High Resolution Picture/Photo of the Yamaha YZF-R15 taken @ Auto Expo 2008
Yamaha YZF-R15
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.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R coming to your Bajaj Probiking Showroom.. Soon..!!
A Baby Ninja (250R) was strategically placed in the center and ahead from all the other Kawasaki products displayed at the Bajaj Pavilion.
If that's not hint enough, then a senior Bajaj Official present in the Pavilion told me that chances of the 2008 Ninja 250R coming to India is pretty high..!!
Isn't she a sight for sore eyes..??
# Quit my I.T job in Bangalore (still can't call it "Bengaluru")
# Joined a company where my boss talks about doing stoppies on his Apache RTR 160
# I get access to Auto Expo 2008 on the day reserved for the press (thanks to my new job. Talk about being in the right place in the right time.)
# Only to be greeted by the news that Bajaj will bring the 2008 Ninja 250R in India
Just take a peek at three of my posts made in October 2007.. "Nostradamus" couldn't have done a better job I'd say.
I still maintain that 250 cc, twin cylinder bikes are for ladies.. but considering my financial constraints, I can't think of a better way to age gracefully and lose the rest of my hair.
The Price hasn't been decided yet but the Ninja 250R is expected to appear in India by Mid 2008.
By the way, the 2008 Ninja is manufactured in Thailand and sold for $ 3,500 in the U.S. So if Bajaj could get the the Ninja 250 in "CKD" (Completely Knocked Down) or "SKD" (Semi Knocked down) kits (to ease the custom duties), then we could probably get the Ninja 250R for anywhere between 2.0 - 2.5 lakhs.
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.
Exotic Bikes from KTM and Kawasaki will soon grace the Bajaj Probiking Showrooms..!!
The Bajaj Auto Pavilion had three Zones: The Orange Zone for KTM Bikes, Blue and White Zone for Bajaj Bikes and Green Zone for Kawasaki bikes. Hey.. isn't that color combo quite similar to out National Flag..??
It is almost confirmed that Two Bikes from KTM (the Duke 690 and the RC8) and the one from Kawasaki (the 2008 Ninja 250R) has been culled out for an India launch..!!
Details to be covered in subsequent posts.. till then enjoy the Pics..!!
Bajaj Pavilion had an all Chrome Panels and Back Body Pulsar 220 on display
KTM Branded Biking Stuff will be available in Probiking Outlets..!!
Ninja 250 headed for India..!!
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.
TVS shows its Fuel injected Apache RTR 160 Fi and an Apache RTR variant with Performance Enhancing Race Kit..!!
No TVS did not show the rumoured 180 cc/200 cc Apache RTR (never believed in rumours in the first place) at the Auto Expo.
TVS Apache RTR 160 "Fi":
But TVS did show the Fuel Injected Apache RTR 160 "Fi".. there were two Apache RTR "Fi"'s kept in the TVS Pavilion.
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TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi
One was a Red and the other a Yellow Color. My first impression on the first day was that there were two variants of the Fuel Injected RTR that was being launched. But on the second visit to the Auto Expo, a TVS guy standing there told me that only one variant similar to the Red one will finally be produced (the Yellow RTR Fi did not have tank scoops/extensions and rear disc brakes).
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TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi
The Red Apache RTR 160 Fi had tank extensions and a rear disc brake to differentiate itself from the carburetted Apache RTR variant. The pattern of the stripe running down the bike is also slightly different from the non-Fi variant.
Expect the RTR "Fi" to come into TVS dealerships very soon. When inquired about the price of the RTR-"Fi", I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it will be just Rs. 5000 over the non-Fi variant. I don't know whether to believe that or not because apart from the Fuel Injection there is also a rear disc brake in the package.
The Fuel Injection hasn't really bumped up the power output of the Apache RTR, but I hope that it should bring down the disturbing vibrations which plauge the Apache RTR 160. The Tech specs of the TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi is posted below..
TVA Apache RTR 160 with "Race Performace Kit"..!!
Now if you already own the Apache RTR, this is definitely going to put a BIG smile on your face.
TVS will soon make available Performance Enhancing Kits which can be bought off the shelf from TVS dealers and fit on your existing Apahce RTR 160 bike.
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TVS Apache RTR 160 with Race Performance Kit
The "Race Performce Kit" as TVS likes to call it consists of a Free Flow Exhaust (shown here as Chrome tipped), and some changes in the valves, spark plugs (shown with yellow spark plug cover to differentiate) and the cylinder (according to the TVS guy present there). The modifications will result in an bhp increse from around 15 something to 18.5 BHP..!!
Update: (14'th Jan 08, 21:00 hrs) Just now I got the news from my Boss (he owns/rides an Apache RTR 160..!!) who has just returned from the Auto Expo 08 that the RACE PERFORMANCE KIT IS NOT STEET LEGAL..!!
According to my Boss, the TVS guy at the Expo told him that the Kit can be bought from the Showrooms and used at your own risk on the street. It seems the kit is mainly meant for races.
SIGH..!!
The premium for the Race Perfornmance Kit as told to me should be around Rs. 8,000 (I forgot to ask whether labor charges are included in it too).
If you have an Apache RTR 160 and ready to spend around Rs. 8K more on it, then you can probably ask some intresting questions to the Karizma and the Pulsar 200 and 220. But in the process you might also bring down he resale value of your Apache RTR..
So what do you say..??
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.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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.
Ride Review: Pulsar 200NS
KTM 200 Duke: Ride Review
Ninja 250R: Ride Review
Review: Daijya Carbon Fibre Helmet
How to Brake on Indian Roads
My Bike Trip to Tawang
