12 Yamaha plans to launch its 150 C.C by 2008

Yamaha might launch a 150 cc in 2008..!! And it might be a model which is available in Indonesia..!!

According to Economic Times, Yamaha Motors has finally made comments on it's plans of launching a 150 C.C Motorcycle. The new 150 C.C Yamaha would probably be showcased in the upcoming Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi and launched by mid 2008.

According to the Economic Times the 150 C.C engine would have 4 valves and should produce around 14 bhp. Also the bike is expected to have sporty looks similar in line of the Yamaha R1.

The above specification might just be similar to a Yamaha product that has been recently launched in Indonesia called the V-ixion. The Yamaha V-ixion is a 150 C.C motorycle. My hunch is that the 150 C.C model planned for India might be based on the same V-ixion model available in Indonesia.

Technical Specification of the 150 C.C Yamaha Vixion...


ENGINE

• 149.7 C.C, 4 Stroke


• Liquid Cooled


• Single Cylinder


• 4 Valves



• Power: 11.10 kw (14.88 HP or 15.09 PS) / 8,500 rpm


• Torque: 13.10 nm (1.34 Kgf.m)/ 7,500 rpm


• Compression Ratio: 10.4 : 1

GEARS

• 5 SPEED

DIMENSIONS

• Wheelbase 1,282 mm


• Weight 114 Kg

CHASIS/SUSPENSION

• Delta Frame


• Rear: Monoshock


• Front: Telescopic Shock Absorbers

BRAKES

• Front: 245 MM Single Disc Brake


• Rear: 130 MM Drum Brake

TYRES

• Front: 2.75 – 17


• Rear: 90/90 – 17




• Kick & Electric Starter


• Tank Capacity: 12 Ltr

"The legendary Yamaha RX100 used to develop its maximum power at 8500 rpm and its Maximum Torque at 7500 rpm which is exactly the same rpm at which the V-ixion develops its Maximum Power and Torque resectively..!!"

So far so good but the pricing seems to be a bit high to what Indians are used to in this 150 C.C segment. Economic times have quoted a figure of Rs 80,000-90,000 for this new 150 C.C Yamaha. Even the price of the V-ixion is Rp. 18,900,000 In Indonesian currency. Which is about Rs. 85,000 (In Indian Currency)..!!

So we can see that so far there is a stong suggestion that India might get the V-ixion as its 150 C.C offering from Yamaha.

From the specs of the V-ixion it is obvious that it is inclined more towards performance. Engines with 4 valves per cylinder generally of rev happy nature and produce maximum power at a high RPM range compared the usual 2 valves per cylinder engines. The liquid-cooled engine would help to keep the engine cool at high temperatures. The Monoshock and the delta frame would just go to enhance the sporty handling of the motorcycle.

Guess what..?? The legendary Yamaha RX100 used to develop its maximum power at 8500 rpm and its Maximum Torque at 7500 rpm; which is exactly the same rpm at which the V-ixion develops its Maximum Power and Torque resectively..!! Also with just 114 Kg kerb weight and with around 15.09 PS of power, the V-ixion has the potential of being the performance king among the 150 C.C's and might also pose some serious questions at the Pulsar 180.

But if Yamaha does really have the V-ixion in its mind for India, then I would like to see a few changes in it.

• Wider Rear Tyre instead of its 90/90 rear


• A bit more muscular styling


• Maybe a fairing with Digital Speedometers


• And yes, a lesser price

Till now virtually every bike enthusiast in the country has been complaning on why Yamaha does not have any 150 C.C in its Indian arsenal. Now would you guys be interested in the V-ixion if Yamaha decides to bring it in India..??

Related Posts:

• Yamaha India will bring in its Superbikes..!! Are you happy now..??
• Why are the Japanese lagging behind Indian Two Wheeler Manufacturers..??
• New 100 C.C Yamaha Alba (Pics/Photos/Images)
• Yamaha India hangs on to Indian market despite losses
• Yamaha India in bad shape [Feb 2007]
• Latest News from Honda and Yamaha India [Feb 2007]
• New Yamaha Gladiator "Type J.A" 125 c.c with Alloys (Pics/Images)

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.

