7 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Pavilion @ Auto Expo 2008..

Royal Enfield had no new motorcyle models to display at the Auto Expo 2008. Instead the R.E pavilion at the Auto Expo had two "real" bikes on display and a few "real" Royal Enfield riders who were there to interact with the crowd.

Initially I did not get what Royal Enfield was trying to promote at the Auto Expo 2008. I went closer and saw that apart from the two bikes, there were two tents set up which had sleeping bags in them.

I realized that they were trying to create the image of "The Trip". I also saw that the enfield riders were ready to talk to anyone about their real life experiences on their steel steeds.

A catalog was being distributed, which contained the details of the motorcycle models which Royal Enfield sells in India. They were also distributing a leaflet, which contained the road map of the places around delhi.. in case anyone wanted to join the "The Trip".

My friend Kenny (a Bullet Rider) @ the R.E pavilion

There were no models of the fairer sex clad in body hugging outfits, there were no dance routines, in fact there were no new bikes on display. Many guys would think "What the hell was Royal Enfield doing at the Auto Expo..??"

I asked one of the guys about the theme of their display, and the told me that they were there "to spread the spirit of Riding".

One of the things that prevent me from riding a bullet if my 5 ft 5 inch height. So when I saw that a petite lady (in the first photo) who is about 5 ft 2 inches ride a thunderbird with a slightly scooped seat, I was visibly impressed. When I spoke to her, she told me that if she could ride it, so could I.


Maybe after a few years I would like to settle down with a Royal Enfield Bullet.

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.

25 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Yamaha YZF-R15 based on the Vixion from Indonesia. [Wallpaper]

Meet the Indonesian Yamaha Vixion, the model on which the Yamaha YZF-R15 is probably based..

Yamaha YZF-R15 Wallpaper
Size: 1280 X 1024

22 June, 2007: Economic Times carries the news that Yamaha India has plans of a 4 Valve, around 14 bhp, 150 cc with looks similar to the R1.

23 June, 2007: The Bike Chronicles of India posts that the proposed 150 cc from Yamaha India MIGHT be the 4 Valve, Liquid Cooled, 150 cc.. Yamaha Vixion from Indonesia

28 June, 2007: The Bike Chronicles of India posts a few pics of the Yamaha Vixion of Indonesia.

10 January, 2008: Yamaha India shows the YZF-R15 for India @ AutoExpo 2008.

Look closely at the pics of the Indonesian Vixion posted below and it will be clear that the YZF-R15 is based on the Vixion from Indonesia.

The R1 like full front fairing and the clip on handle bars have done wonders to the looks of the R15 giving it a mini R1 like look. The Delta Frame has been finished in black for the Indian R-15, also the design of the Exhaust can of the R15 is new. Observe carefully and you will notice that the Kick starter has also been done away on the R-15.

Yamaha Vixion

Yamaha YZF-R15

It is obvious from the above pics that the rear portion of the two bikes look very much similar. Accrding to me, a slight change in the rear, especially the tail lights should have been incorporated in the R-15.


About the Engine:

Economic Times had reported (in 22 June 2007) that the 150 cc from Yamaha was planned to have around 14 bhp.. and right now there is a buzz around that the bhp figures of the R-15 might be around 20-22 bhp..!!

Tech Specs of the 150 cc Yamaha Vixion: Source- Yamaha Motor Indonesia

• 149.7 C.C, 4 Stroke


• Liquid Cooled


• Single Cylinder


• 4 Valves



• Power: 11.10 kw (14.88 HP or 15.09 PS) / 8,500 rpm


• Torque: 13.10 nm (1.34 Kgf.m)/ 7,500 rpm


• Compression Ratio: 10.4 : 1

The usual practice for India bound engines is to detune them from their international specs. This is done to boost the fuel efficiency and also to cope with the relatively poor quality of fuel sold in India.

Since it looks like Yamaha India guys are not looking at fuel efficiency, the question remains how much more (bhp) can the R-15 produce than the Vixion engine.

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.

12 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: High Resolution Pic/Photo of the Yamaha YZF-R15 [Wallpaper]

High Resolution Picture/Photo of the Yamaha YZF-R15 taken @ Auto Expo 2008

Yamaha YZF-R15

Will this bike make 20-22 bhp..??





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.

20 Auto Expo 2008 Coverage: Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Bajaj Probiking Showrooms soon..!!

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..??

Of late everything has been falling into place for me..

# 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

In one sentence, "Life is beautiful..!!

Just take a peek at three of my posts made in October 2007.. "Nostradamus" couldn't have done a better job I'd say.

• 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R..!! Bring this one to India please [October 14, 2007]



• I’d rather ride a 250-400 cc slowly through a pothole, than “Day Dream” of riding the R1 on the Golden Quadrilateral..!! [Oct 27, 2007]



• 30 BHP, 250 cc, Twin Cylinder Bikes are for Ladies..!! [Oct 28, 2007]

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.

Tech Specs of the 2008 Ninja 250R sold in the U.S.A:

• Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin


• Displacement: 249cc


• Maximum power : 32PS (31.56 hp) at 11,000rpm


• Maximum torque: 21.7Nm at 10,000rpm


• Cooling: Liquid

• Carburetion: Keihin CVK30 x 2
  (The European 2008 Ninja 250R features "Fuel Injection" instead of Carburetion and produces slighty lesser peak power of 30 Ps)


• Transmission: Six-speed


• Final drive: O-ring chain

• Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel


• Wheelbase: 1390mm(NA Model) - 54.72 in


• Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork


• Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak with aluminum linkage / Preload Adjustable


• Front tire: 110/70-17


• Rear tire: 130/80-17


• Front brake: Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper


• Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper

• Overall length: 2080mm


• Overall width: 710mm


• Overall height: 1115mm


• Seat height: 780mm


• Dry weight: 151kg

• Fuel capacity: 18 liters


• Color choices: Lime Green, Ebony, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue


• Price (for U.S): $3,499

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: Bajaj to Bring in Kawasaki Ninja 250R and KTM Bikes..!!

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..!!

[To be Continued..!!]





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.