it's life. Will the Duke hold up against such un-forgiving odds... just remains to be seen.

Going by Bajaj's history, minus the Kawasaki, there have been initial glitches, but Bajaj has backed it's bikers very stongly, and the Pulsar 200 and the Pulsar 220 Fi are the biggest testimony of this fact.

So, come 24th January, 2012, the national capital would be witness what can become another revolution, courtesy Bajaj Auto Limited.

2012 Auto Expo - Overview

2012-01-11T08:25:00.002+05:30

Well, to say the truth, I used to consider the Auto Expo as a festivel of the like minded, a platform where like minded people, who love vehicles, who want to know more, who want to experience opportunities, which they might not get every day, come together, discuss, enjoy and go back enriched. But from the past couple of times, I'm getting the drift, that there are only 10% of the people who come to the Auto Expo think like me, and for the rest 90%, well don't even ask. The other side of the coin is, my expectation might be wrong from the very begining and it's too much to ask for a little sanity and common sense.

Long story short, like in 2010, this year's Auto Expo has been a 7 day testimony of the dark side of THINGS (I'm using the word things because I don't want blabber around here about every detail and spoil your mood). So, keeping those incidents aside, what was there in this years Auto Expo!!

This year's Auto Expo was pre-dominantly about looking into subtle and detailing it out. Not only in motorcycles, but also in four wheelers, manufacturers tried to cater to the common man more, bringing out more value for money products, trying to be different and innovative, while keeping the aam janta into picture. Almost all the major players tried to do things differently, and in that race, I guess Royal Enfield won the race by bringing the new Thunderbird, Machismo and the super gorgeous Cafe Racer.

Hero Moto Corp as always chose to play very very safe and brought out a new Passion (their nth version) and models based on Honda

Bajaj turned out to be the smartest player in the lot and chose not to showcase it's bikes in the Auto Expo this inspite of the fact that there was a monumental anticipation that Bajaj would showcase the new Pulsar and the KTM Duke 200. I would call Bajaj the smartest player here because, the Bajaj think tank knew that the Auto Expo would be a mayhem in which it's important product portfolio would get dampened and Bajaj didn't wanted that to happen. Bajaj wants to strike right and strike big.

Honda Motorcycles India reached out to the common man by launching a new motorcycle in the 100-110cc segment apart from launching the much delayed Honda Fury.

Mahindra 2 wheelers showcased the legendary Mojo (or it's ghost!!), Stallio and it's range of scooters. The center stage was captured by the Mahindra MotoGP motorcycle, which was speaking out loud what can any Indian manufacturer can achieve, given the will to achieve.

Nothing much was happening Suzuki as India has already it's major Indian and International product protfolio.

As always Yamaha India turned out to be chick and show cased the oh so delicious 2012 Yamaha R1 along with some scooters and the limited edition Yamaha R15 v2.0, Yamaha FZ 16 and Yamaha Fazer 16.

The International People's Choice Award would go to Triumph who showcased their international range of products including the Rocket III and the Daytona and at very very competitive price range. The Daytona would be the second Super Sport Motorcycle officially available in India about the Ducati 848Evo.

Ducati showcased the much awaited Monster 795 Asian edition amongst other motorcycles already available in India. I was very much hoping that Ducati would showcase the mighty Panigale, but alas!!

Harley Davison was spot on with it's long muscle motorcycles. Really, even though I'm not a HD guy, but when you are surrounded with HDs and so many of them, you can really feel the aura of what's a Harley Davison is all about, there's an enigma which attracts you and which you can't escape from.

All in all I would say that the 2012 Auto Expo could have a very exciting event if some basic things could have been taken care of, sans which, it actually turned out to be a havoc. India is the only country where we break the trumpet if don't like it's sound, instead of trying to make the trumpt melodious and it's a mentality disorder, which is very hard to go away. I would say this year's Atuo Expo was again a wonderful opportunity to show the rest of the world that we have the capability to host such event at a grand scale, but if we can't do justice with events like CWG, then the Auto Expo should not come into consideration. Stay tuned as I try to manufacture wise details in my forthcoming posts. Happy reading

Bajaj updates official website with KTM

2011-12-31T20:14:00.001+05:30

Well, the stage is all set for the first Indo-European motorcycle brotherhood to set the tarmac on fire. Bajaj Auto has updated it's official website with KTM stub linking directly to the KTM Duke 200 homepage, right at the wake of the new year. Things are seriously looking orange now and there couldn't have been a better New Year's gift from BAL to the motorcycle fraternity of India.

Some of the major motorcycle publications across India have already tasted the Duke 200 and man are they spiced up about the baby Duke of what!!

There are some of the reviews as presented by some of these publications -

1) Xbhp.com
2) Zigwheels.com
3) Overdrive.in

As ThrottleQuest.com has not been able to personally test ride the bike, I'll not base my opinion untill I do so. But based on what I've learnt about the bike and the legacy of KTM, if the KTM Duke 200 is even half as radical as the reviews say, we already have the most radical street naked custom made for Indian roads!!

Till we get our hands on the baby Duke, lets paint the city orange.

A letter that designed the future

2011-12-30T06:18:00.003+05:30

A lot has changed since I last posted on ThrottleQuest. As the year closes to it's end, my love for the quest, for the journey, to know about these humble machines draws me back to the thing I love the most - learning about motorcycles. Today I found this amazing piece of history, which paved the future, laid a foundation, so strong, that entire generations would be standing on that foundation till the end of this world and bask in the glory of the vision of one man - Soichiro Honda.

On 20th March, 1954, Soichiro Honda wrote a letter to the employees of his motor company stating his intentions for the first time to go to racing. This was the letter that holds the key to the future, because after he wrote the letter, he opened the Pandora's box, but this it was not suffering and pain that came out of the box, this time the Pandora's box contained the future of world motorcycling. This was a call of duty, Honda asking his employees to jump into action to design the future of motorcycle industry.

