9 Suzuki Launches its Big Bad Hayabusa and the Intruder M1800R in India Today..!!

Suzuki India to launch the Hayabusa in India today..!!

Following Yamaha India's footsteps of launching its big bikes (R1 and the MT-01) in India, Suzuki Motorcycles India will launch its 1300 C.C "Hayabusa" and "Intruder M1800R" in India today..!!

Along with the 1300 C.C, Hayabusa, Suzuki is also launching the "Intruder M1800R"..!!

News Source: XBHP.Com


The bikes will be available at the following cities across India:

Delhi
Mumbai
Pune
Bangalore
Ahmedabad
Hyderabad
Chennai

Price : 12.5 Lacs ex-showroom

Sales Target : 300-350 bikes per annum.

All launched models are 2009 models.

The spares are available with Suzuki main factory and can be made available at any of the above mentioned cities within 48 hours of order.

The GSXR 2009 will be launched in India along with its worldwide release.

The delivery time is immediate on payment or loan approval. Insurance is by IFFCO-TOKIO.

But then what was this..?? I thought the Hayabusa was already available for booking in India.. Anyway, this time the "Flacon" has surely landed in 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.

16 Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi Vs Hero Honda Karizma Vs TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi Vs Yamaha YZF R15..!! (According to Auto Magazines)

Which is the “Best” bike among the Pulsar 220, R15, Apache RTR 160 Fi and the Karizma..?? Find out what the Auto journalists have to say… and then decide for yourself

Posted below are excerpts of the comparisons carried by the respective magazines. For full report click on the links provided below..

Bike India: (This comparison was done at the Chennai Race Track)

Bajaj Pulsar 220 (Best Power Spread)

The 220 has the strongest pull over the largest rev range. That decidedly makes it the bike with the most useable power. Excellent straight line speed is an icing on the cake.

Yamaha R15 (Best Lap Time / Best handling)

The R15 has its power stored in the reservoir above the 7000rpm band. The fact doesn’t mar the lap times at all, especially with that phenomenal handling. The 220 will have the edge in more practical conditions though.

TVS Apache RTR 160 Efi (Best Value Track Tool)

For a 160cc air-cooled two valve per cylinder bike, the track performance of the RTR EFI is nothing short of a revelation. Want to go racing? There’s no better learner’s tool for the money.

Hero Honda Karizma

Surprisingly for us, the Karizma emerged as the last finisher here. Trust us, there is hardly anything wrong with that bike. It’s not as brutally focussed towards track performance as the other contenders and compromises on a few things for the sake of practicality and comfort.

Read Full article here..






Zigwheels (Times Group): Road Test Comparison

Yamaha YZF R15

The Yamaha YZF-R15 needs some right-wrist wrestling to keep in the meat of its powerband and not every rider is going to be able to do that, especially in crowded cities like Mumbai...

… if you're looking to upgrade from your existing 150cc motorcycle, and want something that's stylish and exclusive, or if you live anywhere close to a racetrack, the YZF-R15 is for you.

If you already ride anything with more than a 180cc engine, then the Yamaha doesn't quite justify the additional price you'll be paying for the marginal performance upgrade - hang on for a little while longer and you'll soon have better options coming your way.

TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi

If you're going to be caught up in a threat-inducing battle with your parents who refuse to pay more than Rs 70,000 for a new bike, then go ahead and settle for the TVS Apache RTR-FI 160.

…Zipping around in the city will be enjoyable and you won't regret taking her out on the highway either. The TVS Apache presents itself as a great option if you're on a tight budget but still want your garage to boast of the latest technology that is on offer.

Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

The Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi though, still remains right on top of the game owing to not only its bigger engine capacity, but great all-round capability as well…

Fuel efficiency is good, is a dream to ride hard and will probably tire you the least after that long road trip because of it's comfortable riding posture. Equipment levels are high and the bike, though not exactly cheap, is affordable and justifiably so...

The 220 does everything in just the right amounts to offer the most wholesome riding experience among all of the three fuel injected contenders in the country today. The king keeps his crown, but just.

Read Full article here..

Conclusion: So now you know what the auto journalists think about these bikes head to head...

…but before you take the above comparisons as the gospel truth, let me also point of another "Race Track Comparison", this time done by Overdrive magazine a couple of months back.

