Bike Chronicles of India

Oct 18, 2007

15 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk preview; Tech Specs and Wallpapers [Pics/Photos/Images]

Preview of the 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk along with Pics/Photos and Technical Specifications

Hero Honda launched its new 150 cc motorcycle called “Hunk” yesterday. From the pics posted below, the “Hunk” appears to be a decent looking motorcycle. Actually compared to the “Styling Disaster” called the CBZ Xtreme, any decent looking motorcycle is going to look handsome.

From the engine specs it can be seen that both the “Hunk” and the “CBZ Xtreme” has similar power and torque figures. The Hunk even retains the RED colored Spark Plug cover from the CBZ Xtreme..!! The “Hunk” thankfully loses the funny “Goitre” shaped turn indicators of the CBZ Xtreme (Hallelujah..!!) and has gone for the more simple and conventional shaped ones. The bulbous tank gets large plastic tank extensions which kind of reminds of the ones first seen on the Yamaha Gladiator and the yet to be launched TVS Flame. The plastic extensions also feature raised stickers which proudly display the name “HUNK” on it.

But seriously Hero Honda, please show some discretion in choosing names for your future bikes.

If you find your guys don’t really have an imagination, we’ll be more than happy to do it for you

The battery and the Air Filter cover have a two tone finish of black and silver and looks quite nice compared to the unimaginative ones found on the CBZ Xtreme. The tail extensions kind of remind you of the TVS Apache. Towards the tail light, the tail extension gets a dual black treatment.

The “Hunk” follows the latest “all black” fad kick started by the Pulsar 180 DTSi. To break the monotony of the black engine covers and the alloy wheels, the “Hunk” gets silver/gray finished footrest sub frames and rear suspension springs. Even the front forks and the Gas Filled rear shock canisters get a copper/gray finish.

The rear wheel mud flap looks similar to the ones found on the Bajaj Pulsars. From the photos, the rear mud flap doesn’t quite seem to gel with the rest of the bike and seems to be jutting out a wee bit more than it should have.

Cost Cutting:

Cost cutting is evident on the “Hunk”. It misses the Split Rear Grab Rails and LED rear tail light (the Hunk gets normal bulb one) which were earlier found on the CBZ Xtreme. The Hunk also doesn’t get a Digital Speedometer display like its “desi” competitors. Another sore omission is the alloy triple clamp. The hunk features a steel plate instead of an alloy triple clamp.

Pricing:

The Hunk has been priced at Rs. 55,000 (ex showroom New Delhi) for the kick start model and at around Rs. 57,000 (ex showroom New Delhi) for the self start model.

Verdict:

Compared to the CBZ Xtreme, this time the "Hunk" seems to have been designed by a professional designer. The consumers who had earlier shunned the CBZ Xtreme because of its "Xtreme" looks might now be interested in the "Hunk". But I still can’t stop laughing at the choice of the name "HUNK", not just because it sounds pretentious (which actually it does) but probably because of the following..

I don’t think "desi" bikers are too bothered with names their bikes or cars.

One good example if the car from Skoda named as the “LAURA” in India which is doing quite well.

(All future “Hunk” owners please forgive me, but I had to let this out..!!)

That being said, I don’t think "desi" bikers are too bothered with names their bikes or cars. One good example if the car from Skoda named as the "LAURA" in India. Guys conversant in Hindi definitely know what that word means in colloquial Hindi (the ones who don’t are requested to find it out). But that has never come in the way of the popularity of the "LAURA" in India.

But seriously Hero Honda, please show some discretion in choosing names for your future bikes. If you find your guys don’t really have an imagination, we’ll be more than happy to do it for you.

Nevertheless ,the "Hunk" gets the "Thumbs Up" from me in terms of styling. Since the CBZ Xtreme was a good bike, the "Hunk" (which essentially has the same engine) looks quite promising.

150 cc Hero Honda Hunk, Technical Specification:

Engine

Engine: Air Cooled, 4 Stroke, Single Cylinder
Engine Displacement: 149.2 cc
Max Power: 14.4 Ps @ 8500 RPM
Max Torque: 12.80 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Bore X Stroke: 57.3 X 57.8 mm

Carburettor: CV Type
Ignition: AMI- Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System
Gearbox: 5 Speed Constant Mesh

Chasis

Type: Tubular, Diamond Type
Front Suspension: Telescopic
Rear Suspension: REctangular Swingarm, 5 step Gas Reservoir Suspension (GRS)
Front Brake: 240 mm dia Disc Brake
Rear Brake: 130 mm Drum Brake

Wheels

Front Rim: 1.85 X 18, Alloy
Rear Rim: 2.15 X 18, Alloy
Front Tyre: 2.75 X 18
Rear Tyre: 100/90 X 18

