Bike Chronicles of India

Feb 2, 2010

21 2010 Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i to be launched soon..!!

After Pulsar 220-S DTS-i, Bajaj will soon launch the 2010 Edition of the Pulsar 150 DTS-i..

2010 Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i Clip Ons
Power: 15.06 Ps @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 12.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Bigger Carburetor for Better throttle response

That's what the Bajaj Pulsar (Official) Fanpage on Facebook says about the soon to be launched 2010 edition of the Pulsar 150 DTS-i..!! (Source: Click here..)

The Pulsar 150 has been by far the best selling 150 cc motorcycle in India since it was launched in 2001. But after the arrival of new entrants in the 150 cc category like the Honda Unicorn, Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme, Suzuki GS150R and the Yamaha FZ-16, people started to think that the old warhorse might have seen its best days.

Now with 15.06 Ps of peak power, the Pulsar 150 DTS-i becomes the most powerful "air-cooled" 150 cc motorcycle in India..!!

Even when the 2009 edition (Upgrade IV) of the Pulsar 150 DTS-i was launched, vociferous voices initially crucified it on various blogs/forums/sites, stating that just putting a Pulsar 200 like tank extension and giving the "all black" look to the alloys and engine covers was not enough.

But since then, the sight of increasing number Pulsar 150 UG IV’s on our roads have proved its critics (including me) wrong.

With the younger and smart looking brother, the Pulsar 135LS snapping at the heels of most of the bigger 150 cc bikes in the country, this upgrade for the Pulsar 150 makes sense. Apart from getting sporty clip on handlebars, with 15.06 Ps of peak power, the Pulsar 150 DTS-i now becomes the most powerful "air-cooled" 150 cc motorcycle (discounting the R15) in India..!!

It will now be interesting to note if the same vociferous voices would again start to crib against this new model. In any case, I don’t think the real customers pays heed to such voices as they seem to have an opinion of their own.

But for enthusiasts, more power is always welcome.. after all "More is Less".

2010 Pulsar 150 DTS-i, Max Power= 15.06 Ps @ 9000 rpm
2009 Pulsar 150 DTS-i, Max Power= 14.09 Ps @ 8500 rpm

Max Power figures of current 150 cc bikes (air cooled):

Hero Honda CBZ-Xtreme, Max Power= 14.40 Ps @ 8500 rpm
Hero Honda Hunk, Max Power= 14.40 @ Ps 8500 rpm
Yamaha FZ-16/S, Fazer, Max Power= 14.00 Ps @ 7500 rpm
Suzuki GS150R, Max Power=13.98 Ps @ 8500 rpm
Honda Unicorn, Max Power= 13.50 Ps @ 8000 rpm

Note: Interestingly the 2010 Pulsar 150 DTS-i will now make max power figure which is nearly equal to what its older brother, the Pulsar 180 used to make in 2001.

i.e. 15 bhp..!!

[P.S: More details, price and photos will be updated later]

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 30, 2010

35 2010 Honda CBF Stunner (125cc). Details, Price, Colors revealed (from Official Website)

Details of the 2010 CBF Stunner is out on HMSI's website..

HMSI had shown the 2010 edition of the CBF Stunner at the 10'th Auto Expo. Details of the same model has been updated on its website. As speculated, there has be no performance upgrades in the 2010 CBF Stunner. The engine still makes 11 bhp max power.
2010 Honda CBF Stunner
But the cosmetic upgrades on the 2010 CBF Stunner have managed to give it a refreshed look. Posted below are the photo of the 2010 CBF Stunner and the 2008-09 Edition of the CBF Stunner.

With the advent of the latest pocket rocket, the Pulsar 135LS.. it was the appropriate time for an upgrade for the CBF Stunner..

The CBF Stunner has always been a good looking motorcycle, the fixed half fairing and split seats give the 125 cc motorcycle the looks of a bigger engined motorcycle. Therefore when it was launched in 2008, I seriously was of the opinion that this particular model might not only sell well for a 125 cc, but might also eat into the shares of 150 cc motorcycles in a big way.

But now, I have my doubts if this 125 cc CBF has had any "Stunning" effect on the 150 cc category. Also with the advent of the latest pocket rocket, the Pulsar 135LS.. it was the appropriate time for an upgrade for the CBF Stunner.

2010 Honda CBF Stunner

As can be seen from the above photo, the 2010 CBF Stunner has got new set of decals and color scheme. The engine, front foot protectors, exhaust heat shield and front suspension has been given the black treatment (tell me a bike which doesn't get the black treatment these days). The new CBF Stunner also get a plastic "Under Cowl". The bike also gets bar end weights and a sporty exposed chain with half chain cover.

