Bike Chronicles of India

Jan 21, 2010

3 Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Harley Davidson Launches 12 models for India (Priced between 7-35 lakhs)

Harley Davidson finally makes it to India.. launches 12 of its models @ the Auto Expo. Namaste Harley..!!

Harley Davidson finally officially launches 12 of its models at the Auto Expo. Priced ranges between 7 lakhs (XL 883L Sportster) to 35 lakhs(Ultra Classic Electra Glide), Harley brings in models from its Sportster, Dyna, Softail, V-Rod and Electra Glide range.

Friends who have visited the 2010Auto Expo have stated that the Harley Davidson Pavilion at the Auto Expo was a classy display. Most probably the best in terms of presentation among the two wheeler pavilions @ the 2010 Auto Expo.

Harley Davidson Launch @ Auto Expo 2010

For most of us who won't be able to afford the American Icon, Harley Davidson also had on display its branded biking accessories like riding jackets, helmets and gloves. Expect these branded merchandise to be available across H-D showrooms in India along with the bikes. Harley Davidson Jackets on display @ Auto Expo 2010

No..!! That isn't a screenshot from one of the SAW series of movies..!!

The below mentioned details of models and the respective prices were at the time of its launch in India. Presently new models have been added and prices revised/updated

Harley Davidson Sportster Range in India

Harley Davidson Dyna Range in India

Harley Davidson Softail Range in India

Harley Davidson Touring Range in India

Harley Davidson V-Rod in India

Harley Davidson Electra Glide in India

Harley Davidson Indian Website.. get all the details there

The Harley Davidson India website is comprehensive with all the details one might need about its models in India. The site even has an EMI calculator. The calculator takes information like the model of your choice, the downpayment one would like to make (from 15% to 50%), the choice of the number of months for the payment period (36, 48 and 60 months).. and hey presto..!! You will get a monthly installment figure in Indian Rupees that might just make you believe that maybe.. maybe all this might actually be possible.

EMI Calculator on HD India Site

Another interesting section on the H-D India site is the "Timeline" section.. it chronicles the 100 plus year old history of Harley Davidson along with the imprortant global events of that time. Post 1947 (Indian Independence year) the timeline starts mentioning Indian event's.. here is one screenshot.

HD Timeline Desi Stye

Its nice to see that Harley Davidson is trying to blend in with India and Indians. The 12 models were unveiled amidst the drum beats of drummers from Kerela, also one of the motorcycles diaplayed had the colors of the Indian tri-color on it.. now if only the price tag of the bikes were competitive enough instead if being twice its U.S value (For Eg. the 883L Sportster sells for $7,000 in the U.S). But who knows, this "Exclusivity" might just work for its Richie Rich clientele in India.

So it seems like "Indian Mangoes" have finally managed to do the trick.

"Namaste Harley..!!"

For more Photos and info about 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycles, visit TotalMotorcycle.Com

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Videos of Bikes (in HD)

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: A Virtual Trip

2008 Auto Expo Archives

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.

Jan 17, 2010

8 Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: TVS Motors

TVS puts on display ABS kitted Apache RTR 180 @ Auto Expo 2010.. and yes some cool concepts (as usual).

TVS had its regular production models like the Flame, Scooty Pep+, Scooty Streak etc. on display at this year's Auto Expo. Also on display was a Hybrid (petrol + battery powered) Scooty Streak. In fact test rides were being provided to select guests on the Hybrid Scooty Streak, just outside the TVS Pavilion. It therefore appears that a hybrid two wheeler from TVS is very much a production reality. Way to go TVS.

But the center of attraction at the TVS Pavilion during this year's Auto Expo were the recently launched 110 cc Jive (with the clutchless gear shift mechanism) and the Wego scooter. These two models were kept at the center of the TVS Pavilion.. and according to TVS big bosses, the focus of TVS in 2010 would be very much on these two models. So much for over enthusiastic rumours of a 200(+) cc Apache RTR.

ABS on Apache RTR 180

Apache RTR 180 with ABS @ AutoExpo 2010

But bike enthusiasts need not be totally dissappointed. TVS did show an ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) kitted Apache RTR 180. The bike looked every bit like a regular RTR 180, but to differentiate it and to announce that "ABS" has been kitted on the bike, the bike had a sticker on the front fender which read "ABS". The bike was also given cool looking Golden Colored Alloys and Suspension parts.

A few years back, ABS units used to be heavy and cumbersome to be used on two wheelers. But these days it has been made compact enough to be used on two wheelers. In fact many international 2 wheelers now come with an ABS either as standard or as an option. If launched, TVS would be the first 2 wheeler manufacturer to put an ABS on a two wheeler in India.

But then the big question would be: "ABS? Great..!! But at what price..??"
My price point: Rs. 5,000 for the ABS Kit.

Pro (Performance/r]Racing) Kit for Apache RTR

RTR Performance Kit
TVS also displayed a Pro (Performance enhancing) Kit on a Apache RTR 180. Now a similar kit was shown during the 2008 AutoExpo, but still it hasn't been made available to the bikers. Even this time there was no mention of any launch dates for this Pro Kit. Anyway, this kit is supposed to be used only on "Closed Circuits" (Race Tracks).. and installing one would in all probablity would void the warranty on your bike.

TVS also put on display two of its race bikes. One was the "Group B" RTR 160 and the other a 250 cc motocross bike. According to what I have gathered, though this 250 cc motocross bike is named as "RTR 250FX", the bike actually has imported engine and parts.

TVS Hammerhead "Quad Concept"

As far as I remember, TVS have had a history of showing some cool looking concepts during the last few AutoExpo's. Even this year TVS did show a few concepts like the Qube 2.0, which is the second version of the Qube hybrid scooter shown during the 2008 Auto Expo. But what really caught my eye this time is an aggressively styled "Quad Concept" named "Hammerhead".

TVS Hammerhead Concept

Quads are quite popular as a recreational vehicle especially in the developed parts of the world. Even though I am all sold out on the aggressive looks of the Hammerhead, the real world possibility of riding this Quad in India is quite distant according to me. The low profile tyres and the "Pulsar" like hump of the fuel tank on the Hammerhead indicates that this concept was meant to be driven on smooth/paved roads. But then could this be registered for road use in India..??

Nevertheless, the Hammerhead does look delicious.

TVS Hammerhead Concept

More Photos:

ABS on Apache RTR 180

TVS Motors @ AutoExpo 2010: (Photo credits: Motorbeam.com, motoroids.com, Team-Bhp.com, Indiaautomotive.net)

TVS Flame and Apache RTR @ Auto Expo 2010

TVS Scooty Streak Hybrid @ AutoExpo 2010

TVS Apache RTR 180 with Performance Kit @ AutoExpo 2010

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Videos of Bikes (in HD)

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: A Virtual Trip

2008 Auto Expo Archives

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4 Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Yamaha

Yamaha India launches a limited edition "White Colored" R15 and shows a couple of concepts at the Auto Expo 2010..

After showcasing trendsetting models like the R-15 and the FZ-16 at the 2008 Auto Expo, bike enthusiasts were naturally antipicating a lot from Yamaha at this year's Auto Expo. Yamaha did put up a few models from its international lineup, viz. the FZ1, the 1000 cc Fazer and the 600 cc XJ6 Diversion. But according to whatever news recieved so far, these models were kept just for display with no intentions of selling them in India.. just like the YZR-M1 (Moto GP Champion V. Rossi's bike) which was also kept there for display. Also could be found on display were Yamaha's CBU imports to India, the 2010 YZF-R1 and the V-Max.

2010 White Colored R15

The only new launch for 2010 that was officially announced was a White Colored R15 that will be available as a Limited Edition model.