Actually Overdrive had done an episode for its TV partner CNBC TV18 ( and had distributed the DVD in one of its print issues), in which it had carried its own "Race Track Comparision" of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi, Hero Honda Karizma and the TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi (if my memory is collect its was Fuel Injected the Apache RTR 160).

In that particular “Race Track Comparison”, Overdrive magazine had voted the Hero Honda Karizma as the best bike for the Race track followed by the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi and the TVS Apache RTR 160 Fi accordingly..!!


Now which comparison should one go for.??

Related Posts

• Test Ride Review of the Yamaha R15..!!



• Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi bags the First IMOTY (Indian Motorcycle of the Year) 2008 Award..!!



• When will the Fuel Injected Hero Honda Karizma "Fi" arrive..??

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.

17 500 C.C Royal Enfield Bullet Classic EFI to be on sale in Europe in 2009..!! [Wallpapers]

Royal Enfield shows its latest 500 C.C Bullet Classic EFI at the 2008 Intermot Motorcycle Show.. to be on sale in Europe in 2009

Royal Dilemma:

The following was one of the comments made by a visitor from the U.S.A on his thoughts on the new UCE engine platform of Royal Enfield.

"First off I am an American and a former Biker so I know of that which I speak. The new engine is an eyesore, an insult to the great name Royal Enfield. Whatever the reason for this change it is WRONG and should be undone immediately!

The reason for the surge in popularity of the Enfield was the "classic" styling. The bikes took us back to a time when life and times were simpler and there is nothing cooler than to be riding a classic piece of history.

Now this new engine and "styling" have undone all that and the wonderful Royal Enfield name is attached to a McClone, a generic "cruiser" of nondescript origin that could come from anywhere and is considered just as disposable as a no-name television or computer that goes out of date.

Remember this, classics endure centuries but clones are forgotten almost overnight.
Do the right thing! Restore the Royal Enfield to its original form or face mediocrity, obscurity and eventualy the dust bin of history...

Bruce,
Jacksonville, Florida, USA"

And the following is the comment of First_Synn (aka Sandeep) on Royal Enfield’s non – show at the 2008 New Delhi Auto Expo 2008 (where it did not show any new models).

Spirit of riding my brown @#$...

When at a MOTOR Show, show MOTOR CYCLES. Leave the "spirit" elsewhere.

Sorry for the harsh words, but I am sick and tired of this company treating indian customers as third class citizens. The UCE is good for Birmingham but not for New Delhi, eh?

Bollocks.."

The challenge for Royal Enfield is to march towards the future by managing to keep its Vintage Flavor intact..

According to me, these two comments vividly paint the paradox that Royal Enfield might be finding itself today. On one hand it seems that a few admirers of the brand (particularly from foreign shores) might not totally approve of its efforts of trying to modernize its export models. On the other hand, bikers from India might be feeling left out at being treated like a stepchild. The challenge for Royal Enfield is to march towards the future by managing to keep its Vintage Flavor intact.


The Solution:

350 C.C Thunderbird Twinspark for India and 500 C.C Bullet Electra EFi for Europe

Bikers from India now have a reason to rejoice, since Royal Enfield has finally launched its new UCE Twinspark Engine in India (as the new “Thunderbird Twinspark” model). Bruce should try to understand here that due to ever tightening European emission norms Royal Enfield doesn’t have any choice but to start incorporating modern clean burning technology.

2009 onwards all its export models (for UK) will have the 500 cc U.C.E with Fuel Injection...

The U.C.E meant for Europe model is a bit different than the one currently on duty in the Thunderbird Twinspark. The European UCE has an engine capacity of 500 C.C (compared to the 350 C.C for India) and is fuel injected (compared to the carbureted for India). Royal Enfield has in fact stopped exporting the 350 cc models to U.K. and from 2009 onwards all its export models (for UK) will have the 500 cc U.C.E with Fuel Injection.

One of the export models is the 500 C.C Royal Enfield Bullet Electra EFi. The news about the 500 cc Bullet Electra EFi was first published in TBCI on 15 November 2007. Check out the test ride review of the Bullet Electra EFi by MCN here..

Enter the 500 C.C Bullet Classic

The other model meant for sale in the U.K (and Europe) was shown at the Intermot Motorcycle Show at Cologne Germany (on Oct 8, 2008). Posted below is the photo of the “Bullet Classic”..!!

When I first saw the pic of the 500 cc Bullet Classic, my first words were, “WOW..!!”.

I was honestly never convinced that this (Thunderbird model) was the way ahead for Royal Enfield..

