Bike Chronicles of India

Sep 7, 2007

15 Is the following "Comment" authentic..??

A Pulsar 200 owner has left a comment in "The Bike Chronicles of India".. it is it a Genuine one..??

Guys,

i own a P200 (Bajaj Pulsar 200) well maintained,

the bike has let me down in terms of performance, to start with it doesnt cross 110kmph, secondly mileage 29 -30 kmpl (i expected 40, BAL guys said it gives 40 kmpl after all it is not a super bike)

then last of all the bike doesnt start when raining it is realy worse...and thanks to BAL there is no kick (i know SBKS dont come with kick) but can we realy trust BAL technology to go ahead without kick.....

i would never recommend any UG3 version BAL bikes...i am planing to go for a new bike...

-- Sumit

This was a comment left by a guy supposedly called "Sumit" in this blog. But a voice in the back of my mind told me that something is wrong with this comment.

To start with, the comment was left in the post about a Drag Race between the Pulsar 220 and the Karizma. So why this unrelated comment about the Pulsar 200 in this particular post..?

Second: It sounds more like a "Public Service" message rather than an earnest grievance of a frustrated owner.

Third: I have seen a few Jerks in action in a few auto related internet forums whose sole purpose in life is to despise any Indian made two wheeler.

Just because I have an access to the internet and I have my freedom of speech does not not imply that I can say anything I want.

Voicing one's opinion is fine but posting false allegations is definitely a no no.

There is already a lot of "Noise" on the internet in the form of wrong information and baseless rumours. The "Bike Chronicles of India" gets above of 1,00,000 page views in a month. It is therefor my responsibility to check to the best of my ability that whatever information is published here is authentic. "The Bike Chronicles of India" shouldn't add to this "Noise".

Since there wasn't any proof accompanying the above comment, I decided not to publish it.

For the record even I can say: "I bought a Hero Honda CBZ for Rs. 66,000 in 1999. The bike couldn't cross 105 Km/hr. At around 100 Km/hr the bike used to wobble uncontrollably. The bike never gave me above 35 km/l. At high rpms the engine was very harsh and sounded as if it would sieze anytime. The handling of the bike suffered from understeer, one of my friend even crashed the bike since he couldn't finish a turn and due to which I hit a concrete slab on my chest since I was at the pillion seat.

But then where do I have the proof to justify whatever I have said above..? I could very well be telling lies just because I might want to tarnish the reputation of Hero Honda for some inexplicable reasons.

Just because I have an access to the internet and I have my freedom of speech does not not imply that I can say anything I want. Voicing one's opinion is fine but posting false allegations is definitely a no no.

Let me make it public for anyone who wants to leave a comment at "TBCI", either furnish proof along with such comments or please shut up..!!

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.

Sep 6, 2007

3 Bajaj Auto Vs. TVS Motors: "Yeh Patent Ka Mamla Hai..!!"

Bajaj Auto and TVS are engaged in a blame game.. which is a good sign for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..!!

Bajaj Auto Ko Gussa Kyun aata hai..?? (Why is Bajaj auto getting upset..??)

I remember a comic scene from the Hindi Comedy movie “Hungama”, in which the two male protagonists get into a verbal scuffle over.. well, a girl of course. In that particular scene the two characters try to size up each other. So instead of the usual Bollywood fare of blood and gore the scene ultimately culminates into nothing but a war of words without even a single blow being landed.

This incident might just mark the beginning of a long battle between the two two-wheeler giants of India.

Should such a situation arise then let me tell you that would be the best thing to happen to the Indian Two wheeler industry

The last few days have witnessed an almost similar spectacle between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors. The only difference between the movie and this corporate duel is that instead of a pretty damsel, the bone of contention in this case has been a technology which Bajaj has christened as “DTS-I”. According to Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors has violated the Intellectual Property (IP) rights with its soon to be launched “CCV-Ti” range of engines, which like the Bajaj “DTS-I” engines also happen to sport two spark plugs for the single cylinder engine.