In his letter he wrote -

Some five years have passed since the founding of our Honda Motor Co., and I never cease to rejoice that the efforts of all our employees have taken form in the achievement of our epoch-making advances.

Since I was a small child, one of my dreams has been to compete in motor vehicle races all over the World with a vehicle of my own making, and to win. However, before I can become victor over the whole world, I must first, of course, assure the security of the business, obtain precision machinery and equipment, and create superior designs. I have, therefore, been devoting myself entirely to these points, and working to present superior practical vehicles to our customers in this country. Consequently, I have not had any free time for turning my energy to motorcycle racing until today.

Now, however, reports on the recent international motorcycle race held in Sao Paulo have provided me with detailed information on the situation in the countries of Europe and America. I had thought that I was seeing the world with a fair degree of realism, without being caught up in fixed ideas, but now I realize that, after all, I have been blinded by my excessive feeling for Japan in its present situation. Even now, the world is advancing at tremendous speed. Conversely, however, as I have always felt, I am filled with an abundant, unshakable confidence that I can win. The fighting spirit that is my nature will no longer allow me to continue turning away.

Now that we are equipped with a production system in which I have absolute confidence, the time of opportunity has arrived. I have reached the firm decision to enter the TT races next year.

Never before has a Japanese entered this race with a motorcycle made in Japan. It goes without saying that the winner of this race will be known across the globe, but the same is also true for any vehicle that completes the entire race safely. It is said, therefore, that the fame of such an achievement will assure a certain volume of exports, and that is why every major manufacturer in Germany, England, Italy, and France is concentrating on preparations with all its might.

I will fabricate a 250cc (medium class) racer for this race, and as the representative of our Honda Motor Co., I will send it out into the spotlight of the world. I am confidend that this vehicle can reach speeds exceeding 180km/h. When this engine is completed on the basis of our company’s creativity, it will be no exaggeration whatsoever to say that it will rank at the world’s highest levels of engineering. Since the motorcycle, a shining star of modern heavy industry, is a comprehensive business, it will require the highest engineering level not only of the engine, but also of tires, chains, carburetors and other parts. To achieve this, it must be supported by meticulous attention to detail and unremitting effort.

I address all employees!

Let us bring together the full strength of Honda Motor Co. to win through to this glorious achievement. The future of Honda Motor Co. depends on this, and the burden rests on your shoulders. I want you to turn your surging enthusiasm to this task, endure every trial, and press through with all the minute demands of work and research, making this your own chosen path. The advances made by Honda Motor Co. are the growth you achieve as human beings, and your growth is what assures our Honda Motor Co. its future.

The scrupulous care that is required when tightening a single screw, and the commitment that refuses to waste a single sheet of paper: these are what will open the way before you, and prepare our route for Honda Motor Co. Fortunately, our outside contractors, our agents, and our banks have given us their generous cooperation. I’m, moreover, blessed with customers who join us as well to help concentrate our entire power on this point.

I see that Germany, though like us defeated in the war, has industries that are reviving, and feel more than ever that our Motor Co. must, above all, enter this race and complete it.

We must gauge the true worth of the Japanese machine industry to raise it to a point where we can display it proudly to the entire world. The mission of Honda Motor Co. is to enlighten Japanese industry.

With this, I announce my determination, and pledge you that I put my entire heart and soul, and turn all my creativity and skill to the task of entering TT Races and winning them.

This I affirm.

Soichiro Honda
President, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

He was the legend, who visioned what a future should look like and today we are living his legacy - the amazing Honda

Shift of Gear

2011-10-01T20:23:00.000+05:30

Well, there are times, when priorities change, there are times when you need take a step back and re-order and re-structure your priorities, there are times, when you have to make choices and put one choice over other. With things changing at an immense pace both in work and personal life, I'm finding myself in a kinda a situation, where I'm not able to do full justice to mission, the thought and the objective of ThrottleQuest. ThrottleQuest.com has always been one of my priorities and always be, but now it's time to pause and think and build some foundation, a ground, a launch pad. As this takes up time, effort, energy and resources, I often find myself indulgent activities, which tend drag me a bit away from persuing the mission of ThrottleQuest.

So, as I say this, this is not a Goodbye and there would never be a Goodbye. It's me saying that for sometime, I'm taking a step back and give more time to build my ground, so that I can give ThrottleQuest.com what it needs from me - Passion, Time and pure Love for the blessing we call Motorcycles. Though I would be posting my reviews and views, I won't be very frequent though and people might have noticed that I'm not been able to be that frequent off late.

So, stay tuned... I'll be right back!!

Till the next time, stay safe and ride hard!!

-Sajal Chakraborty

Ducati 1199 Panigale

2011-09-22T08:21:00.001+05:30

Ducati has finally come out officially on the 2012 Ducati 1199 and it's christened Panigale (being pronounced as Paan-ee-gha-lee). We all know that not only the Panigale marks a paradigm shift for Ducati and is the single handle most ambitious project for Ducati, but also it's going to be important milestone achieved in the race of being the apex predator out there, being on top of the food chain.

The Panigale has been in news since the time it's first spy pics went live on the internet and followed a torrent of spy pics and speculation and it was about time when Ducati wanted to go official about it and boy have they gone official.

Here's the official teaser -

We had quite a bit of idea as to how the bike's going to look like, we also know that it has an alluminium monocoque chassis and radical 112mm oversquare engine but we were certainly not sure of what the final specs gonna be!!

The next bomb was quickly dropped by HellforLeather, when they published the specs of the Panigale which apparently was published by an LA dealer. Just have a look and don't forget to close your mouth before it gets colonised by flys

Things are looking way too fast from here right now, and maybe it's the dawn of the King!!

Is India Superbike ready?