Physical Dimensions

Length: 2080 mm
Width: 765 mm
Height: 1095 mm
Wheelbase: 1325 mm
Saddle Height: 795 mm
Ground Clearance: 145 mm
Keb Weight: 143 Kg (Kick)/146 Kg (Self)

Electricals

Battery: 12V- 7Ah
Headlight: 12V 35/35W - Halogen
Tail Light: 12V - 5W
Stop Light: 12V - 21W
Turn Signal Light: 12V - 10W X 4 Nos. Clear Lens Multi Refector Type

Tank Capacity:

12.4 Lts, Usuable Reserve 2.2 Lts.

Pics: From Rearset's Blog (Published with Permission)

150 cc Hunk from Hero Honda: First Pics

Comparision: TVS Apache RTR 160 Vs. Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi Vs. Hero Honda Xtreme

Suzuki FXR: Shouldn't it be the next 150 cc motorcycle for India from Suzuki

Yamaha Vixion: Is this the 150 cc Motorcycle from Yamaha India..??

Yamaha India plans a 150 cc motorcycle in 2008

Why hasn't Honda made a mark with its Unicorn in India..??

My mechanic's 150 cc bike review

Owner's Review: Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme

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.

Oct 17, 2007

4 New 150 cc "Hunk" from Hero Honda..!! [First Pics]

Hero Honda launches a new 150 cc model called "Hunk".. is it the CBZ Xtreme replacement..??

Posted below are pics/photos of the new 150 cc motorcycle from Hero Honda called the "Hunk" which was launched today.

One of the things that I try to avoid as a blogger is to publish unconfirmed news.

It's kind of cruel to raise the expectations sky high and in the end dissappoint the readers..

For around a week, the internet had been abuzz with rumours that Hero Honda was preparing to launch a new motorcycle called "Hunk". Just search for "Hero Honda Hunk" on Google and you will come across numerous Blogs, Websites and Internet Forums which in a bid to become the first one to break out the news, have come up with their own versions to this story.

Somebody declared that this new "Hunk" had a 180 cc engine, someone else claimed that it has a twin cylinder. Even reputed national newspaper The Economic Times have been guilty of publishing in a news report on its website on 14'th October stating that,

"the Hunk is touted to have Honda CBR 125 type headlamps, twin discs, split seats and an analog yellow speedo. But when contacted this is all a Hero Honda spokesperson said: "We don’t comment on future launches."

Ok, The Economic Times did mention in the end that Hero Honda officials did not comment on the impending launch. But by stating that "the Hunk is touted to have Honda CBR 125 type headlamps, twin discs, split seats..", all that they have managed to do is spread unconfirmed rumour like any other Blog or Internet Forum.

One of the things that I try to avoid as a blogger is to publish unconfirmed news. It's kind of cruel to raise the expectations sky high and in the end dissappoint the readers.

Another interesting thing that I have noticed today is that the website for the CBZ Xtreme, i.e. http://www.cbzxtreme.com/ is not working..!!

According to the news report following the launch of the "Hunk", The Economic Times this time has stated that the Hunk features a 150 cc engine and sports a price tag of around Rs.55,000 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi).

From the photos it seems that the engine of the "Hunk" have been borrowed from the CBZ Xtreme. Although complete engine specs have not been known so far, but another interesting thing that I have noticed today is that the website for the CBZ Xtreme, i.e. http://www.cbzxtreme.com/ is not working..!! So is the Hero Honda "Hunk" a replacement for the CBZ Xtreme..??

Update: The CBZ Xtreme website is back now, it was down for a couple of days; probably for some maintenance work

Now, let me be clear when I say that I am only suggesting something here.. like I said, I hate to spread rumours; but do keep posted here for more news and complete tech specs.

Actually I'll find it rather funny to tell someone that my friend Rides a HUNK..!!

Hero Honda's TV Commercial for the CBZ Xtreme had the tag line: "Thinking is such a waste of time..!!" Actually I'll find it rather funny to tell someone that my friend Rides a HUNK..!! Sigh..!! Wish Hero Honda officials had spent some time thinking over the name for this new bike.

That being said, from whatever we have seen so far, the "Hunk" looks much better than the unimaginatively styled CBZ Xtreme. The "Hunk" also gets gas filled rear shock absorbers, a first for Hero Honda bikes.

Pics posted by my friend DIESEL in the AutocarIndia Forum..

Comparision: TVS Apache RTR 160 Vs. Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi Vs. Hero Honda Xtreme

Suzuki FXR: Shouldn't it be the next 150 cc motorcycle for India from Suzuki

Yamaha Vixion: Is this the 150 cc Motorcycle from Yamaha India..??