6 Indian Two Wheeler Industry.. Evolution or Revolution..??

Has the Indian Two Wheeler Industry had any "Revolutionary Products"..?? Well I think I can name Three..!!

Recently I came across a very interesting post on First Synn's blog which was also posted on XBhp.Com (by Synn himself). It was about whether the Indian two-wheeler industry is right now in an Evolutionary or Revolutionary Phase.

Quite a few interesting comments were exchanged on this topic. I felt that the discussion had become more of a debate on what should be considered "Revolutionary" and what as "Evolutionary".

"I don't consider the emergence of Big Capacity and Powerful Bikes a sign of "Revolution" for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..!!"

Most comments in the discussion were of the opinion that inclusion of Hi-Tech and latest features on the bikes should be considered as Revolutionary. Another interesting comment was that during the 1980's there were 350 C.C bikes available and now we have actually come down to 100/150 C.C's. Even anonymous blogger Rearset has similar opinions on his blog where he wrote about the same topic.


So what is my take on this topic?

A revolutionay product can only be identified looking back and not by looking forward..

Be ready to be shocked guys but I don't consider inclusion of Hi-Tech features on Indian Bikes or for that matter the emergence of Big Capacity and Powerful Bikes a sign of "Revolution"..!!

Want to know why..?? Just read this post further...

Before I start commenting on the Indian Two-Wheeler Industry let us first see what is the definition given in the dictionary for these two words.

Evolution:



ev·o·lu·tion: Pronunciation [ev-uh-loo-shuh n]

–noun

a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development.

Revolution:



rev·o·lu·tion Pronunciation [rev-uh-loo-shuh n]

–noun

a sudden, complete or marked change in something.

Let me jot down a few words, which I would associate with "revolution"

• American/French/Russian Revolution



• Industrial Revolution (during 19'th century Europe)



• Indian IT Revolution

If we observe the definition of "revolution" carefully along with the above mentioned associations we can easily see how these events brought about a "sudden, complete or marked change" in America/France/Russia, Europe and in India. So therefore we can conclude that whenever an event brings about "radical" changes in our life we can label that event as a "revolution"


Revolutionary Products:

Let me now recollect a few products, which I would associate as products which have created a revolution by bringing about "radical and marked" changes in our lives..

• "Walkman" from Sony


• "iPod" from Apple

Revolutionary Products in Automobiles

• Ford Model T


• Maruti 800


• Honda Cub

Why are these products classified as "Revolutionary"..??

A Revolution is an event or product which would..

>>make dramatic/radical or marked change in our lives

>>should have mass involvement

It is because both the "walkman" and "iPod" changed the way we listen to our music. As for the Ford Model-T, it made possible for the common American to own a car during the early 1900's. The Ford Model-T was voted as the car of the century. The Maruti 800 was responsible in a similar way in putting the middle class Indian and his family on a 4 wheeler.

The Honda Cub, which was just a 50 C.C stepthru was chosen as the "Greatest Motorcycle of the Century" by none other than the Discovery Channel. The Honda Cub is considered the greatmest motorcycle ever for the impact it created in the 1950-1960's when it was launched (it is still in production in some countries..!!). The Honda Cub changed the way people rode their two wheelers in the U.S at a time when 1000 C.C plus big bikes were the order of the day.

All the above products were affordable, mass produced and devoid of any "Hi-Tech" features. But each product was able to create a sudden and radical change in people's lives. A common factor between the American/Russian Revolutions and the above-mentioned revolutionary products was the sheer "Mass" involvement.

So now it becomes clear that a revolution is an event or product which would

• make dramatic/radical or marked change in our lives



• should have mass involvement

Based on the above conclusion let us now discuss about the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..?? Has there ever been any two wheeler product which has been responsible for creating a revolution in India..?? My answer is.. "Yes, I can name three".

