25 Hero Honda to launch 12 new bikes in 2008-(mid) 2009..!!

Hero Honda has 12 bikes lined up till Mid-2009..!!

Pawan Munjal, CEO, Hero Honda said it will launch 12 new bikes across entry executive premium segment, reports MoneyControl.Com".

Mr. Pawan Munjal (center) at the launch of the CBZ Xtreme

"Between the expos of 2006 –08, we had 18 launches.

Going forward, in the next 18 months, we have 12 new launches and are looking at all three segments.

We have focus on all the three segments and more and more on the premium, the youth and on the youngsters," said Pawan Munjal, CEO, Hero Honda Motors.

Payeng says:

"No Comments..!!"

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.

6 "Bikers Collection" Eye Gear from Fastrack

Fastrack's "Bikers Collection" Eye Gear.. the exclusive range of eyegear targeted at bikers

"Bikers don't Cry..", remember that TV Commercial featuring John Abraham..?? It was an advertisement meant to promote Fastrack's "Bikers" collection of Eye Gear which has been specially targeted at our "desi" bikers.

The stylish eye wear has been specially designed keeping in mind the needs of a biker. Fastrack Eye Gear is the only Indian eyewear brand that has so tried to cater to this segment with an exclusive collection.

Its nice to see that marketers are taking the Biking Segment seriously.. the "Bikers Collection" from Fastrack Eye Gear is a proof of that

A few weeks back I had received a mail from an Agency looking after Fastrack's products. They offered me to test any one from the "Bikers" range of Fastrack's eye gear in return of a feedback from my side about the quality and usability of the product.

I was more than happy to accept the generous offer and accordingly selected the pair posted below..

It was promptly sent to me within a few days. I have to tell that apart from its cool looks, I am also quite impressed with its comfort and build quality.


The complete "Bikers" Collection features 25 unique styles, in 55 variants, under 4 specific model categories.

• Polarized sunglasses that offer anti-glare properties ensuring clearer vision while riding.





• Wraps, it surrounds the eyes from all sides offering maximum protection from sunrays, wind & dust (I think I got one from this category)





• 'Night Vision' eye gear with amber or orange tinted lenses which can be used in the night. These lenses are supposed to improve visibility during low light conditions





• Mag-Al (Magnesium Aluminum) frames which have a strong build and can withstand abuse while riding.

Priced between Rs. 695 to Rs. 1995, it should fit every biker's pocket. One can check out the complete range of Fastrack Eye Gear at the Fastrack Website.. The only problem with the website layout is that it is difficult to figure out which model belongs to which one of the above mentioned 4 categories.



Unfortunately my bike is yet to be shipped from Bangalore. Therefore I have not been able to test the performance of the Eye Gear while riding. But judging by the way it wraps around the eyes, I am sure that it would be quite useful while riding bikes.

The only problem that I see is that, the Eye Gear might be difficult to use with a full faced helmet.


By the way, there is a 30% off on ANY Fastrack EyeGear till Feb-17 2008. You can check out the Bikers Collection of Eye Gear from your nearby Fastrack outlet.

Its nice to see that marketers are taking the Biking Segment seriously.. the "Bikers Collection" from Fastrack Eye Gear is a proof of that.

Related Posts:

• Call yourself a Biker..?? Then dress up like one..!! (DSG Riding Jacket)



• "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.

14 I meet Mr. Rajiv Bajaj (MD, Bajaj Auto) @ Auto Expo 2008..!!

I meet my idol, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj at the Auto Expo..!!

"I heard a voice behind me which said, "Excuse Me.." I turned around and saw a tall smiling guy.

The guy then said, "Are you Satadal Payeng..??"

I know this is late, but I wanted to post about the bikes showed at the Auto Expo 2008 first, and then post about a personal experience of mine.

Just look at the pic/photo posted below.. the guy on the right is yours truly "Satadal Payeng" (thats me) and the towering figure on the left is Bajaj Auto MD, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj..!!

The Author with Mr. Rajiv Bajaj

How did I meet my idol..??

It was the 10'th of January.. which was the first day of the 9'th Auto Expo. Since the first day was reserved for the press and persons with exhibitor passes, there wasn't much of a crowd in the morning.

I was loitering around at the Bajaj Auto Pavilion, clicking pictures of the displays. After a few minutes at the Bajaj Pavilion I heard a voice behind me which said, "Excuse Me.." I turned around and saw a tall smiling guy. The guy then said, "Are you Satadal Payeng..??

I was obviously surprised but told him, "Yes.. I am Satadal Payeng, but how do you know me..?? The smiling guy said, "Hi.. I am Manish Tandon, Sr. Manager from Bajaj Auto. I know you because I read your blog..!!"

