Bike Chronicles of India

Dec 21, 2007

11 Please Help me..!! There is a COPYCAT Around..!!

Someone is copying and pasting articles from "The Bike Chronicles of India".. Please Help Me..!!

They say, "Imitation is the Best form of Flattery..". But honestly I am not impressed or flattered.

Please help me stop this COPYCAT or else I might lose inspiration to continue blogging on "The Bike Chronicles of India"

Thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Kedar Parikh who pinged me on this, there seems to be a COPYCAT on the internet who has been stealing stuff from "The Bike Chronicles of India" and posting them as his own.

Update: 18:00 hrs, 21'st Dec 2007

Thanks everyone for your support.. the blog owner has apologized publicly and has removed all the copied posts from his blog. Every thing is cool now.

I could have ignored this incident, but it hurts to see the hours of my dedicated work being copied and pasted just like that.

Thanks once again to everyone.

This COPYCAT has copied two of my recent posts verbatim down to the last punctuation and pasted on his blog..!!

There is another post on that COPYCAT Blog which is another straight lift from a blog called Vicky.In

It is my humble request to all the visitors/readers of "The Bike Chronicles of India" to "FLAG" THIS COPYCAT. Just follow the arrowmark as shown in the above screenshot to find the FLAG BUTTON. Visit the COPYCAT BLOG and then kindly FLAG it.

I just hope blogger/google will do the rest.

Please help me stop this COPYCAT or else I might lose inspiration to continue blogging on "The Bike Chronicles of India".

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 20, 2007

8 Net profit of Bajaj, Hero Honda & TVS (2nd Financial Quarter 2007) Vs.prospects of the 180-200 cc TVS Apache

2'nd Quarter Net Profit figures (Financial year 2007) of the top three bike makers of India.. also can TVS afford to launch 180-200 cc Apache Variants..??

The sole reason for the existence of a business is for making Profit. In financial terms it is called as “Net Profit” or “Bottom Line”, i.e. the balance profit left with the company after paying for the expenses and outstanding dues.

It is the Net Profit figures of TVS Motors that is most alarming..!!

Published below are the results of the 2’nd Quarter of the financial year 2007-08 of the top three companies Bajaj Auto, Hero Honda and TVS Motors.

2'nd Quarter Financial Results	Net Profit July-Sept (2007)	Net Profit July-Sept (2006)	% Change
Bajaj Auto	336.4 Cr	318 .8 Cr	+ 5.2 %
Hero Honda	204.33 Cr	215.97 Cr	- 5.38 %
TVS Motors	11.94 Cr	24.83 Cr	- 52 %

As can be clearly seen, Bajaj auto leads the pack by making a profit of Rs. 336.4 Crores, followed by Hero Honda at 204.33 Crores.

TVS already has its hands full with the soon to be launched 125 cc Flame motorcycle, TVS Scooty EV (electric vahicle), “Fuel Injected” Apache RTR 160 FI..

and the huge promotional expenses whenever they are launched..

Point to note here is that, Bajaj auto has managed to garner more profit than Hero Honda even if the latter has more overall market share than Bajaj Auto. This can be explained because majority of the bikes sold by Hero Honda belongs to the 100 cc Splendor/Passion category, where profit margins are comparatively less. On the other hand Bajaj Auto has the major market share in the 125 cc and above segment, and the profitability in this segment is higher. One also have to take into account the 3 wheeler (auto rickshaw) sales of Bajaj Auto where it had virtually enjoyed monopoly till now (TVS has recently joined the fray). Also important is the fact that Bajaj vehicles are exported to other countries in huge numbers.

But it is the Net Profit figures of TVS Motors that is most alarming.

Compared to the 300-200 crores of profits of Bajaj auto and Hero Honda, TVS motors has just managed a meagre 11.94 crores..!!

TVS already has its hands full with the soon to be launched 125 cc Flame motorcycle. Also on the anvil is the Electric Battery powered scooter, the TVS Scooty EV. Plus the “Fuel Injected” Apache RTR 160 FI. Whenever these products are lauched, it will also involve huge expenses in terms of promotion and advertising.