• The Bajaj Scooter



• The Hero Honda Splendor



• The Bajaj Pulsar

My Explanation:

Before 1998-1999 the Bajaj Scooter was the prefered mode of transport for virtually every Indian. It was popular not because the fairer sex could ride it too but because it was the vehicle which was affordable, could carry the Sunday Groceries and also your wife along with a child or two on it. It was the time which Bajaj ruled. Remeber the memorable "Hamara Bajaj" campaign.











After 1998-1999 there was a sudden shift in the mindset of the two wheeler buying customer. The rising fuel prices made the two stroke Bajaj Scooter expensive to run. The scooter was also becoming out of fashion for younger bike customers. As a result Hero Honda had the perfect product in its arsenal, the Hero Honda Splendor. It was reasonably priced, extremely fuel efficient, had an extremely reliable engine and also looked good during those days. As a result the Splendor went on to become the "Best Selling" two wheeler in the world.





After 2000 - till today, every Indian city has been flooded with an overdose of the 100 cc fuel efficient but underpowered Hero Honda Splendors and it clones (CT 100, Platina, Star City etc). There was an unattended need for a "fuel-efficient", stylish, macho two wheeler which also had to be "reasonably priced". Enter "Bajaj Pulsar"…!!, Similar to the Bajaj Scooter and the Hero Honda Splendor, the Pulsar has changed the way the Indian biker rode his two wheeler. Now there was more emphasis on "Style", "Power", "Hi-Tech Features" and also "Reasonable Fuel Efficiency". Moreover the 100 cc segment which has dominated the sales have slowly started to see a decline.

To summarize:

• The Bajaj Scooter was responsible for putting the middle class Indian and his family on two wheelers.



• The Hero Honda Splendor made it possible for the Indian customer to shift from Scooters to Motorcycles (and that too in a big way).



• Finally the Bajaj Pulsar has been successful in providing the Young Indian Biker and his Girlfriend a "Stylish", reasonably "Powerful" and resonably "Fuel Efficient" motorcycle.

Q: What about "Evolution" for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..??

Ans: Well... all the other two wheelers have all helped in the evolution of the Indian Two Wheeler Industry.

Q: What about the next Revolutionary Indian Two Wheeler..??

Ans: A revolutionay product can only be identified looking back and not by looking forward. We can at best predict and speculate. Also... Relax Boss… the Indian Two Wheeler Story has just kick started.. "The Bike Chronicles of India" will be always there to document it.

[If anypone has his/her views on this post, your comments are always welcome]

Related Posts:

• The Greatest Ever Motorcycle



• Hero Honda, the "First Hero" among Indian bike manufacturers



• Bajaj Pulsar, an excercise in "Trial & Error"..??



• Is This Blog Biased towards "Bajaj Bikes"..??

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.

13 Yamaha India will bring in its Superbikes..!! Are you happy now..??

Yamaha India Chief says Yamaha will bring in its big bikes in India... Should I be Really Happy..??

Automonitor Quotes:

Yamaha Motor India (YMI) has decided to launch the 1000cc YZF-R1 and the 1670cc MT-01 in the country in this calendar...

"These bikes are not meant for business but to create an image"..

"it could be a few dozens"

The 1670cc MT-01

Great news..!! Is that what I (the average "desi" biker) should say..?? Shouldn't I feel elated..??

• Shouldn't I at least feel happy for those few dozen lucky “Desi” Bikers with deep pockets..??



• Or should I act jingoistic and grin that it is actually a recognition of the “India Shinning” crap..??



• Or should I believe that that the Japanese Gaint has finally woken from its slumber and is really serious with its Indian venture this time.

My answer is a Big "NO"..!!

At around 10 lakh plus those speed demons are definitely a distant dream for an average guy like me. It might be music to the ears for those lucky "Desi" Richie Rich types. But honestly whats there for an average biker like me..?? Being happy for a rich guy who already has all the exotic toys would be like being happy for a dude with a hot chick.


