Bike Chronicles of India

Dec 4, 2007

6 What "desi" bikers Want (& Need)

Do you know what Indian bikers Want..?? Do the managers of our bike makers know it as well..??

One of the many definitions of "Marketing" that I had to learn during my MBA:

Marketing is the process of identifying the consumers' Wants and Needs and making the product to satisfy these.

Sounds really simple doesn't it..?? Now read the definition again, slowly, word by word. You will realize that there are two words "Wants" & "Needs" in the definition.

So is there a difference between What Customers "Need" and what they "Want"?

Let's take an example:

You "need" to have coffee with your girl friend and spend some quality time together. But You "want" to have coffee with your girl friend in a cool, trendy, hip and happening place.

So where do you go..?? Here are two choices for you..

Uduppi restaurant (located in the busy market, Rs. 5 per cup of coffee)

Café Coffee Day or Barista (located in a trendy and up market locality, Rs. 50 per cup of coffee)

You know that all you "Need" is a cup of coffee, but how and where you "Want" to have it is a different ballgame all together. I can safely predict that you will opt for the Café Coffee Day or Barista over the Uduppi restaurant (unless of course you really cannot afford it or your relationship is over 10 years old).

Now let's revisit the definition of Marketing once again:

"Marketing is the process of identifying the consumers' Wants and Needs and making the product to satisfy these."

Café Coffee Day or Barista which have been successful to identify this "Want" definitely will make handsome dividends.

Now, what do know what you "Need"/"Want" as a biker..??

Identifying the "Wants" of our "desi" isn't easy because most of them don't know what they "Want"..

With the 100 cc econo"misers" making up the largest segment of two wheelers sold in India, it might be simple to say that Indian bikers "Need" a reliable and fuel efficient motorcycle which shouldn't cost the sky. However there are also a few performance hungry bikers who always whine about the "Need" for more powerful bikes in India.

So a "desi" Tom-Dick-Harry who is out to buy a motorcycle knows that he "Needs" a fuel efficient and reliable motorcycle or perhaps one with decent power. However, he will ultimately buy the one he "Wants"..!!

Let me explain further..

Needs are totally rational while Wants are purely emotional. Needs are based on fact while Wants are on perception. The emotion behind buying a motorcycle is what the biker wants. Identifying the "Wants" of our "desi" isn't easy because most of them don't know what they "Want".

Did you ever realize that you "Wanted" a 150 cc bike that made you feel "Definitely Male"..??

Did you ever realize that you wanted Fat Rear Tyres..?? "Plastic tank extensions" on the tank..?? Or those Alloy wheels, the engine and alloys painted in Black, Digital speedometers, LED Tail Lights, Split Seats, Split rear grab rails, clip on handlebars, back-lit switches, self cancelling turn indicators..?? And did you ever realize that you "Wanted" a 150 cc bike that made you feel "Definitely Male"..??

I don't think that our bikers "Need" any of the ones stated above, but the recent trend has proved that bikers (depending on the segment) surely "Want" at least some of them on their bikes.

Now let's revisit the definition of Marketing once again:

Marketing is the process of identifying the consumers' Wants and Needs and making the product to satisfy these."

But before our bike makers can start catering to our "Needs", there is one more important concept called "Consumer Demand".

Consumer Demand: Making the balancing act

Consumer demand is a "Want" for a specific product supported by an "ability and willingness to pay for it".

Whether the managers of our bike makers really know the "Needs" & "Wants" of our "desi" bikers is a matter for debate..

For example, many of us would "Want" to own a Yamaha R1. But only a few are able afford and willing to buy one.

Bike manufacturers therefore not only have to make products that our "desi" bikers "want", but they also have to make them affordable to a sufficient number of people to create demand which would be profitable for them to operate.

Bike manufacturers which best understands the "Wants":

Of late it has almost become fashionable for bike enthusiasts to despise the management of our Bike Manufacturers. My take is that most of the managers in the top management of our bike manufacturers might be armed with their MBA degrees and years of experience, but whether they really know the "Needs" & "Wants" of our "desi" bikers, is another matter for debate.

Any comments on which bike manufacturer best understands the "Wants" of Indian bikers and also makes them affordable enough for us..?? Now, now.. please do not label me as another Bajaj fan..!!

The Indian Motorcyclist: By First Synn

I'd Rather ride a 250-400 cc bike than day dream of riding a Yamaha R1

Will the 250 cc Yamaha Fazer & Honda CBX twister ever be launched in India..??

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

Indian 2 Wheeler Industry: Evolution or Revolution..??

The Inspiring Story behind the Birth of Bajaj Pulsar

Is the Pulsar an excercise in Trial and Error..??

Rajiv Bajaj: The man behind the Pulsar

Hero Honda: The Pioneer, Bajaj Auto: The smart follower

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.

3 2 Wheeler News: Suzuki to launch high end bikes, Launch dates of TVS RTR Fi and Flame, 180/200 cc Apache on the anvil

Recent Two Wheeler News..

Economic Times recently published the following news:

125-175 cc bikes from Suzuki India:

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), is all set to introduce premium-powered bikes between 125-175cc in the country. The bikes will be exhibited in the upcoming Auto Expo 2008..

Dec 1, 2007

15 Review of Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi [Test Ride/Road Test]

Test Ride/Review of the Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi..

"I Feel Like God".

The Avenger 200 DTSi is the closest that our "desi" bikers can get to "Americana" on Indian roads and by spending Indian money.

Do wear that rider jacket, wear it in black leather if you want..

But for God’s sake do not wear that "I am a tough guy attitude"..

That was the tag line that accompanied the advertisements of the 180 cc Bajaj Avenger when it was launched back in 2005. It has now been a few weeks since the Avenger 180 DTSi has been replaced with the new Avenger 200 DTSi, but still there has been no promotion for the Avenger 200 DTSi yet. Forget TV Ads, I have yet to come across even a print advertisement for the Avenger 200 DTSi.

Why..??

When other manufacturers go over the top to proclaim new stickers on existing bikes as all new models, has Bajaj decided to act modest..??

Positives:

+ Only bike in its segment
+ Comfortable on good roads
+ Good Brakes

Negatives:

- Pillion seat not that comfortable
- Harsh Ride on Bad roads
- Gearbox could improve

According to me it is actually "Smart Marketing". The "I Feel Like God" campaign had already created an awareness/impression about the Avenger among consumers back in 2001. To keep the interest of the customers alive, Bajaj has decided to upgrade the engine by increasing the displacement and consequently the power and torque figures.

The small cruiser is still a niche segment in India. Since there is virtually no competition for the Avenger in this segment, why bother to spend crores of moolah on promotion. After all there are Bloggers like me to bring you the test ride and review all for free..!!

Styling:

Apart from an optional windshield, it’s almost impossible to distinguish the now discontinued Avenger 180 DTSi from the new Avenger 200 DTSi. Thankfully the engine covers and the cylinders have not been doused in black color. The previous “Avenger” moniker has now been shifted from the side panels to the Tank. The side panel now sports a “200 Oil Cooled” sticker. Like the Pulsar 200 DTSi, the Avenger 200 DTSi also does away with the kick lever and goes in just with the Electric Start.

The Avenger 200 DTSi still retains the chrome-laden charm of a low-slung cruiser. It also retains the somewhat awkward ignition switch for which you have to fish under the petrol tank. The petrol tank now also houses a small fuel indicator along with the telltale lights. But with all that chrome, the sunlight does find its way to your eyes. But hey..!! That’s what you get in a cruiser.

The brand that comes to everyone’s mind when talking about “cruisers” is Harley Davidson. One of the vivid memories of my childhood is the image of Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Harley in the movie Terminator. The Avenger is the closest that our “desi” bikers can get to that kind of Americana on Indian roads and by spending Indian money.

Ride Experience:

Riding position:

For any who has ridden street bikes all his life, the low seat of the Avenger feels a little awkward. But it takes only a few minutes to get used to this comfortable riding posture. The feet are placed forward with the arms outstretched.

Clutch & Gearbox:

Press the thumb start and the Avenger immediately settles into a smooth idle. The jerky clutch that used to plague earlier versions of the Pulsars has become almost perfect now and the clutch of the Avenger also is free from any issues. The same cannot be said about the gears though. Even though the gears are smooth to operate they still could do with a little bit of more feel. Also like the Pulsars finding neutral is an art that needs to be mastered. That being said, the gearbox was thankfully free from any false neutrals.

Engine Performance:

Cruisers are supposed to be made for easy and relaxed riding. So I was a bit sceptical on how the short stroke engine of the Pulsar 200 DTSi would perform on the Avenger. But just a few minutes on the Avenger was enough to dispel any doubts. The engine pulled quite effortlessly in every gear. But to enjoy the bike the most, it is better not to stress the engine too much.

Handling:

For someone who has always ridden road bikes, the handling of the Avenger with the long wheelbase and kicked out front forks, need some time to get used to. Although the Avenger handles quite well, one cannot expect to attack the corners like one would on a Pulsar.

Ride:

The ride quality of the Avenger isn’t exactly plush. Ride quality on smooth roads remains ok, but show the Avenger some bad roads and the road irregularities will get transmitted mildly to your spine.

Braking:

I had come across about discussion in a few Internet forums about the braking of the Avenger 180 being prone to sliding under hard braking. So I decided to test it for myself. I gathered some momentum on the bike and then hit the brakes hard. I have to say that the brakes were quite impressive and the bike halted without any issue. Maybe as the tyres get old and hard, the bike might slide under hard braking, but then this is true for any bike.

Fuel Efficiency:

According to Auto Magazines you can expect a mileage figure of around 35 Kmpl from the Avenger 200 DTSi

Conclusion:

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the Avenger, in the process I probably lost a bit of respect for the bike.

For me a bike has to evoke a feeling of respect for it. Probably even scare you with its limits..

The Avenger could have included flat footboards instead of the front foot pegs. Also the rear seat is a bit narrow and the pillion on the Avenger would definitely require more frequent butt breaks especially on long journeys.

At 5 ft 5 inches I literally have to be on my toes (Pun Intended) on almost every other bike in the country including my own Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. So the low seat of the Avenger provided me with the rare opportunity to put both my feet flat firmly on the ground. This meant that I could play around with the Avenger with gay abandon.

I have to say that even though I thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the Avenger, in the process I probably lost a bit of respect for the bike. For me a bike has to evoke a feeling of respect for it. Probably even scare you with its limits. There should be something extra left in the bike that should challenge you to test its limits.

So instead of feeling like Arnold on his Harley-Davidson, the Avenger actually made me feel like a boy on a wannabe cruiser.

So if you happen to ride the Avenger, do wear that rider jacket, wear it in black leather if you want, also never forget to wear that helmet. But for God’s sake do not wear that “I am a tough guy attitude”.

Just put a smile on your face and enjoy the ride.

Stephen: The Probiking Showroom attendent who accompanied me during the Test Ride

Bajaj Avenger 200, DTS-I: Technical Specifications

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

CHASSIS

Type: Double cradle down tube

SUSPENSION

BRAKES

WHEELS AND TYRES

ELECTRICALS

Tyre pressure:

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHTS

PRICE: Rs. 72,886 (On Road Bangalore)

COLOURS: Blue, Red, Silver, Black

Bajaj 180 Dtsi Vs Bajaj 200 DTSi Review/Test Ride

Bajaj Pulsar DTSi 200 Owner's Review [First 1800 Kms, by Nilutpal]

125 cc Bajaj XCD DTS-Si [Test Ride/Review]

Review of the 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk [Road Test/Test Ride]

Apache RTR 160 Vs. Pulsar DTSi 150 Vs. CBZ Xtreme [Part II - Test Ride/Review]

Bajaj Pulsar 220 Vs. Hero Honda Karizma (Drag Race..!!)

Disclaimer:

Nov 26, 2007

5 First Pics of the Fuel Injected, TVS Apache RTR 160 "Fi"..!!

First Pics of the Fuel Injected TVS Apache RTR 160 "Fi"..

The Fuel Injected TVS Apache RTR 160 "Fi" was on display in the recent Mumbai Auto Expo.. The following pics were posted on Xbhp.Com forum..

The tech specs of the Apache RTR Fi is still not clear. In terms of looks the new Apache RTR Fi has a front tank cowl and a serrated design stickers (instead of the striped ones found on the RTR 160) which runs across the length of the bike..

The tank cowl seems to the latest fad among Indian bikes and this one on the RTR "Fi" looks similar to the ones found on the 125 cc Bajaj XCD.. but definitely looks good and to the appeal of the already handsome bike.

The Apache RTR 160 "Fi" also features an exposed chain (a la Bajaj Discover 135/Pulsar 200/Pulsar 220) and a rear disc brake.

So far there has been no news about its launch date/price or the tech specs. But since the RTR "Fi" shares virtally all the parts with the carburetted Apache RTR 160, the customers should get the cost advantage.

Also kept in the Mumbai Auto Expo was a racing version of the carburetted Apache RTR 160 which belts out 20.6 bhp..!! The photo below shows the tech specs of the racing version of the RTR 160. There are however no comfirmations whether this racing version would ever make it to the showrooms..

Tech specs of the Race Version of the "Carburetted" RTR 160

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

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

Apache RTR 160 Vs. Pulsar DTSi 150 Vs. CBZ Xtreme [Part II - Test Ride/Review]

Apache RTR 160 Vs. Pulsar DTSi 150 Vs. CBZ Xtreme [Part I - Test Ride/Review]

TVS Apache RTR 160 TV Ad and Official Wallpapers

Front "Petal shaped" Disc and Digital Speedo of the Apache 160

Disclaimer:

23 Review of the 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk [Road Test/Test Ride]

Test Ride/Road Review of the 150 cc Hero Honda Hunk..!!

Overdrive magazine had once carried the test ride of the Pulsar 200 DTSi with the title "Trial and Error".. Well then, what would you call the latest 150 cc from Hero Honda..??

The origin of the engine of the Hunk is from the "CBZ Xtreme", which in turn was another iteration of the "Achiever", the genesis of which can be traced back to the Honda "Unicorn".

In its latest December 2007 issue, Overdrive doesn't call the Hero Honda Hunk as "Trial and Error" like it did for the Pulsar 200 DTSi. But after going through the test drive report of the Hunk in the same magazine, both of us (I and Overdrive Magazine) agree that the latest "Hunk is the worthy successor to the Original Hero Honda CBZ"

Positives:

+ Smooth Engine (till 6000 rpm)
+ Styling
+ Comfortable Riding Position

Negatives:

- Lack of LED Tail Lamps, Rear Grab Rail, Digital meters
- Vibrations at High RPM
- Slightly hard gearbox

The Original "CBZ" from Hero Honda was the bike that introduced sleek and sexy styling for Indian bikes and that was way back in 1999. It is sad that Hero Honda lost the plot completely after that and it has taken them 8 years (!!) to match the styling standards set by its own CBZ.

The choice of the name as "Hunk" for a bike still doesn't go down well with me. But just a casual glance at the bike is sufficient to convince you that the philosophy behind the design has been to impart a macho look to it.

The original CBZ was the trendsetter in styling for Indian bikes, a plot which Hero Honda sadly lost with the conservatively styled 150 cc "Achiever" and the subsequent over the top/ awkward styling of the 150 cc CBZ Xtreme. With the "Hunk", Hero Honda seems to have finally redeemed itself.

Styling:

The rear mudguard sticks out a little bit more than required.

A matt black finished rear view mirror would actually have looked more "Hunky".

The "Hunk" has sculpted and muscular looks which immensely benefits from the huge plastic tank extensions. Unlike the plain jane and amateurish slashes of the CBZ Xtreme, the "Hunk" has a sculpted tank and equally well finished side panels and tail piece. The sore point in the entirely styling is the rear mudguard, which sticks a little bit more than required. The headlamp could have been better and the same goes for the rear tail lamps. Also missing from the "Hunk" are Split Rear Grab Rails and LED tails lamps and Digital Speedometers found on other 150 cc bikes. The Rear View Mirrors with its glossy back finish looks like it has been taken from the "Pleasure" scooter. A matt black finished mirror would actually have looked more "Hunky".

Overall, the bike indeed looks quite handsome. It will be difficult for anyone to not give it a second glance.

Styling:

Engine & Gearbox:

Honda engines are known worldwide for its butter smooth performance. Hero Honda has benefited immensely from its association with Honda and most of its engines show similar smooth performance as well. Press the thumb starter and the "Hunk" immediately settles into an ultra smooth idle.. the bike pulls cleanly through the gears. The engine builds up revs quite enthusiastically with the twist of the right hand. Excellent..!! The Hunk has the highest power rating on paper among rest of the 150cc bikes of India. The on road performance of the Hunk is also quite satisfying.

If you are looking for a Stylish and Comfortable 150 cc bike and need Performance as well, prepared to sacrifice a few goodies..

then look no further than the Hero Honda "Hunk"..

I got the chance to test ride the "Hunk" alone and without any showroom guy at the pillion seat. After a few initial runs, I decided to give the "Hunk" the stick. The pick up along with the engine smoothness remains impressive till around 6000 RPM.. but as the engine RPM's raise higher, vibrations make their presence felt. In fact after 7000 rpm and around 8000 rpm the vibrations indeed becomes very pronounced and violent.

The gears are positive on the "Hunk" but you have to really put in some effort and need to give a firm shove to make the shifts. The vibration at high rpm and the somewhat hard gearshift takes the fun out of the ride experience a little bit.

Engine

Gearbox

Ride Quality, Handling:

The "Hunk" features Gas Filled Shock Absorbers for the rear suspension, which is a first for any Hero Honda bike. The Gas shock absorbers definitely improve the ride quality and offer better damping than the rear suspension of the CBZ Xtreme. But it is still not as plush as the rear suspension of the Pulsars. The "slightly" stiff rear suspension rewards you with very good handling characteristics. The handling is well sorted and taking the corners on the "Hunk" is a joy.

Ride Quality

Handling

[1] Front foot peg have to be raised to make way for the Kick Lever [2] The Metal Brace for the rear mudguard

A few noteworthy points:

Riding Position: The riding position on the Hero Honda "Hunk" is not as sporty as the Bajaj Pulsar or the TVS Apache RTR. The rider sits straight and comfortable with the high set handlebars.

Front Foot pegs: To compliment the high handlebars the front foot pegs aren't that rear-set. The front foot pegs are pushed "just" a little bit behind. Which definitely gives that little bit of sporty riding position. But it also means that the right front foot peg has to be raised every time to kick start the bike (a la Original CBZ).

Metal Brace for the rear mudguard: The prevent the rear mud-guard from rattling (a problem seen in the initial Pulsar UGIII versions), Hero Honda has provided the rear mudguard with a metal brace.

Scooped Seat for the Rider: The rider now sits a bit lower on the "Hunk" compared to the CBZ xtreme, thanks to the slightly scooped "bucket" seat for the rider. Shorter riders (like myself) will definitely appreciate this feature.

Colors: The Hunk comes in the following colors

Solid Black
Metallic black
Red
Silver
Blue

Price: The "Hunk" is available in two versions..

Self Start: Around Rs. 65K (On Road Bangalore)
Kick start: Around Rs.63K (On Road Bangalore)

Fuel Efficiency: Can't really comment on this due to obvious reasons.. but one can expect a figure of around 50 Kmpl.

Verdict: The "Hunk" lacks the Split Rear Grab Rails and the LED tail lamps of the CBZ Xtreme and the Digital speedometer found in the Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache RTR. Also the vibrations at high rpm and that notchy gearbox takes the fun factor a little bit out of the equation.

But the "Hunk" is definitely better than the CBZ Xtreme in every respect. Also it is about Rs.700 - Rs.800 cheaper than the CBZ Xtreme as well. Also as speculated by a few, the Hunk doesn't feel small in any respects and still has the big bike feel like the CBZ Xtreme.

Personally I won't ride anything named as "Hunk" (Thank God that I have options). Wonder why Hero Honda didn't name it the "CBZ"(just "CBZ" not "CBZ Xtreme")..?? But if you are looking for a comfortable 150 cc bike and need performance as well, don't like the looks of the CBZ Xtreme, then look no further than the Hero Honda "Hunk".

Also I don't get it why Hero Honda still continues the production of the Achiever and the CBZ Xtreme.. did someone say Trial and Error..!!..??

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