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Apr 28, 2010

14 New Colors for the Yamaha's 2010 FZ Series

Yamaha FZ bikes gets new colors..

..the only thing that stopped a few of my friends from buying the FZ was the 153 cc engine, which obviously wasn't an upgrade from their existing bikes..

The FZ-16 and the FZ-S gets two new colors. Acording to Yamaha India, the FZ-16 and FZ-S did 85,000 units in the last 2009-10 fiscal year.

Now this is what I think..

The Yamaha FZ-16 and FZ-S bikes are according to me (let me say it once more) are works of motorcycle art.. it goes without saying that it is due to its handsome looks that the FZ has managed to carve a niche for itself among the motorcycles sold in India.

Black Cyber Green

Black Cyber Green

Apr 25, 2010

4 Kawasaki formally re-enters India as "India Kawasaki Motors"

Kawasaki re-enters India formally.. new models planned for India in 2010

Among the big 4 Japanese bike makers (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki), one name had been missing in India for a long time; that was of Kawasaki. On 24’th April 2010, Kawasaki Heavy Industries officially launched a new Indian subsidiary, India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM).

But wasn’t the Kawasaki Ninja 250R already on sale since 2009 in India? So then why is this new Kawasaki subsidiary being created?

Kawasaki in India

Rajiv Bajaj (right), MD, Bajaj Auto, with Hiroshi Takata, President, Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Photo Credit: Hindu

Kawasaki: First Innings in India

With everything else remaining same, formation of the Kawasaki subsidiary in India probably shows Kawasaki’s commitment towards its operations in India..

Kawasaki had first entered India in 1984 with Bajaj Auto Ltd. with a technical assistance agreement. The marriage had resulted in products like the KB RTZ100/125 (2 stroke), KB 100 4S (4 stroke), the 110/115 cc Caliber, 125 cc Wind and the 175 cc Eliminator.

But as indigenously developed motorcycles by Bajaj started replacing the Kawasaki-Bajaj models, the Kawasaki Logo started to disappear from our Indian roads. Also unlike the other Japanese makers, Kawasaki doesn’t have small engined 100-125 cc road/street motorcycles (there are a few 100-125 cc off road/dual purpose motorcycles though) in their international lineup.

Kawasaki: Second Innings in India


But Kawasaki couldn’t just ignore the second largest two wheeler market in the world for long. In 2009 Kawasaki launched its Ninja 250R, the best twin cylinder 250 cc motorcycle in the world. The baby Ninja 250R is imported to India as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits and assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory (where the Pulsars are manufacturer). Kawasaki also uses the Probiking outlets of Bajaj Auto to sell and service the baby Ninja.



So what will this new India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) do?



According to Hindu,

Kawasaki's new imports and sales subsidiary, IKM, will consign the production of the completely knocked down (CKD) or imported kits to BAL's Chakan plant. The locally made motorcycles will then be sold together with imported complete motorcycles through BAL's Probiking shops..

We are studying the option of localisation but as of now, have no plans.” Eric Vas, Head, Probiking and President, New Projects, BAL, said, "there has been a fairly large investment in spare parts and sales and service for the Ninja covering 32 cities with exclusive retail space and service stations and this could go up to 35-40 this fiscal."

# Kawasaki would import CKD's

# Assemble them at Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant

# Sell and service the bikes at Bajaj Auto's probiking network

So basically everything will remain the same, Kawasaki would import completely knocked down kits and use Bajaj’s plant at Chakan to assemble them and sell and service them via Bajaj’s Probiking network.

Formation of the Kawasaki subsidiary in India probably shows Kawasaki’s commitment towards its operations in the world’s second largest market. That they are here for a long second innings and not just like a fly by night operator. And oh yes, there are news of more Kawasaki models for India.






Bigger Kawasaki models for India in 2010

"Kawasaki's strength is bigger bikes and before the Ninja 250R launch six months ago, the big bike market in India was around 10 units a month. Ninja alone is doing 80-100 units a month now and Kawasaki is planning the launch of bigger bikes going forward," said Mr. (Rajiv) Bajaj.

Zigwheels in its April issue had an Article on the possible new models for India in 2010..!!

Bigger Kawasaki Models for India







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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.

8 Honda CB Dazzler to be launched in May 2010

Honda to launch a new sportier and premium version of its Unicorn, says Autocar India..

After Honda had made some cosmetic changes and renamed its Unicorn as the CB Unicorn for 2010, I had presumed that the Unicorn Sports Concept that was shown at the 2010 Auto Expo was probrably just that. i.e a concept and might not make in production.