The 1000cc YZF-R1




India Shining..?? I am not exactly sure about that but I would rather be proud at what my "desi" bike manufacturers produce (and sell to the rest of the world too).





its abvious that the Japanese bikes have not really caught the fancy of our "desi" buyers..

Get a few of your Speed Demons in India.. This will show the Bajaj's and TVS's who the real boss is.. It would restore the faith among the Indian Bikers

Is the Japanese Gaint finally serious and means business this time..?? Well.. This would be interesting to discuss. First lets see what the Jap Bike Manufacturers Inc. have done so far.



• The Top three bike makers in India are Hero Honda, Bajaj and TVS respectively. Which incidently are "desi" bike makers (Hero Honda is Indian with the technology from Japan)



• The next three are Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha



• Yamaha has been on its own in India since 2001, Honda and Suzuki have done a few years here



• Marketshare of the top three Indian Manufacturers is roughly around 85% (refer the picture below)





So its abvious that the Japanese bikes have not really caught the fancy of our "desi" buyer. Moreover the expectations from these Global Two Wheeler Gaints were very high and needless to state that they have actually underperformed. The frustration of the biking community who were expecting the sky from these Japanese trio are increasing by every dissappointing launch.




But I still ask humbly and great hopes.. What's there for me..??

So what do you do in such a situation..?? Simple get a few of your Speed Demons in India.. which rule Global Sales but also cost the equivalent of an Indian entry level luxury car. This will show the Bajaj's and TVS's what these Japanese companies are capable of and who the real boss is. It would also restore the faith among the Indian Bikers.

Suzuki has done it by displaying and also accepting bookings for the Hayabusa along with its 125 C.C offerings. Honda is mulling over bringing a few of its Big bikes in India. Finally Yamaha, the original performance oriented manufacturer (remember the RD350 and RX100..??) is getting ready to bring in its R1 and MT-01.

But I still ask humbly and great hopes (please remember Yamaha that I still ride your RX100)...

The YZF-R1 and the MT-01 are for deep pockets. What's there for me..??

Related Posts:

• Why are the Japanese lagging behind Indian Two Wheeler Manufacturers..??



• New 100 C.C Yamaha Alba (Pics/Photos/Images)



• Yamaha India hangs on to Indian market despite losses



• Yamaha India in bad shape



• Latest News from Honda and Yamaha India (Feb 15 , 2007)



• New Yamaha Gladiator "Type J.A" 125 c.c with Alloys (Pics/Images)



• Honda CBR 600 might come to India..!!



• Book your Suzuki Hayabusa in India..!!

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.

20 Hero Honda Splendor NXG Test Ride/Review [Pics/Photos]

I take the Test Ride of the new 100 C.C Splendor NXG from Hero Honda

Hero Honda has done it again. It has launched yet another variant of its best selling 100 C.C CD/Splendor range. And this one finally comes with alloy wheels. So how different is the NXG from the other 100 C.C motorcycles from Hero Honda..??

To find out, I swing a leg over the new Splendor NXG and take her for a test ride..

Looks: Along with its new Silver Colored Alloy Wheels, the Splendor NXG has a new headlamp, tank, side body panels, and taillamp, turn indicators.. and yes.. New Stickers..!! :-)

The headlamp has a design which seems to mimic the "Wolf-Eyed"/"Phantom" headlamp of the new Pulsar UGIII bikes.

Switches are of similar design as those found on the 125 C.C Super Splendors

The Speedometer design is new but it would have looked better with conventional twin pod meters. The one on the Splendor NXG looks more appropriate for a scooter.


Build Quality:Decent build quality if not the best

The fuel swith has a nice design. It feels much better to operate than the usual switches with thin levers.

RideThe riding position on the Splendor NXG is quite commuter friendly and comfortable with an unright stance. The seat is quite comfortable too.



The ride though is a little bit hard...

Handling: ..which in turn translates to stable and a better handling bike.

Which is because of the rear shocks which have a hard set up

But unforunately these are of "non" adjustable types..!!