Lately there have been news reports of TVS planning to launch bigger Apache variants in the range of 180-200 cc. But with such low profits can TVS really attempt to try so many things..??

My personal take is that the bigger Apaches (180-200 cc) might have to wait till TVS Motors show a healthier net profit.

[Disclaimer: Financial Results obtained from Hindu Business line. Click for the news articles on Bajaj Auto, Hero Honda, TVS Motors]

125 cc TVS Flame launched in Chennai, India launch in January 2008: 125 cc Pricelist Compared

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

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

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

TVS "Star" Pariwaar..!! TVS launches its 110 cc Star City with CVTI Engine [Pics/Photos/Images]

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

TVS starts its Indonesian innings with the Step Thru "Neo".. Apache 180 to follow

Disclaimer:

Dec 18, 2007

3 125 cc Bajaj XCD with just the Kick Start at Rs. 39,000 (Ex-Showroom Bangalore)

Bajaj launches the "kick start only" variant of the 125 cc XCD..

Today I paid a visit to Auto Service, the Probiking Sercive Center at Bangalore.. While waiting for the Service Guys to attend to my bike, I happened to notice a small poster of the Bajaj XCD pasted on a tree trunk. It said "1,00,000 bikes (XCD's) sold within three months of launch". Considering the sudden spurt of XCD's I have lately seen on Bangalore roads, I believe that XCD has so far been able to make a decent initial impression.

But what caught my attention was the line which said "Kick Start now at Rs. 39,000 only".

So far Bajaj had launched just the Electric Start Variant of the XCD which is priced at around Rs. 41,000 ex-showroom Bangalore. With its introduction the new kick start only variant of the XCD now becomes the cheapest 125 cc available in the country.

On my way back, I stopped by a Bajaj showroom and clicked a few pics of the new Kickstart variant of the XCD. Everything is same on this variant except that the ignition switch is missing on the right switchgear (pic posted below)..

..and there is an empty space between the carburettor and the engine cylinder (the space taken up by the starter motor in the electric start variant)

The electric start variant of the XCD

In Chennai the XCD retails for Rs. 45,590 On road for the electric start version. That means we can expect to shave off around Rs. 2,000 from the kick start only version there too.

CT100 production ceased:

Looks like the CT100 has been laid to rest by Bajaj. The Official website of Bajaj doesn't have the CT100 in its product list anymore.

Rs. 4,000 Discount on the 100 cc Platina

The Platina is available for a discount of Rs. 4,000. In Bangalore the ex-showroom price of the Platina is Rs. 29,000 after the discount.

Commuters probably never had it so good.

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

125 cc Comparision: Bajaj XCD Vs Hero Honda Glamour Vs Honda Shine Vs Suzuki Zeus Vs Yamaha Gladiator..!!

125 cc TVS Flame launched in Chennai, India launch in January 2008: 125 cc Pricelist Compared

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

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

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)

Disclaimer:

Dec 17, 2007

17 Call yourself a Biker..?? Then dress up like one..!!

Motorcycle Riding Jacket "Spike" by DSG (Dream Sporting Gear)..

Update [Aug, 2010]: This particular jacket has been DISCONTINUED by DSG.

It has been replaced by new designs.

Q. Do you attend a marriage in your swimwear..??

Q. Do you go to office in your night gown..??

Q. Do you go to war in your party wear..??

Ans: The answer is NO..!!

Every occasion has its own dress code. Then why should we ride our bikes without proper riding gear..??

Seriously speaking, riding on two wheels without proper protective gear is a risky business. Compared to three/four wheelers, two wheelers are inherently unstable and almost every biker will (invariably) have to kiss the earth/tarmac occassionally. So apart from that compulsory helmet, its better to put on some protective clothing; so that next time you decide hit the deck hard, the damage is kept to a minimum.

On my Pulsar 220 with the DSG Jacket

What you see in the photos is the Riding Jacket named "Spike" from DSG (Dream Sporting Gear). The Jacket is made from Waterproof and Dirt repellant Cordura fabric which is also Abrasion, Tear and Freezing Resistant upto -25Deg C.

If you are really serious about your biking, then get one proper riding jacket and never get lost in the crowd as just another biker..

CE Approved Impact Protectors are provided in the Back, Elbows, Shoulders. There is also a water resistant "Removable inner" along with outer and inner pockets. The quality of the Jacket is quite impressive and feels built to last.

This particular Jacket is priced at Rs. 4,500 and can be ordered online or at select outlets of DSG. The only downside of the jacket is that it is a bit heavy to use.. but then the feeling of security it offers is unbeatable. Also the impact protectors around the shoulders gives you that extra "Broad Shoulder" and hunky look.

If you are really serious about your biking, then get one proper riding jacket and never get lost in the crowd as just another biker.

Check out this particular product at DSG's Website.

2'nd & 3'rd Photo Credits: Rahul Devnath

"Daijya" Full Face Helmet

Disclaimer:

Dec 15, 2007

12 125 cc TVS Flame launched in Chennai, India launch in January 2008: 125 cc Pricelist Compared

125 cc Flame from TVS motors is launched in Chennai.. Rs. 49,950 On Road Chennai..

TVS has finally launched its much awaited new 125 cc TVS Flame in Chennai on Dec 14 and would be available across India by January 2008.

The 125 cc Flame uses a 3 Valve engine. The Flame is touted to have a Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-Vti) technology that allows one valve the supply fuel in slow speed while the other two comes into operation during high speeds.

According to TVS Motor CMD, Mr. Venu Srinivasan:

"This (CCVTi Technology) ensures that while the bike packs enough power fuel economy is not compromised. The bike logged 82 kms/ltr under Indian Driving Conditions norms which is the highest mileage by any 125 cc bike in India.." Source: Hindustan Times

"According to the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC), the bike could deliver a mileage of 82 kilometres a litre. ``No vehicle (in this segment) anywhere nears this on mileage"
Source: Hindu

Hmmm.. 82 Kmpl..?? Actually the most fuel efficienct bikes in India gives mileage of around 70 Kmpl.. So 82 Kmpl seems more like "under ideal trest conditions". Lets wait and see what kind of mileage, the Flame is able to deliver in real life. The claimed top speed for the Flame is around 95 Kmph.

The Flame has been priced at Rs. 49,950 On Road in Chennai for the Alloy Wheels/Electric Start variant (I had called up TVS dealers in Chennai to confirm the price). There seems to be another variant with "front disc brakes" in the pipeline which would cost Rs. 3000 more.

The Flame is probably the best looking bike to have emerged from the TVS stables. In photos it even manages to look better than the TVS Apache RTR 160.

Bajaj XCD DTS-Si	Rs. 45,590
TVS Flame CCVTi	Rs. 49,950
Suzuki Zeus	Rs. 50,050
Hero Honda Super Splendor	Rs. 49,680
Hero Honda Glamour	Rs. 51,060
Honda Shine	Rs. 50,952

Shown above are the on-road price list of the 125 cc bikes in Chennai with Alloy wheels/Electric Start/Drum Brakes:

The Disc brake option is also available on the Hero Honda Glamour, Honda Shine and Suzuki Zeus. Suzuki Zeus and Honda Shine also has Spoke Wheel variants in their 125 cc line up. These variants are offered at different price points. TVS has also announced to introduce the Flame with front disc brakes with a premium of Rs. 3000.

Bajaj XCD	Not Available
TVS Flame	Rs. 53,000 (launch awaited)
Suzuki Zeus	Rs. 51,750
Hero Honda Glamour	Rs. 53,000
Honda Shine	Rs. 52,897
Yamaha Gladiator DLX	Rs. 52,290
Yamaha Gladiator Graffiti	Rs, 52,790
Yamaha Gladiator Type J.A	Rs. 54,790

Shown above is the On-Road Price List of the 125 cc bikes in Chennai with Alloy wheels/Electric Start/Front Disc Brakes:

The Yamaha Gladiator: DLX, Graffiti and Type J.A are the same model but with different paint and sticker schemes.

[P.S: The On-Road prices for all the brands/models stated above were obtained by calling up various two wheeler dealers in Chennai. Error in prices if any is regretted.]