Read about this incident here, here, here and here..

So far both the two auto makers have made public that they would take each other to court. Bajaj Auto says that they will file against TVS if they go ahead with the CCV-Ti engine. On the other hand TVS retorts by stating that they’ll sue Bajaj Auto for their “malicious remarks” against TVS Motors. It remains to be seen whether this episode actually results in either of the parties dragging the other to court.

Bike Wars ahead

Mark my words; this incident might just mark the beginning of a long battle between the two two-wheeler giants of India. Should such a situation arise then let me tell you that would be the best thing to happen to the Indian Two wheeler industry since the opening up of the Indian economy in 1991.

Why is this good for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..?

Both TVS and Bajaj Auto have survived the post liberalization phase and have been successful to ward off threats from the Japanese Competitors. It’s no more a question of survival for these two bike makers. Now they are gunning for supremacy here. Regardless of whosoever wins the verdict (if they ever happen to go to the court) both these companies stand to gain in the long run.

This particular controversy between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors might be a small step for either of the two wheeler manufacturer but it can act as a catalyst responsible for a giant leap for the Indian two wheeler industry

After the Second World War there was a race for military and technological supremacy between the USA and the erstwhile USSR. If USSR took the honors of putting Yuri Gagarin as the first man in the space, USA managed to land Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface. This mad race for military and technological supremancy resulted in tremendous advancement in science and technology. Come to think of it, even the internet was born due to this cold war.

Similarly this particular controversy between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors might be a small step for either of the two wheeler manufacturer but it can act as a catalyst responsible for a giant leap for the Indian two wheeler industry.

From now on both TVS and Bajaj Auto will try to outdo the other with each new launch. The styling and the designs are only going to get better; the engines are only going to get more powerful; and if this isn’t enough the prices are also going to remain competitive.

Hey..!! It’s not just Bajaj and TVS who make up the Indian Two Wheeler Industry

Oh, I am sorry I almost forgot Hero Honda, the number one two wheeler manufacturer of the world; plus the global giants Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. I understand they are in India too.

But I also understand that Hero Honda doesn’t have an R&D of its own and has to depend on Honda for even minor modifications. On the other hand Honda is a Goliath of the global two wheeler industry. Its international R&D has to be busy to satisfy the rich “videsi” clientele. How can it possibly devote so much attention for designing bikes for a poor “desi” biker like me? So like THEY HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, they’ll probably AGAIN have to rummage through whatever is available in their present lineup of products from other developing countries and hope to make the best use of it. Ditto for Suzuki and Yamaha.

Dare I expect more from them..? By the way Honda does intend to release 3-4 models in the next 3 years, including a 100 cc model. Read about it here.. Yaaawwn...

But one has to compliment on the quality of the products of these Japanese bike makers. In fact their quiet (pun intended) presence has made sure that both Bajaj and TVS cannot err too much on the quality of their products. But they have also set standards on how Bajaj and TVS shouldn’t style their bikes. Thank you very much for your contribution. Please do stick around though. If possible please prove me wrong at the Auto Expo 2008. I’ll be more than happy to eat my own words.

Amen..

I sincerely hope that this Bajaj Vs. TVS battle is a long one. Just can’t wait for the curtains to be lifted from Auto Expo 2008, New Delhi.

Disclaimer:

Sep 4, 2007

0 Video of the HOT 125 CC TVS Flame..!! [Videos]

Video of the TVS Flame..

Happened to stumble upon this video of the new 125 cc TVS Flame on You Tube. The intro of the video says "Confidential Not for Public Viewing".

That's actually hillarious considering the same video is available on the website for the TVS Flame. Probably someone intend's to use negative psychology and make sure that everyone has to WATCH the video of the TVS Flame. I doubt if the video of the TVS Flame has been uploaded by someone from Hosur..

