Showing posts with label Bikes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bikes. Show all posts
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 launched with two new colours at Rs 1.17 lakh in India
New Delhi: Yamaha has launched the R15 Version 2.0 in two new colours in India - this is the company's new scheme for attracting customers ahead of Holi.
However, last year when the new colours were introduced by the company, dealers also claimed that the updates included a new O2 sensor, better throttle response and some mechanical changes.
While pre-2014 R15s are available for test rides, dealerships have been asked specifically to not offer the ones with the new colour schemes as test ride motorcycles - which, in our opinion, is absurd.
This new update of the R15 continues without any mechanical changes - it's powered by the same 17PS/15Nm liquid cooled 150cc engine mated to a 6-speed transmission retained from the older model. Expect a major update to the motorcycle sometime later this year or in early 2016.
The new colours, GP Blue and Streaking Cyan, are available across all Yamaha India dealerships at a price of Rs 1.17 lakh which is Rs 3,000 more than the regular variants, ex-showroom Delhi.
The Yamaha R15 Version 2.0 has received no mechanical updates since its launch in 2011, the only changes being new colour schemes and graphics.
However, last year when the new colours were introduced by the company, dealers also claimed that the updates included a new O2 sensor, better throttle response and some mechanical changes.
While pre-2014 R15s are available for test rides, dealerships have been asked specifically to not offer the ones with the new colour schemes as test ride motorcycles - which, in our opinion, is absurd.
This new update of the R15 continues without any mechanical changes - it's powered by the same 17PS/15Nm liquid cooled 150cc engine mated to a 6-speed transmission retained from the older model. Expect a major update to the motorcycle sometime later this year or in early 2016.
Hero HF Dawn launched at Rs 39,370
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, has just launched a new version of its entry level commuter, the HF Dawn. Hero has introduced this product trying to eliminate the need for public transport. The HF Dawn also gets a metal carrier securely fastened just behind the pillion seat, enabling luggage carrying capability. The HF Dawn offers an upright riding position and an elongated saddle for comfort, a commuter necessity. Hero also provides a useful side-stand engaged indicator on the Dawn’s console.Powering the HF Dawn is a modest, 97.2cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 8.2bhp at 8,000rpm and maximum torque of 0.82kgm is produced at 5,000rpm. The HF Dawn has a 4-speed gearbox.
The bike has telescopic forks upfront and dual shocks at rear, mated to drum brakes at both ends. The motorcycle weighs just 109kg and has a fuel-tank capacity of 10.5 litres.
The HF Dawn is available in silver, red, maroon, black with purple and also, black with red paint schemes.
Indian Chief Dark Horse leaked
Images of the Indian Chief Dark Horse are leaked online, just days before its official unveiling in Chicago. This motorcycle is based on the Indian Chief, a motorcycle currently on sale in India. The Indian Chief Dark Horse has a single saddle and blacked out panels and wheels. The disc brake up front, strips on the engine, long silencer and a stripe curving off the rear fender are the only chromed parts standing out from the completely blacked out bike. The Dark Horse is expected to be powered by the same engine that powers majority of the Indian motorcycles, a 1,811cc, four-stroke, V-twin and air-cooled engine, developing 14.16kgm of torque at 2,600rpm. Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic front forks, and an adjustable, pneumatic single shock does duty at rear. Braking is carried out by ABS-equipped disc brakes up front and a single disc brake at rear.There is no word yet whether Indian will bring this motorcycle here in India, but now with the recent Roadmaster being launched, we expect Indian to introduce this model here too soon.
Suzuki Hayabusa limited edition with Yoshimura exhaust
Suzuki Motorcycle India has just introduced a limited edition of its popular Hayabusa superbike, the Hayabusa Z. What differentiates the Hayabusa Z from the outgoing version is that the bike now comes with a Yoshimura R-77J Carbon End Exhaust system. Apart from this, it gets the same engine as the standard bike, which means the Hayabusa Z is also equipped with a four-stroke, 1,340cc, in-line, four-cylinder engine. This liquid-cooled unit generates 197bhp at 10,200rpm, with maximum torque output of 15.7kgm at 6,200rpm.
The Limited edition Hayabusa will be priced at Rs 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which is only Rs 25,000 higher than the regular model.
Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Yoshimura Slip–On R-77J Carbon End Exhaust addition to the legendary Hayabusa is a modification that has been on the wishlist of Indian biking aficionados for a long time. We are extremely proud to have done this for the Hayabusa, reinforcing our commitment to the valued Indian rider.”
Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Yoshimura Slip–On R-77J Carbon End Exhaust addition to the legendary Hayabusa is a modification that has been on the wishlist of Indian biking aficionados for a long time. We are extremely proud to have done this for the Hayabusa, reinforcing our commitment to the valued Indian rider.”
Scooters coming to India in 2015
For this year, the scooter market will continue to post the incredible growth numbers that we have seen over the past few years. While nudging the Activa off its pedestal is extremely unlikely, you can be sure that there will be many, many automatic scooters that will enter the fray in 2015. The market is still expanding and it's too big a market right now for scooters to take away each other's share. Here are the scooters that you would be able to buy in 2015 as the year progresses.
Bajaj Auto Limited
Rajiv Bajaj has been pretty clear repeatedly that his interest in the scooter market remains weak despite the strength of the market. We are certain that Bajaj's dealers would be a lot happier with scooters to sell.
Hero MotoCorp
Hero has the Pleasure and Maestro in the market right now but as we learnt at the 2014 Auto Expo, it has aggressive plans.
The Hero Leap is destined to be India's first hybrid scooter, that too developed by Hero with some help from Erik Buell Racing. Hero revealed that the Leap was to go on sale early in 2015 and that should mean that a launch date should be coming soon. The 140kg Leap gets an 11PS 124cc engine as well as an electric motor.
The range extender hybrid should hit 100kmph with help from its 8kW/60Nm electric motor. Expect the Leap to be expensive and appeal to those who'd like to make a statement more than those who want a utilitarian or ultra-efficient scooter.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India
Let's get this clear. Even if Honda refresh the Activa in 2015, we don't believe the scooter will get any significant improvements outside of styling. This is because the Activa's dominance in the scooter market, as well as in Honda's sales numbers makes it too important to tinker with. Will it (finally) get telescopic forks this year? We're going to say no. Honda will not fix what ain't broken.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers
We think that the models in the current range will all receive updates. In the process, all the scooters will gain performance as well as economy.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers should also introduce a completely new platform during this year. Our guess would be either a 100cc platform for entry-level scooters or a 125cc platform that replaces the current 125cc engine with a thoroughly new powertrain and chassis.
Suzuki
Suzuki have seen good business from the Access, Swish and Let's. Next we expect the excellent Let's to form the basis for other Suzukis, including a more masculine looking version and perhaps a slightly larger family version as well.
TVS
TVS' Scooty Zest 110, as we've repeatedly noted, is a notch above the rest of the scooter class.
TVS is also likely to have a new sporty scooter based on the Graphite concept from the 2015 Auto Expo ready later this year. Will it go on sale? TVS is tightlipped and we are, as ever, hopeful.
Piaggio/Vespa
The Fly 125 (pictured) has been rumoured to be headed here. But the fact is that Vespa sales are neither hunky nor dory and there's a desperate need for products that will utilise the enormous two-wheeler factory Piaggio have in Baramati.
Yamaha
Yamaha have tasted unprecedented success in India with their line of scooters that began with the Ray. In 2015, strong rumours say, Yamaha will release their 125cc line of scooters into battle. Being a Japanese company, they say absolutely nothing on the subject, but we believe the launch is set for March or April, 2015.
Yamaha's Ray has been a good story for India and we would think that it should have reiterated to Yamaha that Indian products that taste success are usually specific to our country. Transplanted products tend not to be volume successes. In that vein, we would believe that Yamaha would be working on an India-specific 125cc engine featuring a carburettor and efficiency-oriented engineering. If they can bring the set of tweaks they call Blue Core to bear on this engine, they might actually have one of the most efficient scooters in the 125cc market.
Bajaj Auto Limited
Rajiv Bajaj has been pretty clear repeatedly that his interest in the scooter market remains weak despite the strength of the market. We are certain that Bajaj's dealers would be a lot happier with scooters to sell.
Hero MotoCorpHero has the Pleasure and Maestro in the market right now but as we learnt at the 2014 Auto Expo, it has aggressive plans.