I personally feel that the 500 C.C “Bullet Classic” epitomizes the Royal Enfield Brand in 2009...

Although the Royal Enfield has been successful in selling the “Thunderbird” brand in India, I was honestly never convinced that this was the way ahead for Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield models might not be anything like the light and slick Japanese models and definitely not like the American styled true blue cruisers. Royal Enfield’s unique brand appeal is in fact in its 100 year old British motorcycle history (60 plus years in India), which is one of the oldest in the world of motorcycle manufacturing. Not many motorcycle brands can boast of a 100 plus year old legacy.

According to me, the 500 C.C “Bullet Classic” epitomizes the Royal Enfield Brand in 2009. It is the perfect blend of modernity along with the authentic appeal of a vintage motorcycle. To me the “Bullet Classic” appears like a bottle of perfectly aged wine. . on two wheels..!!


What is Unique about the “Bullet Classic”..??

Vintage Royal Enfield

The Vintage Appeal: The 2009 “Bullet Classic” has styling inspired from the Royal Enfield models dating back to the 1930’s. The front and rear fenders, the spring loaded single seat, the headlamp, the side panels, the round tool box, the simple speedo dials, the vintage styled logos all give the “Bullet Classic” a truly classic and unique identity. The upswept exhaust pipe shown here in the pics is an aftermarket fitment meant for off road use.

The “Bullet Classic” shown in the pics do not have a Kick Lever..!!

The Modern Touch: The 500 C.C Unit Construct Engine even though has the looks of a vintage “British Single”, features modern fuel injection. From departure of the original Royal Enfield design, the gears on the “Bullet Classic” are now on the universally accepted left side. The rear shock absorbers are modern gas filled units and the “Bullet Classic” also features a modern Disc Brake for the front wheel. The wheel size of the Bullet Classic is now 18” (Royal Enfield models have had 19” wheels so far).

One feature which all websites that have carried a report on the “Bullet Classic” till now have missed is that the “Bullet Classic” shown in the pics do not have a Kick Lever..!!


When can we have the “Bullet Classic” in India..??

So far there hasn’t been any official news from Royal Enfield on the “Bullet Classic’s” launch in India. A 500 cc, Fuel injected engine will surely cost a small fortune in Indian Rupess. Maybe Royal Enfield is keenly watching the response of the 350 cc, Thunderbird Twinspark in India.. Anyway in a few years time, emission norms in India will make it necessary for motorcycle makers to switch to Fuel Injection.. one can hope that at least by then we can get the “Bullet Classic”.

Personally I am in no real hurry and can definitely wait for some time.. let me enjoy my plastic bikes just a bit longer. By the way, a 350 cc, Fuel Injected “Bullet Classic” would do just fine for me..!!

The real test for Royal Enfield would be to know how satisfied is "Bruce" and "First Synn" by the Bullet Classic EFI..

A few Bullet purists might sneer at the idea that any wannabe biker would be able to pick up a bullet and call himself a Bullet Lover.. that they will never have to learn the “Art of Kick Starting a Bullet”.. Or learn how to perfectly tune a bike’s air fuel mixture.

But then I say, “Why Not..??”


But the real test for Royal Enfield would be to know how satisfied is "Bruce" and "First Synn" by the Bullet Classic EFI..




Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 EFI Specifications:

Engine: Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled OHV
Capacity: 499cc
Bore x Stroke: 84 x 90 mm
Compression ratio: 8.5: 1
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition: Digital Electronic ignition
Starting: Electric start
Maximum power: 20.3KW (27.2bhp) @ 5250rpm
Maximum Torque: 41.3Nm @ 4000rpm

Clutch: wet multiplate (7 plates)
Primary drive: 3/8” duplex chain (102 pitch) and sprocket
Gear box: constant mesh 5 speed

Battery: 12v, 14 AH
Headlamp: 12V, 60/55W

Frame: tubular steel
Suspension (front): telescopic, hydraulic dampers
Suspension (rear): swingarm with gas filled shock absorbers
Brakes (front): disc brake single 280mm disc with 2 piston caliper
Brakes (rear): drum brake (152mm)
Tyre (front): 90×90-18”
Tyre (rear): 110×80-18”

Length: 2160mm
Width: 800mm
Height: 1050mm
Wheel base: 1370mm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5liters
Weight (kerb): 187kgs



500 C.C Royal Enfield Bullet Classic Wallpapers:

Tech Specs and Walpapers from BulletClassic.Com

Related Posts

• Royal Enfield launches Thunder Bird Twin Spark in India



• Royal Enfield "Rider Mania 2008"



• "Fuel Injected" Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Electra EFI: Pics/Photos/Images & Technical Specifications



• New Royal Enfield Bullet Machismo 500 LB



• Women Bullet Riders of India..!! (Video)



• Life Cycle of a "Desi" Biker..