I can be sure that the new bike will most probably also sport the "CB" prefix..

But recently Autocar India broke out the news that a new sportier and premium version of the Honda Unicorn is about to be launched in May 08, 2010, which according to their sources say will be called "Dazzler". When Autocar India contacted a senior HMSI official, they declined to comment on the new bike but said that there will be a launch in the beginning of May.

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

A couple of days back I had posted scoop image of a motorcycle undergoing endurance test on the roads of Manesar (place where the HMSI Factory is situated). Now it becomes almost sure that the Unicorn Sports Concept is getting launched..!!

Now whether there will be any changes to the engine remains to be seen. The Sports Concept shown at the Auto Expo had 17" wheels (unlike the 18" found on the Unicorn.. opps the CB Unicorn) and had a digital speedometer and a rear disc brake. The rear tyres are also speculated to be of tubeless variety and a width of 110 section (the current Unicorn sports 100 section rear tyre).

Whatever might be the new specs of the bike, I can be sure that the new bike will most probably also sport the "CB" prefix like all the other Honda motorcycles in India..!!








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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.







Apr 23, 2010

1 100 cc motorcycles, an evil necessity [Yamaha launches YBR 110 in India]

Having a best selling 100 cc motorcycle in a manufacturer’s lineup might actually boost our chances for getting more powerful (F-U-N) motorcycles..

There is a very good chance that for most of us in India; a humble 100 cc motorcycle would have been the stepping stone into the world of motorcycles.

But as the years roll by, the need for speed bug bites at least some of the passionate bikers (the others move on to 4 wheelers) and the 100 cc motorcycle now seems inadequate in squeezing the adrenaline juice from our young (and maybe not so young bodies as well).

100 cc Splendor

Like an addict, we begin to crave for increasing doses of excitement from our two wheelers. This basic instinct can be satiated only by getting astride and twisting the throttle on bigger and more powerful (read as F-U-N) engines.

Even though motorcycles from international brands like Ducati, Harley Davidson and not to forget the big 1000 cc bikes like the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki Hayabusa etc. can now be bought from a showroom in India, these ultimate dream machines remain well… mostly a dream to a middle class "biker next door" like me.




My Realistic Dream motorcycle

The best that I can logically aspire to own/ride before my hair turns completely grey is a 250-300 cc, liquid cooled (preferably a twin cylinder) engine, which can make 25-30 Ps of power and can hit speeds of around 150-160 kmph.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R which has finally been launched in India (Hallelujah..!!) actually fits the description of my dream motorcycle perfectly. But there is just one small problem; I am now tagged by a companion for life (my wife) and therefore the Rs. 3 lakh (on road) price tag on the baby Ninja looks a bit of a stretch for my middle class pay cheque. I would therefore prefer my Realistic Dream motorcycle to be made in India, so that it comes within a price tag of around Rs. 1.5 lakhs (on road).




But with the current 100 cc motorcycle obsession of Indians, my Dream Motorcycle might seem like a distant dream..



2006: Mr. Rajeev Bajaj, the MD of Bajaj Auto had said that he wanted the 100 cc buying crowd to upgrade to 125 cc motorcycles. I too sincerely hoped for this to happen since it meant that with rising aspirations, high end Indian motorcycles might finally take the shape of my realistic dream motorcycle.

2010: The less than 125 cc (mainly 100 cc) category still enjoys the lion's share of the domestic motorcycle market and commands 74% share of the total industry sales..!! It looks like the 100 cc obsession is relentless and will continue in India for a long, long time. After all India has a huge population looking for a economical and fuel efficient motorcycle just to commute from point A to point B.


Let’s accept it; the 100 cc motorcycle in India, is an evil necessity

The writing seems to be on the wall that for healthy sales numbers, a 100 cc motorcycle which sells in good numbers seems to be imperative. Well.. the customer is king.

One can just hope that once the solution for a high volume (100 cc) best seller is found, the manufacturers would then concentrate its resources on catering to middle class bikers like me, still waiting for his Realistic Dream Bike.






Recent 100 cc stories



Bajaj Auto: Discover DTS-Si

Bajaj Auto has discontinued its XCD 125 & 135 cc models and has literally discovered sales success after launch of the 100 cc Discover DTS-Si in July 2009. Thanks to the 100 cc Discover DTS-Si, market leader Hero Honda's share in the below 125 cc category fell close to 6% to 74.6% at the end of the last fiscal (2009-10) from a previous 80% at the end of 2008-09. Bajaj's share increased to 17%, up from 10.5% at the end of fiscal 2008-09.