2011-09-19T21:02:00.001+05:30

With the tragic death of Md. Azharuddin's younger son Ayazuddin at a very early age of 19 after the kid succumed to his injuries following a horrendous crash of the kid's 11 day old Suzuki GSX-R 1000, it's the question that's being asked in every nook and corner of the country. There are people, and a very large section of people, who believe that India is not ready to have these bikes in India, simply because we lack the sense and infrasctructure needed to allow these high speed demons to run loose on our Indian roads.

Well, here's what I as a member of the Indian motorcycling fraternity has to say about this question.

To me, the question is not if India ready for super bikes or not, for me the question is, why can't for once, we stop blaming others for our mistakes, lack of common sense, which is so deep rooted into us that sometimes I feel it's in our genetics. Why can't for once can we appreciate the sliver lining instead of ranting continously about the dense dark cloud above us. Why can't for once, we pause for a moment and think before we speak.... just why can't we?

If this country can afford to have Super Cars running on the same road as Tata Nano and nobody has no problems with that, then why can't that same tarmac be shared by Super bikes along with say a Hero Honda Splendor?? Why everything seems to be falling apart when the term Super bike comes to picture. A person is as vunreble inside a steel cage as he's on an alluminium chassis. Take for example the Air-bags a standar Indian car comes with. Just go through the user manual of any car, you would find that the scenarios that are given in which the air-bag won't be inflating for you are generally the most common scenarios in which you would find yourself in a bad situation in Indian traffic conditions. But still we want to pay for Air-bag, because we are inbred to think that notion as being safe, when the ground reality is different.

You go out on the road fully suited, and 90% of the janta would think you as a poser dude with leisure cash at disposal to spend on these worth-less accessories. Most of the time when I wear my riding jacket to my office, people come to seat to first look at the jacket and then make fun of me for spending so much on a riding jacket when I ride a mere 200cc motorcycle at an average speed of around 70kmph and say - "Why pay so much for this mosquito net!!". People say that at this speed even a kid can stop the bike. Well, I can throw an open challenge to those people and I would be very blunt at not considering the age, if anyone thinks has balls enough to try to slam the brakes of a motorcycle travelling at 70 kmph on a loose surface, without thinking for a fraction of a second - "Oh f*** I'm screwed!!", come be my guest.

People are jumping onto conclusions and claiming that when the tragic crash of Ayaz happened, he was racing at 200kmph when the bike when out of controll. Some soar mouth news channel even reported the bike to be a Suzuki Hayabusa. Such is the sewage grade media we are having that people are reporting about a kid, who was then fighting for his life and another kid already lost his life in his minority. People....... just look at the bike, does it look like a bike that survived a 200kmph crash?? At 200kph, the bike would have been shredded to pieces. Don't believe me... just look at some crash vids over YouTube for MotoGP and Isle of Man TT. Not even the entire front fairing of that unfortunate GSXR was damaged. The bike clearly shows what might have happened at that very instant. But no one even gives a thought about being sensible, just start ranting and blabbering about Super bikes and start making propagandas with tags like "Maut ka Tohfa (Gift of Death)" and what not crap.

If someone talks about infrastrcture, then most of the metros have enough infrastructure to support Super bikes, and if these bikes are selling in India, then offcourse the economy is ready for them too. But if someone asks if we as Indians are ready for Super bikes, then I would say that we are not even ready for 150cc motorcycles leave aside 1000cc motorcycles. Yes 1000cc motorcycles are fast, yes they can attain insane speeds, yes they can kill, but at the same time, they are the best pair of wheels that a person can afford, they are best pair of wheels on which a person can learn what truely motorcycling is, they are the best pair of wheels that can nurture the character of a man in you. The only thing is we as a community, we as a nation have to put is thought before our actions and speech. I'm no one to blame anyone for the losses of lives that happened, but I urge and plea to this nation that think before forming an opinion and before jumping onto conclusions.

Disclaimer : The above are my personal thoughts and not intended to any person or group of persons.

2012 Yamaha R1

2011-09-14T20:01:00.001+05:30

Finally the news came. The 2012 Yamaha R1 has been finally revealed, just moments before the official announcement. Since it's last big update way back in 2009, the legendary motorcycle gets it's first upgrade in 3 years for the year 2012. So, what's new this time on the R1?

Yes, what you see above is what the 2012 Yamaha R1 is going to look like. From the amount of information that has been revealed about this beauty, for the year 2012 Yamaha is not in the race to join the Bhp war, but in my opinion Yamaha has made a very sensible move of making the oh so usable cross-plan crank shaft engine, a bit more usable and user friendly. For year 2012, the Yamaha R1 gets -

A seven stage traction control system (TCS) as standard. The new traction control system basically works through individual wheel sensors from the front and rear which identify wheel spin and adjusts the fuel injection, throttle opening and ignition timing in order to reduce engine power. This system is in addition to the 3 stage engine map modes. A very wise addition to the package indeed. The only two thing that comes to my mind is that, firstly how intrusive this is going to the be to the ride experience, and secondly the inclusion of the TCS would definitely add some kilos to the kerb wieght.
A remapped ECU for smoother power delivery and more meatier low and mid-range.
Moto-GP inspired top yoke
Redesigned exhaust heat sheild and end caps
Revised front lights
Lower fairing

The official details have been published. For more details please visit the official 2012 Yamaha YZF R1 website.

2012 Yamaha R15 - Launched

2011-09-06T20:35:00.001+05:30

Yamaha India today launched the 2012 Yamaha R15 or the Yamaha R15 V 2.0 so to speak. Yamaha shook the hands with technology and had a webcast in place for the entire nation to be part of the launch cerimony, but then of course nothing can come close to the experience of being at a launch in person. We have been seeing the spy pics for quite sometime now, and we saw it for so long and coming that it somehow took the glamour off the actual thing and today's launch seemed a seal of approval on the spy pics. From a motorcycle point of view, the 2012 Yamaha R12 is more of a cosmetic improvement and some minor technical improvement. Basically Yamaha has tried to work on feedback of it's customers and bring the R15 as close as possible to the "R" genome like the R1, R6 and the R125. So, ladies and gentlemen, here comes the 2012 Yamaha R15, buckle up and rule the tarmac.