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 Royal Enfield launches Thunder Bird Twin Spark in India

Royal Enfield launches the Thunder Bird TwinSpark with a 350 cc Unit Construction Engine..

This post (and a few more in the coming days) is meant to chronicle the launch of motorcycle(s) in India between May-Oct 2008 (the period during which "The Bike Chronicles of India" was briefly inactive)..

On June 18, 2008; Royal Enfiled officially launched the "Thunderbird Twinspark" in India. Priced at around Rs. 98,000 (On Road New Delhi), it is one of the costliest models of Royal Enfield in India.

So what is new in the "Thunderbird Twinspark"..??

1. It is the first Royal Enfield model in India to feature the "Unit Construction Engine" (U.C.E).

2. The U.C.E engine of the Thunderbird Twinspark features two spark plugs for its single cylinder engine.

How is the "Unit Construction Engine" different from the traditional Royal Enfield Engines?

A. Traditional Royal Enfield engines have the clutch assembly and gear box are separate and bolted on to the engine. UCE means the engine, clutch and gear box are in a single compact unit.

What advantage does the UCE engine have over the traditional Royal Enfield engines?

A. According to Royal Enfield, The UCE means that the bike has 20 per cent less moving parts, better combustion, more mileage and better lubrication.

Apart from that the UCE engine of the Thunderbird Twinspark also features a Glass window on the engine to check the engine oil level, an automatic decompressor to make kick starting the engine easier, a lighter clutch (thanks to new springs and new 6 plate construction and a newly designed saddle.

Does the Twinspark design of the UCE infringe upon the DTS-i (Digital Twin Spark Plug Ignition) of Bajaj Auto?

A. According to Royal Enfield, "We understand that Bajaj Auto’s patent is for an engine displacement between 75cc to 250cc. The engine displacement on the Thunderbird Twinspark is in the range of 350cc and above".

According to Road test by Bike India magazine:

"the engine felt much smoother and responsive. A twin-spark setup means complete combustion of fuel which lends a punchier throttle response in addition to other advantages..."

"At the end of the 60-70km ride, the new and much improved T’bird is definitely faster, smoother and efficient than its previous avatar. By shifting the brake linkage to the right side, the rear braking too has been sorted out. A new halogen lamp means better illumination at night..."

New Print Ad Campaign for the Thunderbird Twinspark:

One thing that I would love to do on the Thunderbird Twinspark, is to get rid of the "Bazooka" like long exhaust and replace it with the normal shorter Royal Enfield Bullet exhaust..

Following the launch of the Thunderbird Twinspark, Royal Enfield has come of with a new Ad Campaign for the Thunderbird Twinspark. The theme of the new ad campaign is "Leave Home".. which according to me has hit the sweetspot..!!

In a way the campaign says.. "Grow up..!! Get a Royal Enfield and hit the road..!!"

The new UCE engine of the Thunderbird Twinspark looks like a modern unit and kind of reminds you of the "Triumph Bonneville".

One thing that I would love to do on the Thunderbird Twinspark, is to get rid of the "Bazooka" like long exhaust and replace it with the normal shorter Royal Enfield Bullet exhaust not just for aesthetic reasons but also for getting a punchier exhaust note. Now only if Royal Enfield could do something with the "UGLY" kick level..!!

Tech Specs: The Thunderbird Twinspark makes 19.8 bhp max power and 28 Nm of max torque.

• Engine: Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, Dual Spark Ignition Engine, Aircooled


• Displacement: 346 CC


• Bore x Stroke: 70mm x 90mm


• Maximum Power: 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm


• Maximum Torque: 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm


• Transmission: 5 Speed


• Ignition: Electronic TCI


• Carburetor: BS29 / UCAL


Dimensions


• Ground Clearance: 135 mm


• Width: 780 mm


• Wheel Base: 1370 mm


• Length: 2120 mm


• Height: 1080 mm


Tyres


• Front: 3.25 x 19", 6/4 PR


• Rear: 3.5 x 19", 6/4 PR


Electricals


• Electrical System: 12 Volts


• Head lamp: 12V, 35W/35W Halogen, MFR


Brakes


• Front: Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm)


• Rear: Mechanical, Drum Brake, Single Lead (Dia 152.4 mm or 6" drum brake)


Suspension


• Front: Tele Scopic With Hydraulic Damping. Stroke 130mm.