The Hero Leap is destined to be India's first hybrid scooter, that too developed by Hero with some help from Erik Buell Racing. Hero revealed that the Leap was to go on sale early in 2015 and that should mean that a launch date should be coming soon. The 140kg Leap gets an 11PS 124cc engine as well as an electric motor.
The range extender hybrid should hit 100kmph with help from its 8kW/60Nm electric motor. Expect the Leap to be expensive and appeal to those who'd like to make a statement more than those who want a utilitarian or ultra-efficient scooter.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India
Let's get this clear. Even if Honda refresh the Activa in 2015, we don't believe the scooter will get any significant improvements outside of styling. This is because the Activa's dominance in the scooter market, as well as in Honda's sales numbers makes it too important to tinker with. Will it (finally) get telescopic forks this year? We're going to say no. Honda will not fix what ain't broken.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers
We think that the models in the current range will all receive updates. In the process, all the scooters will gain performance as well as economy.
Mahindra Two-Wheelers should also introduce a completely new platform during this year. Our guess would be either a 100cc platform for entry-level scooters or a 125cc platform that replaces the current 125cc engine with a thoroughly new powertrain and chassis.
Suzuki
Suzuki have seen good business from the Access, Swish and Let's. Next we expect the excellent Let's to form the basis for other Suzukis, including a more masculine looking version and perhaps a slightly larger family version as well.
TVS
TVS' Scooty Zest 110, as we've repeatedly noted, is a notch above the rest of the scooter class.
TVS is also likely to have a new sporty scooter based on the Graphite concept from the 2015 Auto Expo ready later this year. Will it go on sale? TVS is tightlipped and we are, as ever, hopeful.
Piaggio/Vespa
The Fly 125 (pictured) has been rumoured to be headed here. But the fact is that Vespa sales are neither hunky nor dory and there's a desperate need for products that will utilise the enormous two-wheeler factory Piaggio have in Baramati.
Yamaha
Yamaha have tasted unprecedented success in India with their line of scooters that began with the Ray. In 2015, strong rumours say, Yamaha will release their 125cc line of scooters into battle. Being a Japanese company, they say absolutely nothing on the subject, but we believe the launch is set for March or April, 2015.
Yamaha's Ray has been a good story for India and we would think that it should have reiterated to Yamaha that Indian products that taste success are usually specific to our country. Transplanted products tend not to be volume successes. In that vein, we would believe that Yamaha would be working on an India-specific 125cc engine featuring a carburettor and efficiency-oriented engineering. If they can bring the set of tweaks they call Blue Core to bear on this engine, they might actually have one of the most efficient scooters in the 125cc market.
Honda to launch locally made CBR650F bike in India
Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) plans to introduce CBR650F by July this year to mark its entry into the premium motorcycle segment, according to a top company official.
The plan to make an entry into the 650cc premium motorcycle segment was part of the proposal to introduce 15 new models this year.
The price of the motorcycle would be around Rs 8 lakh.
Muramatsu and senior company officials were to introduce 160cc CB Unicorn priced at Rs 75,535 (Ex-showroom Chennai). On the total sales target for this year, he said the company expects to sell around 45 lakh units compared to 37 lakh units sold during same period of last year.
The plan to make an entry into the 650cc premium motorcycle segment was part of the proposal to introduce 15 new models this year.
The price of the motorcycle would be around Rs 8 lakh.
Muramatsu and senior company officials were to introduce 160cc CB Unicorn priced at Rs 75,535 (Ex-showroom Chennai). On the total sales target for this year, he said the company expects to sell around 45 lakh units compared to 37 lakh units sold during same period of last year.
Benelli launches five bikes in India
DSK MotoWheels with Benelli have just launched five sports bikes that were unveiled at the India Bike Week 2015 in their production ready form. The launched motorcycles include the Benelli TNT 300, TNT 600i, TNT 600GT, TNT 899 and the TNT 1130. DSK-Benelli will retail its motorcycles from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune, via exclusive Benelli showrooms, some of which will be inaugurated soon. The Benelli TNT 300 - Launched at Rs 2.83 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the TNT 300 provides comfort and a relaxed commuting capability that is missing on every other bike in this space. The TNT 300 is powered by a 300cc, four-stroke, parallel-twin and liquid-cooled engine that produces 36.2bhp at 11,500rpm and peak torque of 2.75kgm at 9,000rpm. The bike will be available in two variants, one with MRF-made tyres and the top-end version relying on Pirelli rubber.
EICMA 2015: Suzuki unveils new SV650 street fighter
Suzuki has re-ignited the SV Series by unveiling the new SV650 at EICMA 2015, Milan. The Japanese manufacturer aims to returns to all the elements that made the original SV a street fighter classic, but with a big list of upgrades. The dedicated and reliable 645cc liquid-cooled V-twin mill has been updated with more than 60 new components, improving the bike's performance and economy. Like the two spark plugs per cylinder setup to optimize combustion, and the race-proven Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Materials (SCEM) cylinder plating that reduces friction and improves heat transfer and durability, thus improving the efficiency. Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system also makes an appearance on the new SV650, providing better efficiency and throttle response through a butterfly valve system with the primary valve controlled by the rider and the secondary throttle valve controlled by the engine management system.
The SV’s multifunction LCD instrument panel consists of a gear position, digital speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, average fuel consumption, driving range, clock, water temperature gauge and fuel gauge. Backlight is adjustable in six levels of brightness and can be set to your preference.
Suzuki has not yet disclosed the price-tag for the SV650 yet. The Suzuki SV650 has immense appeal and practicality for everyday riding. Should Suzuki possibly introduce the SV650 to India, it would complete against the Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Benelli TNT600, and the Ducati Scrambler.
EICMA 2015: Hyosung GD450 concept grabs eyeballs
The concept bike, which is set to be the Korean manufacturer’s new street naked, is powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC 449cc engine, which could mean a relatively affordable price tag when it launches. The 96mm bore, with a pretty high compression ratio of 11:8:1, is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The makers claim that it could generate up to 50 PS of power at 7,500 rpm and 47.7 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
The 41mm upside down telescopic forks takes charge of the front suspension duties, along with the dual-arm with an offset gas charged hydraulic shock absorber at the rear, adjustable for preload.
The GD450 gets a four-piston radial calliper 300mm petal disc in the front, while the 2-piston 230 mm counterpart is installed in the rear. The 17-inch wheels add to the masculine appeal of the Hyosung with a 120-section on the front and a 160-section on the rear.
Honda Bulldog concept bike unveiled
Honda debuted its Bulldog concept touring motorcycle at the 2015 Osaka Motorcycle Show. At the heart of the Bulldog Concept sits a 400cc liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC inline two-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The Honda Bulldog concept sports a curious design, from its dual Ruckus-style headlights to its 15-inch wide scrambler tires. The fork sports gaiters and a small, raised front fender while the headlamps and engine sport tubular crash guards and rails above the headlamps to carry loads. The bike also features storage areas on either side of its fuel tank.
The Bulldog concept sports a low centre of gravity with the rider sitting just 730mm off the ground. Other styling cues include a high mounted exhaust, five-spoke black alloy wheels and a unique turquoise and black paint scheme.
The Bulldog concept sports a low centre of gravity with the rider sitting just 730mm off the ground. Other styling cues include a high mounted exhaust, five-spoke black alloy wheels and a unique turquoise and black paint scheme.
EICMA 2015: Hyosung launches GT650R with a fresh look
Hyosung, the Korean manufacturer, has unveiled the GT650R with a completely new design at EICMA 2015. This time round, the manufacturer has mainly concentrated on the design aspect of the fully-faired sports bike. At first glance, one can immediately notice the use of twin pod headlamps as compared to the existing vertical capsule shaped arrangement in the current model. Moving to the body of the GT650R, we can see the designers at Hyosung have opted for a more smooth flowing design concept. Air scoops and vents have been re-sculpted to allow proper air flow around the bike providing stability at triple figures. The GT650R get a new fuel tank which goes well with the overall appearance of the bike. The tank of the new GT650R will have the capacity to hold 15 litres which is apparently 2 litres less compared to the existing model.
Moving to the rear section of the Hyosung, the seat of the GT650R has been extended towards the tank to improve comfort for the rider. For the pillion, the GT650R continues to have a split seat with a slightly rounded shape. The grab rails have been mounted flush to the tail body panels. The foot pegs for the pillion now are bolted to the centre portion of the chassis.
Hyosung has upped the aesthetic appeal of the GT650R by providing petal discs to the existing setup. Adding to that, the GT650R will also come with new multi spoke alloys. The exhaust can apparently has not received any change.
On the engine end, the Hyosung GT650R will be powered with the same existing 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valve, 90 degree V-Twin 647cc, water cooled power plant which will produce 74.4PS in power with 54.5Nm of torque. Mated to the engine will be a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. The new Hyosung GT650R is claimed to be lighter by 10 kgs, which will improve the power to weight ratio in terms of performance figures.
Along with the GT650R, Hyosung has also unveiled the GV300 and the GT300R at EICMA 2015. We expect Hyosung to showcase the GT650R at the 2016 Auto Expo held at Delhi in the beginning of the New Year.
EICMA 2015: Triumph unveils 2016 Tiger Explorers
Triumph has unveiled six new motorcycles in its 2016 Tiger Explorer line-up at the EICMA show in Milan.
Just the like the different variants in the Tiger 800 line-up, the 2016 Tiger Explorers will also get different XR and XC variants – XR for on-road use and XC for off-road use. The entry level XR and XC variants will be equipped with WP suspension for 2016 year models, and the up-spec variants will include the XRx and XRt for pavement and the XCx and top of the line XCa for off-road adventure use.
All variants will be powered by an updated 1,215cc three-cylinder engine, now with more power and torque and with shaft final drive. Triumph says the 2016 Tiger Explorers will also get a clutch with a lighter pull.
The XCx, XCa, XRx and XRt will come equipped with a new, five-mode electronics package which includes semi-active suspension, with ABS and traction control which will work in association with an onboard computer, called the Inertial Measurement Unit.
The IMU will send the motorcycle movement data to help control the new cornering optimized ABS and traction control system. The base XR and XC models have standard mutli-channel switchable ABS and traction control but no high-end electronics.
The 2016 Tiger Explorers will also come with the Hill Hold Control feature, helping keep the bike from rolling back when starting on a steep incline. The 2016 Tiger Explorer will also have an electronically adjustable touring windscreen.
EICMA 2015: 2016 KTM Duke 690, 690R unveiled
KTM has unveiled a revised 2016 model year Duke 690 and Duke 690 R at the ongoing EICMA show in Milan.
Both the Duke 690 and the Duke 690 R are powered by a 690cc single-cylinder motor, which makes 73PS of power and 74.5Nm of torque. Additional tweaks on the 2016 model include new steering geometry for improved stability and better cornering precision. ABS is standard and the Duke 690 also gets an optional track pack which includes sport and rain mode, traction control and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).
The 2016 models also get 1000rpm of extra revs, thanks to a new cylinder head, refined exhaust and inlet systems. A new, ultra light piston and connecting rod, a new crankshaft with new bearings, and twin spark plugs with individual mapping also adds to the superior performance of the new Duke 690. Then there’s a balancer shaft as well to make the single-cylinder motor more refined.
The Duke 690 R makes more power at 75PS, and gets an Akrapovic exhaust, fully adjustable WP suspension and a Brembo monoblock front caliper. The R model also adds cornering ABS, traction control, three selectable power modes and the Motor Slip Regulation. The R version also gets an additional Supermoto riding mode.
Like the standard Duke 690, the R comes equipped with a full-colour TFT display dash. The only visual changes on the Duke 690 R are the Akrapovic exhaust system, orange frame, LED indicators and different graphics. There’s no official word yet, on whether the KTM Duke 690 or the Duke 690 R will be launched in India anytime soon.
EICMA 2015: Benelli Tornado Naked T and Leoncino unveiled
Not to be outdone by Ducati’s exhaustive range of Scramblers, Benelli has taken the wraps of the Leoncino, its very own scrambler at the ongoing 2015 Milan Motor Show. And it is quite a striking machine, this Leoncino. It looks good without being too flamboyant, and retro without being too nostalgic. Designed by CentroStile Benelli, the Leoncino is actually a reimagination of one of the marquee’s most beloved brands of the same name, and it shows in the styling.
Powering it is a twin-cylinder four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 500cc mill, with wet sump lubrication, electronic injection, overhead double camshaft timing system, 4 valves per cylinder, hydraulic clutch and a 6-speed gearbox, producing a peak power figure of 48 PS and max torque of 45 Nm.
Suspension duties upfront are handled by an upside down 50mm fork, mated to 4 piston brake calipers gripping 320mm discs. The rear swingarm’s movement is controlled by a laterally mounted shock absorber and braking is handled by a 260mm disc with a two piston caliper. The spoked rims are of aluminum, 19" at the front and 17" at the rear, which accommodate wide-sectioned tyres: 110/80-ZR19 at the front, 150/70-ZR17 at the rear.
The front features an all-LED headlamp and Benelli says ABS will be standard on the Leoncino.
Then there’s the Benelli Tornado Naked T, a new duo of models that we believe could be specially suited for India. Powering it is a single cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled 4 valves, double spark, available in 125cc or 135 cc guises, the former offering 11.7 PS of power and 10Nm of torque. The slightly larger model – we still don’t understand the rationale behind two engine options so close to each other – offers marginally higher figures at 12.6 PS of power and 10.8Nm of torque.
Both the 125-cc and 135-cc versions of the Benelli Tornado Naked T will ship with 12-inch wheels, with 120/70 and 130/70 tyres at the front and rear, respectively. Suspension is via a 41mm upside-down front fork and a rear swingarm with lateral shock absorber with spring pre-load adjustment.
Braking duties are handled by a 220 mm steel disc upfront, with a smaller 190mm disc taking care of the proceedings at the rear. The fuel tank has a capacity of 7.2 litres.
Both the Benelli Leoncino and the Tornado Naked T are slated to be launched in the latter half of 2016, with competitive pricing, but we reckon they just might show up in India before that at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi.
EICMA 2015: Benelli TRK 502 unveiled
The Benelli TReK 1130 that the Italian manufacturer unveiled earlier this year at the India Bike Week in Goa? Well, Benelli is at pains to underline that the TRK 502 is not a smaller iteration of that machine. And it does look different, quite akin to some large adventure tourers from BMW and Triumph, albeit a bit smaller.
The traditional Benelli steel trellis frame may be conventional, but the engine underneath it is also all-new: a freshly developed twin-cylinder four-stroke liquid-cooled 500cc with electronic injection, overhead double camshaft timing system, and 4 valves per cylinder. That is good enough for 48 PS of peak power at 8,500rpm and 45 Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The gearbox is a 6-speed affair controlled by a hydraulic clutch. Fuel capacity is a mammoth 20 litres.
As befits an adventure tourer worth its name, the TRK 502 comes with a raft of touring-friendly features that will enable it to chew up the tarmac for days on end. Suspension duties upfront are handled by an adjustable upside down front fork, and at the rear, a swingarm with monoshock, providing suspension travel of 150mm at both ends. Braking is via two front discs, 320 mm in diameter, and two-piston floating caliper upfront, and a twin piston calliper gripping a single 260mm disc at the rear. Tyres are Pirelli Angel 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 at the front and rear, respectively, mounted on 17” alloy wheels.
Benelli is also offering an “off-road” version of the TRK 502 with wire wheels, 19” at the front and 17” at the back. Expect the Benelli TRK 502 to be launched in India sometime later next year.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx, XCx launched in India for Rs 11.6 lakh and Rs 12.7 lakh
New Delhi: Tiumph after showcasing the new Tigers at the 2015 India Bike Week have launched them in India. The base Tiger XR starts at Rs 10.5 lakh, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is priced at Rs 12.7 lakh while the Tiger 800 XRx retails at Rs 11.6 lakh, ex-Delhi.
These new additions sit alongside the Explorer and 800XC models in the Tiger range. Both the motorcycles come in via the CKD route. Bookings start from today.
The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is the hardcore off-roader version with spoke wheels, 43mm upside down forks at the front and WP monoshock at the rear, twin discs at the front and single at the rear, switchable ABS as well as adjustable rider seat height and handlebar position.
These new additions sit alongside the Explorer and 800XC models in the Tiger range. Both the motorcycles come in via the CKD route. Bookings start from today.
The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is the hardcore off-roader version with spoke wheels, 43mm upside down forks at the front and WP monoshock at the rear, twin discs at the front and single at the rear, switchable ABS as well as adjustable rider seat height and handlebar position.
Hero HX250R, Dash scooter launch soon
Hero MotoCorp has also appointed Ashok Bhasin as the head of its sales, marketing and customer care for the Indian market. He will contribute to strategic decision making for the company. Bhasin will work with and report directly to Pawan Munjal.
Kawasaki unveils 2016 Ninja ZX-10R
Kawasaki has unveiled the updated 2016 Ninja ZX-10R in Barcelona, Spain.