2008-09 Honda CBF Stunner

The more substantial changes are actually beneath the paint and decals. The 2010 Edition of the CBF Stunner now gets a useful tachometer. The bike also comes with a paper air filter to make maintenance of the bike an easy affair. The bike also comes fitted with a maintenance free battery which does not require top up. Good electricals are a must as the bike now doesn't have the kickstarter and comes only with a Self start.

Although there has been no performance upgrade, the new 2010 edition weighs 1Kg lesser than the 2008-09 edition (at least according to the official tech specs quoted on its site).

Price:

The 2010 CBF Stunner is presently priced accordingly (in Delhi)..

Self-Disc-Alloy:

Self-Drum-Alloy:

2010 CBF Stunner Features

Under Cowl

Benefit: Sporty looks.

Half Chain Case

Benefit: Sporty looks and easy maintenance of the chain.

Handle Bar Weights

Benefit: For damping vibrations at the handlebar.

Tachometer

Benefit: Displays engine speed for gear change at correct engine speed.

Maintenance Free Battery

Benefit: No top up, no leakage. Peace of mind.

Viscous Paper Air Filter

Benefit: Easy maintenance.

2010 Honda CBF Stunner, Technical Specifications:

Engine

Engine type: 4 stroke, Air cooled OHC single cylinder

Displacement: 124.7cc

Max power: 11bhp @ 8000rpm

Max Torque: 11Nm @ 6500rpm

Starting system: Self only (2008-09 edition had both Kick and Self Start)

Gear shift pattern: 1 Down - up

Headlamp: 35/35W 12V Halogen

Battery: 12V Maintenance Free

Chassis

Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork

Rear suspension: 3 step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorber with rectangular box type swing arm

Front tyre: 80/100-17 46p (tubeless)

Rear tyre: 100/90-17 55p (tubeless)

Front brake: 130mm drum (optional 240mm disc)

Rear brake: 130mm drum brake

Dimensions

Length: 2012mm

Width: 734mm

Height: 1111mm

Wheelbase: 1271mm

Ground Clearance: 173mm

Fuel tank capacity: 10 liters (2 liter reserve)

Kerb weight: 128kgs (2008-09 edition had a keb weight of 129kgs)

2010 CBF Stunner: Color Options

Honda Launches 125 cc CBF Stunner [Nov 2008]

Why 125 cc bikes are Popular in Europe..

Test Ride/Review of 2008 Yamaha Gladiator Type-SS

125 cc Comparision: Bajaj XCD Vs Hero Honda Glamour Vs Honda Shine Vs Suzuki Zeus Vs Yamaha Gladiator..!! [Nov 2007]

Disclaimer:

3 Awesome Fan Ad (Video) of the Yamaha (India) Fazer

One of the Best Bike Fan video shot by a 19 year old..!!

It’s arguably the best "Fan Video" for any bike I have seen so far. It’s difficult to believe that it’s not a professional job but shot with a digital camera which shoots video (not even a handycam).

It’s much better than many of those embarrassing crap we call bike ads, doing their regular rounds on the idiot box.

The fan that has made this very artistic video is just 19 years old..!! A seriously talented 19 year old I’d say. He has singlehandedly shot the video using a simple handheld digital camera, edited the footage on his personal computer and has even composed the background music himself..!!

Awesome Fazer Fan Ad
Impressed would be an understatement. It’s much better than many of those embarrassing crap that we call bike ads, doing their regular rounds on the idiot box. Watch the video posted below..

[If you cannot see the video, Click here.. ]

The talented young boy (Kenneth) also has his own site and in his blog he has uploaded another video which explains the making of the Ad. This video explains lucidly how the video was shot and given the professional effects using a computer software. Going through the "making of the Fazer Ad" video will definitely put a smile on your face.

Making of the Fazer Fan Ad
Probably only a piece of art (the bike itself) can inspire such brilliant work of art. Standing ovation to you Kenneth..!! Now just don’t let the adulation get to your head. I expect some great things from you in the future.

The First TV Commercial of the Bajaj Discover DTSi, featuring Jackie Chan..!!

"Pulsar Mania", New TV Commercial from Bajaj Auto..!!

"Indonesian" Consumer Generated Commercial/Video of the Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi

Disclaimer:

Jan 27, 2010

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)

John Abraham and Yamaha part ways [Aug, 2007]

Disclaimer:

Jan 26, 2010

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

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

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.