Source: Economictimes.ComBajaj Discover DTS-Si




Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI): CB Twister

Honda also couldn’t resist the prospect of selling 100 cc motorcycles in large numbers in India and hence has launched its 110 cc CB Twister.Honda CB Twister




TVS Motor: Jive

TVS Motor has also introduced the 110 cc Jive, the first clutch less motorcycle in India and hopes to carve a niche for itself among the 100 cc craving desi janata. Apart from the Jive, TVS has also refreshed its 100 cc Sport and 110 cc Star City for 2010.TVS Jive




Yamaha India: YBR 110

Compared to its other 4 stroke offerings, Yamaha India has relatively tasted success with its stylish 150 cc FZ Series and R15 motorcycles in India and. Now Yamaha wants to ride on the wave of recent success and hopes to sell its entry level 100 cc motorcycles in India as well.
Yamaha YBR 110
Yamaha India launched the YBR 110 model with an eye on rural India. The YBR 110 motorcycle is basically the same Alba model Yamaha India with new stickers, steel grab rail and a new name.

Yamaha YBR 110 Price
Rs. 41,000 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Yamaha YBR 110 Specifications

Engine

Engine type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC
Displacement: 106 cc
Bore & Stroke: 49.0 × 56.0 mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Maximum power: 7.6PS / 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 7.85N.m / 6,000 rpm
Starting system: Self
Lubrication : wet sump
Cylinder layout: Single cylinder
Clutch type: Multiplate wet type
Ignition system: C.D.I
Gear box: 4-Speed Constant Mesh
Gear ratios: 1st=3.000, 2nd=1.687, 3rd:=1.200, 4th=0.875

Chassis
Frame type: Double cradle type-Tubular
Front suspension: Telescopic Hydraulic
Rear suspension: Ajustable, Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Front brake: Drum
Rear brake: Drum (130mm Dia)
Front tyre: 2.75 X 18″ 4PR
Rear tyre: 3.00 X 18″ 6PR

Dimensions
Overall length x width x height: 2,000mm x 730mm × 1,050mm
Kerb Weight: 123 kg
Wheelbase: 1,290mm
Minimum ground clearance: 173mm
Engine oil volume: 1.1 liters
Fuel tank capacity: 13 liters






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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.








Apr 20, 2010

2 Yamaha plans to make India global hub for premium bikes (Err.. what kind of Premium Bikes..??)

Yamaha plans to make India global hub for premium bikes.. says recent news reports.

Great news..!! Right..?? So are we going to see 600-1000 cc bikes being manufactured and exported from India..?? If yes, then these exotic bikes could be priced at least half of what the current CBU (Completely built Units) imports cost in Indian rupees.

Please tell me that Yamaha India would manufacturer bikes like the XJ6 series in India..!!

After all Kawasaki manufacturer's the Ninja 250R and ER6N, ER6F (also called the Ninja 650R in some markets) in Thailand and exports them all over the globe. Yamaha India could very well utilize India as a low cost manufacturing destination.

But please don't jump to conclusions so early. The news reports does not give hint of any (250-600-1000) cc bike that might be headed for India to be manufacturer here.



Take a look at the excerpt of the news article that has appeared in Economictimes.Com

The focus on selling high-end bikes in the 150cc category and above has worked well for Yamaha.

This year, the company has gained a 12% share of the $8-million two-wheeler market, up from a share of 5% in 2006. Now, the company targets to increase its share in the premium and deluxe segment to 20% by 2010-end.

“This segment is very crucial for us, as currently it is the main growth driver for our company,” said Mr Dubey (national business head of India Yamaha Motor)


Well, if the news article is about Yamaha India exporting its "Premium" R15 and FZ16 to countries like Colombia, it was already posted in my blog a few weeks back.



Tell me something new please..!!

Please tell me that Yamaha India would manufacturer bikes like the YZF R125 and XJ6 series of bikes in India and export them to the world..!!



Yamaha XJ6 Series (600 cc) of motorcycles:

Yamaha XJ6 Naked
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F







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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.









Apr 19, 2010

8 New 2010 Honda Motorcycle for India..?? Scoop Photo

Scoop photo of a motorcycle undergoing test in Delhi clicked..?? Could it be a new 2010 Honda motorcycle for India..??

DNA India had reported a couple of months back about a new 250 cc motorcycle from Honda India (HMSI) to be launched in Diwali 2010. Post that, there has been no further news about it either from HMSI or any another publication.