• Rear: Swing arm With Gas Shock Absorbers

Visit the Royal Enfield Website to know more.. click here

Related Posts

• Life Cycle of a "Desi" Biker..



• Royal Enfield "Rider Mania 2008"



• "Fuel Injected" Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Electra EFI: Pics/Photos/Images & Technical Specifications



• New Royal Enfield Thunderbird with "Unit Construction" Engine [Scoop Pics]



• New Royal Enfield Engine Platform (Pics/Images/Photos)



• New Royal Enfield Bullet Machismo 500 LB



• Is it End of the Road for "Bullet 500".. ??



• Women Bullet Riders of India..!! (Video)

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.

10 Test Ride Review of the Yamaha R15..!!

Test Ride Review of the Yamaha R15..!!

I have been waiting to test ride the very much hyped Yamaha R15 for sometime now. During the initial period the Yamaha Dealers weren't giving test rides of the R15. But today evening when my friend and blog regular, Sajal came down to visit me.. we decided to visit the Yamaha Dealer here at Gurgaon (Pick Up Yamaha, Sushant Lok-1) and see if we could at least get the test ride of the FZ16 if not the R15.

The Yamaha R15 has given me a taste of how a Proper Sports Motorcycle should behave..

Such a capable chassis needs few more extra horses to scare the hell out of someone like me..

But this time we were in for a pleasant surprise.. the Yamaha Dealer at Gurgaon not only was providing test rides for the FZ16 but also had an R15 for Test Rides..!!

Posted below is the brief report/review of the test ride experience of the Yamaha R15...

Sajal on the Yamaha R15

I'll keep it short and simple this time and go straight to the "Likes" and the "Dislikes" of the bike..

R15: (Likes)

• Front Design of the bike:
  

  Makes it look like a Yamaha R1 cousin and is easily one of the "Unique Selling Points" among the current crop of production bikes sold in India. The view of the full fairing from the riding position gives the rider a feeling of riding a proper sports bike and to the onlookers it gives a visual cue of a fast bike even at standstill.

• HANDLING..!!
  

  I have read a lot about the excellent handling of the R15.. but now after the test ride I'll have to admit that the best thing about the R15 is its Stable Handling. Currently no other production bike in India can match up with the handling capabilities of the R15.. Period..!!




• Riding Position:
  

  The riding position of the R15 is the sportiest in the country.

R15: (Dislikes)

• Rear Design of the bike:
  

  Unlike the front portion, the rear end doesn't quite gel with the styling.. Even if the rear tyre has more than enough grip under all situations, a wider tyre would have given the rear end much more muscle and character.. doesn't matter even if it was just cosmetic.

• Lack of Low End Torque
  

  One has to rev the R15's engine the extract the best out its liquid cooled engine. It might be a good thing for racing around race tracks or for fast rides on the highways.. but it also means that in congested traffic conditions one will often have to down shift just to stay in the meaty rev range.




• Why not a 20 plus bhp engine..??
  

  Call me a "Nutcase" if you will.. but the fact remains that "While Riding the R15, I wasn't scared"..!! The frame of the R15 is so well balanced and the handling so stable that even when given the stick the R15 doesn't lose its poise.. and remains quite err.. "Docile" (also the same "personal" reason why I wasn't that impressed with the Avenger 200 DTS-i).
  
  According to me such a capable chassis needs few more extra horses to scare the hell out of someone like me.. Specially is someone is realy to shell out 1 Lakh (1,00,000) Rupees for that bike. Never mind if one has to bring in the extra "cc's (cubic capacities) if required.
  
  According to me, it was this particular "Fear Factor" which made the RD350 and the RX100 such cult bikes.

Overall I was quite impressed with the Yamaha R15.. it has given me a taste of how a Proper Sports Motorcycle should behave.

Related Posts

• Yamaha launches the YZF R15, follows it with a R15 Championship



• Whats so Special about the Yamaha YZF-R15..??



• Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi Vs Hero Honda Hunk Vs Honda Unicorn Vs TVS Apache RTR 160: Which is the Best 150 cc..??

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.