As I spoke with him, I realized that Mr. Tandon knew whatever I had so far posted on "The Bike Chronicles of India". He knew that I have a Pulsar 220. He also knew that I have quit my I.T job to join a company which is related to the Auto Sector.

Boy O Boy..!! I did not know what to say.. it was indeed very flattering to know that someone from Bajaj Auto reads my blog.. and that too someone in a senior position..!!

His job as a Sr. Manager "Product Planning" demands that he should know what our "desi" bikers "Want and Need".

But how many Sr. Managers do you know, who are ready to go out of their way to interact with bikers..??

Mr. Tandon is a Sr. Manager, "Product Planning" from the ** Ahead Team. And for those who don't know, the ** Ahead Team ("Stars Ahead") is the R&D Team of Bajaj Auto..!!

We spoke about the Auto Expo and bikes among other things. When I pointed my finger to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Mr. Tandon asked me to quote a price, which I think would be appropriate for the Ninja 250R in India. I told him that a price between Rs. 2.0-2.5 lakhs should be just right.. in fact the lower the price tag, the better. But not above Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Just then I saw Mr. Rajiv Bajaj come out into the Bajaj Pavilion. I asked Mr. Tandon, if Mr. Rajiv Bajaj reads my blog.. to which he said that "probably not". I was a little bit disappointed but nevertheless I told Mr. Tandon that I would love to click a photo with him (Mr. Bajaj).

Mr. Tandon then introduced me with Mr. Bajaj. I said "Hi" to him, shook his hand and asked if I could click a photo with him. He said sure..

..and that's how I got my photo with Mr. Rajiv Bajaj

I had read that Mr. Bajaj is reticent and quiet guy. I did not get to speak much with him.. I would have loved to speak more with him, but then I realized that there were other important things for him to attend to. But Man..!! Never in my life could I have imagined that I would meet, shake hands and get my photo clicked with one of my Idols..!!


Unlike Mr. Bajaj, Mr. Tandon loves to interact with bikers. Of course his job as a Sr. Manager "Product Planning" demands that he should know what our "desi" bikers want and need. But how many Sr. Managers do you know, who are ready to go out of their way to interact with bikers..?? Not to mention, also care to read what a biker/blogger next door like me doodles on his online diary.


Mr. Tandon gave me his card and asked me to stay in touch with him. Thanks a lot Mr. Manish Tandon.. You made my Day..!!

[After this post, there might be some loose tongues which will "again" accuse me of being on the rolls of Bajaj Auto..!!

But, I don't give a damm to what they say.]

Related Posts:

Auto Expo 2008 Coverage:

• Auto Expo 2008: Summary of the Most Important models for the Bike Makers

Yamaha India

• What's so Special about the Yamaha YZF-R15..?? Know more



• Yamaha YZF-R15 and the Vixion from Indonesia..!!



• High Resolution Pic/Photo of the Yamaha YZF-R15..!!



• Yamaha YZF R-15 @ Auto Expo 2008



• Yamaha shows FZ-150 a Sexy "Prototype" @ Auto Expo 2008

Bajaj Auto

• Kawasaki Ninja 250R coming to India soon..!!



• Bajaj Auto will bring in the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and KTM Bikes in 2008..!!



• 125 cc Bajaj XCD Sprint DTSi @ Auto Expo 2008



• Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi @ Auto Expo 2008

TVS Motors

• Fuel Injected Apache RTR 160 "Fi" @ Auto Expo 2008



• 125 cc TVS Flame and 125 cc Yamaha Gladiator SS/RS @ Auto Expo 2008

Royal Enfield, Honda, Hero Honda, Suzuki

• Royal Enfield @ Auto Expo 2008



• Concept Bikes CBF from Honda India (HMSI)



• Honda, Hero Honda, Suzuki Pavilions @ Auto Expo 2008

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.

5 Auto Expo 2008: Tata "Nano" the Superstar of the 9'th Auto Expo

The Tata "Nano" was the Superstar at the Auto Expo 2008.. What does it mean to a biker..??

One cannot deny that fact that the Star Attraction of the 9’th New Delhi Auto Expo (2008) was with out any doubt Tata’s much hyped 1 Lakh Car, the Tata Nano..!!



To be there on the 10’th of January 2008, to witness the world premier of the Nano was simply crazy. The whole hall (No.10) was jam packed with every inch of space occupied as if it was piece of real estate at a prime location. The world press was there, ready to beam the first ever pics/videos of the Best Kept Automotive Secret of India. The kind of attention that the Nano got will easily rival that of a Big international celebrity.

If you were not there at Auto Expo 2008 to witness the event, then you can see the unveiling of the Nano on YouTube. Click here..




Now, why am I writing about a 4 wheeler today..??