Yamaha India plans a 150 cc motorcycle in 2008

Why hasn't Honda made a mark with its Unicorn in India..??

My mechanic's 150 cc bike review

Owner's Review: Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme

Disclaimer:

0 Hero Honda celebrates Two Crore (20 million) bikes in India..!!

Hero Honda completes Two Crore bikes in India..!!

India’s (and also the World's) largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) has launched its two crore (20 millionth) bike in the country.

According to the company press release (Dated: October 12, 2007):,

"The 20th million motorcycle was unveiled at a glittering ceremony here today, by Mr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, HHML, Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, HHML, and Hero Honda brand ambassador and Bollywood superstar Mr. Hrithik Roshan."

Mr. Pawan Munjal, says

There are not many countries in the world with a population of two crore people, and here we are – a Company with an unprecedented customer base of two crore, and growing.

In a country of a billion people, it signifies a Hero Honda bike in every 50 people.

This achievement is indeed reflective of the brand loyalty and the trust that Hero Honda has built amongst its customers over the years.”

To commemorate this achievement, Hero Honda has announced a campaign called "Hero Honda Country", which aims to touch the hearts and minds of customers across the length and breadth of the nation (which basically means that Hero Honda wants to reinforce its nunber one position in the minds of the India consumer).

As part of the campaign, an event called "HERO HONDA BIKE-A-THON" has been flagged-off simultaneously from eight cities – Srinagar, Kolhapur, Katihar, Kolkata, Kakinada, Kanyakumari, Chennai and Mangalore. The bikers, riding a range of Hero Honda bikes, will traverse thousands of kilometers, before converging near Delhi towards the end of this month.

Great going Hero Honda. But how about setting aside a few crores of Rupees for an R&D of your own..?? Agreed matching the Honda Technology isn't easy but what if tomorrow Honda decides to part ways.

Hero Honda Splendor: The Greatest Motorcycle of India.

When will the Fuel Injected Karizma arrive..??

Amazing story of how Munjal Built Hero Honda

Hero Honda, the first hero among Indian Two Wheeler Manufacturers

Disclaimer:

Oct 15, 2007

20 "Daijya" Full Face Helmet

Got the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi, now it was time to get a Full Face Helmet..

Update [Jun, 2011]: This particular Daijya helmet has been DISCONTINUED by DSG.

It has been replaced by new designs.

Glifford: "time to get a full face helmet. You need the chin protection as much as you can!"

First_Synn: "please do get a full face... Personally, i wouldn't ride anything that can touch 40+ without a full face lid."

When you get comments like these, that means you are in good company of true bike enthusiasts. These comments came in, since I happened to post pics of myself on my new Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi with an open face helmet.

Thanks guys, thanks for reminding me that safety comes first.. But actually the open face helmet was just a stop gap arrangement before I could receive the Full Face "Daijya" helmet from DSG (Dream Sporting Gear).

It was yesterday when I received the "Daijya" helmet. Believe me guys when I say that this is the best helmet that I have ever used. Not only does the helmet look expensive, it also feels very secure.

It is without doubt one of the best branded helmet that I have used so far. DSG happens to be the sole authorized distributor of the Daijya brand in India.

The helmet that DSG had sent has a blue tinted visor, which along with the glossy finish of Red and White looks very attractive.

This time I can already see both Glifford and First_Synn nodding with approval.

Check out the website of DSG, http://www.planetdsg.com/ for more..

Disclaimer:

Oct 14, 2007

8 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R..!! Bring this one to India please.

Kawasaki shows off its new 2008 Ninja 250R.. is it coming to India..??

Old Ninja 250R and the New 2008 Version

Kawasaki finally decides to revamp the looks of its smallest ninja, the 250R. And the result is nothing sort of stunning. The new 2008 Ninja 250R has the designs cues of the bigger Ninja's.

Kawasaki is the only Japanese bike maker among the big four (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) that doesn't have a presence in India. With a price of around Rs.1,40,000 (without custom duty of course) and bike weighing around 151 Kgs, I think Kawasaki has the right product for India.

The 223 cc Hero Honda Karizma and the 220 cc Bajaj Pulsar has developed the Indian two wheeler market for quarter litre bikes to follow.

Although Kawasaki doesn't have a single model in India, it still has a technical collaboration with Bajaj Auto. Maybe Bajaj auto can bring in the Ninja 250R as knocked down kits, assemble them here in India and use their "Pro Biking" showrooms to sell the Ninja 250R.

So is the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R headed for India..??

Probably the 2008 Auto Expo might have a few answers.. till then Pray Real Hard..!!

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Technical Specifications: