5 Rossi visits India and John Abraham is (Re)appointed (Ambasador) Advisor to Yamaha India..!!

Moto GP champ Valentino Rossi visits India at the Auto Expo 2010..

Valentino Rossi is to Moto GP what Sachin Tendulkar is to Cricket. Therefore when the news spread that "The Doctor" (as he is fondly refered) would visit the Auto Expo on Jan 9'th, many genuine fans rushed to the Yamaha Pavilion on that date. This was indeed an opportunity of a lifetime to touch, get an autograph, click a picture, touch or maybe just catch a glimpse of the living legend.

Rossi @ AutoExpo 2010

But sadly the champ was on stage only for a very brief period of time.. Therefore many fans (like my friend Sajal) had to return dissappointed without even a glimpse of his Moto GP idol.

That same evening a press conference was organised at a hotel in New Delhi, in which Bollywood star (and Yamaha brand ambassador) John Abraham played host to Rossi. John introduced Rossi to the journalists present there and went on to ask him a few questions. But when the press was invited to ask questions to Rossi, mayhem ensued.

The press incident [Credits: Sajal]

According to reports, a certain journalist got into a tiff with a bouncer and heated arguments took place. Both John and Rossi were taken backstage and later John came back to annouce that Valentino Rossi would not be coming back to the conference. This was Rossi's first ever India visit.. and what a memory he would be taking back of us.. sheesh..!!

John Abraham appointed "Advisor" to Yamaha India..!!

Bollywood star and bike lover, John Abraham used to be the brand ambassador of Yamaha India (Pre the FZ-16 and R15 days).. but as sales weren't quite effected even after John's endorsement, the contract wan't renewed. Now after tasting a comeback with the R15 and the FZ-16, John is back with Yamaha as its brand ambassador.

Rossi and John at the Press Conference: Two much..!!

In fact Yamaha India has even gone a step ahead and has appointed him as "Advisor"..!! According to Yamaha India's website:

"It is a pleasure to have John by our side as he represents the essence of true biking, being a passionate biker himself. He has added a new dimension to our brand image.

As a gratitude gesture and to cement our relationship, we have recently presented a V-MAX to John. We are also pleased to certify him as advisor to India Yamaha Motor to increase our business in India."

WOW..!!





Valentino Rossi @ AutoExpo 2010: (Photo credits: Indiaautomotive.net)

Related Posts

• John Abraham and Yamaha part ways [Aug, 2007]

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.

7 Honda Plans 2 models for 2010. New Unicorn on cards..??

Honda (HMSI) plans to launch two new models in 2010.. could the Unicorn gets its first major upgrade?

Update: Details of the 2010 CBF Stunner has appeared on HMSI's website on Jan 2010 itself.. therefore the new model to appear on 2009-10 fiscal might be a different model.

Honda (HMSI) has made public its plans of launching two new models in the next fiscal year (i.e Apr:2010- Mar:2011). According to Economic Times

"Two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today said it may introduce two new bikes in the country during the next fiscal"

Now which two new models could it be? Since the 110 cc CB Twister has already been offcially launched by HMSI, according to me the two new models for 2010 could be..

[1] The 2010 125 cc CBF Stunner
[2] A new 2010 Honda Unicorn

Now both these models were shown at the 2010 Auto Expo. The new CBF Stunner is basically a face lifted version of the current CBF Stunner.

2010 Honda CBF Stunner

Along with new graphics/decals, the new CBF Stunner gets a tachometer, black painted engine, black silencer heat shield and foot protectors. The CBF Stunner also gets a plastic belly pan.

Although shown at the Auto Expo, the facelifted CBF Stunner hasn't been officially launched by HMSI yet..

The facelifted CBF Stunner also does away with the Kick Lever and the full chain cover and opts for an exposed chain with half chain cover. Although shown at the Auto Expo, the facelifted CBF Stunner hasn't been officially launched by HMSI yet.. therefore according to me, it should be one of the two launches planned by HMSI.