Isn’t "The Bike Chronicles of India" supposed to be a "desi" Bike Blog..??


Well, today I write on the Tata Nano because Mr. Ratan Tata has made be a proud Indian.

This is what people thought of Mr. Ratan Tata’s dream project before the AutoExpo 2008.

"What is it going to be? A three-wheeler with a stepney?’’ Suzuki’s Founder Chairman Osamu Suzuki had quipped when Tata announced the project. In February 2006, Suzuki again took a shot, saying that it was impossible to make a reliable car for Rs 1 lakh. *

And this is what Ford’s Executive Vice-President John Parker said after the launch of the Nano.

"It is a groundbreaking product. The Nano will cause people to think differently about the car. I have a lot of respect for Tata." *

* Souce: BusinessWorld

Mr. Ratan Tata is my new hero/idol/role model along with Mr. Rajiv Bajaj



In the Tata Nano story, I see a parallel to the story of the birth of the Bajaj Pulsar.

Even in the Pulsar, it was the dream and self belief of a visionary leader (Mr. Rajiv Bajaj) which made the then seemingly impossible dream turn into a reality. Many guys might have thought that Mr. Rajiv Bajaj was acting "foolish" to dream that Indians could make a Motorcycle all by themselves which would beat the Japanese Bikes in India.

Only another great visionary like Steve Jobs can believe in something like "Stay hungry, Stay Foolish"

Similarly, virtually the whole world thought that Mr. Ratan Tata was "foolish" enough to dream that Indian engineers could produce a car at this unbelievable and unthinkable price.

"Show the world what Indian engineering is truly capable of". Ratan Tata told his bunch of young engineers. "Make me also part of the team" *.

The Pulsars have revolutionized the Indian Biking Scene and vindicated the "foolish dream" of Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, similarly the Nano has silenced the critics of Mr. Ratan Tata for good. In the process Tata engineers have managed to rewrite conventional Automobile manufacturing/assembling techniques and have even applied for 34 patents so far.


Only another great visionary like Steve Jobs can believe in something like "Stay hungry, Stay Foolish".





Two wheelers have inspired the Tata Nano

Mr. Ratan Tata got the idea of making a car for around 1 Lakh after he saw a family of 4 on a scooter. Apart from this, the Nano also has learnt a thing or two from two wheelers.

Since the project was inspired by two-wheelers, people who had worked in the two-wheeler industry were roped in, especially in sourcing. Rakesh Mital, who came from Yamaha, came up with the idea of using instrument panels similar to those in motorcycles. The panel in Nano’s dashboard was inspired by the minimalism of the clusters on the heads of motorcycles.

Ideas for suspension, cables and lamps were inspired by scooters and motorcycles. The tall-design car has McPherson struts stabilising the front and uses a suspension similar to that of motorcycles at the back to balance for a higher centre of gravity and a rear-mounted engine. *

* Souce: BusinessWorld

Will the Tata Nano eat away sales from Two Wheelers in India..??

Some market Pundits have predicted that the Nano (which will priced from around 1.2 lakhs onwards), will wean away some customers from buying two wheelers.

According to me it’s a matter open to debate and only time will tell how much the two wheeler market is going to be affected by the Tata Nano. But I would also like to air my opinions on this.

"I do not think that the Nano will affect the above 150 cc bike segment.."

I have seen a few of my friends (mostly salaried IT professionals) buy a car so that they can take around their parents/families in it. However, at the same time they also keep a bike as well. Not because they are bike enthusiasts but because a car cannot match, fuel efficiency and low running costs of a bike. And it does not make sense for my friends to take their cars everytime just for a short trip to the nearby store, office or gym.

So even if the Nano might come at a price tag of around 1.2 Lakhs, or give 20 Kmpl (as claimed), the consumer might still would not like to depart with his bike.

But it will be definitely a good thing to see a family of 4 (maybe 5 in some cases) in a car instead of on a scooter or a 100/125/150 cc bike. Personally, I do not think that the Nano will affect the above 150 cc bike segment.





Would I buy the Nano..??

Oh yes definitely.. I’ll buy one.

Why..?? I’ll probably buy it not just because I am patriotic but probably because..

• The Nano looks Cute enough to be seen in



• In a traffic congested metro like Gurgaon/Delhi, the Nano will actually be a very good choice to get around (not to mention find easy parking)



• By the time I would have grandchildren, the Nano will be remembered as a milestone in the Automotive history of India



• Right now I cannot really afford to invest in a big car



• The Nano would actually give me an excuse to get the (hopefully soon to be launched..) Ninja 250R..!!

I think the last point is valid enough for me to be writing about the Nano (a 4 wheeler) in "The Bike Chronicles of India".




