Bike Chronicles of India

Nov 7, 2007

8 Bajaj Auto spreads its wings.. Joins hands with KTM and Renault

Bajaj Auto enters into association with KTM and Renault..

In what probably is one of the big news for the Indian two wheeler sector, the country's second largest 2 wheeler maker, Bajaj Auto has joined hand with KTM, an Austrian brand famous for its off road/moto cross bikes.

Bajaj Auto has also entered into an agreement with the French Auto maker Renault to co develop a $2,500-3000 car for India..

Carlos Ghosn with Rajiv Bajaj

Recently Renault President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn visited the Chakan plant of Bajaj..

Read more about it here, here and here..

Bajaj-KTM Alliance:

Lately there has been rumours about Bajaj trying to buy into European brands viz. Ducati and Triumph. Meanwhile here is some confirmed news about Bajaj Auto actually buying 14.5% stake in the famous Eurpoean Brand KTM, for Rs 300cr.

A 250 cc bike by KTM

According to news reports: Bajaj Auto Ltd has announced wide-ranging co-operation with KTM Power Sports AG. Which includes..

Development of engine and vehicle platforms: The KTM Group will provide the know-how for the joint development of high-efficient water- cooled 4-stroke engines (125-ccm and 250-ccm).

KTM will use these engines for its street motorcycles in the new street entry segment. The joint developments will also be available as basis for Bajaj-products.

This arrangement will see Bajaj Auto and KTM working together to 3 -4 models in the 125-250 cc categories. 20,000 units of the bikes co-developed by bajaj and KTM will initially be exported to Europe and will be rolled out in the first half of 2010.

The alliance will not only enable Bajaj to take over the distribution of KTM products in India and South East Asia, it will also enable the Indian two wheeler major to access the European market through KTM

0 Hero Honda 150 cc Hunk arrives in Bangalore Showrooms..!!

The new 150 cc Hunk from Hero Honda makes its appearance in Bangalore showrooms..

150 cc Hero Honda Hunk in a Bangalore Showroom

The scooped seat makes for a low seating position. One sits much lower compared to the CBZ xtreme..

How I wish Hero Honda named this bike as the "New CBZ Xtreme" instead of the "Hunk"..

I happened to walk in to a Hero Honda showroom in Bangalore last weekend. I was there actually to take the test ride of the Karizma (just to see how it measures up with my Pulsar 220). Unfortunately I did not get the test ride of the Karizma. But to my pleasant surprise I saw the new 150 cc Hunk from Hero Honda kept for display at the showroom.

Colors: There were three colors on display Red, Black, Metallic Black. According to the showroom guys there is another one in a Blue shade which wasn't there in the showroom. The metallic black looked great..

I immediately asked for a test ride. But the showroom guys told me that they themselves weren't able to test ride the new Hunk as they have not received the go ahead orders till then.

Looks: The Hunk looks handsome.. true to its name the bike has a bulky look thanks to the massive plastic tank extensions. The headlamp though not that aggressive looking gels quite well with the rest of the bike with a low "crouching" stance. The side panels are a combination of two tone silver-matt black plastic. The fuel release switch on the left side of the bike is nice to operate, much better than the thin ones found in other bikes. Also the raised stickers on the tank extensions which boldly read "HUNK" are in finished in Chrome.

Having got used to the orange color lit digital console of my Pulsar 220, I found the analog speedometer assembly of the Hunk old/dated..

The Hunk incorporates the first ever Gas Filled Rear Shock Absorbers for a Hero Honda Model. The alloys and the engine covers/chain covers are finished in black, which is the current fad among bike makers. The rear view mirrors are finished in shiny black, something that is not too appealing.

Fit and Finish: The fit-and-finish looks good on the Hunk. The rear mudguard even has a metal support beneath to prevent it from rattling. The switchs are similar to the ones found in the Unicorn and the CBZ Xtreme compared to the switches of the Bajaj Pulsars, they don't feel that well built.

Seating: Although I did not get a test ride, I did manage to sit on the Hunk. The scooped seat makes for a low seating position. One sits much lower compared to the CBZ xtreme. It is something which vertically challenged guys would love. Even a 5ft 5inch guy like me found both my feets well planted on the ground.

Misses: Sadly the LED tail lamps and split rear grab rails found in the CBZ xtreme has been omitted. Also having got used to the orange color lit digital console of my Pulsar 220, I found the analog speedometer assembly of the Hunk old/dated.

Both the "CBZ Xtreme" and the "Hunk" are simultaneously for sale right now at almost the same price levels. Both the bikes have identical technical specifications, with identical power and torque. But according to the salesguy, the Hunk features something called "Tumble Induction".. due to which the fuel efficiency and power/pick up should improve.

How I wish Hero Honda named this bike as the "New CBZ Xtreme" instead of "Hunk" (Sheesh..!!). Anyway, I am looking very eagerly for the test ride of the Hunk. Whcih according to the showroom guys should be available within a week.

150 cc Hero Honda Hunk website is up now..!!

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

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:

Nov 4, 2007

20 Ownership Review of my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi [First 1000 Kms]

Completed 1000 Kms on my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi.. Here's the story so far..

That's me on my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

First Free Service at 715 Kms:

86 Kms divided by 1.71 lts gives… 50.29 Kms/Lt..!!

Wherever my Pulsar 220 goes, heads invariably turn towards me.. err.. my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi..!!

It’s been nearly 4 weeks since I got my much-awaited Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. Somewhere in between, I managed to get the first free servicing done at 715 Kms. Till the first service the bike ran like a smooth dream. In fact when the guys at the Probiking Service Center asked if there were any issues with my bike. All I told them was to remove the Saree Guard..!!

According to a few Pulsar 220 owners who frequent the Xbhp.Com forum, issues mainly related to vibrations (mainly from the front fairing) start to surface after the first service. Having followed the comments from the owners at Xbhp.Com, I was quite concerned whether my bike will also start showing issues after the first free service.

I got the bike washed and serviced in front of my eyes in two hours. Today I went for a 86 Km solo ride, just to clock 1000 Kms and to check the mileage of my Pulsar 220. And I am very glad to state that the bike is still continuing its dream run.

Issues before First Free Service: None

Issues After First Free Service: None

The Pulsar 220 engine does feel a bit coarse and lumpy around the 2000-3500 RPM mark..

The Pulsar 220 has the best roll-on figures for 30-70 Km/hr at top (5'th) gear compared to any other bike in the country..

I must though admit that the Pulsar 220 engine does feel a bit coarse and lumpy around the 2000-3500 RPM mark. It is especially evident if the bike is in low momentum. But once on the move, the engine Feels smooth (by the way, so far I haven't gone beyond the 4500 RPM mark).

An endearing quality of the Pulsar 220 compared to any other bike in the country today is the roll-on figures at top (5'th) gear. The Pulsar 220 can maintain speeds of 30 Km/hr at top gear without any engine snatching. A twist of the accelerator will make the Pulsar 220 build up speeds from 30-70 Km/hr in top gear in the least time than any other bike in the country (Bike India Magazine's August 2007 issue had compared the top gear roll-on figures of the Pulsar 200/220 and the Karizma). The "Fuel Injection" is surely doing its job pretty admirably here..!!

"Public Ka Reaction": Reactions from onlookers..

The handling of the Pulsar 220 has been great to say the least. The only thing that has been difficult for me to handle is “the attention that I get everywhere I go..!!” Ok.. Ok.. lets correct that to “the attention that my Pulsar 220 gets wherever it goes..!!”

Even if 3 months have passed since the first Pulsar 220 appeared in Bangalore, the bike is still as elusive on the streets of Bangalore as a Bollywood Celebrity. I have personally come across just 3-4 other Pulsar 220s so far in Bangalore. So its natural that where ever my Pulsar 220 goes, heads invariably turn towards me.. err.. my Pulsar 220..!!

Here are a few queries that I have received so far from Perfect Strangers..

Average Kya Hai..?? (What’s the Mileage..??)

What’s the on-road price..??

How’s the power/pick up..??

What’s the top speed..??

The first question obviously has been repeated the most.. To which I did not have any answer so far since I had never bothered to check it.

Here are a few other gems which have left me amused/surprised.

Is it a modified Pulsar..??

Is it a limited edition Pulsar..??

Does this bike do 220 Km/hr..??

We have been following the hoopla around the Pulsar 220 since the day it was showcased at the Jan 2006 Auto Expo.. and here are a few souls who still doesn’t know about its existence. But nevertheless, everyone seems to be mesmerised by the imposing looks of the Pulsar 220 and the hypnotic gaze of its headlamps.

That's me on my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

Previous issues that have improved:

Engine Over Heating Issue:

The previous issue of the engine heating up a little more than what we would normally expect seems to have been solved. After 1000 Kms the engine doesn't get heated up that much.

Rear Disc Lacking Bite:

Initially I did feel that the rear disc brakes could have done with more bite. But after 1000 Kms and having used the brakes so many times, I am now sure that Bajaj has intentionally given the rear discs lesser bite. Combined with the front disc brakes, braking is more than adequate for the Pulsar 220. Any more bite at the rear disc might have made the rear end of the bike slide around under heavy braking.

Minor Mishaps:

One of “2” from the raised “220” sticker from one of the tailpiece was removed (probably by one of the kids from my apartment building).

Someone removed the protective tank pad.

The Self Cancelling Turn Indicators doesn't cancell sometimes after coming out a turn

Toh Average Kya hai bhai..?? (So what’s the fuel efficiency dude..??)

I don’t know whether I should reveal this, since I am myself perplexed with today’s readings.

Today I decided to finally check the fuel efficiency of my bike. Accordingly I filled up the tank till the fuel spilled over the brim. After that I took the Pulsar 220 for a 86 km trip of which around 40% was within Bangalore City and 60% was covered on National Highway No. 7.

I returned to the same fuel pump with 86 Kms on the trip meter and once again filled up the tank till the fuel spilled over the brim. The total amount of fuel that went in the tank this time came around 1.71 lts.

So 86 Kms divided by 1.71 lts gives… 50.29 Kms/Lt..!! Honestly I myself cannot believe this figure. I just don’t know what to say.. Don't take my words right now.. I will definitely measure it one more time just to be sure. This time by riding only around streets of Bangalore.

By the way, so far I have been riding like a perfect commuter and haven't crossed 65 Km/hr at the top gear.

"First Information Report" of my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi..!!

I get my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi..!!

Booked the Beast (Finally)..!!

My next bike.. the Bajaj Pulsar DTS-Fi "The Beast" 220 ..!!

Disclaimer:

Nov 2, 2007

7 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk website is up now..!!

Website of Hero Honda Hunk is up now.. Tech Specs and Prices revealed

Hero Honda has lunched the website for its latest 150 cc motorcycle, the "Hunk"..

Right now the website for the Hunk contains the Complete Technical Spefications, Ex-Showroom Prices of the Hunk in the metroes and two Teaser TV Comercials..

The following two pictures are the screen shots of the intro to the website. From the pics the Hunk definitely looks like an attractive package. Hero Honda has been quite infamous for its "sticker jobs" and thankfully the Hunk isn't just another "Sticker Job" fom Hero Honda.

In fact apart from the raised 3D "Hunk" logo on the tank extensions there isn't any sticker on the bike except maybe for the Hero Honda Sticker at the tail piece and one "GRS" found on the side panel of the Hunk.

The GRS is a fancy acronym for "Gas Reservoir Suspension" which is nothing but Hero Honda speak for the Gas Filled Rear Shock Absorbers. There is in fact nothing revolutionary about it as Hero Honda claims because the Royal Enfield Bullet, Bajaj Pulsar and the TVS Apache RTR got it much earlier than the Hunk.

Nevertheless, the Hunk is the first bike from Hero Honda to sport the Gas Filled Rear Shocks.

One also gets a glimpse of the headlamp of the Hunk. The headlamp evokes mixed feelings and one is left thinking that it could been designed as aggressively as the rest of the body.

Prices:

Hero Honda Hunk: (Ex-Showroom)

Pune: 55,530/57,550 (Kick/Self)

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme: (Ex-Showroom)

Pune: 56,034/58,054 (Kick/Self)

Technical Specifications:

A comparision of the Tech specs of the "Hunk" and the "CBZ Xtreme" reveals that they are probably Old Wine (the engine) in a New Bottle (the new body of the Hunk).

Except the styling, I had earlier found the CBZ xtreme an extremely good bike. Now with an attractively styled bike, Hero Honda has at last come out with a good looking bike after the Original CBZ and the Karizma.

Hero Honda Hunk

Engine:

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme

Engine:

Hero Honda Hunk

Dimensions

Weight:

Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme

Dimensions

Weight:

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

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:

Nov 1, 2007

6 Storage Space on the Fuel Tank of the 125 cc TVS Flame..!!

Pics of the unique storage space on the Fuel Tank of the 125 cc TVS Flame..

The 125 cc TVS Flame (yet to be launched ) has a pretty unique feature. There is a lockable compartment located on the top of the Fuel Tank. It is the first Indian bike to have incorporated such a feature. The ignition key now functions the triple role of switching the bike on/off, locking the front forks and also locking/unlocking the compartment on the tank.

As can be seen from the pics posted, the space provided is just enough to keep two cans of carbonated drinks (did you by any chance think beer..?? Never mix beer/alcohol with riding)..

Well I am not exactly sure that anyone is going to use the space for keep cool drinks (since refrigeration isn't provided).. but surely the space can come handy in storing a few knick-knacks along with the registration/insurance papers and maybe riding gloves as well.

Nifty little feature I would say. But it also means that the lockable space has compromised the amount of fuel that goes in the tank. Even though the tank looks big, it can only hold a maximum of 10 litres (including 2 lts of reserve) of fuel. Which at present, probably is the least fuel that goes in any Indian bike.

But unless you plan to go on long trips, 10 litres should be enough for day-to-day city use.

In these days where new stickers on existing models are hailed as "All New" offerings, the TVS Flame comes out as one of the most exciting bike to have emerged from the TVS stables. The bike is slated for a probable Nov/Dec launch.

Did someone say New Delhi Auto Expo, January 2008..??

Pics Source: