Bike Chronicles of India

Dec 6, 2007

9 Duty Bike of Bangalore Police [Photo/Pic]

Modern four stroke bikes for Bangalore Police..

Royal Enfield Bullet's are out..
Fuel Efficient and Reliable modern bikes are in.

Fear the Black.. err.. Spots..??

[Special thanks to the police "uncle" in the photo who sportingly agreed for the priceless snap]

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.

Dec 4, 2007

2 Yamaha launches the R1 and MT-01 in India [R1 & MT-01 Wallpaper]

Yamaha finally launches its big bikes in India..!!

Got a rich dad or a bank balance capable enough of taking a Rs. 10.5 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) hit..??

If yes, then just walk into a select few Yamaha showrooms in the country in the cities of Bangalore, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai to book the 1000 cc monsters, Yamaha R1 and MT-01.

Yamaha R1 & MT-01 Wallpaper

If you really want to read more about this, click here and here.. or go directly to Yamaha India Website in the CBU (Completely Built Unit) section..

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

Yamaha to launch above 125 cc bikes in Jan 2008. R1 & MT 01 to be launched soon.

Yamaha plans to launch its 150 C.C by 2008

Yamaha "V-ixion".. is this the 150 C.C from Yamaha for India..??

Indians have Unadventurous taste.. Yamaha plans an "Automatic" Motorcycle

John Abraham and Yamaha part ways

What's ailing the Japanese in India..?? [Part I: Yamaha India]

Will the "Yamaha Fazer 250" and "Honda CBX 250 Twister" be ever launched in India..??

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

Yamaha India hangs on to Indian market despite losses

Disclaimer:

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:

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.