According to Kawasaki, the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R has been upgraded with inputs from the Kawasaki World Superbike team, and the upgraded ZX-10R is the closest thing to competition superbikes offered on a highly advanced factory superbike.
Looks wise, the main changes are in the front, with a restyled, fuller front fairing. The seat is wider and the taillight has been changed too, to give the tail a sharper look. The backlit instrument panel gets upgrades as well, and displays engine braking information, IMU information, launch control settings, riding mode, etc.
The engine is a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 998cc inline four unit which makes similar power to the current bike at 200PS, and gets a 10PS boost with ram air. It makes over 113Nm of torque at 11,500rpm. The engine on the 2016 ZX-10R though has undergone major reworking as has the gearbox, which now gets closer ratios. Kawasaki says the new ZX-10R gets improved mid to low range acceleration.
The electronics get upgraded too, and the Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the ZX-10R measures data across 6 axes of movement. The traction control system also gets five modes instead of the three on the current model. And there’s a three-model launch control too, along with ABS.
The chassis is still an aluminium twin spar frame, but it’s been altered slightly to put more weight on the front wheel. The Showa suspension is new as well, and Kawasaki says it has been developed with Showa in World Superbikes. The 2016 ZX-10R also gets upgraded high quality brakes – with a Brembo brake system similar to the one on the Ninja H2R.
The 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be available in dealerships globally from early 2016, and is expected to make its way to India soon afterwards.
Honda CBR350RR debut at 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
Honda had recently showcased the Light Weight Super Sport concept motorcycle which will be unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It was speculated that the Honda Light Weight Super Sport concept motorcycle will debut in the form of the new Honda CBR 250RR but it seems the Japanese two-wheeler giant has a surprise in store for us. According to Japan based Young Machine magazine Honda will also ride in the new CBR 350RR specifically developed for the European markets.
According to reports the Honda CBR 250RR will be restricted to Asian markets where demand for quarter-litre displacement motorcycles are high while the CBR 350RR will be more Europe and American markets. This really doesn’t come as a surprise as Yamaha has done the same thing with the R25 and R3.
The new motorcycle will be performance oriented unlike the sports tourer DNA of the CBR 250R and CBR 300R. From the pictures it is clear that the new Honda CBR 350RR will employ an aggressive design language with sharp body lines, sculpted fuel tank and chiselled tail section. It also sports conventional single side exhaust muffler that goes well with the overall design. The chassis has been tuned for better handling dynamics.
The clip-on handle bars and rear-set footpegs should result in an aggressive and sporty riding posture. Suspension duties are handled by USD front forks and a monoshock unit at the back. Anchorage is provided by petal disc brake at front and rear. Details regarding the powerplant is scarce but expect it to be powered by a high revving, 350cc parallel twin motor with a power output in excess of 40PS. Given the fact that we have the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC390 on sale in India, we can expect the Honda CBR350RR to head to our shores in 2016.
2015 Bajaj Avenger range launched in India
Bajaj launched the 2015 Avenger 150 Sreet at Rs 75,000, while the Street 220 and the Cruise 220 are both priced at Rs 84,000 (ex-showrrom Delhi). The Bajaj Avenger has been launched in three variants – Avenger Street 150, Avenger 220 Street and Avenger 220 Cruise. The Bajaj Avenger is among the most popular cruiser motorcycles on sale in India and also among the longest running two-wheeler product in our two-wheeler market. The Avenger Cruise retains the similar look of the current Bajaj Avenger and the changes evident from the spy shots seem to be limited to a new paint job and new graphics. The only significant and noticeable change are the new badges – both on the fuel tank and the side panel – sporting the ‘220 Cruise’ moniker. The Avenger Street, on the other hand, is given a blacked out treatment.
The bike gets the ‘Street’ badge, red graphics, new black alloys, blacked out engine and even a blacked out exhaust, right from the bend pipe to the muffler. The engine is likely to be the same unit powering the current Bajaj Avenger - a single-cylinder, 220cc four-stroke, oil-cooled engine which makes 19.03PS power and 17.5Nm of torque. In terms of looks the Avenger 150 Street looks similar to its larger sibling. The new Bajaj Avenger 150 is powered by a 150cc, single-cylinder engine churning out 14.54PS and 12.5Nm of torque.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)