30 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: TVS Flame and 2008 Gladiator [Wallpaper]

125 cc bikes from TVS and Yamaha at the Auto Expo 2008..

TVS Flame: (Max Power: 10.5 bhp)

"Flame" the new 125 cc bike from TVS Motors was placed in the center of the TVS Motor Pavilion in the Auto Expo 2008. This goes to show how much attention TVS Motors is showering on their latest 125 cc bike.

There was a RED and a Yellow Flame displayed prominently at the TVS Pavilion. Posted below are two wallpaper sized pics of the Yellow TVS Flame.

125 cc TVS Flame
1024 X 768 Size Wallpaper

Previously I had commented that the new 125 cc Bajaj XCD Sprint DTSi looks better than the Flame. But after you look at the Flame, you will find that the Flame now appears to be a better looker..

The looks and new design elements of the Flame was published in an earlier post. There is also a unique storage space on the tank of the Flame. In flesh the Flame looks bigger than a 125 cc bike and in the league of a 150 cc bike. The Flame should be able to accomodate 6 footer guys easily.

According the the TVS guys present at the Expo, the Flame should be available very soon at TVS dealers across the country.

125 cc TVS Flame
1024 X 768 Size Wallpaper

Yamaha Gladiator SS/RS: (Max Power: 11 Ps)


Yamaha India has shown a few variants of its 125 cc Gladiator at the Auto Expo 2008. The Gladiator SS (Stylish & Sporty) and the Gladiator RS (Racing Sports).

Do not go by the fancy acronyms for they are just cosmetic upgrades with the tech specs remaining identical.

There was another variant of the Gladiator kept in the Auto Expo (Pic posted below). It did not have any special name/initial on it, so can't really say whether this particular variant will make it to the showrooms or not. But I kind of liked the color combination on this one more than the SS/RS variants.

125 cc Yamaha Gladiator
1024 X 768 Size Wallpaper

The Bajaj XCD Sprint DTSi looks freaky with its sharp looks but I have to say that the XCD also looks smaller compared to the Flame or the Gladiator. The small size might have a positive effect on the Power to weight ratio but might put off someone looking for a generous sized 125 cc machine.

On the other hand, the TVS Flame and and the Yamaha Gladiator have generous propositions which give it a more mature look.

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.

15 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Yamaha FZ-150 Sexy "Prototype" from Yamaha India

Yamaha India shows a Ultra Sexy Prototype called the FZ-150 in Auto Expo 2008.. Will this one make into production..??

The Yamaha FZ-150 "Prototype" shown @ the Auto Expo 2008

I have to apologize, since I am a bit late to cover this stunner called the FZ-150 which Yamaha India showed in Auto Expo 2008. This one is a "Prototype" which Yamaha India has conjured up by taking the DNA of the 1000 C.C FZ1...

But my lethargy was due to the fact that I wanted to cover those bikes first, which are production ready. The memory of the Yamaha Gladiator 150-165 cc "Prototype" is still fresh in my mind. The Gladiator 150-165 cc "Prototype" was another concept which was shown in Auto Expo 2006 but sadly never saw the light of the day. The other Yamaha product shown at the Auto Expo 2008, the YZF-R15 seems almost production ready and therefore I chose to cover that before the FZ-150.

The only change that Yamaha India needs to make in the FZ-150 is change the rear tyres from the impossibly fat (for a 150 cc) to normal ones for a 150 cc bike..

The FZ-150 "Prototype" shown in the Auto Expo 2008 has a 150 cc engine, carburettor (instead of fuel injection), fat rear tyres (about as big as Pulsar 200/220 rear tyres), air cooled engine (not liquid cooled like the YZF-R15), 5 speed gearbox (insted of a 6 speed one on the YZF-R15) and also the FZ-150 doesn't have the "delta" frame of the YZF-R15.

[Photo Credit for the last Pic: Ken Cool from XBHP.Com]

Maybe the only change that Yamaha India needs to make in the FZ-150 is change the rear tyres from the impossibly fat (for a 150 cc) to the ones found on the Pulsar 150's and the Apache's. Apart from the tyre change the looks of the FZ-150 should be left untouched.

The FZ-150 would look stunning even without that leggie "firangi" model on it. I don't see a reason as to why Yamaha India shouldn't launch it. The FZ-150 easily will easily overshadow the Pulsar, Apache RTR, CBZ Xtreme or the Hunk in the looks department.