But even the CD Deluxe (the one shown in the pic on the left) has two way adjustable rear shocks.

Engine Performance: I found the engine of the Splendor NXG similar to the 100 C.C "Splendor" and "Passion" models and not find any perceptible difference in the engine.

It was smooth and had decent power for a 100 C.C commuter

Tech Specs:

• Engine: 4-Stroke 97.2 C.C


• Power: 7.7 PS at 7500 rpm


• Gear: 4 Speed


• Front Tyre: 2.75 x 18


• Rear Tyre: 2.75 x 18


• Tank Capacity: 10.3 Lts

Price:The Splendor NXG is priced at just around one thousand rupees more than the Splendor+. The Delhi ex-showroom price is Rs 40,990 for the spoke version and Rs 41,990 for the alloy wheel version.

Hero Honda might say that the NXG is not a variant, but from the test ride I felt that it is nothing but a Variant. I am also confident that this us not the last one (100 C.C variant) from Hero Honda.

Verdict:The Splendor NXG will carry the successful 100 C.C story for Hero Honda for a few more years. It has a smooth and reliable engine. New body parts and alloys does make it look smart for a commuter. Handling is decent too. The ride quality suffers though. But with the competition (read Bajaj) lowering the price of its "Platina" to Rs. 33,000 (ex-showroom), the Splendor NXG is a bike for the Hero Honda loyalist

Related Posts:

• Overdrive Reports that Bajaj has a LPG Powered Platina



• New 100 C.C Yamaha Alba (Pics/Photos/Images)



• TVS launches new 100 C.C "Star Sport"



• TVS Motor launches "Star City", India's first 100 C.C with Electric Start

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.

2 Awesome pics of Pulsar 200 which can be used as Wallpapers

Awesome pics of the Pulsar 200 which can used as beautiful Bike Wallpapers

"In a previous post, I had rated the Karizma-R over the Pulsar 200 as the most beautiful motorcycle in India.."

"But even if the Pulsar Brothers (150/180/200) might have similar looks, they at least stand apart from the rest of the crowd"

I have this habit of putting photos of bikes as wallpaper on my pc. I therefore regularly surf the net looking for pics of bikes which can be downloaded to be used as wallpapers.

Today I came across (on Flickr.Com) two mindblowing examples of artistic photography. I came across a collection of photos of the Pulsar 200 uploaded by a guy on Flickr.Com. I downloaded two of those photos and tried them as wallpapers. The results blew me off..!! It was one of the best Bike Wallpapers I had used.

Posted below are the two downloaded photos of the Pulsar 200...

For more pics, visit the flickr account from where I downloaded the above pics. Click here

In a previous post, I had rated the Karizma-R over the Pulsar 200 as the most beautiful motorcycle in India. But I must make it clear that this was just because there are already so many Pulsars all over India. The Pulsar 200 might go unnoticed as just another Pulsar on the road unless observed with keen eyes.

I personally believe that the Bajaj has managed to give the Pulsar siblings (150/180/200) an extremely Agressive, Muscular and Sexy look which sets it apart from the rest of the two wheeler crowd. Even if the Pulsar Brothers (150/180/200) might have similar looks, they at least stand apart from the rest of the crowd.

And guess what?

I might probably buy a Pulsar 200 for myself soon (just waiting for the Pulsar 220 to see how good it really is)..!!

Related Posts:

• Bajaj Pulsar 200 Vs Hero Honda Karizma.. Who has the Best Looks..??



• Nilu's New Pulsar 200 (With Redesigned Fornt Fork Barrels) Pics/Images/Photos



• Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSI with Monoshock..??



• Official Wallpapers of Pulsar 200, CBZ Xtreme & Apache



• Exclusive Owners Review of the new Pulsar 200 c.c DTSI..!!



• Official Wallpapers of the Bajaj Pulsar 200 C.C DTSI



• Pulsar 200 C.C DTSI Owner Videos (Part I)

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.