Looking at the sexy design of the TVS Flame, one needn't worry that anyone is going to resist having a look at the bike. Kudos to TVS for desiging such a stunner. But I personally would have been more happy to see the Apache RTR in this guise actually.

Now please, sit back and enjoy the video..

Disclaimer:

Sep 3, 2007

17 125 CC TVS FLAME (With CCV-Ti Engine) HOT..!! HOT..!! HOT..!! [Wallpapers & Tech Specs]

Wallpapers of the soon to be launched 125 CC TVS Flame with CCV-Ti engine, Possibly the most good looking bike in the country

The 125 cc TVS Flame: His Royal Hotness..!!

Tank mounted turn indicators of the 125 cc TVS Flame

Digital Speedometers of the 125 cc TVS Flame

Exhaust of the 125 cc TVS Flame

Tail Lamps of the 125 cc TVS Flame

The Headlamp of the 125 cc TVS Flame

Technical Specifications of the TVS Flame:

The TVS Apache has a wheelbase of 1300 mm

The Bajaj Pulsar has a wheelbase of 1320 mm

The TVS Flame CCV-Ti has a wheelbase of 1320 mm..!!

The Wheelbase of the Flame is bigger than the Apache and as big as the Bajaj Pulsar..!!

Engine

Engine (CC): 124.8 CC, 4 Stroke with CCV-Ti

Max Power: 10.5 bhp @ 8250 rpm

Max Torque: 10 Nm @ 6250 rpm

Gear Box: 4 Speed

Bore X Stroke: 54.5 X 53.5

Carburettor Type: VM Type- Ucal

Wheels/Tyres

Wheels Type: Mag alloys

Front Tyre: 90 X 90 X 17

Rear Tyre: 90 X 90 X 18

Brake - Front: 230 mm disc

Brake - Rear: 130 mm drum

With looks and specs like these, the TVS Flame will probably be positioned as a premium 125 cc offering.

The soon to be launched 125 cc Exceed from Bajaj will cater to the entry level 125 cc segment.

But after looking at the pics of the Flame, I doubt that anyone is going to look at any other 125 cc bike.

Supension:

Front: Telescopic

Rear: 5 Step Adjustable, Gas Filled

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 1320 mm

Overall Height: 1070 mm

Overall Length: 2030 mm

Overall Width: 760 mm

Ground Clearance: 165 mm

Kerb Weight: 121 Kg

Fuel Tank: 8.0 litre

Fuel Reserve: 2.0 litre

Honda, Hero Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha please wake up or you are seriously at risk of being left far behind..!!

Electricals

Headlamp: 12V 35/35 W Halogen

Tail Lamp: 12V 21W/5W

Turn Indicators: 12V 16 W

Battery: 12V- 5 Ah

Ignition System: IDI System

Wallpapers and Tech Specs: From TVS Flame Website..

New Bikes from TVS: Fuel Injected Apache RTR EFI, 125 cc Flame, 110 cc Star City and Electric Powered Scooty Teenz

New 125 C.C Bajaj "Exceed" with "DTS-Si" Engine launched

Honda India has 100/125 C.C plans. Can we please have the CBR 150R too..??

New 2007 Honda Shine (125 C.C) [Pics/Images/Tech specs]

Bajaj Discover DTSi 135 C.C on Bajaj's Website now

Bajaj Discover 125 C.C gets the Black Treatment

Suzuki India launches 3 Variants of its 125 C.C motorcycle range

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

Global Auto rolls out its first Indo-China Bike from West Bengal

5 Reasons for You to Upgrade from 100 C.C to 125 C.C bikes

Disclaimer:

Sep 2, 2007

8 New Bikes from TVS: Fuel Injected Apache RTR EFI, 125 cc Flame, 110 cc Star City and Electric Powered Scooty Teenz

Shedding its conservative image, TVS Motors launches 4 new variants of two wheelers..

Looks like TVS has had enough of its conservative approach at making two wheelers. On 30'th August 2007, in a launch party branded "Dhoom 7" by TVS Motors themselves; 4 new two wheelers and 3 variants of a three wheeler vehicle were launched by TVS Motors.

The Apache RTR 160 EFI will produce 0.5 bhp more than the non-EFI model.

The 125 CC Flame and the 110 CC Star City features a new CC-VTi technology

Bajaj has decided to take legal action against the new engine technology from TVS

These 4 new two wheeler models are:

A Fuel Injected Apache RTR

A 125 cc bike called "Flame" [with a 3-valve engine with the company’s latest CC-VTi (controlled combustion variable timing intelligent) technology]

A 110 cc variant of the Star City and

An Electric powered variant of the Scooty Teenz

Apache RTR 160 "EFI" with Fuel Injection:

The new Fuel Injected Apache RTR 160 is reported to feature the same 160 cc engne of the recently released Apache RTR. Apart from sporting Electronic Fuel Injection the new variant is also expected to produce 0.5 bhp of more peak power. The carbureted Apache RTR 160 already belts out 15.2 bhp which is the highest in the 150-160 cc segment. According to TVS Motors, the new bike will also be capable of offering a higher top speed of 121 kmph.

Update (3/09/07, 14:00 hrs):

"The Apache RTR 160 EFI might also feature a REAR DISC BRAKE..!!" This is what a friend of mine who works at TVS plant in Hosur told me yesterday.

New TVS Apache RTR 160 with EFI

The pics of the new Apache RTR EFI indicates that visually the bike isn't much different from the carbureted Apache RTR 160.

The new EFI technology employs an electronic control unit combined with sensors, a fuel pump and a main injector. The EFI technology promises to offer better engine smoothness and refinement, faster throttle response, lower emissions, and better performance consistency. Although there hasn't been any comment on the expected price, an increase of around Rs.5, 000 can be expected over the carbureted version.

125 cc "Flame" [With CC-VTi Engine]

A unique design element of the Flame seems to be the front turn indicators which have been integrated along with the plastic extensions on the tank.

Looks: The Flame seems to be a very important new model from TVS. As seen from the photo, TVS has made sure to make the flame an eyecatching bike. The Flame features an all black design theme which seems to be very popular these days. The alloy wheels, Engine and Chain covers along with the alloy footrests all all finished in black. The Flame has also used the plastic engine guard and the split grap rails from the Apache RTR. The headlamp design looks to have been heavily inspired from the Apache.

125 CC TVS Flame with CC-VTi Technology

A unique design element of the Flame seems to be the front turn indicators which have been integrated along with the plastic extensions on the tank. From the picture the Flame looks like a much bigger bike than what its 125 cc engine might suggest.

Engine with New CC-VTi Technology: R&D team of TVS in collaboration with AVL of Austria has developed a new technology for the 125cc engine of the new Flame. The Flame engine has a new 3-valve engine with the company’s latest CC-VTi (controlled combustion variable timing intelligent) technology. It seems the new CC-VTi technology features two different intake ports for swirl and power. The engine’s peak power is rated at a class leading 10.5 bhp at 8,250 rpm.

The new 125 cc engine has immediately attracted controversy with Bajaj Auto deciding to take legal action against TVS Motors.

According to news reports Bajaj Auto is taking legal action on TVS for copying its famous “Twin Spark Plug Design” [DTS-i] for a small capacity cylinder engines. The 125 cc engine of the Flame also seems to feature a similar "Two Spark Plug per cylinder" layout

110 cc Star City

The new StaR City features a few cosmetic changes, though the overall design of the bike remains the same. The bike also features a new 110cc engine that also sports TVS’ CVTi engine technology.

110 CC TVS Star City with CC-VTi Technology

Scooty Teenz EV:

The Scooty Teenz EV will feature an electric motor and will be capable of touching a maximum speed of 40 kmph and will have a driving range of 50 km per charge. It will house a battery that is capable of being fully charged by plugging it into a household power socket for four hours.