...it is clearly visible that the motorcycle has a monoshock suspension

Today, a scoop photo of a new motorcycle was clicked by an xBhp.Com member (coffin on wheels) in Manesar (near Delhi). Accoding to him, the motorcycle under test was doing speeds of around 110 kmph with ease.

Honda India's New 2010 Motorcycle..??

Original Pic source: xBhp.Com

Not much can be seen in the photo clicked, but according to him the motorcycle did have a big fuel tank which was kind of a similar (but bigger) in design as the recently launched 110 cc CB Twister. From the photo it can be seen that the chain cover is an exposed one. Also it is clearly visible that the motorcycle has a monoshock suspension at the rear.

Could it really be Honda India's new 250 cc performance motorcycle for India..?? Or could it be a motorcycle based on the Unicorn "Sports Concept" shown at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo..??

I have a strong feeling that it could be the latter probably with a slightly larger engine (160-180 cc) and not a 250 cc engine.

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept






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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.








Apr 15, 2010

17 Pulsar 135 LS DTS-i launched in Indonesia.. with a Redesigned Rear Fender..!!

Indonesia gets the "Baby" Pulsar 135LS with a better designed rear fender..

Bajaj has been exporting the Pulsar 180 and 200 to Indonesia for sometime now. Now Indonesia also gets the 4 Valve, "Baby" Pulsar 135LS DTS-i.

Should the Indian Pulsar 135LS also get the same Indonesian treatment..??

The bike was officially launched on 14'th April in Jakarta. The specs of the Pulsar 135LS for Indonesia is exactly the same as the model sold in India, but the Indonesian model gets a better looking rear end. More specifically the rear fender on the Indonesian model is a smart looking "split two piece + tyre hugger" design..!!

Indonesian Pulsar 135LS, Rear Fender

Photos courtesy Indonesian blogger Taufik,'s blog

Indonesian blogger Taufik at the Pulsar 135LS Indonesia launch

As can be seen from the photos, the rear portion of the Inonesian Pulsar 135LS looks lighter and sportier than the rear portion of the Indian Pulsar 135LS model. The Indonesian Pulsar 135LS also gets a sporty half chain cover (the current Indian Pulsar 135LS has a full chain cover).

Although I think that functionally a full chain cover makes more sense in our dusty Indian roads, but from a styling perspective, the half chain cover and the "split two piece rear fender + tyre hugger" design is more appealing.

I had previously mentioned that the rear fender design of the (Indian) Pulsar 135LS was sticking out like a sore thumb from an otherwise excellent design. With the Indonesian Pulsar 135LS, the design of the bike now seems complete. The entire bike now seems Sporty, Sharp, Edgy and Light..!!

Should the Indian Pulsar 135LS also get the same Indonesian treatment..?? I definitely think so. What do you think..??

New rear fender design on the Pulsar 135LS

Current rear fender design on the Indian Pulsar 135LS



More Photos:

Indonesian Pulsar 135LSIndonesian Pulsar 135LS





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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.








Apr 14, 2010

3 Indians have unadventurous taste. Part 2: Adventure Touring and Sports Touring Motorcycles

Is the second largest 2 wheeler market in the world mature enough for motorcycles designed specifically for touring..??

India is the world’s second largest market for two wheelers. Nearly 10 million (1 crore) 2 wheelers are sold yearly here. But till now the Indian’s have been unadventurous in their taste in motorcycles. Even the so called recent stylish motorcycles like the Yamaha FZ16, R15 and the Hero Honda Karizma are nothing but glorified commuter motorcycles.

As I had earlier written about the absence of Dual purpose/Supermoto motorcycles in India, today I’ll write about another category of motorcycles "Touring Motorcycles" which are not manufactured in the world’s second largest 2 wheeler market.

Royal Enfield's, Hero Honda Karizma's and Pulsar 220's are currently favored for touring in India because we don’t have models specifically built for the purpose..

For many in India, the image of a touring motorcycle brings the image of a classic American styled Harley Davidson type of cruisers. The cruiser type of motorcycle does have a relaxed riding posture but that alone does not make it an ideal touring motorcycle.

One might also say that Royal Enfield motorcycles are used for touring in India and models like the Pulsar 220 and the Hero Honda Karizma are now favored among bikers who do long distance in India. But then, these models are used for touring in India because we don’t have models specifically built for the purpose.