2010 White R15

Two Concept motorcycles from Yamaha

Yamaha did show two concept motorcycles at the Auto Expo.. the SZ Concept and the YBR Concept. The SZ Concept looks like a toned down version of the FZ-16. In fact from the photos, the engine block of the SZ concept looks exactly like that it has been borrowed from the FZ-16.. even the (kick lever is missing like on the FZ-16). The tyres on the concept was of 100 mm width (unlike the 140 section found on the FZ-16). The toned down styling and also the lack of a front disc probably suggests that this might be a 125-135 cc bike. The SZ concept looks production ready and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets launched. Yamaha SZ Concept

The YBR conccept very clealy apprears to be a rebadged 106 cc, Alba motorcycle from Yamaha India.. the metal rear grab rail suggests that this might be a cheaper variant. Yamaha YBR Concept

Yamaha Pavilion @ AutoExpo 2010: (Photo credits: motoroids.com, Vidhata's Picasa Album)

FZ-16 & R15 with Performance Kit @ AutoExpo 2010

1000cc Fazer & 150cc Fazer@ AutoExpo 2010

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Videos of Bikes (in HD)

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: A Virtual Trip

2008 Auto Expo Archives

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2 Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Honda (HMSI)

Honda (HMSI) showed off its 110 cc bike and two concepts at the 2010 Auto Expo..

Honda had made public its intentions of launching a 100-110 cc "Sporty" motorcycle almost 2 years back. True to its commitment, HMSI did launch the 110 cc CB Twister just a few days prior to the auto expo. The same bike was present at the Expo in its different colors. Honda CB Twister Also kept at the Honda pavilion were the 2010 versions of the CBR1000RR and CB1000R which are on sale in India as CBU imports. The recently (globally) launched technically advanced Sports Tourer, VFR1200 was also kept at the Pavilions. There is a buzz that the VFR1200 could be on sale in India soon.

Two Honda Motorcycle Concepts at the Auto Expo 2010

But the highlight of the Honda Pavilion were two concept models, the CB Twister Concept and the Unicorn Sports Concept. Painted in white and red the concept models were kept there to gauge public response (according to HMSI officials at the expo). According to me the, the Unicorn Sports Concept almost seems production ready and most probably might be launched soon.

The Uncicorn hasn't had a major upgrade since it was launched in 2005 and its actually about time for an upgrade..

During the 2008 Auto Expo, the CBF Stunner was displayed as a Concept, and just a few months later the model made it into HMSI showrooms. Now since the CB Twister has been officially launched and the production model already shown, the CB Twister Concept might just remain a concept. But there might be a very high chance that the Unicorn Sports Concept might actually make it into the showrooms as the new 2010 Honda Unicorn.

HMSI officials were tight lipped about the launch prospects of the Unicorn Sports Concept and also refrained from giving away any techical details about this model. Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

The Uncicorn hasn't had a major upgrade since it was launched in 2003 and its actually about time for an upgrade. The Sports Concept shown at the Expo had all new body work, a new fairing + headlight assembly and a rear disc brake. The Unicorn Sports Concept also sported 17 inch tubeless tyres and a digital speedometer display. It will be interesting to see if this Sports Concept makes into production and also if it could replace the existing Unicorn or sell along with it.

Honda (HMSI) @ AutoExpo 2010: (Photo credits: motorbeam.com )

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Videos of Bikes (in HD)

Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: A Virtual Trip

2008 Auto Expo Archives

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Jan 16, 2010

1 Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Suzuki Motorcycles India

Suzuki displays a few of its international motorcycles and scooters..

Suzuki Motorcycles did not have a dedicated pavilion to display its motorcycles/scooters at this year's Auto Expo. Instead, a couple of 600 cc models and a couple of big scooters from its international range were put on display at the Maruti Suzuki pavilion. Although none of the domestic models were chosen for display, the Hayabusa and the Intruder (currently on sale in India) were not missed out.

Suzuki Intruder @ Auto Expo 2010 2010 Hayabusa @ Auto Expo 2010 Hayabusa @ Auto Expo 2010

The two 600 cc models that were kept on display were the V-Twin "SV650S" and the Inline Four SuperSport, the "GSX-R 600". Currently none of the Japanese (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) have any 600 cc offering in the country. It'll be interesting if Suzuki is keen to bring any of these 600 cc bikes to India.Suzuki SV 650S @ Auto Expo 2010 Suzuki GSX-R 600 @ Auto Expo 2010 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Suzuki Skywave 400@ Auto Expo 2010 Suzuki Skywave 400Fuel Cell Powered Suzuki Burgman @ Auto Expo 2010

Suzuki Pavilion @ Auto Expo 2010: (Photo credits: Jaspreet's Picasa Album)