Here is an excerpt from an artice on the Tata Nano by BusinessWorld:

As Tata stood modestly enjoying his success on the stage, a foreign journalist was overheard saying to another: "We are lucky to be here". The other replied, "Yes, at least we can tell our grandchildren that we were there."

Now I also can tell my grandchildren that, "I was there too..!!"

Related Posts:

Auto Expo 2008 Coverage:

• Auto Expo 2008: Summary of the Most Important models for the Bike Makers

Yamaha India

• What's so Special about the Yamaha YZF-R15..?? Know more



• Yamaha YZF-R15 and the Vixion from Indonesia..!!



• High Resolution Pic/Photo of the Yamaha YZF-R15..!!



• Yamaha YZF-R15 @ AutoExpo 2008



• Sexy Prototype Yamaha FZ-150 @ Auto Expo 2008

Bajaj Auto

• Kawasaki Ninja 250R coming to India soon..!!



• Bajaj Auto will bring in the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and KTM Bikes in 2008..!!



• Bajaj XCD Sprint DTSi (4 Valves) @ AutoExpo 2008



• Bajaj Discover 150 DTSi @ Auto Expo 2008

TVS Motors

• Fuel Injected TVS Apache RTR 160 "Fi" @ Auto Expo 2008



• 125 cc TVS Flame and 125 cc Yamaha Gladiator Variants @ AutoExpo 2008

Royal Enfield, Honda, Hero Honda, Suzuki

• Royal Enfield @ AutoExpo 2008



• Concept Bikes CBF from Honda India (HMSI)



• Honda, Hero Honda & Suzuki Pavilions @ Auto Expo 2008

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: Summary of the Most Important models for the Bike Makers

Lets look at which are the models that our Bike Makers are putting their money on..

Talk about "Being in the right place at the right time..!!" I am referring to me being there in flesh for the Auto Expo 2008. The New Delhi Auto Expo, which is a biannual event, has virtually become a Pilgrimage of sorts for Auto Enthusiasts of the country. I must say that, it was an experience of a lifetime for me.

Moreover, thanks this exciting new medium called “blog”, I have been able to chronicle my experiences and share it with thousands of bike enthusiasts who visit this blog. I would also like to thank to all those who have chipped in with their comments and has kept the conversation alive.

"The most attractive specimens of the two-legged kind were also strategically positioned on the turntables.."

"Displays that were kept on the turntables can be taken to be the most important models for the bike makers.."

Now that the Auto Expo 2008 is finally over, let us analyze what each bike maker has planned for us. The strategy of each bike maker can roughly be deduced from the kind of display they had put up in the Pavilion.

Let me make it simple for you by saying that, those displays that were kept on (revolving) turntables can be taken to be the most important models for the bike makers, at least for the imediate future . These are the bikes which the Bike Makers do not want you to miss at the Auto Expo. This deduction gets credibility when you observe that the most attractive specimens of the two-legged kind were also strategically positioned on the turntables.

Lets rewind and try to figure out which bikes were kept on the turn tables (and next to... whatever) and then try to make out our own deductions from it..

• Yamaha: Yamaha had the YZF-R15 and the FZ-150 on two separate turn tables with two knockouts on them.




Deduction: Yamaha just did not want you to miss the YZF-R15 and the FZ-150 at any cost..!! But with such impressive models (pun intended) how could we ever miss it.

Its time to deliver now.

• TVS Motors: Even if the Apache RTR 160 “Fi” was present, TVS made sure that the 125 cc Flame got the most attention at their Pavilion. Two 125 cc "Flame" bikes were kept on the turntable along with female models (what else..!!)




Deduction: TVS wants to set the sales charts in Flames.. err.. on Fire. With shrinking profit margins, TVS needs a best seller badly. Will the 125 cc Flame do it for TVS..??

• Bajaj Auto: Among the two new launches at the AutoExpo, i.e. the 150 cc Discover and the XCD Sprint (with 4 Valves), Bajaj had kept just one bike on a turn table i.e. the XCD Sprint . For a change, there was no one of the fairer sex to obstruct your view (which was perfectly fine with me). However, the absence of anything higher than 220 cc (from Bajaj Auto), was a disappointment.




By the way, there were bikes from Kawasaki and KTM as well.


Deduction: Following the success of the XCD, Bajaj wants to going in for the Kill with the four valves of the XCD Sprint.

Does the Discover 150 DTSi give away a subtle hint.. (Psst.. what about a New Range of Pulsar UG IV’s with 4 Valves..??).

Also the Ninja 250R should keep the Probiking Flag Fluttering above the Yamaha YZF-R15.

• Honda / Suzuki / Hero Honda: No comments. Read this instead.

• Royal Enfield: No turn tables, no female models, no (new) bikes.

So which is the bike that you are looking forward the most in 2008..??

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.