Touring motorcycles are designed that it can do long distances without tiring and stressing the rider and the engine. Therefore these touring motorcycles have comfortable ergonomics. They have big/heavy body work and torque rich engines in a relaxed state of tune. These motorcycles also have large fuel tanks along with storage spaces/bags to carry luggage.


1. Adventure Touring motorcycles:

What is an Adventure Touring motorcycle?

An Adventure Touring motorcycle is used for travelling long distances over good as well as moderately bad roads. Adventure Touring motorcycles are like a big and heavily built cousin of a Dual Purpose motorcycle.

BMW R1200 GS Adventure

To travel over bad roads, Adventure Touring motorcycles have good ground clearance and are fitted with dual purpose tyres. These motorcycles also have a tall windscreen so as to protect the rider from wind blast at high speeds.

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere

Some famous Adventure Touring motorcycles are the KTM 990 Adventure, BMW R1200 GS Adventure.

Most Adventure Touring motorcycles are nowadays fitted with smoother tyres (in place of dual purpose tyres) which make them more suited to ride on good roads than on bad roads.

Examples of such Adventure Touring motorcycles are: Honda Varadero, Suzuki V-Storm Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere and Ducati Multistrada.






2. Sports Touring motorcycles:

What is a Sports Touring motorcycle?

Examples of a few Sports Touring models are the Yamaha FJR1300, BMW K1300GT, Honda ST1300 and Honda VFR (800/1200) motorcycles. They are used to tour on smooth highways.

BMW K1300 GT

Due to their full fairings, for a layman the above mentioned motorcycles might look similar to Super Sports motorcycles like the Yamaha R1 and Honda CBR1000RR. But actually these Sports Touring motorcycles are quite different from the Super Sports motorcycles.

Yamaha FJR1300

First, the riding stance on these motorcycles is relaxed and upright, unlike the extremely aggressive riding stance of Super Sports motorcycles.

Second, the fairings on these Sports Touring motorcycles are larger and provide better weather protection.

Third, the wheelbases on these motorcycles are longer and are heavier than Super Sports motorcycles.

Fourth, the engines are tuned for a stronger low and mid range torque rather than deliver brutal power at very high rpms which is the characteristics of a Super Sports motorcycle.




A few other Touring Motorcycles worth mentioning:

Honda Goldwing

There are some models like the Honda Goldwing, BMW K1200LT and Harley Davidson Electra Glide (currently available in India as a CBU). These are massive motorcycles, they are so heavy that some of them come with reverse gear and power assisted center stands.

These are the ultimate motorcycles for long distance highway touring in luxury.




Will Indians be adventurous enough to accept motorcycles specifically made for touring..??

As these motorcycles are virtually useless for point A to point B type of commuting, therefore I have my doubts that these motorcycles might find mass acceptance in India.

But who knows, if designed specifically for India with some practical point A to point B usage and comes at an Indian price tag, it might get a niche foothold in the 10 million a year 2 wheeler market.

But then, who would want to bell the cat? That’s the big question.








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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.









Apr 11, 2010

7 The Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer India Tour 2010, Dates and venue

The Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer India Tour 2010, Dates and venue

Chris Pfeiffer India 2010 Tour

    [1] Delhi: April 29th : DLF Place, Saket 5PM
    [2] Mumbai : May 01 : Inorbit Mall, Malad, 5PM
    [3] Hyderabad : May 04 : Prasads, 5 PM
    [4] Bangalore : May 06 : Kanteerava Stadium, 5 PM
    [5] Chennai : May 07 : Besant Nagar Beach : 5.30 PM

The above is the schedule of Chris Pfeiffer’s 2010 India tour. The best part about this is that there is no Entry Fee for the event..!!

The event is being sponsored by Red Bull and xBhp.com is the Official Motorcycling Community for the event. Sunny, the founder of xBhp.Com will be covering the event as the official photographer. Visit xBhp.Com (India’s premier motorcycle forum) for in depth coverage of the event and to join in the discussion with like minded bike enthusiasts of the country.


Chris Pfeiffer

About Chris Pfeiffer

Chris Pfeiffer is a famous professional motorcycle rider who specializes in Stunt Riding. Born in Munich, Germany (in 1970) the 40 year old freestyle rider has multiple world stunt riding championships under his belt.



Chris Pfeiffer’s Sponsors

Chris is sponsored by big brands like Alpinestars, Metzeler, BMW Motorcycles and Red Bull. As stated earlier the Chris Pfeiffer’s 2010 India Tour is being sponsored by Red Bull.