And if performance if the name of the game, then the YZF-R15 should take care of it.



On inquiring about when can we expect the FZ 150 to appear in the market, the Yamaha Officials at the Auto Expo said that they had no clue. I just hope that the FZ-150 isn't just a "Prototype" but a mass production model to compete with the Pulsar 150, Apache RTR 150, CBZ X's and the Hunks.. and leave the YZF-R15 to take the niche position as the 150 cc performance king

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.

13 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi [Pics/Photos/Images] + Wallpaper

Pics of the Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi..

Bajaj displays the Discover 150 DTSi at the Auto Expo 2008.. According to the Bajaj officials present there the new DTSi of the new 150 cc Discover will produce around 14.1 bhp maximum power. Launch of this new 150 cc Discover will most probably be in the 2'nd quarter of 2008 (i.e around June-July 2008). Price has yet not been decided.

Discover 150 DTSi Wallpaper
Size: 1024 X 768

Except for the tank the Discover has completely new body panels along with a new design of the headlamp. The Discover 150 also features integrated blinkers on the scoops/extensions on the tank. After the 125 cc TVS Flame, the Discover is the second bike to feature integrated turn indicators on the tank extensions.

Discover 150 DTSi Wallpaper
Size: 1024 X 768

The headlamp design is new and so is the LED Tail lamp. The Discover 150 also features a Digital Speedometer similar to the one seen on the XCD Sprint DTSi.

Although the bodywork is new, the 150 cc Discover looks very much similar to its present 135 cc cousin. It is because of the shape of the tank which hasn't been touched. Also unlike the Discover 135 which has an all black paint to its alloys and engine covers, the Discover 150 DTSi displayed at the Auto Expo features a silver paint scheme to its alloys and enigne. The exhaust is in matt back though and the chain guard also features an interesting black and silver design.








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 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Updates on these bikes coming soon..

The following bikes (displayed in the Auto Expo 2008) will be covered in detail in posts to come.. have a sneek peek

The odds of getting to see the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Bajaj Probiking Showrooms is pretty high..!!

Two Variants for the TVS Apache RTR Fi

Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi

Yamaha Gladiator gets a facelift

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.

16 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Bajaj Auto [New XCD DTSi Sprint + Wallpaper]

Bajaj Auto responds to the TVS Flame and how...!! The XCD DTSi Sprint will be the Most Powerful 125 cc in the Indian Two Wheeler Market..!!

Bajaj XCD Sprint DTSi
1024 X 768 Size Wallpaper

Just as TVS gets ready to launch its three valve 125 cc Flame, Bajaj is preparing to launch a 4 Valve DTS-i (its Digital Twin Spark Plug technology) based 125 cc XCD Sprint DTS-i..!!

The sprint has been designed to excite the 100-125 cc customer who is also looking for some "Speed-Masti". I was lucky to speak to the Brand Manager of the XCD who was present there today. The Max Power of the XCD Sprint DTS-i as told to me by him would be 12.5 BHP..!!

Which means that the XCD Sprint will be the new Performance King in the 125 cc segment, overtaking the (11 BHP) Yamaha Gladiator..!!



The launch of this product according to the brand manager of the XCD would be in the first quarter of 2008. That means roughly by March-April 2008.


Not only the XCD would be the most powerful in its class, I found the new XCD Sprint to be better and more radical looking than its rival, the TVS Flame.



Except for the tank, the front mudguard and the turn blinkers, the XCD features a completely new bodywork.

The tank has attractive extensions which has a classy chrome strip running across its length. The top portion of the tank has a matt black plastic design element to it. The XCD Sprint DTSi has Gas Filled "Nitrox" shock absorbers, front disc brakes, a new digital speedometer and the back lit switches (with auto cancel turn indicators), which have also been taken from the bigger Pulsars.



The side and tail panels are new and the footrests now are on an aluminium subframe. The XCD Sprint DTSi also features split rear grab rails and an exposed chain with a half chain cover. The XCD Sprint DTSi also gets a new handlebar with weighted bar ends.

The "Freaky" LED Tail Lamp of the XCD Sprint DTSi

The Headlamp is a Work of Art and so is the "Sexy" looking LED Tail Light assembly. The whole package manages to give the XCD a "freaky" character.






The only sore thumb in the entire visual package according to me is the old-chrome fuel filler lid.

The complete specs of the 125 cc XCD Sprint DTSi will soon be published..

Keep Posted.

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.