The other model could very well be the Unicorn Sports Concept shown at the Auto Expo.

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

The current Unicorn is virtually the same model which was launched in 2005 (albeit with periodic minor cosmetic upgrades). With the "Sports Concept" shown at the Auto Expo, HMSI could provide the ageing Unicorn with a proper upgrade. The concept shown at the Auto Expo featured 17 inch tubeless tyres, exposed chain with half chain cover, a digital speedometer display and even a rear disc brake. One just hopes that the engine get's an upgrade too.

Even if the Unicorn never managed to set the 150 cc sales charts on fire, over the years it has somehow managed to carve a niche for itself as a commuter friendly 150 cc bike. Now if this "Sporty" Unicorn does replace the old Unicorn, HMSI could well vacate the "Commuter 150 cc" space.


Answers should come post March 2010.

Related Posts

• Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Honda (HMSI)



• Why hasn't Honda made a mark with its "Unicorn" in India..?? [June 2007]



• Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi Vs Hero Honda Hunk Vs Honda Unicorn Vs TVS Apache RTR 160: Which is the Best 150 cc..?? [Dec 2007]

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.

43 2010 Bajaj Pulsar 220-S & F Official Technical Specifications [From owners manual] + Wallpaper

2010 Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i Official Technical Specifications.. for both "S" & "F" variants. No Speculations..!!

The Pulsar 220 DTS-i "S" variant has made a rather silent entry into the Bajaj showrooms, infact it is reported that even the deliveries have started. Surprising there hasn't been any sort of publicity for this handsome model. But this hasn't stopped bike enthusiasts from speculating about the technical specifications/features or price about this latest Pulsar.

The P220-S DTS-i variant gets 35 watt and NOT 55 watt headlamps.

So far there has been speculations about its reduced weight and even on its performance/handling without even getting a proper test ride..!!



I managed to get hold of the owners manual of the 2010 Pulsar 220 DTS-i "S" and "F" (Yes, that's what Bajaj is calling them) variants.


Posted below is the scan of the technical specifications page.

This new "Fastest Indian" now also is the Made in India bike with the "Highest Power to Weight" ratio and possibily the bike with the "Best bang for your buck"..!!

Reduction is weight: The specifications show that the only difference between the "S" and "F" variants is in reduction of weight of the "S" variant over the "F" variant by 4 kgs. The 220F variant tips the scales at 152 Kgs (Kerb Weight) and the P220S variant weighs 148 Kgs (Kerb Weight). How much difference this 4 Kg weight reduction makes in the the actual performance or handling of the bike, remains to be seen. But yes, reduction in weight is definitely welcome.

Difference in headlamp wattage: There has been some speculations about the P220-S DTS-i getting 55 watt headlamps like the P220-F DTS-i variant. But the technical specifications sheet show that this is not true. The P220-S DTS-i variant gets 35 watt and NOT 55 watt headlamps.

Both the Pulsar 220 "S" and "F" come with the same power/torque output, same chassis, simlar feature list. The only visual difference are in the headlamps with the "F" variant getting the dazzling 55 watt low beam projector and compact high beam setup and the "S" variant getting the 35 watt bikini headlamp of the Pulsar 150/180.

Difference in price; The Pulsar 220-S DTS-i variant is cheaper than the Pulsar 220-F DTS-i variant by Rs. 3,000 across India.

This new "Fastest Indian" now also is the Made in India bike with the "Highest Power to Weight" ratio and possibily the bike with the "Best bang for your buck"..!!


2010 Pulsar 220 DTS-i Wallpaper:

1024 x 768 [Normal Format]
1280 x 800 [Widescreen Format]

Related Posts

• 2010 Bajaj Pulsar 220-S DTS-i [First Photos]

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.

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.



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.

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.



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.



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

Related Posts

• 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.

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



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


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".



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.





More Photos:






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

Related Posts

• 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.