23 Read this before buying the Pulsar 220 DTSFi + 2'nd Free Service Report + Wallpaper

My Pulsar 220 has completed 2500 Kms and been through the second free service. Anyone planning to buy the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi should read this first..

Before the Fuel Injected Pulsar 220 was launched there were many disscussions (mainly on the internet) whether it was really worth to buy the Pulsar 220. Guys who had even not seen the bike in flesh were talking about its pros and cons like seasoned Pulsar 220 owners.

After completing 2,500 Kms on my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi, I can probably tell you about its pros and cons with a bit of more conviction.

Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi Wallpaper

"After having seen Summer 30 times on this Earth, I now undertand that true love doesn't mean "a perfect love story.."

"True love also doesn't focus on the negatives but focuses on the positives instead.."

Before booking my Pulsar 220, I knew very well that there were a few issues with the Pulsar 220. I knew that the rear view mirrors did not provide a good view of the traffic behind you. Also that the rear disc brakes weren't that effective compared to the front discs. There were also reports of the main stand scraping on hard cornering. I also knew that quite a few owners have reported of vibrations in their Pulsar 220's.

So I knew that if I went for the Pulsar 220, then probably I would also have to visit the service center a bit more than required. Inspite of knowing this, I decided to book the Pulsar 220. After all I was in Love after taking test ride of the bike.


Ownership Experience so far:

• The Pulsar 220 is the King among the Indian bikes in terms of accleration and performance.. Period.





• The Pulsar 220 remains smooth till 90 Kmph.. after that, vibrations do appear but they are not unbearable. The vibes in fact tells you that the limit is being achieved and puts you in alert mode.





• I could reach 110 Kmph effortlessly. After that it took some effort to reach 120 Kmph.





• The bike displays impressive stability even at 120 Kmph. Attacking corners on the Pulsar 220 is a joy thanks to the well sorted out suspension and damping rates.





• The headlights are awesome and the brightest among any Indian bike. The beam is slightly tilted towards the left (the tilt is probably there in all Pulsar 220's.. but the slight tilt isn't an issue)





• The gearbox on the Pulsar 220 is the best among the other Pulsars. There hasn't been any false neutral and the shift quality is light and smooth. (But the feel through the gears could still improve)





• Just the day before the 2'nd service, the battery of my bike drained out completely. Luckily I was near my friends place at that time. During the second service it was found that the RR Coil had stopped functioning. The RR Coil (shown below in the photo) is responsible for charging the battery and was replaced free of cost.

Replaced RR Coil

Recently I went on a road trip along with a friend of mine Rahul Devnath (we met thanks to this blog). During the trip, Rahul rode my bike and said that it didn't quite give him a new bike like feel. He said it felt a bit rough while accelerating and did not quite give him the acceleration that he was expecting from a fuel injected bike.

Thanks to his comments I took the bike to the service center and told the guys about it. They took it for a test ride and said that the bike indeed had some roughness and sluggishness while accelerating. They checked the bike with an "Electronic Diagnostic Tool" which has been provided specifically for the 220. The tool did show some error on its digital display.

Diagnostic tool for the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

Utimately, It was found that a part called "Crank Position Sensor" has to be replaced. The part has still not arrived from Pune but is expected to be replaced soon for free.

Thanks Rahul..!!



Quick Points for anyone looking to buy the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi:

A few blokes say that there is no exclusivity in the Pulsar 220 since it almost looks like the other Pulsars (150/180/200) at least from behind.

Well, I wouldn't know about that since I don't have eyes behind my head.

But from the front, the story is quite different..

• Vibrations appear after 90 Kmph.. but its not like its unbearable.





• The Rear View Mirrors do not give a proper view (I am waiting for Bajaj to change the design)





• The Headlight focus is slightly towards the felt (Probably in all P220s and isn't an issue)





• Mileage 35 Kmpl (City Ride), 35 Kmpl (Highway Ripping at above 100 Kmph), 50 Kmpl (at speeds of 55-60 Kmph on the highway)





• Expect to pay more attention to the bike and be prepared to pay more visits to the service station if required.

Positives about the Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi:

# Handling & Stability: Awesome

# Ride Quality: Great

# Power & Pick Up: Good

# Best Gear Box among Pulsars (Could still improve though)

# 5 Years Warranty on the Engine: Couldn't ask for more

# 35 Kmpl, even after hard ripping on the highway

# Heads Turning at traffic stops: PRICELESS

A few blokes say that there is no exclusivity in the Pulsar 220 since it almost looks like the other Pulsars (150/180/200) at least from behind. Well, I wouldn't know about that since I don't have eyes behind my head.

But what I can tell you for sure is that, at every traffic stop my bike gets stares from everywhere. Complete strangers have accosted me and inquired about the bike. Unknown persons pass complimentary remarks like "Super Bike", "Very Good looking bike". I have come across school kids who shout "220..!! 220..!!" whenever I pass them.



And believe it or not.. this sweet little incident happened to my bike the other day.

Day before yesterday (20'th Dec 2007) it was drizzling in Bangalore in the evening and I was on my way home from MG road on my Pulsar 220.. The Bangalore traffic was horrible as usual..

Just then, an attractive young girl who seemed to be in a hurry approached me asking if I knew the Bus route to Kempfort (its a shopping complex near Bangalore Airport). I said I didn't know the bus route but I could drop her there if she liked..!!


She gave a big smile and said: You can..?? And then she proceeded to climb on the rear seat of my P220.

Finally I dropped her near Kempfort..!! Must have been a 30 min ride thanks to the Bangalore Traffic.


[Hhmmm... It must have been the DSG Jacket and the Daijya Helmet that I was wearing..!!]

After having seen Summer 30 times on this Earth, I now undertand that true love doesn't mean "a perfect love story".. true love also doesn't focus on the negatives but focuses on the positives instead. There are bound to be differences, but what matters is how you work it out.


Therefore if you think you are worthy of true love, then go ahead book the Pulsar 220. But if you are of the "Wham - Bam - Not even a thank you Maam" type, then please look elsewhere.

Related Posts:

• An absolute Jack Ass on his motorcycle



• Fuel Efficiency Report of my Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi [Highway & City] + Wallpaper



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

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.

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.

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]

Related Posts:

• 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:

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.

3 125 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.

Related Posts:

• 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:

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.

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

Related Posts:

• "Daijya" Full Face Helmet

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.