Some of the new features incoporated in the new R15 include -

Re-designed and more sharper rear section
LED Tail lamp inspired from Yamaha R6
130 section radial rear tyre
Split seat
Gravity Casted single piece Alluminium Swing arm with truss structure for better rigidity, with Super Sports chain adjustment technique
Middle Cowel section has been redesigned to improve aerodynamics to upto 4% than the existing/outgoing model
Bigger 220mm rear disc
New 10 spoke (5 pair of twin spokes) cast wheels for better strength of the wheels
A double horn system
Redesigned rear mud-guard
Chose parts of the body work have been given a carbon fiber look

There's not much change that has been done to the engine though, except that the ECU has been re-mapped to provide more bottom end torque to accomodate the 130 section rear rubber and the overall torque now maxes to 15 Nm @ 7,500 rpm. Available in color options of Racing Blue, Midnight Black and Sunset Red, the new 2012 R15 is priced at Rs. 1,07,000 ex-showroom Delhi. Definitely the 2012 Yamaha R15 would become more desirable in youngsters if not to pros. For more details and 360 view, visit the Yamaha R15 official website.

2012 Yamaha R15 - Website Update

2011-09-04T10:28:00.001+05:30

After months of speculation and coverted spy shot operation, finally Yamaha India has come out in the open and updated their website with the teaser. With the entire country eagerly waiting for 6th September, 2011, Yamaha India woke just when the final countdown was about to begin. Nothing is being said about the specs officially, while the specualtions are going beyond big bang boundary to claim peak performance figures. The teaser too reveals the bare minimum to gauge anything from it, but if the spy shots are to be believed, then Yamaha India has made some serious efforts to bring the R15 close to it's "R" genome in design and maybe in terms of performance too. But the, its a big MAYBE in question here.

So, till 6th September, 2011, we all have to keep guessing :)

BMW Motorrad's online Motorcycle support facility

2011-09-03T09:40:00.000+05:30

As an online motorcycle quest, ThrottleQuest's main strive has been to bring forth innovations, ideas which are not necessarily radical, but make sense and are aimed towards providing logical services to the end user. In that quest, even the smallest effort done by someone catches my fancy. In a time, when manufacturers are at war towards providing more and more Bhp at disposal, thus creating far more sophisticated and complex machines, no one is giving much attention towards providing services to the end user that would not only make them a better riders, but also a better and more knowledgable user of their machines. Bajaj has recently upgraded their website and have tried to think out of the box. But when it comes to thinking out of the box, well, BMW always takes the lead and the BMW S1000RR is a glaring example of their attitude. Recently, BMW UK has launched an online motorcycle support facility, for the motorcycles BMW has launched in the last 10 years.

This online support facility has four sections -

Rider's Manual - Owner's handbook in PDF format for the selected models.
Electronic Parts Catalouge - A comprehensive catalouge for the various parts installed in the motorcycles of the user's choice.
Break down dictionary - BMW has actually taken the pain to collect the most important break down terms in a number of languages, so that the end user can effectively communicate issues to the support facility.
Tyre Options - A detailed guide for the right tyre option for the selected motorcycle as per BMW's standards. Just refer the guide and it would tell you what's the most suited tyre for your motorcycle which abide by BMW's norms and standards.

Seriously, that's some real comprehensive work done on part of the BMW Motorrad and shows the kind of commitment the organization has towards it's end users. That's what I call walking the extra mile and rising above others. Hat's off to BMW Motorrad.

KTM Duke 200 launched in Malaysia

2011-09-01T08:19:00.001+05:30

Since the time we heard of the KTM Duke 125, we wanted, we wanted it bigger. As if we had God's hands upon us and soon we heard the news of KTM Duke 200 in the making. This made us jump in excitement and then we wanted it sooner. Believe it or not, it seems like God is smiling upon us again. Yesterday, KTM Duke 200 was officially released in Malaysia, giving us the first sight of the bike in flesh, and boy did the bike like a magnum opus or what, so much so that it tempted the Malaysian Prim Miniter, Mr. Najib Razak, to swing his leg over the saddle.

No spec and details have be revealed yet, but I'm hoping that it would prove to be a very serious threat to the newly launched Honda CBR 250R and the to launched Yamaha R15 V2.0, both in terms of price and performance and above all being a VFM. Keep a track of this space to know more and till the next time, keep salivating on the fleshy pics and video brothers.

Image credit - RushLane

KTM 125 - OEM but still Custom

2011-08-30T11:34:00.001+05:30

As KTM is targeting more and more market shares with it's Duke range of motorcycles, the company seems to be leaving no stone unturned towards pleasing it's target customer group - the Youth.

KTM is offering OEM cosmetic mods in order to lure the youth (read restricted license European teenagers) towards the KTM Duke 125 and boy they are doing good with that, just look at the visual appeal of the LED strip on the tank section. At a time when the Indian manufacturers provide nothing except for the bone stock motorcycle and threatening you to void warranty with a single upgrade of a bolt, and the crippling after market availability ready to send you to an instant narcolepsy, such efforts from KTM is really innovative.

KTM is also offering a sticker kit for the KTM 125 providing the option of having some really neat graphics for the buyers. Seeing that the KTM would be launching the 2013 KTM 300 in the very highly competitive US markets too (if not the KTM 200), this is a pretty neat move to gauge the market swings. KTM is actually walking the talk and this brings all the good news to us, and the KTM 200 is just round the corner early next year.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250

2011-08-29T20:19:00.001+05:30

So, for the year 2012, Kawasaki Motorcycles have decided to strop the "R" badge from the iconic 250. For the year 2012, we have the Kawasaki Ninja 250, sans the "R". With new colors, on the offering and no other additional features or changes (it still has the analog console screwed to it's dash), the new 2012 Ninja 250 would be dearer by $200 to the potential buyer's pocket. Based on US pricing, from the last year's price of $3,999, the base price of the 2012 Ninja 250 has been kept at $4,199 and the special Jhon Player Special edition would cause a dent of $4,449.

No specific reason has been released as to why the "R" badge has been removed or why there has been a price hike, but when there's a strong, very strong competition available in the face of the Honda CBR 250R, at a price tag of $3,999 for the Non C-ABS version, the price hike does not make much sense, more so, when the Ninja 250 is available in Carb and the Honda CBR 250R is Fuel-Injected. One possible reason for the removal of the "R" badge from the Ninja 250 might be an effort towards demarcating between it's flagship ZX portfolio from it's faired street bikes, like the Ninja 1000.

The three color options available are - Passion Red, Metallic Spark Black and Candy Lime Green.

It would be interesting to see if the 2012 is launched in India and if it does, then at what pricing.

2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic Efi - Ride Review

2011-08-26T11:28:00.001+05:30

Anybody who knows me knows that, I'm not that much inclined towards choppers and cruisers. Bullets have remained a bit out of my predilection, but at the same time I must admit that I had no solid ground to justify my behavior. The years of reviewing motorcycles has taught me to keep an open mind while looking towards a motorcycle because these two wheeled wonders never stop to amaze and surprise you and this was proved true when I reviewed the Apache RTR 180. A similar opportunity came beckoning my way when my friend Raj came to meet me on his brand new 2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic Efi, and surely I was for a big surprise.

Engine
Thumb the starter and the engine bangs to life with that classic, un-adulterated, Enfield Bullet note. At first, it might sound a little uncanny, but rev the engine and you start falling in love with it. It feels like you can keep on revving the bike all day long and still not get bored doing that.

The big 499cc power plant has a strong visual presence of it's own and is complemented by it's strong on road performance. My first doze of surprise came in the form of the clutch lever, which felt ultra light for the class of motorcycles the Bullet 500 Classic represents, which in my opinion is a very good thing for a mile muncher cruiser class motorcycle.

Engine - Air Cooled, four Stroke, single Cylinder, OHV,

Capacity - 499cc

Bore x Stroke - 84 x 90 mm

Compression Ratio - 8.5 : 1

Induction - Fuel Injection

Ignition/Starting - Electronic Ignition/Self and Kick

Max Power - 27.2 hp @ 5250 rpm

Max Torque - 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Transmission / Drive - 5 Speed (left foot gear shift)/chain

Engage the first cog and I was in for my second doze of surprise on the bike. Even though the peak torque output of 41.3 Nm comes @ 4K rpms, there's a meaty torque available at your dispense right from the word go. Just a slight flex of your left palm unleashes an immense package of torque and bike just leaps into motion. Really I was not expecting this from such a heavy motorcycle and that also from a Bullet which is known for their relaxed character, but this was anything but relaxed. At the same time, the torque is so managed that I pulled the bike from as low as 11 kmph in fourth gear. Clearly it's one torque happy the engine. One should really tread through respect aboard on this motorcycle for sure.

Since the bike was new and was in it's break in period, so didn't push the bike beyond 40kmph in any gear, but boy the 499cc pounds the tarmac hard, real hard so to speak, a real thumper in it's truest sense. Talking about the thump, it's really an integral part of this package and you feel it all over you from the very first inch the bike moves. So, if you are in for some feedback to you palms while you make a mockery of most of the moving objects on the road, then the Bullet 500 Classic is the machine for you. It's attitude written all over it. It might just, that I found that the thump gave greater feedback to my palms at lower rpms, but as I climbed on the rpms, both the engine and the bike, smoothed out dramatically.

The gear shift was extemely smooth and precise and operated like a hot knife through a cube of butter. Again, this is very good sign, specially for a cruiser, as it's again a key ingredient when it comes to long hauls.

The only thing which concerned me a bit was the hit. After the just a quick short ride, I could feel the heat of the engine up to my thighs (I was actually riding it in my bermudas... not a clever thing to do, but could just waste the opportunity in hand)

Ride and Handling

Well, with 187 kg of wet weight, the Bullet 500 Efi is one heavy block on two wheels in motion and no marks for guessing, the handling of the bike takes it's toll. As for me, I wasn't expecting much from it and therefore I guess I wasn't dissapointed from it's handling. It's heavy, it's a bullet, it's not supposed to have razor sharp handling like the other cats of it's species.

Front Suspension - Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm wheel travel

Rear Suspension - Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80 mm wheel travel

Front Brakes - Single 280mm disc

Rear Brakes - Foot operated, 153 mm drum

Front Tyre - 90/90 - 19

Rear Tyre - 120/80 - 18

Seat Height - 800 mm

Wet-Weight - 187 Kg

Fuel Capacity - 13.5 Litres

But that in no way means that it's a sluggish mover and does not provide any feedback. The front and rear offer enough feedback to keep you interested and though heavy, with a little getting used to, I was able to happily negotiate through pot holes. Speaking of pot holes, I deliberately took the bike to some of the nasty ones, I was happily and leisurely negotiating them with a big grin across my face. My back and fore-arms were completely at peace. Both the front and rear suspension have the ideal setting required for Indian roads and for curising.

The trade mark upright position, is very rider friendly and complements it's macho look.

Since I knew how the bike's gonna be handling, I didn't complain the riding posture either, plus I was sure after riding it that it's gonna be one hell of a commuter in the bumper to bumper traffic conditions. Another positive feature of the motorcycle from commuting perspective were the brakes. The 280mm disc up front and the 153mm drum back rear provide enough bite that's needed in normal riding/commuting conditions. But at the same time for doing high speed highway long hauls, I found the rear, tad soft for my taste and felt that it surely needed some adjustments.

Equipment
The instrumentation is standard as is on any bullet. The fuel gauge is missing and as per the feedback from my friend, one has to be very watchful for the low fuel indicator, you miss it and you might find yourself manually dragging one heavy metal butt towards the gas station. The wiring and all are also neatly tucked along the handle bar and overall, there's nothing much to complain about.

Quality and Reliability

The paint and finish is good, if not top notch, but at the same time, the pressure to keep the pricing down is also visible. The choice of plastic for the switches, the fitment of parts like the mirrors could have been better. But the thing that shocked me was the choice of battery that been plonked into this very premium Bullet. The battery was already leaking fluid and corroding the bolts. I mean that's blasphemy to say the least.

Overall

The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic Efi, is easily the best and the most sophisticated Royal Enfield that has been made till date. If you have the kind of money and are a Bullet fan, then the Bullet 500 Classic Efi has been custom made for you. As per Indian norms (which make very less sense to me), the bike rolls out of the showroom with a mandatory saari guard and straight exhaust, but get the bike registered, unscrew the saari guard out of it's pathetic existence, plonk in the upswept exhaust and fit the single bi-cycle seat, and you have an envious heavy duty Bullet to feel proud of.

2012 Honda Fireblade

2011-08-20T10:10:00.000+05:30

It's the time of year the websphere starts getting fluttered dthth news, reviews, first impressions and most importantly and above all, spy captures next year's motorcycle releases. The first bomb to drop in this etherial environment is none other than the 2012 Honda Fireblade. There has been many anticipations for a completely revamped Honda Fireblade for the year 2012, but from the initial impression, it seems that most of the work done is mainly cosmetic. But at the same time, since no technical specs have been released, it would be real difficult to say anything about the engine internal at this point of time.

The bike does look gorgeous in these HRC colors, but at the same time, the "eye" section looks a bit overdone to me. With the new Headlamp and Air-Intake scoops, the front end design has recived the major work, which mainly looks an amalgamation of the 2007 and the 2008 front end design. The rest of the bike looks fairly un-changed.

Till the official specs and reviews are up, nothing can be said if the motor is the V4 inspired adaptation of the RC212V or if there's a Dual Clutch plonked in. So, till then, enjoy the eye candy to the fullest.

Claudio Castiglioni passes away at 63

2011-08-17T20:23:00.001+05:30

Anyone who know about motorcycles, knows Claudio Castiglioni as man, as a genius, as motorcycle magnet, as a name, which inseparable from iconic motorcycles like the Ducati 916, the Ducati Monster, the MV Agusta F4 and now the MV Agusta F3. Unfortunately, the cruel claws of destiny snatched the legend amongst us today early morning in a clinic at Varese. 17th August, 2011, would always be remembered as the day when the global motorcycling fraternity lost a great mentor. It's a loss of unfathomable scale.

ThrottleQuest.com expresses the deepest condolences the grieving family. May God be with the family and the entire group who looked upon to Claudio as a guide, as a father and above all as a mentor.

RIP the legend of modern motorcycling - Claudio Castiglioni

Mr. Iqbal - The official ThrottleQuest motorcycle adviser

2011-08-17T19:58:00.001+05:30

What's the best thing that can happen to a biker? Getting a good escape from the daily commotion and escape into tranquility on your favorite set of wheel? Well, of course a big YES to that, but most importantly, in today's times when every tom, dick and harry claims to be a Valentino Rossi in his own rights, finding a motorcycle adviser and mechanic who really knows the business is the next best thing that can happen with a motorcyclist. ThrottleQuest.com has been lucky enough to get such a friend in the face of Mr. Iqbal, a humble motorcycle enthusiast, with a great mind and imagination, running a humble garage, but with immense potential and vision.

Based out at Pankha Road in New Delhi, Mr. Iqbal is a man who knows the machine inside out, with specialty being engine works and brakes. Trained by Yamaha, Escorts, Suzuki and Bajaj, he's a class apart in his act. When it comes to brakes, he's simply a magician with a wand. It's like God's hand at work. More so, Mr. Iqbal has been one of the pioneers in working on disc brakes, and he had disc brakes on his Yamahas (mainly RX100s and RD350s) at times, when the country didn't even knew about disc brakes. Working in his workshop and creating hand made aluminium discs, no one is better when you want to have a triple disc setup on your machine. Even though he can work on any motorcycle brand, Yamahas have remained close to his heart. Walk into his garage and you would be totally mesmerized with his work, specially working on creating Fi engines for even small capacity engines.

The prowess of Mr. Iqbal in his field can be judged by the fact that he has traveled countries like Malaysia as chief adviser of many colleges from the Delhi region to participate in the Green Challenge tours, working mainly on converting small capacity gas engines to zero-emission electric ones.

A dear friend next door, Mr. Iqbal is a person who always like to engage in a conversation if it's about bikes. Just chat with him for a couple of minutes and he's oozing with gratitude and friendliness.

Mr. Iqbal

Shail Auto Square
RZ-61 K/1, Bitto Market, Vashist Park (Opp. DESU Colony Turn, Janak Puri),
Sagar Pur, New Delhi - 110046

e-mail : sahilauto786@yahoo.com

Hero MotoCorp's new identity

2011-08-10T21:07:00.000+05:30

We all were gazing the sky in anticipation of what the outcome would be of a divorce of a successful relationship of stellar proportion, how would either party take it and more over, how the bride of this relationship react to it. Well, the bride, the Hero Group took the challenge in full spirit (at least it looked like so) and decided to go all out about it. It was said that the Hero Group would launch it's new corporate identity on 9th August, 2011. Sticking to the said schedule, the Hero Group launched it's new corporate brand identity in a glittering (or should I say melodramatic) cerimony in London, which saw celebrity presence like Shah Rukh Khan, Akon, Boris Baker, Anushka Sharma etc. So, did Hero Group reveal it's new brand identity - the new Company Logo? By God's grace, YES!!

In one go, it's pretty difficult to identify what the logo is and how it's associated with Hero, but a careful look suggests that it's a 3-D redering of the letter "H". It might look radical, but in my personal opinion, a brand logo should be radical, stylish, but at the same time, represent the parent company in a very effortless and smooth manner. The target customer should be able to identify and relate to the logo, which in case, would take some getting used to.

But from a motorcyclist's point of view, the main star of the attraction was the Hero MotoCorp's Impulse, the new dual-purpose motorcycle on the offering from the new company's stable. We've seen it's first spy pics already, and the motorcycle shown during the launch resembles the spy pics to the fullest.

Hero MotoCorp's Impulse
A first from any Indian motorcycle manufacturer in recent times (the first being Bajaj who ventured into this territory ages ago), the Impulse belongs to dual-purpose or the off-road genre of motorcycles. Though much technical spec is not yet available for the motorcycle, some the easily identifiable features include -

Up-swept front and rear fenders
Relaxed seating
Parallel exhaust (the exhaust running almost parallel to the seat)
Clear glass turn signals
Tank Extension scoops
Trapezoidal clear head lamps (looks taken directly from the Karizma with a change of scale)

But more than anything else, the bike looks like a parting gift from Honda to the Hero Group as this so called new motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp, isn't all that new after all. With a little ground work, we can easily trace the gene pool of the Honda NXR 150 Bros. So, knowing the NXR would give us a fair bit of idea about how the Impulse is going to be which basically based on the same engine platform of the oh so smooth Unicorn.

Specifications of the 2011 Honda NXR 150 Bros

Engine : Air-cooled, four stroke, single cylinder, OHC.

Capacity : 149.2 cc

Bore x Stroke : 83 X 60mm

Induction : PGM-Fi electronic fuel injection system

Ignition/Starting : CDI

Max Power : 13.8 HP @ 8,000 rpm

Max Torque : 13.62 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Transmission/Drive : 5 Speed / chain

Front Suspension : Telescopic fork, 180mm stroke

Rear Suspension : Monoshock, 150mm stroke

Front Brakes : 240mm disc

Rear Brakes : Drum 110mm

Front Tyre : 120/70ZR17

Rear Tyre : 160/60ZR17

Dry-Weight : 118 kg

Fuel Capacity : 12 Liters (including reserve)

Hero MotoCrop launch pic courtesy : Overdrive

KTM's 2012-2014 portfolio leaked

2011-08-02T21:24:00.000+05:30

If HellForLeather is to be believed, then they have got their hands on what seems like a road map of KTM's North America's future stable. Even though HFL calls it a leaked image, it looks more like a picked image from a hand held device. But who cares, the 2012-2014 North American road map of KTM looks pretty interesting.

Some of the interesting picks from this road map are -

One of the most notable highlights of the list is the inclusion of the Duke 350, which confirms ThrottleQuest's news.
It looks like KTM is also working on a new 1290cc platform for 2014 and also under the Super Duke R flagship for 2013.
A closer look reveals the introduction of a new platform by the name Freeride, which definitely looks promising with it's 3 variants, one of which being a 350.
For the year 2014 KTM would also bring it's Moto 3 350cc platform to production (pretty exciting I would say).

It can be easily estimated from this road map that, KTM is trying to step up the game and be more main-stream than remain on the adventure segment, with major emphasis being given on the 350cc engine capacity. As for this so called "leaked" image, I'm definitely seeing some raised eyebrows in KTM.

Hero MotoCorp's first motorcycle spied

2011-07-31T21:39:00.000+05:30

This is an era of spies, where an entire network of automobile spies are always on the road with their hand held cameras (with starved pixel resolution), who have only one motive in their mind, going for the kill - I mean, bring the latest to the eager population, gazing their computer screen for the latest.

The Yamaha R15 is now stale and stinking, but the fun is only beginning, and the latest in the lot is the old wine in new bottle, Hero MotoCorp. AutoCar published the first spy shot (I'm dead sure that there would be zillions to follow) of what looks like an off-roader in development from the new kid on the block, with a veteran worth of experience. Hero MotoCorp is taking things on a war footage and in all rights, it should. Hero MotoCorp's first emphasis should be on selecting the right motorcycle, potent technology (after the exit of it's Japanese think tank) and appropriate branding in order to make a new and profound impression in this competitive market and it looks like it's doing just that.

The heavily camouflaged makes it really hard work to identify the key features, but the features which seems clear enough are -

High floating front mud-guard
Long travelling front telescopic fork
Probably rear-mono shock suspension
Left Hand Side mount front disc with drum rear
Massive body panels
Comfortable seating posture
The design of the exhaust pipe indicates an under-seat or parallel seat exhaust
Ample ground clearance

I'm really hoping that Hero MotoCorp, would display some prototype and provide some insight on the pattern of future technology and innovations it would in-corporate in it's stable during it's 9th August, 2011 launch in London.

Hero Honda officially becomes Hero MotoCorp

2011-07-30T09:26:00.001+05:30

Well the cat is out of the box and is staring RED at our face. The official website of the erstwhile Hero Honda has been patched and update to read Hero MotoCorp. We all knew that what the erstwhile Hero Honda is going to be known as, but an official declaration is always confirmation and the final nail into the coffin of speculations. It seems that the official website is still being updated and instead of going for a fully revamped website, cost cutting measures are in place and the web site is receiving patches to update Hero Honda with Hero MotoCorp in all occurance.

Again, from the way the official website is being updated it seems that not much planning has been put into this on-line branding (which in my honest opinion is very critical) and it's more of an abrupt decision direct towards the preparations of the soon to happen re-christen ceremony at London. For example, one moment I click the Karizma ZMR link, and the address bar shows the url of Hero Honda and the next moment it shows the url of Hero MotoCorp. So, things are actually being worked upon, but a little more planning is what's required.

The official corporate statement about the update states -

"What the caterpillar calls the end the rest of the world calls a butterfly."~Lao Tzu~

Constant improvement has been the key fuel that has powered the engines of this Company since inception. Happily, we are now building on that momentum to go further in our journey of market leadership and corporate excellence.

After forging together one of the world’s most prolific and successful joint ventures for over two and a half decades, and becoming "Desh ki Dhadkan" we at Hero are now poised to prove ourselves on the global arena.

We are pleased to announce that Hero Honda Motors Ltd. is now Hero MotoCorp Ltd. The new name is reflective of our belief in ourselves and our focus on mobility and technology.

In this endeavor, our domain knowledge of the market, our customer-centric approach, our world class manufacturing facilities & processes, our committed and skilled personnel, our seamless & integrated supply chain and our strong relationships with all stakeholders will hold us in good stead.

On the technology front, our existing R & D facility is being rapidly upgraded with support, where required, from global experts and technology providers.

As we embark on this novel journey with a new identity, we shall continue to set new benchmarks for the industry. We shall develop new and cutting-edge products at a faster pace and aggressively expand our footprint outside India.

Yes, a new day has dawned and a new Hero is rising.

We know we can count on your blessings and continued endorsement of the Company and its products.

Best,
Pawan Munjal Brijmohan Lall

The stage is all set for one of the biggest announcement by Hero Honda and the expectations are simply quite high. Only time would tell if Hero MotoCorp be able to meet it's own record sales figures.

Hero Honda to rechristen it's brand on August 9, 2011

2011-07-27T08:20:00.000+05:30

The Economic Times, played the perfect tone for the day by publishing that Hero Honda would be announcing the new brand identity on August 9, 2011. But at the same time, what comes as a real sand in the meal is the added note, that, the announcement and ceremony would be done at London and not in India.

After Honda's exit from the Hero Honda conglomeration, which saw many successful decades, it was time for Hero to drop the Honda crutches walk the talk solo. Hero responded to the challenge in a very planned manner and against all the negative speculation of the market and the competitors. To quote Hero -

"As a significant first step towards the company's transformation into a major global brand, we would be unveiling our new brand name and identity in London, United Kingdom, on August 9, 2011"

The world got a glimpse Hero Group's intentions towards establishing it's individual motorcycle identity when Omnicorp group's global brand and innovation specialist, Wolff Olins and entrusted him with the task of creating the new brand identity in totality including brand architecture, name, logo and market positioning. Easily, Hero Group knows the Indian market and knows how tough it is to survive here and even more tougher is to retain the No. 1 position.

Another step towards this direction was taken in May, when the Hero Group, assigned Law & Kenneth, the task of being the creative partner and work towards launching and establishing the new brand for the company. The Hero Group is totally focused towards taking a plethora of strategic initiatives which would allow the company further strengthen it's position in India and also infiltrate into emerging global market.

Even though as per the Partnership agreement between Hero Group and Honda, the Hero Group can use the Honda brand till 2014, but Hero Group is all pumped up to get going in it's individual path ASAP in order to retain it's market position, even if that means the Hero Group would have to pay Honda Rs 2,450 crore till 2014, as per the Licencing Agreement signed between both the parties in March.

Needless to say, Hero Group is taking the challenge head on, but what I fail to understand is, why the new branding launch is happening in London, when Hero Group has no presence what so ever. It's a launch for Indians first and then the world, and that also at a time, when major players are focusing of creating their products in India, for India, and then export them to the world.

KTM Duke 200 coming in 2012

2011-07-14T08:21:00.001+05:30

Amidst all the speculation and "Spy Pics", there's some official news at last for the KTM Duke 200's slated arrival (or should I say introduction) to India.

Speaking to the Indian press, the CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG, Mr. Stefan Pierer said -

"During the Delhi Auto Expo next year, we will be launching the first 200cc Duke bike in India."

That's some real good news to many across the country who have been eagerly waiting for this bike to be launched in India. At the same time, this statement should put an end to the all those speculations which were predicting a late this year launch of the bike.

Stephen also said that initially a target of 25,000 to 20,000 units is set for the first year of launch, before the launch of KTM Duke 350 in 2013 (another good news!!). Both the bikes would be produced from Bajaj's Chakhan facility near Pune and would be global models with exports being done to countries like, Thailand, Malaysia and Brazil, where Bajaj already has a strong market for it's stable.

The KTM Duke 125 has been applauded in the European markets as an overall package, and if numbers can be barometer, then KTM has sold nearly 7,000 units of KTM 125 in the European market in the first year of it's launch. A target of 20,000 (on the lower side) looks a bit too aggressive, considering the fact that the KTM 200 would fall in the price range of the Honda CBR 250R, and the competition would be high right from the word go. But you never know how the market trends tend to tide up here in India.

So, till the next time, Orange days ahead people!!

2012 Suzuki GS150R - First Spy Shots

2011-06-30T07:47:00.000+05:30

In today's time of web age, there's hardly anything that can remain hidden, be it the bed room of politicians or an auto manufacturer's stable. Everything gets captured by the 2 megapixel camera of that omnipresent "Spy" who spares no-one and nothing!! Latest to be caught by the lens of our "Spy Guy" is the Suzuki GS150R.

The Suzuki GS150R has remained the underdog in the motorcycle arena which is ruled by the Pulsars, R15s, Apaches and FZs. The Suzuki GS150R, which it's simplistic executive styling offered a very smooth engine, six speed butter smooth gear box and a rider friendly commuter oriented ride and handling. But at a time when the biggest competitor in the segment says "Hunto" in a market where the first and the most prominent impression is made by the looks, the Suzuki GS150R doesn't seem quite rightly put. Just mentioning that it has been inspired from the mighty GSXRs didn't do the job for Suzuki India with the GS150R.

But as the saying goes, "It's better late than never", it seems from the efforts of our "Spy Guy", that Suzuki India is planning to visually revamp the GS150R.

Apart from the new stickering, the revamped GS150R gets

A new front visor design
A new fuel knob design
A White colored variant along with the other colors

The final list of changes/revamps would be known only after the official release (if there would be any... my guess is, there would be a soft release on the official website).