Since 2006 Chris Pfeiffer has been performing his stunts on BMW’s F800 Street bike.





BMW Chris Pfeiffer Edition F800R

BMW had even launched in limited numbers a "Chris Pfeiffer Edition" of the BMW F800R motorcycle in 2009, which was a replica of the BMW F800R motorcycle that Chris uses to perform his gravity defying stunts.


It will be an opportunity of a lifetime to catch a glimpse of Chris Pfeiffer in action.

If you live anywhere close to the above mentioned 5 cities, I am sure that you would definitely make it to the venue.


Visit Chris Pfeiffer’s Official website

Chris Pfeiffer




Watch the Video of Chris Pfeiffer in action.. he's just A-W-E-S-O-M-E..!!












Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.








Apr 10, 2010

2 New Discover to be launched April (end) 2010

New Bajaj Discover to be launched by April 2010 end (and no, this is not a speculation)..

"We have a new Discover scheduled for launch in the end of this month". That’s what Bajaj auto’s MD Mr. Rajeev Bajaj has stated in a recent interview to CNBC (MoneyControl.Com).

The Discover brand has been around for about half a decade and has been a strong brand for Bajaj. I always had the opinion that the Discover was an honest commuter (like the Hero Honda Splendor) with no sporty pretentions. That’s probably the reason for its recent success in the form of the 100 cc Discover DTS-Si.

Bajaj Discover DTS-Si

Bajaj Discover DTS-Si (100 cc)


Stating further on the new Discover, Mr. Bajaj further said:

    The current Discover we have is a 100 cc, very fuel efficient motorcycle. We think there are some commuters there who appreciate that but would like little more power, little more torque either because they need to move quickly in city traffics such as Delhi or in the more suburban areas the people that sit on the motorcycle are bigger or they carrying some load with it. So they would appreciate something that’s bigger and more torque. We do not have anything like that.

    I do not see anything like that in the market place not necessarily in terms of the product aspect but in terms of a brand. So from very strong brand position of a discover if we present consumers with something that has of that values but offers a lot more in terms of torque and carrying capacity.


But what about the current 135 c.c Discover then? Maybe that’s the one (the new Discover) that is getting an upgrade along with better Torque by this month end.









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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.









Apr 8, 2010

6 March 2010, 2 Wheeler Sales in India

March 2010 sales numbers of our 2 wheeler manufacturers..

March 2010 continues the happy growth story for most of the major 2 wheeler makers in India. Sales number of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is worth special mention here; it was just a couple of thousand less units than the number 3’rd TVS Motor. Also Yamaha has managed to sell marginally more 2 wheelers than Suzuki Motorcycles India in March 2010.

Posted below are the March 2010, two wheeler sales numbers.

[The March 2010 sales figures of Royal Enfield could not be collected..]

March 2010 2 Wheeler Sales, India

Hero Honda had sold 414,638 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up by 17% over last year)

News Source: Click here

Hero HondaThe country's largest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda, today reported 17.35 per cent rise in sales at 414,638 units last month, the best-ever figure reported by the company for the month of March.

The company had sold 353,342 units during March last year, Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) said in a statement.

HHML registered a cumulative sales of 4,600,130 units during 2009-10, against 3,722,000 units in the previous fiscal, up 23.59 per cent, it added.





Bajaj Auto had sold 244,828 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up by 85% over last year)

News Source: Click here

Bajaj Auto Ltd.NEW DELHI: The country's second largest two- wheeler maker Bajaj Auto today reported 85.12 percent jump in its motorcycle sales at 244,828 units in March. The company had sold 132,253 units in March last year, Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) said in a statement.

During the entire 2009-10 financial year, the company sold 2,506,749 units in the motorcycle segment, a jump of 31.39 percent over 1,907,853 units in the year-ago period, it added.

BAL attributed the growth to robust sales of Pulsar and Discover range of bikes.

In March, total two-wheeler sales jumped by 84.57 percent to 244,889 units compared to 132,683 units in the same period a year ago, the statement said.





TVS Motor has sold 146,736 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up by 24% over last year)

News Source: Click here

TVS Motors Completing the year on the continuous growth path, TVS Motor Company has posted a growth of 24 % in March 2010. Significant contributions across all segments has resulted in total two wheeler sales of 146,736 units when compared to 118,000 units in the same month of the previous financial year. Cumulative growth for the period April 2009 to March 2010 stood at 15%, with 1,521,912 units against 1,325,754 units in the comparable period of the previous year.

Domestic sales grew 25 % registering sales of 126,669 units in March 2010 when compared to 101,660 units recorded in March 2009.

Propelling the spurt in sales was the scooter segment, which contributed 50% growth in its segment. Scooters witnessed sizeable growth recording 28,504 units in sales in March 2010 as against 19,054 units in March 2009. Motorcycle registered a growth of 7 % in March 2010 with sales of 64,120 units in March 2010 when compared to 59,796 units in the same month of the previous year.

Exports, maintained its upward course posting double digit growth of 23 % during the month of March 2010 registering sales of 20,067 units against 16,340 units in March 2009.




Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has sold 144,288 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up 76% over last year)

News Source: Click here

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Two-wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India on Thursday reported 76.25 per cent jump in its sales at 144,288 units in March.
The company’s total sales stood at 81,865 units in the same month last year, HMSI said in a statement.
Motorcycle sales jumped 63.25 per cent to 65,888 units in March, against 40,360 units in the corresponding period a year ago, it added.
The company reported a robust growth of 88.89 per cent in scooter sales at 78,400 units in the said month, compared with 41,505 units in the year-ago period




Yamaha India has sold 27,460 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up by 44% over last year)

News Source: Click here

Yamaha IndiaTwo-wheeler maker India Yamaha Motor today reported a 27.30 per cent growth in its sales in March at 27,460 units, boosted by good performance in the premium bike segment.
The company had sold 21,571 units during the same month of last year, India Yamaha Motor said in a statement.
It also reported a jump of 44.38 per cent in its annual sales during the 2009-10 fiscal at 290,211 units as compared to 01,009 units during the previous fiscal.
During March, the two-wheeler maker sold 17,892 units in the domestic market as against 14,575 units in the same month of last fiscal, a rise of 22.76 per cent.
Exports during the month jumped by 36.76 per cent to 9,568 units compared to 6,996 units in March 2009, it said.







Suzuki Motorcycle India has sold 21,752 units of two-wheelers in March 2010 (Up by 76% over last year)

News Source: Click here

Suzuki Motorcycle IndiaTwo-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India reported a jump of 76.13 per cent in its sales in March at 21,752 units, on the back of good response to its new products.

The company had sold 12,350 units during March 2009, Suzuki Motorcycle India said in a statement.



















Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.










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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.






Apr 5, 2010

14 Indians have unadventurous taste. Part 1: Dual Purpose & Supermoto Motorcycles

We need more kinds of motorcycles in India.. is it about time..??

Indians have unadventurous taste in motorcycles. That’s what was stated by Yamaha India officials in late 2007.

At that time, I was of the opinion (in fact offended) that how Yamaha could pass such a comment about Indian bikers? That too when Yamaha did not have a single exciting model in their (pre 2008) line up for India.

But just after a few months, when Yamaha displayed the racy R15 and the beefy FZ16 at the 2008 New Delhi Auto Expo, I had to eat humble pie. I now appreciate what Mr. T. Ishikawa, the then MD of Yamaha India had in mind for Indian bikers.

..not even a single dual purpose motorcycle for a country of one billion plus..!!

Till then, the middle class enthusiast Indian biker had to be either satisfied with their staple diet of Bajaj Pulsars (150/180/200/220) or maybe the TVS Apache, Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme/Hunk/Karizma. Honestly speaking there was not much of a difference in these models both in terms of looks and technology.

But today even I’ll say that, we Indians do have unadventurous taste in motorcycling. To support this statement, I’ll write about a few categories of motorcycles which are popular worldwide but have zilch presence in India.



1.Dual Purpose/Sport motorcycles:

What is a Dual Purpose/Sport motorcycle?

Kawasaki KLX 250S - Dual Purpose

Kawasaki KLX 250S - Dual Purpose

These motorcycles are designed to be ridden on moderately bad roads and also on good paved roads with ease. For these reason these dual purpose motorcycles are fitted with dual purpose tyres, which can be ridden on good and moderately rough terrain as well. The ground clearance and the suspension travel of these dual purpose bikes are greater than city bikes to cope up with bad terrain.

Most of our Indian roads are less than perfect and these dual purpose bikes actually make more sense than our normal city bikes. But then, there is not even a single dual purpose motorcycle for a country of one billion plus..!! Amazing..!!



2. Supermoto Motorcycles:

What is a Supermoto Motorcycle?

Kawasaki KLX 250SF - Supermoto

Kawasaki KLX 250SF - Supermoto

A Supermoto Motorcycle is a cousin of Dual Purpose/Sport motorcycle. Supermoto bikes have same kind of ample ground clearance and suspension travel like dual purpose bikes. The main difference between a dual purpose and a Supermoto motorcycle is in the kind of tyres and wheel sizes.

Unlike a dual sport motorcycle, which comes with dual purpose tyres, a Supermoto bike comes fitted with Fatter and Slicker Road Tyres. Also both the rear and front wheel size of Supermoto bikes are mostly of 17 inch diameter (like other street bikes), whereas dual purpose bikes come with a smaller rear wheel and a larger front (usually 21 inch dia.) wheel. The Supermoto motorcycle therefore more at home on paved roads than on bad roads.

Kawasaki KLX 250SF Rear Tyre

Indians have a fascination with fat tyres. Supermoto bikes should therefore have a better chance of being accepted by our desi bikers than dual purpose motorcycles.

These bikes sure do look like fun. But then would Indians be adventurous enough to accept Supermoto motorcycles?



For those who do not like bikes styled like off-road motorcycles:

Not all dual purpose motorcycles need to look like derivations of pure motocross/off road motorcycles. For example, the BMW 650 X Country has the looks of a street naked motorcycle and still retains the characteristics of a dual purpose motorcycle.

BMW G650 X Country

Off late manufacturers have started making factory produced Supermoto motorcycles which do not look like derivatives of dual purpose motorcycles fitted with 17 inch road tyres. Examples of such new age Supermoto motorcycles are the Aprilia Dorsuduro, KTM 990 SM, Ducati Hypermotard. They come equipped with alloy wheels, are heavier and have powerful engines compared to traditional "Dual Purpose motorcycle derived" Supermoto bikes.

Aprilia Dorsoduro



Now are you game enough to experiment with Dual Purpose / Supermoto motorcycles..??







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This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.









Apr 2, 2010

12 2010, 125 cc Honda Shine gets renamed as 'CB' Shine

Honda gives its 125 cc Shine the 'CB' treatment..!!

Honda has now brought all its motorcycle models in India under the 'CB' tag..!!

Just a couple of days back when the details of the 2010, 150 cc Honda Unicorn appeared on Honda India's website as the 'CB' Unicorn,I had jokingly stated that "What's next..?? 'CB' Shine..??" Well, I couldn't have been more prophetic.

The Honda 2 Wheeler India website has been recently updated with the details of the 2010 'CB' Shine..!!

2010 Honda CB Shine

The changes are largely cosmetic and limited to..

    [1] Black painted engine
    [2] Handle bar end weights
    [3] New design stickers
    [4] New 3D Honda winged logo on tank
    [5] Maintenance free battery
    [6] Viscous paper air filter

On the engine front everything still remains same though.






It is clear that the CB Shine is not a new model or a major upgrade. But by giving the 'CB' tag to the 125 cc Shine, Honda has now brought all its motorcycle models in India under the 'CB' tag.

    [1] 110 cc, CB Twister
    [2] 125 cc, CBF Stunner
    [3] 125 cc, CB Shine
    [4] 150 cc, CB Unicorn and

    the imports..
    [5] CB1000R and
    [6] CBR1000RR - Fireblade

Well how about a "CBR" 250 or maybe a "CBR" 300 next..??

Not "CB250R" or "CB300R".. but a CBR model.



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This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.








Apr 1, 2010

4 Harley Davidson bookings to start on 20'th April, across 5 cities

Harley Davidson to start booking across 5 cities in India..

Harley Davidson Dealers in India

The Iconic Harley Davidson brand would soon take bookings (of its 12 models for India) starting from April 20'th. Deliveries are slated to start from June 2010.

5 dealers across 5 cities (one in each city) in India have been finally shortlisted to be worthy enough to sell the Harley Davidson models. The 5 cities are:

[1] Chandigarh
[2] New Delhi
[3] Mumbai
[4] Hyderabad
[5] Bengaluru (Sigh.. I have finally decided to let go of its ealier trendy and cool sounding 'Bangalore' name)

Well chosen cities I'd say, these 5 cities would have most of the rich boys.. err.. men who would want to get associated with the bad boy image that the Harley Davidson motorcycles come with.. and yes, would definitely have deep(er) pockets.


Harley Davidson India seems to have carefully chosen its intial 5 dealers in India. Each dealer has a full page on them on the Harley Davidson India website.

Harley Davidson Mumbai Dealer

I get a feeling that the prospective owners of Harley models in India are going to be treated like royalty.

Like 50 Cents had said, "Get Rich or Die Tryin"





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Disclaimer:

This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.